Sophomore English Problem Solutions Research Paper
Students will research a social problem using credible sources and suggest possible solutions to
the problem. Students will create a 2-3 page paper in MLA format. In addition, the paper will
include a work cited page formatted using the online bibliography, Noodle Tools. Students will
conduct research using written materials from the media center and credible internet sources.
Four essential elements for problem solutions research papers:
1. Introduce the problem – (Informative Essay)-State the problem and why the problem is
important. Inform the reader of the scope and effects of the problem. The introduction should
be one page in length.
Start with a question, quotation, or surprising statement that will immediately grab the attention
of the reader. Keep in mind that whoever is reading or marking your essay will have many
others, so your essay should stand out by grabbing attention from the beginning.
Take the following steps to define the progression of your introduction (informative essay).
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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. (Statistics are good.)
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.
2. Body of the Paper: Two Solutions - Advocate one micro (individual) solution and one macro
(society) solution to the problem. Include a plan to implement the solutions. Show how the
solutions will improve the situation; show their effectiveness and practicality.
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Start with a thesis statement. The thesis should be a declarative sentence (not a question).
Select your best possible solutions for the problem. Start with the macro solution first.
Describe what society should do to help fix the problem. Then discuss the micro solution
to the problem. What should individuals do to combat the problem?
Demonstrate the workability of your plan by citing experts and referring to a successful
implementation elsewhere. Case studies work well.
Recommend procedures for implementing the solution.
What are the effects, costs and required actions?
Who should take action, and when and where?
3. Conclusion: Reiterate the problem. Do not include new solutions in your conclusion, but
you may include new statistics to support your thesis. Convince the reader to agree with your
solutions and to believe the solutions are achievable. Finally, urge the reader to act on the
solutions you propose.
Other requirements:
Use 2-3 credible sources to convince the reader that the topic is a problem and 2-3 sources to
convince the reader the solutions are achievable. Do not rely heavily on one source. For example,
do not cite the same source in three consecutive paragraphs.
Use a combination of paraphrasing and direct quotes. Every direct quote must be followed by an
explanation of the quote in your own words. Be sure to give credit to all borrowed material.
Information that is common knowledge to most people does not need to be cited by a source.
You may not use Wikipedia as a source. Feel free to look at Wikipedia to learn background
information, but do not use the information in the paper. You may use the resource books and the
on-line data bases available through the media center as well as other internet sources. THE
INTERNET SOURCES MUST END WITH .EDU, .ORG. OR .GOV. You may not use sources
that end in .COM. On-line data bases to research include:
It is very important not to cite a source that is obviously biased toward one viewpoint. Choose
objective sources. All sources cited in your paper must also be cited on your work cited page. All
sources on the work cited page must be cited in the paper. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT.
Due Dates
Social problem topic (5 points) due Nov. 8
3 source cards (15 points) due Nov . 16
2-3 solution source cards (20 points) due Nov. 20
3-4 solution note cards (20 points) due Nov. 27
Full topic outline (25 points) due Nov. 27
Rough draft (50 points) due Dec. 5
Work cited page (30 points) due Dec. 5
Peer edit (10 pts X 2= 20 pts) due Dec 6
Final draft (100 points) due Dec. 7
Outline Format
Before you start your rough draft, sort and organize your note cards and develop a topic outline
using the format below. Use 1.5 spacing so the outline fits on one page.
Centered title/Shortened thesis statement
I. Introduction
A. Attention Grabber
B. Thesis
C. Main Points
II . Intro to social problem (Background info).
A. Define the nature of the problem.
B. Causes of the problem
C. Extent of the problem. (Statistics are good.)
D. Explain why it needs to be solved.
E. Warn readers about future effects if no solution is offered
III. Macro Solution
A. Describe what society should do to alleviate the problem.
B. Cite experts and other successful cases
C. Recommendations
D. Costs, required actions
E. Who should take action?
IV. Micro Solution
A. Describe what individuals should do to alleviate the problem.
B. Cite experts and other successful cases
C. Recommendations.
D Costs, required actions
E. Who should take action?
V. Conclusion
A. Reiterate the problem
B. Convince the reader to agree with your solutions and to believe the solutions are
achievable.
C. Urge the reader to action.