ENGL 101 Mrs.

Carpenter Fall 2012 Problem-Solving Essay Directions: For this assignment, you will be writing a problemsolving essay. A problem-solving essay examines the aspects of a problem and then suggests a reasonable solution. In this essay you will need to Evaluate choices and select a problem Gather details from a variety of sources in order to understand the problem fully Identify aspects of the problem Construct a thesis statement that shares student interest in the problem Present a reasonable solution Make use of transitions to facilitate explanation Be sure to explain your topic so that someone without prior knowledge of it could understand it well. Also, be very thorough in your explanation of the problem and solution. Watch for gaps in logic that you might miss because of your own familiarity with the subject. Things to consider: 1. Identify a problem you have noticed-- in this school, in your community or on campus at PSU. Think carefully about the people and processes affected by this problem. 2. Then think about a reasonable solution. Reasonable means that the solution could actually be implemented- without extraordinary means such as changing the forces of nature, using magic, or committing a crime. Write a well-organized essay in which you outline the problem and suggest a reasonable solution. Be sure to include the "So what?" in your conclusion. (If your reader finishes reading your essay and asks, "So what?" then you have not made the importance of your solution clear.) Structuring Your Essay: 1. Write an introduction that covers background information on the problem--why it is important to solve the problem, what the consequences are of not solving the problem, how the problem impacts our campus, your hometown...you get the idea. = ) 2. Write a body paragraph over your first proposed solution to the problem. Discuss why (or why not) this solution would be cost-effective, easy to implement and easy to convince the public to support. 3. Write a second body paragraph over your second proposed solution. Include the same kind of content as specified in step 2. 4. Write a third body paragraph. Include the same kind of content as specified in step 2. 5. Write a conclusion paragraph. Discuss which of your three solutions would work the best and why.

ENGL 101 Mrs. Carpenter Fall 2012 Process for Writing 1. Think about problems that exist which you have noticed. Make a list. 2. From the list, think about which items might be easiest to solve, then pick one. 3. Write a draft of your essay that a. Includes an introduction. The introduction should present the problem and any necessary background information that the reader would need to know to fully understand the significance of it. It should give a general overview of the problem--include what the consequences are for NOT solving the problem. Be sure to include the significance of allowing the problem to continue. b. Includes several possible solutions to the problem, but refutes those by showing how your final solution to the problem is better (more financially feasible, more realistic, easier to implement, etc). 4. Conclude your essay with the purpose of the solution and its significance (why it is important). Format: 2 pages (500-600 words) typed, standard MLA, double-spaced. Due Date: Peer Editing (Monday 10/29); Rough Draft (Friday 11/2)