ok I really need some help on this essay..it has to be an argument essay. And my instructor said it has to be on something we know a lot about. And we can't research about it. So all I know a lot about is cake decorating...the big question is..how can I make this an argument? I would appreciate any ideas you guys throw out there. I am at a loss on this one. Thanks.

Could you argue the point that a custom cake is worth a hefty price?

1) Delineate the steps you have to take to make one.
2) It's a talent not everyone has.
3) The cake is the focal point of a wedding/birthday/anniversary celebration.
4) The cost of the ingredients and the "building" materials, i.e. the cake board, the dowels, the box, etc.

I'm sure that a LOT of CCers would help you come up with more arguing points!

That is a good idea. I was trying to think of something along that line but I couldn't figure out what I would argue. Thanks a lot for your help!! I appreciate it!

Fondant vs. buttercream!

Scratch vs. mix!

That one doesn't need a $50,000 degree from a fancy culinary school in order to be a top decorator...or be paid like one...or wear a chef's jacket.

The structure of an argument is as follows:

introductory paragraph:
- state what you will be arguing
- give any relevant background information

body:
As many paragraphs as you have arguments. Each needs:
-a topic sentence, giving the argument
- facts, statistics, figures, evidence, backing up each argument

conclusion:
- restate your main argument, using different language to your introduction
- restate each argument briefly
- finish with something memorable, if you can

Unless it's an informal argument, try to avoid the use of personal pronouns ie, I, you, me your etc.

Thank you for the structure of the argument. I learned the hard way not to add personal pronouns on my previous essay. I never knew you weren't supposed to use those. Thanks again for all your advice!!

No worries! I thought of more if you want it.

Try to use 'definite' language like 'must', 'cannot', 'will', etc, instead of more wishy washy terms like 'might', 'may', 'should'. It makes you sound like you know wqhat you're talking about.

After I reread my last post, I thought it sounded preachy. Hope you didn't take it that way, and that it was helpful.

No you weren't preachy..lol. You were a lot of help!!! Thank you!!

Dont forget that cake decorating is a TRADE and tradesmen are getting older and ready to retire with very few to take over or fill the gap.

Pricing is a GREAT argumentative subject!
Also - scratch vs mix is a good one. I love 7yyrt's suggest fondant vs buttercream.

Yes scratch vs. mix is a really good one! I'm still debating on what I want to choose. It will probably be that one.

Not to stir the wasp nest, but there is always lots to say on selling from the unlicensed home bakery. You could be in favour of it and argue about the prohibitive expenses of starting legally or argue against the current requirements or you could argue against it on the issues of liability, fairness to all cake decorators, food safety, etc.

I AM NOT SAYING WE NEED TO START THIS ARGUMENT HERE, but if she wants something where there is a lot to say, that is the first thing to spring to my mind.

That is a good one!! Yeah, that can definitely be argued! Thank you!!

I have a BA English and am a former English teacher, soooo, if you'd like, I'd be happy to proof-read your essay for you. If you're interested, PM me and I'll give you my email addy.

That would be wonderful! Thanks so much. It isn't due until next Wednesday so I have a little time yet.