Ducat ENG 101 - #1385 Fall 2011 - Mt. San Jacinto College

Proposing a Solution

(St. Martin’s Guide, Chapter 7, pages 326-392)

In the proposing a solutionessay, you try to convince readers that a problem exists, that it is serious, and that your way of defining and solving the problem makes sense. Before solving a problem, you must see it clearly and look at it from new angles. As you brainstorm your problem, the following questions will help you to discover details that will help you to organize your thoughts and then write:

What exactly is the problem?

When was it first noticed?

What or whom does it affect?

What are its effects? (Signs, symptoms, characteristics?)

How far does it extend? (Scope?)

What were the causes? (History?)

What, if anything, has been done to alleviate the problem?

What other alternatives exist?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative?

What is the best alternative, or will a combination be needed?

Once you define the problem, you offer a detailed analysis of it, attempt to convince readers to accept the solution you offer, and demonstrate how the proposed solution can be implemented.

Write a fourpage essay (minimum of 1000 words: include word count) proposing a solution to a problem. Your task is to define the problem and establish that it exists, to offer a solution that can be reasonably implemented, to lay out the particulars by which your proposal would be put into effect, and to consider readers’ objections and alternative solutions. Include at least three credible outside sources which support your claim.

Introduction

  • Identify a well-defined problem and establish it as serious enough to need solving
  • Provide necessary background
  • Argue a real need
  • Include a forecast of plausible reasons why it needs solving in the introduction
  • Clarify purpose

Body

  • Consider alternative solutions and evaluate them
  • Use order of importance (emphatic order) to organize body paragraphs
  • Use alternative organizational schemes (e.g. lines or reasoning, most obvious to least) if necessary
  • Propose a solution that is multi-faceted
  • Include evidence: statistics, facts, explanation, and reasons

Counterargument/Rebuttal

  • Anticipate reader objections
  • Acknowledge other views
  • Accommodate or concede some points if possible
  • Refute significant objections with evidence

Conclusion

  • Summarize main ideas found in your topic sentences
  • Restate your thesis in stronger language
  • Extend ideas or suggest further investigation
  • Make a call to action if appropriate
  • Reflect
  • Give it that finished feeling

Use MLA style (see text pages 750-763) and include a works cited page

Length: 1,000 word count

Sources: three sources, reference works (dictionary, encyclopedia, etc.) do not count towards the three sources.

Research: MSJC library databases, edu, and .gov sites, credible periodicals/journals, and books