In “The Singer Solution to World Poverty,” an article that appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Peter Singer, a professor of bioethics, calls attention to the urgent need for food and medicine in many parts of the world. Singer argues that prosperous people should donate to overseas aid organizations such as UNICEF or Oxfam America all money not needed for the basic requirements of life. “The formula is simple: whatever money you’re spending on luxuries, not necessities, should be given away.” Write an essay in which you evaluate the pros and cons of Singer’s argument. Use appropriate evidence as you examine each side, and indicate which position you find more persuasive.

What is the actual task? – Defend/Challenge/Qualify? 1. Break Down the Prompt Highlight/underline the key words/terms you are being asked to discuss. What is the actual task? – Defend/Challenge/Qualify? Or Something Else?

Make a claim – Write a thesis to address this prompt 1. Be sure to take a clear position and address all parts of the prompt

Brainstorm Make a list of possible evidence you could use for this prompt. What are some of the Pros to his solution? What are some of the Cons to his solution? What evidence will you give to show which is more persuasive?

Write an catchy introduction • a short anecdote that deals with the “big idea” of your argument • a concession • an interesting or controversial fact or statistic • a question or several questions that will be answered in your argument • relevant background material • an analogy or image that you can sustain (revisit) throughout the argument • a definition of a term or idea that is central to your argument