Problem Memorandum Assignment
Each Student should draft a two-to-three-page “Problem Memorandum” by the assigned date.
Format: The document should be in block format: single spaced, with no indentations at the
beginning a paragraph, and with two spaces between paragraphs. The heading block of the
memo should contain TO, FROM, RE (SUBJECT), and DATE lines in proper form. Identify the
topic clearly in the RE or SUBJECT line of the heading block. Identify the recipient(s) in the
TO line. Directly above the heading block, but below the letterhead, write the title Problem
Memorandum in large, boldface letters and center it.
Topic: The Problem Memorandum should explain a problem that can be remedied or mitigated
by means of a policy change. The problem may be one in an organization where you work or
with which you are familiar. It may also be a social, political, economic, environmental, or other
issue which can be remedied by administrative or legislative action at the city, state, or national
level. Topics can be anything from turnover at your organization, to city-level issues bicycle
safety or homelessness, to national issues like immigration or media ownership rules.
Content: The memorandum should document the problem using of as much evidence as
possible. Evidence and background information can be gathered from academic journal articles,
newspaper articles, reputable internet sources, laws, court decisions, documentaries and news
shows, organizational documents like bylaws and meeting minutes, interviews, surveys, and
personal communications. Be sure to detail the harms associated with the problem—who is hurt
by it in what ways? What costs and risks are associated with it? You might also take the
opportunity to begin to explore the causes of the problem, and to define key terms connected
with it. You should close by thanking the addressee for his or her attention, and expressing your
desire to help in arriving at a solution.
Style: The memorandum may be written in either APA or MLA style, and may use in-text
citation or end notes. Please do not use footnotes. Consult Charles Lipman’s book Cite Right for
information about citing sources in the correct manner. Use language with economy. All
evidence cited in the memo should support claims, and all claims should be supported by
argument and/or evidence. Paragraph and sections should have clear themes.
Important Tip: Do your best to identify an individual with the power to take action to amend
the problem you are writing about. This may be an organizational leader, a key public
administrator, or the head of a committee in a city, state, or national legislative body. Do NOT
address to memo to “My 1903 Class” or to “Professor Hoffman.”