FINAL PROJECT:Structures and Arguments > Learning to Appreciate DOTS: A Terp's Guide to Efficiently Using Campus Shuttles

Beginning: I'll hook the audience with "F*%! DOTS" and explain how that is a common sticker found on UMD walls and telephone polls. I will present the (very brief) history and background of the relationship between DOTS and students, then present the claim that this general dislike for DOTS is inappropriate. I will present my thesis "This document presents three ways as to why DOTS is a crucial aspect of UMD: DOTS provides free, easily accessible bus transportation for students, it has other transportation opportunities and all opportunities are created with a goal of being as sustainable as possible.

Middle: adapted for a lay audience (this is more of a persuasive/opinion piece so I will use first person); support my claim by providing 3 research findings on sustainability and transportation, and using information on the DOTS website to summarize the transportation options offered at UMD.

End: close with anecdote of how DOTS has helped me; invite participation, acknowledge limits

LOGOS: 1) sustainability and benefits of public transportation 2) list opportunities at DOTS (from DOTS websites)

PATHOS: free transportation for students who don't want to pay for/can't afford parking passes or cars; on-campus living is expensive, many have to commute from off campus

ETHOS: UMD is a large, accredited research institution; I've been a DOTS employee for the last year and a half.

Structure: Part 1: persuasive essay; part 2: step-by-step guide on how to use the Shuttle-UM system

Goal: persuade students to appreciate and take advantage of the opportunities and benefits DOTS provides; help guide new students on how to efficiently use the Shuttle-UM bus system using step-by-step instructions

December 9, 2019 | Unregistered CommenterAG

I like that you are making the case for DOTS. Here is new information about sustainability gains on campus. Students do NOT always appreciate that "green" requires a number of strategies including mass transit on and near campus.

I have a few comments on how you will get the length required. Start writing and stay in touch with me about this.

https://today.umd.edu/articles/university-halves-carbon-emissions-ahead-schedule-5a997df7-b736-4d72-b938-3fa5ff8e94c2?utm_source=MD%20Today&utm_campaign=1d8bbf73dd-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_12_06_07_46&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a897daf4c7-1d8bbf73dd-48020627

December 11, 2019 | Registered CommenterMarybeth Shea