Problem Solution Essays
Part of the English 1A Research Paper
Dr. K.E.Ogden
Why a “Problem-Solution”
Essay?
If there’s a problem, there’s usually a solution to the
problem, and if there isn’t a solution, people are
usually arguing over which solution is best.
What is a Problem-Solution
Essay?
A problem-solution essay identifies and defines a
problem, argues a position on the problem, and then
offers a solution (or argues for the best solution among
several options)
How do I Organize a ProblemSolution Essay?
Identify the problem
Define the problem
Take a position on the problem
Offer a solution to the problem
Refute what others might say about your solution (or
acknowledge other solutions and argue why they aren’t
the best)
How do I move all of this into a
Research Paper?
We have written a concept essay that defines an issue
or idea
We have written a position paper in which we have
taken a position on an issue (implying that there is a
problem, and we’ve taken a SIDE to that problem)
NOW we want to examine a possible solution to the
problem—practical or theoretical.
RE-ORDERING THE PARTS
In order to use the CONCEPT essay and the POSITION
paper as parts of your research papers, you may need to first
disassemble the concept essay and Position Paper and then
reorder the parts
You may wish to write a new introduction that lists your
thesis (identifying and briefly explaining the problem) and
then offer a possible solution.
You may then want to further explain or define the issue,
and your position on the issue, OR you may want to define
the issue and then weave your solution into the paragraphs
of your position paper.
No Right Way to Do It
In Short, YOU need to figure out your larger purpose
in offering a solution to the position you’ve taken on
your concept.
Think back to Pipher’s CHANGE WRITING: What
do you want readers to feel, think, do, or know?
How can you really CHANGE the way people think
about something?
A possible beginning
The best way to start is to simply paste the Concept
essay on top of the Position Paper, and then begin
Freewriting a solution underneath your position paper.
This “first draft” can then be filled out with a few more
examples and quotations and commentaries.
THEN you can go through and edit for style and
“change writing” and passion. That’s the GOOD stuff
we want.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
What if I can’t figure out
a solution?
What if my solution isn’t
new or original?
Use research to find out
how others have solved
the same issue.
Try to create a stronger
argument for why it is the
BEST solution by looking
at research that examines
the outcomes of such a
solution
The End