ENGL 111
Essay #3
Writing to Solve a Problem
ASSIGNMENT: Choose a problem and propose a solution for it. You must first decide which problem you wish to address and then look at various options for solving that problem. You will need to define the problem and prove that it exists. You will also need to focus on solving one aspect of the problem, narrowing it down to a manageable size.(Read chapter 14 (pp. 427-471 in Writing: 10 Core Concepts) for more information about writing to solve problems. Chapter 6 (pp. 141-177 in Writing: 10 Core Concepts) will also help with writing to explain causes and effects.)
You may not choose the following topics for your proposal: abortion, gun control, death penalty, or legalization of marijuana. Make sure the topic you choose meets the criteria for this assignment.
When you write to propose a solution to some problem, you have no lack of subjects. First, however, you need to ask yourself if the problem can be solved. If the problem can be solved, the difficult part is to propose a logical solution and then convince others that your solution will, in fact, solve the problem—without creating new problems and without costing too much.
Steps:
1.Select a problem you believe needs to be solved.
2.Narrow and focus the problem.
3.Choose an appropriate audience.
4.Describe the problem and demonstrate that the problem needs a solution.
5.Analyze the causes and/or effects of the problem.
6.Investigate various ways to solve the problem.
7.Propose a solution and justify it with reasons and evidence.
8.Convince your readers that your proposal will work, that it is feasible, and that it is better than the alternative solutions. Where appropriate, weighalternative solutions, examine the feasibility of your solution, and answerobjections to your solution.
PURPOSE: to consider the causes of a problem and its effects as well as to propose a solution to the problem
AUDIENCE: your choice
LENGTH: approx. 1000-1250 words
DOCUMENTATION: use a minimum of 3 credible sources and MLA style documentation, including in-text citations and a Works Cited page
DEADLINE: Your Research Proposal is due on Bb prior to class on ______.
Your Polished Draft is due______. On that day we will have a Writer’s Workshop in class for peer critiquing.
Your Final Revision of Essay #3 is due ______.
Proposal Essay Outline
(1000-1250 words)
Introduction
The introductory paragraph sets up the topic and interests your reader in what you have to say.
Attention Grabber: The opening sentence grabs the reader’s attention with a stark statistic, a meaningful quotation, a story, a surprising statement or a question.
______
Thesis Statement: You need a clear, direct statement (topic + focus) of your essay’s main idea. Do not just “announce” your subject in the thesis.
______
Body
Plan of Development: Define the problem, identify the major causes or effects you will develop in your essay, and list the solution you will propose.
______
______
Transition Paragraph: This optional paragraph provides background information about the condition, event, or situation to establish a context for the reader.
Problem paragraph(s) #1-#n: These paragraphs define the problem and develop the major causes or effects of the problem. A transition from the previous paragraph is effected by repeating key words or using signals such as “most important.” The topic sentence is the most general sentence; it usually comes first. Support sentences must relate directly to the topic sentence. In addition, supporting sentences within the paragraph must be arranged so the reader easily understands the clear, logical flow of ideas.
Solution paragraph(s) #1-#n: These paragraphs develop a workable, logical solution to the problem and persuade your reader that your proposed solution should be implemented. The same need for transition, unity, and coherence exists for these paragraphs as existed for the previous paragraphs.
Conclusion
The concluding paragraph recaptures the thesis and main idea, and it brings the essay to an elegant, emphatic end.
Clincher: Concluding sentences that tie to the attention grabber used in the introduction are often effective.
______
Support/Research Documentation: At least three (3) credible sources of documented support and research are required; MLA style of documentation is required, including in-text parenthetical documentation and a Works Cited page.
OUTLINE PATTERNS FOR PROBLEM SOLVING ESSAYS
BASIC PROBLEM/SOLUTION PATTERN
Introduction (grab reader’s attention, set up topic, state thesis)
I.The Problem: identify problem, define, demonstrate seriousness, discuss history/evolution, analyze causes/effects…
II.The Solution: propose solution, tell why it should be implemented, discuss steps or procedures necessary for implementation, answer possible objections…
Conclusion (reiterate main point, issue call to action or speculate about future)
STEP-BY-STEP PATTERN
Introduction
I.Problem
IISolution (plan for implementing or demonstration of how solution has worked in the past)
A. Step 1 (reasons and evidence showing why this step is necessary and feasible)
B.Step 2 (reasons and evidence showing why this step is necessary and feasible)
C. Step 3 (reasons and evidence showing why this step is necessary and feasible)
Conclusion
ALTERNATIVES PATTERN
Introduction
I. Problem
II.Alternative solution 1 & why it’s unsatisfactory
III.Alternative solution 2 & why it’s unsatisfactory
IV.Alternative solution 3 & why it works best (evidence, feasibility, objections…)
Conclusion
POINT-BY-POINT PATTERN
Introduction
I. The overall problem (Identify, define, and demonstrate seriousness)
II. First part of the problem (solution, evidence, objections, feasibility)
III.Second part of the problem (solution, evidence, objections, feasibility)
IV.Third part of the problem (solution, evidence, objections, feasibility)
Conclusion