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Speculating about Causes

The Assignment:
Create a professional presentation about an important or intriguing subject,
and speculate about why it might have occurred. Make sure that it is an
appropriate subject for a speculative causal analysis and not simply a report
of widely accepted causes. Be sure to demonstrate that the subject exists
and to argue for the plausibility of certain causes, while anticipating your
readers likely objections to your argument as well as their preferred
alternative causes.
Basic Features:
1. A Well-Presented Subject
2. A Well-Supported Causal Analysis
3. An Effective Response to Objections and Alternative Causes
4. A Clear, Logical Organization
Questions to Consider for Each Basic Feature:
A Well-Presented Subject
How do I come up with a subject to write about?
How can I present my subject clearly and effectively?
A Well-Supported Causal Analysis
How do I come up with a list of possible causes to explore?
How can I convince my readers that the causes I identify are
plausible?
An Effective Response to Objections and Alternative Causes
How do I deal with my readers likely objections or alternative
causes?
A Clear, Logical Organization
How can I help my readers follow my argument?
Tips:
1. Make sure there is some kind of controversy over the cause of your
phenomenon or trend. If there isntif all of the experts agreethen
your presentation wont fulfill the assignment. You need to speculate
about something that is unknown or debated.
2. The best phenomena and trends to write about involve human
behavior. Why do social scientists, statisticians, and economists seem
less likely than physical scientists to accept the recommendations of
climate activists? Why do we like sad stories and songs?