Constructing a ProblemSolution Essay
Subject: Horses
Difference Between a Topic and a
Thesis
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Wild horses
Wild horses and burros in the West
Wild horses and burros now in the West
Wild horses now in the West which have been
rounded up (a protected species)
Policy of the BLM to round up and confine
wild horses and burros in the West
Argument: IT’S A BAD POLICY!
Why is this a problem?
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Over thirty thousand wild horses and burros
which have been rounded up in the West are
kept now in confined conditions; less than
50% of the horses typically find homes with
private individuals.
Problem: Inappropriate treatment of mustangs
and burros: “It’s inhumane.”
Point of view: Humane Society (treatment of
animals) and its supporters
Why is this a problem?
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Over thirty thousand wild horses and burros
which have been rounded up in the West are
kept now in confined conditions; less than
50% of the horses typically find homes with
private individuals. They are costing
taxpayers a lot of money.
Problem: Cost to the taxpayers of taking care
of these mustangs and burros
Point of view: GAO, federal government
officials, BLM, taxpayers (fiscal)
Background
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According to the Humane Society Website, the
policy of the BLM was designed “to protect
wild horses and burros on the range and
maintain them as symbols of American
culture” (Parcelle). The HSUS claims the
policy thus “has strayed far from its original
purpose” (Parcelle).
Source cited here and listed at the end of the
paper: Wayne Parcelle, CEO, Humane Society
Website.
First Solution: Dinner?
First Proposed Solution:
Slaughter the horses
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Canada still has many slaughterhouses which
prepare horse meat for consumption by
animals and humans.
Advantages: Little cost to the taxpayers,
maybe even financial benefits. It will please
some of our neighbors who want the product.
Disadvantages: Violates the “original purpose”
of the BLM policy (Parcelle). It will anger
some people greatly and contribute to an
economy dealing in potentially unsafe foods.
Second Proposed Solution:
More humane and
better management
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Instead of taking so many horses off the range,
BLM should institute several measures:
“expand fertility control,” allow the animals to
roam public lands, and adopt out more of the
horses and burros (Parcelle).
HSUS supports this. Better for the animals and
less cost to taxpayers.
Drawbacks?
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Difficult in this economy to adopt out animals
which are expensive and need so much care
Slower process of controlling the size of herds
Still requires funding by federal government
(private grants help, however)
Annoys those who see no point to preserving
these animal anyway
BUT it is a long-term and humane solution
Thesis Statement
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Mismanagement of wild horses and burros in
the West has led to inhumane treatment of the
animals and high costs for taxpayers. Some
have suggested that a good solution is to
slaughter the animals which are now confined
in cramped conditions. A better solution--for
both the horses and for taxpayers—is better
herd management: more active fertility plans
and adoption programs and less rounding up of
so many horses.
Works Cited
Parcelle, Wayne. “House Passes Wild Horse
and Burro Protections.” Humane Society of
the United States. July 17, 2009. September
3, 2009. <http://hsus.typepad.com/wayne/
2009/07/wild-horses.html>
Question
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What is the problem with using just this one
source--even if the assignment does not call
for more sources?
What other sources does this argument point
you toward?
Addendum
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In October 2009, the BML put forth a plan to better
handle the increasing numbers of wild horses and
burros; parts of the plan have been instituted which
follow suggestions put forth by the Humane Society
and respond to people’s concerns. There are still
issues, however, with the “gathering” procedures and
the confinement of the animals. For details, see Bob
Abbey’s description of these issues on the BLM
Website:
http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/whbprogram/histo
ry_and_facts/director.html
Structure
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State the problem
Remember that you want to show how it
affects others, not just yourself. But you may
want to develop a local angle in a short essay.
Explore background, causes, effects, etc. Here
you are answering questions, like “Why?” or
“How?”
Examine possible solutions
Conclude with argument for your solution
Sources
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Use the best sources available. Know who is
responsible for content and examine that
person’s background and purpose. If it is a
corporate author, consider the goals of the
organization. Examine the evidence.
If you start with newpapers or materials
directed toward a general audience, pay
attention to possible experts interviewed or
referred to in the articles. Follow up on those.
Remember Aristotle?
Good arguments use these appeals:
Ethical Appeal (authority and credentials, good
person writing well)
Logical Appeal (rational, substantive evidence)
Emotional Appeal (moves the audience)
Opposing View
Remember
 Your essay must include consideration of a
strong argument on the other side.
 You must use a source that favors the opposing
viewpoint for your argument on the other side.
 You must refute the opposing argument by
showing problems with evidence, logic, or
other issues.
 You can concede some points.
Find Common Ground
Locate values we can
all agree on and use
those to establish a
relationship with
your audience.
Recognize your
opponents’ good
will. Provide a
foundation to build
upon.
We hold these truths
to be self-evident,
that all men are
created equal, that
they are endowed by
their Creator with
certain unalienable
Rights, that among
these are Life,
Liberty and the
pursuit of Happiness.