1. How to Write your Problem-Solution Essay Cynthia Baxter, Ed.S

2. What are Problem Solution Essays?  Problem Solution Essays explain a problem and give a detailed plan for how it can be solved. These essays:  Describe the problem.  Convince the reader the problem needs solving.  Explain the solution proposal.  Argue that this is the best solution.  Problem Solution Essays are something you will write all the time in your work and in life. If you've thought, "I know how this could be done better!" you have an idea for your problem solution essay.

3. Step One: Find a topic  Your topic must be a problem that you will research  You must show that your problem violates a Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article

4. Step 2: Research  You must have 3 sources.  The UDHR MUST be one of the sources.  Once you have decided on a problem to research, decide which Article from the UDHR it violates  Other source ideas: videos, news articles, statistics, facts, Media Center Library Guides, Opposing Viewpoints (media center source)  You must have internal documentation  Lead-in language for quotes required  Works Cited page required

5. Step 3: Create a solution for your problem  Solution ideas:  Add something  Remove something  Make laws  Enforce laws  Educate  Change method or procedure  Work out compromise  Change leadership  Change attitudes  Square Peg-Round Hole http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2YZnTL596Q

6. Solution section of essay  The solution is your idea  You may refute other ideas or solutions that have been attempted  You may NOT use “I” (Keep the essay 3 rd person)  Explain your solution clearly.  Give details about how solution will solve the problem.  Explain who will be in charge and how it will be funded.  Give evidence that your solution will work (expert opinion, examples of when it has worked before, statistics, studies or logical argument )

7. Your paper will also seek to argue that your solution:  Will solve the problem.  Is cost effective.  Is feasible to implement.  Is a reasonable solution to the problem.  Can stand up to possible objections.  Is better than other solutions.  In order to make a convincing argument, you will need to consider objections to your plan carefully and refute them logically with argument and/or evidence.

8. Goals:  To be effective, you need to organize your Problem Solution Essay carefully. Your main goal in this essay is to:  Interest your reader in the problem.  Convince your reader that the problem is important and needs to be solved.  Explain your solution clearly.  Convince the reader that your solution is cost-effective, feasible and workable.  Convince your reader that your solution is better than other solutions.

9. Thesis Statement  No Introduction is required  State your solution clearly in one sentence at the beginning of your essay.  The thesis stands alone under your title  This is a very basic example:  Thesis: __________ is a world problem that can be solved by_______.  Then you begin discussing your problem and research  Last you share your idea for a solution

10. Writing a Problem Solution Essay  Tone: Tone is important in this sort of paper. You want to have a tone that is formal, reasonable, convincing, and logical.  Point of View : Third person point of view is required.  Audience : Considering the reaction of your reader is very important in writing this paper. You need write like you are addressing a reader who can actually implement your proposal. You need to think about how you can convince the reader who has the power to act on your suggestions, not just someone who already agrees with you but can’t do anything about the situation.

11. Problem Solution Essays Give a Detailed Plan  What makes a Problem Solution paper different is that it gives a detailed plan for how the problem needs to be solved and argues for a specific action. The body of a Problem Solution Essay argues for your solution. The Body of a Problem Solution Paper explains:  What needs to be done.  How it needs to be done.  Why it will work.  Why it is feasible and reasonable as a solution.  Why it is cost effective.  Why this solution is better than other solutions.  Morgan Freeman solves racism  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3cGfrExozQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3cGfrExozQ

12. Due Date & Requirements  MLA style  Works Cited  Internal Documentation  2 pages  Double spaced  Due 12/10 uploaded to Moodle by 8 pm