Childhood Obesity

Chapter 10 of Having Your Say Reading and Writing Public Arguments discusses “Exploring and Constructing a Problem.” One way to explore the problem is to use a clash statement. The chapter explains a clash as a problem between what you want and what you have; it demonstrates your frustration, conflict or obstacle. One way to write  clash statement is to use the “A BUT B statement.” For example if you describe your goal, but then describe its obstacle you have successfully created an “A BUT B statement.”  The three styles discussed are: goal vs. obstacle, value vs value and expectation vs. observation. I have drafted a few statements on my topic of childhood obesity. I learned that simply by drafting several statements I was more aware of where my research needs focus.

 A) Children need to become more physically active to help reduce weight gain, but

B) the school physical education classes are not providing enough physical activity.

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A) School lunch programs need to remove competitive foods and offer healthier options, however

B) budget constraints can deter these improvements from occurring.

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A) Some parents set a good example of healthy exercise and eating habits, but

B) other parents aren’t very concerned with their unhealthy examples.