I have to write a discursive essay on how junkfood leads to obesity and my views about eating well and keeping fit. i just need a few hints about how i should start.
First, you may have to search and research, but once you learn some good sources and methods, you should have success. In addition to searching on the Internet, you also need to make best friends with the reference librarian(s) in your local or college library. Libraries these days subscribe to enormous research databases, and they are often more useful than Internet searches. Ask your librarian if you have access to EBSCOHost -- it has several databases within it, including at least three for health sciences, one for military and government, one huge one for academic research, and others.
For Internet searching:
http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/
At this webpage, you can go immediately to the search sites (first three columns across the top) -- or even better you can scroll down until you see the section called HOW TO SEARCH THE INTERNET. Those are the links to start with. You'll not only learn how to come up with good search terms, but also how to evaluate the webpages you get as results. Some will be good and others will be garbage. You need to know how to tell the difference.
My favorite way to search is to go to Google's advanced search page http://www.google.com/advanced_search?hl=en and put my search words or phrases into the first or second search box (either "all the words" or "exact phrase"). Another is to start out at http://scholar.google.com. However, there many other strategies for searching you can use, and the HOW TO SEARCH THE INTERNET section will help you best.
Learning to use Google or other search engines can save you time and help you learn to find information efficiently. Here are some websites that can teach you how:
http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/FindInfo.html
http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/searchtips.html
http://www.pandia.com/goalgetter/index.html
http://websearch.about.com/mbody.htm?once=true&COB=home&PM=112_100_T
... and one to help you judge whether a particular website's information is worth your time:
http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/evaluate.html
Happy searching.
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Then, you need to use the writing process to help you organize your thoughts and to write a really good paper:
http://www.angelfire.com/wi/writingprocess/
http://www.ipl.org/div/teen/aplus/
Use the Step by Step links to help you through this process.
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Please feel free to re-post as you go along if you have specific questions about any part of this process.
Start by writing your ideas on the subject. Just take a piece of paper and write down ideas, incidents, anything that comes to mind on the topic. Then organize what you have written into "linked" ideas. Then write an outline so that you have an organization. THEN you can begin to write your essay.
Jotting down and then organizing saves a lot of time and energy and makes a more cohesive essay.
http://www.ehow.com/how_5107873_write-discursive-essay.html
To start your discursive essay on how junk food leads to obesity and your views on eating well and keeping fit, here are a few hints to help you begin:
1. Introduction:
- Grab the reader's attention with an engaging opening sentence or a relevant statistic about obesity rates.
- Provide some background information about the prevalence of junk food in today's society.
- State the purpose of your essay, indicating that you will explore the detrimental effects of junk food on physical health and discuss your personal views on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
2. Define key terms:
- Clearly define what you mean by "junk food," "obesity," and other relevant terms in order to establish a common understanding.
3. Present the problem:
- Explain the potential health risks associated with consuming junk food in excess, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other related ailments.
- Use supporting evidence, such as scientific research, studies, or real-life examples, to illustrate the harmful impact of consuming junk food.
4. Explore the causes:
- Discuss factors that contribute to the high consumption of junk food, such as aggressive marketing campaigns targeting children, convenience, affordability, and addictive properties of processed foods.
- Reflect on the societal and cultural aspects that may influence individuals' eating habits and choices.
5. Discuss the importance of eating well:
- Highlight the benefits of a balanced diet in maintaining a healthy weight, boosting energy levels, improving cognitive function, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Emphasize the significance of consuming nutrient-dense foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
6. Emphasize the role of physical activity:
- Explain how regular exercise and physical activity positively contribute to overall health, weight management, and well-being.
- Discuss different types of exercises or activities that people can engage in, such as cardio, strength training, and sports, to encourage a well-rounded fitness routine.
7. Present your personal views:
- Clearly state your stance on the topic, expressing the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
- Explain why you believe in the value of eating well and staying fit, and discuss any personal experiences or examples that have influenced your perspective.
8. Conclusion:
- Summarize the main points of your essay, highlighting the link between junk food, obesity, and the importance of healthy eating and physical activity.
- End with a strong closing statement that leaves the reader with a call to action or a thought-provoking question related to the topic.
Remember, this is just a basic outline to help you get started. Feel free to expand on each point and include additional supporting evidence, personal anecdotes, statistics, or expert opinions to make your essay more compelling.