Norris Language Department

Problem Solution Essay

English 1000: Written Communications

Boon

Draft Due for Self-Evaluation:             Monday, April 14

Draft Due for Peer-Evaluation:           Wednesday, April 16

Final Due Date:                                   Monday, April 21

            Henry Ford said, “Most people spend more time and energy going around problems than in trying to solve them.”  This essay is your opportunity to work your problem solving skills and spend time exploring solutions to current, unsolved problems that are relevant to you and your peers.  After thoroughly examining a problem and exploring the causes or effects of that problem, you will propose possible solutions and identify which solution you consider to be most feasible.  In order to establish your credibility with your audience, you should include at least three cited sources in your essay.

            How is a problem/solution essay different than a persuasive essay?  The goal of this paper is to INFORM, not to PERSUADE.  You should provide the reader with a thorough look at the problem, its causes and effects, possible solutions and what you feel is the best solution.  You must look at each part from multiple perspectives.

Remember:

*Your final essay should be typed and at least four pages long.

*Use 12 point Times New Roman font.

*Margins should be no more than 1 inch.

*Double space.

*Do not write in first (I, me, my, we, our) or second (you, your) person.

*Use the passive voice when possible.

*Use headings- follow the format on the back of this paper.

*Use at least three in-text citations in each of the following sections:  The Problem, Causes/Effects, and Solutions.  Cite these sources correctly.

*Your paper should include an introduction, body (see format on reverse), and a conclusion.

*Remember to accurately cite any sources you use to obtain your information (Works Cited Page).

Format:

Introduction:

*Include a thesis statement and something that will grab your reader’s attention.

Body:

You will use headings to distinguish each section:

The Problem

*Clearly identify the problem

*Provide background information (history, who is involved, etc.)

*Include information from multiple perspectives.

Causes/Effects

*What caused this problem?

*What are the effects of this problem? (Include information from multiple perspectives)

*How does this impact the reader? (Make sure we understand why this is a problem)

Solutions

*What have others proposed as solutions to this problem?

*Brainstorm: how could this problem potentially be solved?

*After each possible solution, briefly explain its strengths and weaknesses.

The Best Solution

*What is the BEST solution to this problem?

*Why?  Explain why the strengths outweigh the weaknesses of this solution.

Conclusion:

*Restate your thesis, tie back to your introduction and leave the reader with a parting thought.