1. 1 Problem/Solution Proposals English 2010 Intermediate Writing

2. 2 Problem/Solution Proposals  There are typically two types of proposals:  Proposals focusing on changing behavior and practice.  Limited in scope with general suggestions for a solution.  Proposals focusing on policies.  Broader in scope and highly formalized with concrete solution(s) and specific prescriptions for action.  Policy proposals are better appreciated by audiences.

3. 3 Problem/Solution Proposals  Characteristics of Proposal Arguments.  A call for action.  The writer works to get their audience to do something.  A focus on the future.  The writer works to demonstrate the proposal will solve or at least mitigate the problem for future generations.  A focus on the audience.  The writer works to convince their audience to take some sort of concrete action to solve the problem.

4. 4 Problem/Solution Proposals  Development of Proposal Arguments.  The writer should establish the seriousness and legitimacy of the problem--1st rhetorical move.  Is there any debate the problem exists?  Provide ample evidence the problem exists and poses serious consequences if left unaddressed.  The writer should offer a strong and clear claim as a feasible solution--2nd rhetorical move.  Why will this solution work?  Time and space permitting, how will the solution be implemented?

5. 5 Problem/Solution Proposals  The Seven Step Problem Solving Cycle:  Step One: Identifying Problems.  “In order to solve a problem, you first have to know what the problem really is, in the same way that you can’t untie a knot until you’ve found the knot.”—Aristotle.  What is a problem anyway?  Externally caused problems : A problem that occurs when something fails or goes wrong and is the source of the negative sense of the word and therefore have discoverable causes.  Deliberately chosen problems : A problem generated by the solver which consists of a challenge, or goal established in order to invent, improve or remedy something.

6. 6 Problem/Solution Proposals  The Seven Step Problem Solving Cycle:  Step One: Identifying Problems.  The inclusive definition of the term problem :  A problem is a situation someone wants to change.  It is crucial for you to identify a situation (topic) as a problem as clearly as possible for your audience.  Three critical questions you must answer:  What is the problem?  Why is this a problem?  What would you like to have instead?

7. 7 Problem/Solution Proposals  Getting Started Formulating a Proposal Argument  Define and analyze the problem:  Evaluate the seriousness of the problem by:  Exploring its causes, consequences, history and past efforts at dealing with it.  Listing specific source evidence that supports the seriousness of the problem.  Begin your analysis by writing a few sentences in response to each of these questions:  Does the problem really exist? How can I tell?  What are the immediate and/or deeper causes of the problem?  What is the history of the problem?  What are the detrimental effects of the problem? how is it harmful?  Who seems to be most affected by the problem? Who might benefit?  What specific evidence from my sources would help in supporting the seriousness of the problem?

8. 8 Problem/Solution Proposals  The Seven Step Problem Solving Cycle:  Step One: Identifying Problems.  Subproblem(s) : Smaller problem(s) that is/are part of the larger one.  You should always try to break the main problem down into subproblems in order to more effectively solve it.

9. 9 Problem/Solution Proposals  The Seven Step Problem Solving Cycle:  Step One: Identifying Problems.  The importance of goal setting:  Knowing what you have and then differentiating that from what you want is essential for knowing exactly what and how severe the problem is.  Not establishing a goal state can leave the problem ill- defined.

10. 10 Problem/Solution Proposals  The Seven Step Problem Solving Cycle:  Step One: Identifying Problems.  Inhibitors to effective problem solving:  Hot-potato problem solving : A strategy used to pass the problem on to others either by disclaiming responsibility or by engaging in blame transfer.  Premature closure : The desire to get rid of a problem as quickly as possible which typically results in adopting the first course of action one comes across which actually turns out to be costly and ineffective.  Denial : Claiming that a problem does not exist at all or that what obviously appears to be the problem really is not one thing but some other thing.  Solving the wrong problem : Treating the symptom of a problem rather than the problem itself, or falsely identifying the problem

11. 11 Problem/Solution Proposals  The Seven Step Problem Solving Cycle:  Step One: Identifying Problems.  Causation : Identifying a problem to be addressed by scrutinizing causation (cause and effect relationships).  What is a cause?  A cause is an event, circumstance, or condition involved in producing an effect.

12. 12 Problem/Solution Proposals  The Seven Step Problem Solving Cycle:  Step One: Identifying Problems.  Kinds of causes:  Sufficient cause : An agent that by itself can produce a given effect.  Necessary cause : An agent that must be present for an effect to occur, but which by itself cannot produce the effect.  Contributory cause : An agent that helps to bring about a given effect but which by itself is neither sufficient nor necessary.  Proximate cause : An agent or event occurring immediately before the effect which may actually be the effect of a previous cause.

13. 13 Problem/Solution Proposals  The Seven Step Problem Solving Cycle:  Step One: Identifying Problems.  Avoid fallacies of causation:  Post hoc, ergo propter hoc : “After this; therefore, because of this” or mistaking a time sequence for a cause and effect relationship.  Cum hoc, ergo propter hoc : “With this; therefore, because of this” or mistaking a correlation between two things with a cause and effect relationship.  Causal reduction : When a single agent is named as the cause of an effect that actually is the result of several causes.

14. 14 Problem/Solution Proposals  The Seven Step Problem Solving Cycle:  Step One: Identifying Problems.  Chain of Causation:  Many problem are merely the end product of a chain of causes and effects.  Always lay out the chain of causation to better reveal solutions or areas that should be addressed in order to remedy the problem permanently.  Multiple causation : Problems that turn out to be the result of many causes.  Develop diagrams to help you better understand chains of causes and multiple causes first.

15. 15 Problem/Solution Proposals  Getting Started Formulating a Proposal Argument.  Focus on the solution(s) you believe to be the most compelling.  In a sentence or two, state what you consider to be the most effective solution you can offer.  Why’s this solution so appealing?  Will an audience be able to relate to the solution?

16. 16 Problem/Solution Proposals  Getting Started Formulating a Proposal Argument.  Formulate relevant, compelling premises/supporting claims for your solution:  List as many reasons or premises as possible in support of your solution.  Now choose the most effective and promising supporting claims.  Find compelling source evidence substantiating your premises.  You might need to look for case studies you can compare to your solution.

17. 17 Problem/Solution Proposals  Getting Started Formulating a Proposal Argument.  Address opposing claims/counter-arguments or alternative solutions.  List as many points of opposition someone might offer in reaction to your solution.  Now choose at least two of the most compelling counter-claims or alternative solutions.  Offer creative and compelling rebuttals/refutations of counter- arguments or alternative solutions:  List as many ways you can rebut/refute the opposing claims/counter- arguments you’ve provided  Describe the most effective way(s) to rebut/refute each of these counter- points.  Provide any supporting source evidence you might offer to bolster your rebuttal.