Final answer:
The question involves constructing persuasive arguments related to inadequate mental health services on a college campus, focusing on long wait times, widespread mental health issues among students, and unsatisfactory staff-to-student ratios. The answer details an approach for presenting evidence and reasoning to support these points, invoking critical thinking strategies to strengthen the argument.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question pertains to constructing persuasive arguments within the context of English or writing-intensive college coursework. The question involves developing a position argument concerning campus mental health services, with a particular focus on the issues of wait times, prevalence of mental health concerns among students, and staff-to-student ratios. This approach is crucial in the realm of critical thinking and academic writing.
The first supportive point suggests that wait times for counseling services are excessively long, a problem substantiated by Kay Payne, a campus counselor, who indicates around a 10-day wait for appointments. Secondly, widespread mental health issues are prevalent, as evidenced by a survey revealing that 75% of students have faced mental health challenges. Finally, the staff-to-student ratio is higher than recommended based on international standards, indicating a need for more mental health professionals on campus. To develop a robust argument, one should clearly articulate these points and support them with the provided evidence, using proper reasoning strategies to enhance the critical thinking process and persuade the audience.
In terms of structuring the argument, one should introduce the issue and take a stance, describe the matter in detail, anticipate and address potential opposition, and present evidence to bolster the argument. Concluding remarks should encapsulate the importance of addressing these problems and propose potential solutions to mitigate the issues faced by students seeking mental health services.