PLANNING TEMPLATE FOR A PROBLEM ESSAY a

This template will help you build a problem essay. It follows the organization of a problem essay, but
you don’t have to use it in that order. The important thing is to capture your ideas as they occur to you.

Goal(s)

1.

2.

3.

Position Statement: Problem and Diagnosis

State the problem of the case. Try to state it in a single sentence and then expand it in a few more
sentences--if they are necessary. Then summarize the diagnosis: the primary causes of the problem.
The terms of the diagnosis should reflect the frameworks you are using. (Note: You can’t start work
on the position statement until you know the problem and have one or two of its principal causes. The
statement can be revised as you work.)

Problem:

Diagnosis:
Long term

Order in Phase Step

essay

Major Risks and Responses

Identify the major risks that could undermine the plan. Propose responses that will eliminate or
contain them.

Risk Response

a. Tehila Lieberman contributed substantially to the development of the essay planning

templates.