Comp 102: Problem-Solution Essay
This essay builds from Ch. 6 in St. Martin’s text on Arguing a Position. Both essays: analyze a subject about which
there is disagreement, take a firm stand/position, give reasons/support, and acknowledge objections. The ProblemSolution goes farther by urging action. Do something! Therefore, your solution has to be creative, convincing, and
possible. Imagination is great; but a solution has to be implemented if it is to be successful.
RESEARCH
Develop a proposal. The first person you’ll need to convince of your topic is yourself. Take these four steps to get
the ball rolling:
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Develop a rationale for your selection: why it matters, why it’s a problem, and why it can be solved.
Define your initial understanding: clarify what you know about the problem and what you think you know
about potential solutions.
Determine what you need to learn: develop questions to help you begin your research or writing.
Design a research plan: poke around your library and/or online databases, and figure out what information is
out there. Pick three people who could help your research and arrange to talk to them about the issue.
Get early feedback. Make it known to others what your plans are: talk to your teacher, friends, parents—anyone—
about your ideas. When you solicit their opinions, ask for their response to both your take on the topic and your plans
for gathering information.
Don’t jump to conclusions—any. Sometimes, in our rush to judgment, we often miss key details that would help us
make better decisions. The same goes for a problem-solution paper: those who establish their solution first and
remain steadfast to it tend to demonstrate a limited understanding of both the problem and logical solution. It’s okay
to brainstorm some initial ideas, but set them aside until later. Wait until you’ve researched the topic and fully defined
the problem before finalizing your call for action.
Research, research, research. No matter how much you already know about your topic, there will likely be plenty
out there that you don’t, and perhaps this source may even have helpful statistical information. Read as much as you
can about your topic, starting with broad discussions on your topic (i.e., articles about your problem at a national or
state level rather than specific to your area) and then moving on to more local coverage.
WRITING
Outline your essay. Know where your paper needs to go before you begin. Follow the suggested outline on pages
374-375 of your text.
When you’re ready to begin writing, start with the problem section first. It’s the easiest and most logical place to
start, and it should be the component of the paper on which you have the most information. Take the following steps
to define the progression of your “problem” paragraph(s):
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Define the nature of the problem.
Establish its existence by explaining what has caused or led to the problem
Explain the extent of the problem. You need to convince your audience that indeed, it is a problem.
Explain its effects and why it is an issue that needs to be solved.
Finally, warn readers about future effects if no solution is offered. Apply prior experiences from other
communities to this section.
Propose a plan of action for your BEST solution. Make sure it’s clear to your readers not only what you’d do, but
also how you would do it. Clearly describe your solution so that your audience can imagine what it will be like.
Address the potential arguments your opposition might have to your solution. Let your audience know why they would
be satisfied with your approach. Address opposing arguments, and anticipate your audience’s questions and
concerns. Establish criteria for a good solution that will appease everyone involved.
Address other alternatives. Show you’ve put some thought into your solution by acknowledging and critiquing other
possible solutions to your topic. Explain your reasons for rejecting them. Your goal: make your solution appear to be
the best solution.
Conclude with a call to action. Encourage your audience to accept your views and join the cause. Use projection:
show your audience what your community will be like if they do or do not adopt your solution. Or ask them to take
simple steps to bring about the change you desire. Help them continue the fight. Keep in mind: how willing are people
to make changes in their lives? Your expectations have to be fair and feasible.
For practice in this essay, I am requiring you to use Headings/Sub-headings and at least one Visual. Check Ch. 25
in the text for suggestions and how to site Visuals.
You will also be required to submit a Works Cited and to format your essay in accordance with all standard MLA
guidelines.
Rough Drafts are DUE: Monday, April 25, 2011.
Conferencing: April 25-29, 2011.
Final Drafts DUE: Monday, May 9, 2011.