1. Week 2, Academic English II, Even Semester 2013- 2014
The SPSE Essay
Week 2, Academic English II, Even Semester

2. What does SPSE stand for?
Situation Problem Solution Evaluation

3. Workshop 1
In pairs, come up with your own definition of the SPSE essay by making use of the key terms on the previous slide.

4. The SPSE Essay defined
The SPSE essay discusses a situation and a problem then offers or proposes a solution (solutions) and an evaluation of this solution. -Macmillan Publishers, 2008

5. How does SPSE fit into the general essay structure?
Introduction
describes and contextualizes the situation and the problem
may define concepts or technical terms (jargons)
starts from general to specific statements
may also include what is not raised in the essay
includes the thesis statement

6. Writing the thesis statement for the SPSE essay
To write an effective thesis statement ask yourself the following questions:
What is your writing purpose?
What problem will be discussed?
In what context or milieu are you writing?
How will it be organized?

7. Workshop 2
Analyze the sample thesis statement below based on the questions from the previous slide. Of all the possible problems, this essay focuses on language issues, in particular meeting the educational needs in the UK of workers whose first language is not English. Two solutions are then offered and assessed from financial, practical and social perspectives. - Macmillan Publishers, 2008

8. How does SPSE fit into the general essay structure?
Body
takes up about 80% of the essay
describes the problem in much more detail; e.g., causes and effects of the problem
offers a detailed solution/describes a response
offers alternative solutions/responses

9. How does SPSE fit into the general essay structure?
Conclusion
confirms the writer’s stance (which is the best solution or response to the problem?)
includes a final statement

10. Workshop 3
Read the sample essay handed out by your lecturer and answer the following questions: 1. In which paragraphs are the situation and problem described? 2. In which paragraphs are the possible solutions set out? 3. In which paragraphs is the evaluation found? 4. How is the essay concluded? 5. Pick out the key noun defined in the introduction?

11. Workshop 4
Think of a possible topic for an SPSE essay then prepare an outline for it.

12. Appendix: Sample SPSE essay [hard copies provided; source: Macmillan Publishers, 2008 (pdf)]

13. Appendix: Sample SPSE Essay [hard copies provided; source: Macmillan Publishers, 2008 (pdf)]

14. Appendix: Sample SPSE essay [hard copies provided; source: Macmillan Publishers, 2008 (pdf)]

15. Appendix: Sample SPSE essay [hard copies provided; source: Macmillan Publishers, 2008 (pdf)]

16. Bibliography
Macmillan Publishers. (2008). Sample (SPSE) essay. Retrieved from mse xxx-v005.pdf Birmingham City University Centre for Academic Success. (2011). Academic Guides: writing. Retrieved from