ENG 1010 Essay #2 Description 

Fall, 2025   Lenge

Topic:  Write an argument-based essay on the following topic:

Government control of single-use plastics in the daily lives of individuals.

Our “disposable society” has created a waste pollution crisis.  Our oceans are filled with plastic waste, and microplastics are seeping into our food and bodies.  One of the main culprits for this crisis is the dependence on single-use plastic products.  Common examples are food packages and water bottles.  However, the hectic American lifestyle thrives on convenience. 

The science fiction short story “Drinking Problem” proposes a type of solution to our waste pollution crisis. In the story, the government passed a law prohibiting disposable bottles, and requiring re-usable bottles.  You will use this imaginary story as a “springboard” for your viewpoint.  It is our foundational text for our essay introduction.  In your essay introduction, summarize the law in the story, and argue if this type of law is necessary or if this type of law is too strict. 

Your essay should answer this question:

To what extent should the government intervene in the daily lives of individuals in order to deal with the plastic waste crisis? 

Requirements:

• 1500 words, at least 5 pages. 
• Required sources:

“Drinking Problem” short story,

  2+ articles provided by instructor

  2+ sources located by student from MCC Library databases

• Use of “They Say, I Say” template vocabulary (see pages 62, 64, 68, 86, 93, 206)
• Must include counter-argument and refutation paragraph
• MLA style, including In-text citation and Works Cited List.
• Formal, academic language