W1_problem-solution.ppt
- 1. A Guide to Problem and Solution Essays How to Argue Your Solution
- 2. What’s a problem and solution essay anyway? If there’s a problem, there usually is a solution and even when there’s not a definite solution, there are people arguing over which solution is best Problem/solution assignments don’t have to be essays, they could be a geometric proof, a lab experiment or political science question in social science
- 3. How do I organize this thing? Before you get started on the essay, you need to organize your ideas in some sort of pre- write There are prewriting ideas in the pre-writing section that we have discussed in semester 1 or you can use the following graph as guideline Note that you do not have to organize your paper like this particular model- there are many choices in developing your organization Problem Solution Put the problem you’ll be analyzing here Put your thesis (main solution) here Refutation and or conclusion paragraph Address arguments that oppose your solution as well as other solutions. Be sure to explain the importance of the information Bullet your points that support your solution here (these will become your supporting paragraphs
- 4. Problem/Solution Pre-write Example Problem Solution Refutation/ Conclusion Cigarette Smoking Offer help to those who are addicted and create programs to prevent new addicts. •Educate youths at an earlier age •Make patches, gum and other nicotine programs more affordable •Charge more for cigarettes •Educate families through the media, news and medical services Some will argue it’s against their freedoms to phase this habit out but second smoke takes the rights and lives away from others Some will argue it’s too late to help those who are addicted but with the right support and accessibility for help they can quit
- 5. So what’s my thesis? Your thesis may vary depending on what your topic is, who your audience is and how much information you have Your thesis could argue for one main solution “Although many disagree, spanking is still a useful tool to use for discipline problems as long as it’s used constructively.” When using this format, your body paragraphs will all tie into and support your solution Your thesis could argue for the urgent need to solve the problem “Even though several attempts have been made to eradicate drunk driving, people still ignore or deny the reality of drunk driving consequences.” When using this type of thesis, your body paragraphs will support and tie into the importance of the problem.
- 6. What will a problem/solution essay look like? Here is a sample essay (academic).
- 8. Hot Tips Make sure you don’t complain about a problem during your entire essay without creating a solution If you do argue for a solution, be sure that you explain the solution thoroughly and realistically so the reader will be convinced
- 9. Any other problems? Grading is based on the rubric as per academic writing principles Do internet research to find out further tips on writing if needed