1. Thesis Statement Solving a Problem

2. P. 437 of text. n See sample thesis statements. n Note that each statement –Makes clear what the writer is proposing as a solution –Mentions or implies the problem to be solved. –Maybe even forecast benefits of solving the problem. –Do you need to adjust yours?

3. Audience n Indicate who your intended audience is underneath your thesis. –Is it those most affected by the problem? –Is it those who must fund the solution? –Is it those who cause the problem? –Is it those who observe the problem from an objective distance? –What values do you share with your audience?

4. Problems Problems n Does the problem really exist? How can you tell? n What caused the problem? Consider immediate and deeper causes. n What do you know about the history of the problem? n What are the negative consequences of the problem? n Who is affected by the problem? n Does anyone benefit from the existence of the problem?

5. Solutions n List 3 possible solutions –Solutions that have already been tried. –Solutions that have been proposed already. –Solutions that eliminate causes of the problem. –Solutions that reduce the symptoms of the problem. –Solutions for one or more parts of the problem. –If your problem is a complex one, maybe you need to list a series of solutions.