Read the first paragraph from a letter arguing for pothole repairs.

it’s that time of year again, known locally as “pothole season.” each winter, harsh weather, snow plows, and salt on the roads work together to create potholes. now that the snow is melting, this year’s potholes are being revealed. so far, the large pothole on main street has caused two flat tires and a big traffic snarl. and that’s just one pothole among the many that riddle the downtown area.

what should be added to this paragraph to make the writer’s argument more effective?

a formal tone
a main problem
the author’s viewpoint
the effects of the problem