Question

Part II. Write your arguments in standard form.

a. Standard form is a series of numbered statements. Each should be one sentence long. The final statement is the conclusion. You do not need to label statements as premises or conclusions; it is understood by the form of the argument that all statements are premises except the final one, which is always the conclusion.
b. There should be at least one normative statement (stating what people should do) and at least one descriptive statement (describing something to be true). Statements that predict outcomes or describe what people believe are not normative. A good way to determine if a statement is normative is looking for verb phrases like “should,” “ought,” or “have an obligation to.”
c. If any of your premises make factual statements that are not common knowledge and widely accepted, include a source supporting your reference. This can be an APA citation or just a link to a reputable website or publication. Here is a helpful resource for APA references.
d. Place an asterisk (*) by the normative premise(s) that support the conclusion.
e. Do not use your conclusion as a premise. This is the fallacy of “begging the question.”
f. There may be a subargument within your argument, a conclusion reached by premises that then becomes a conclusion that supports your premise. If there is a subargument, underline the subconclusion.
g. The conclusion should be the final statement in your argument (as given above) and begin with the word “therefore.” These should correspond to the conclusions from Part 1.
h. The complete argument (including conclusion) should be 5-7 statements.

Answer 1

People need to reduce their carbon footprint to mitigate climate change.

Research consistently shows that human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, contribute significantly to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions (IPCC, 2021).

Reducing individual carbon footprints involves adopting sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy sources and minimizing waste.

Governments and businesses play a crucial role in creating and enforcing policies that promote sustainable practices.

*Individuals should actively advocate for and support policies that prioritize environmental sustainability.

By collectively engaging in sustainable practices and supporting relevant policies, society can effectively address the challenges posed by climate change.

Therefore, it is imperative for individuals to take responsibility and promote environmentally friendly behaviors to ensure a sustainable future for the planet.