1. Problem Statement to a Statement of Purpose

2. Table of Contents Problem Statement Review Keys to a Statement of Purpose Statement of Purpose: Example 1 Statement of Purpose: Example 2

3. Problem Statement Review Concise Leaves room for multiple solutions Specific enough to be solvable in the given time frame and with available resources Does not imply a solution Answers the questions: Who, what, where, when, and how many?

4. Keys to a Statement of Purpose Is short, focused, and direct (+/- 20 words) Is clear enough to make sense to a general audience Delivers the essential points Answers the question, “What are you going to do?” Begins with a verb

5. Statement of Purpose: Example 1 Problem Statement Game fishermen fishing in the lower Laguna Madre of Texas reported between 2002-07 a decrease of 20% in Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) fish. This loss can be attributed to premature death caused by mouth infections elicited when undersized fish are caught and released. Statement of Purpose Lessen premature deaths of the Red Drum fish in the lower Laguna Madre of Texas. ©iStockphoto.com

6. Statement of Purpose: Example 2 Problem Statement Over the past two years between 4:30 and 7:00 p.m., there have been an average of two motorist accidents per week at the intersection of North Beach and Main Street. Statement of Purpose Determine the cause and develop a solution to solve the high rate of evening rush hour motorist collisions at the intersection of North Beach and Main Street. ©iStockphoto.com

7. Table of Contents Problem Statement Review Keys to a Statement of Purpose Statement of Purpose: Example 1 Statement of Purpose: Example 2

8. Image Resources Microsoft, Inc. (n.d.). Clip art. Retrieved from http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/default.aspx iStockphoto. Retrieved from http://www.istockphoto.com/index.php