Proposing a Solution Essay: Brainstorm

Prewriting Instructions
Utilize the questions attached when brainstorming for your essay
Using a mind map or free writing to collect your thoughts will assist you in collecting your thoughts
before you begin to write your essay. Try popplet.com or mindomo.com.
Focus on answering some or all questions to help you come up with ideas to narrow down your topic
for your essay.
Remember: the answers you provide here will result in a better proposal essay

Please type complete sentences for your groups final answers to the following questions.

1. Why is the issue a problem?

2. For whom is the problem a problem?
3. How will these people suffer if the problem is not solved? (details)
4. Does a real problem exist?
5. Will my proposal really solve the existing problem without causing bigger problems?
6. Is there another, simpler means of solving the problem?
7. Is my solution really practical?
8. What are the consequences and undetermined problems associated with my proposal?
9. What are the various perceptions surrounding the existence of this problem? (Who, when, where,
what, why, how)
10. Who has the power to solve the problem?
11. Why hasnt the problem been solved up to this point?
12. How can the problem be solved?
13. What are the possible benefits of acting on your proposal?
14. What costs are associated with your proposal?
15. Who will bear these costs?
16. Why should this proposal be implemented?
17. Why is it better than alternative proposals?
18. Describe any efforts being made to solve/straighten up the problem. Who is (are) making these
efforts?
19. What will happen if this problem is not removed?
20. What are the main causes of the problem you are attempting to address?
21. List any possible solutions to this problem. This list should include any solutions you have thought
about on your own as well as others you may have read about or heard about.
22. What information can you use from outside sources to help support and/or illustrate these solutions?
Copy and paste bibliography sources your group may possibly use for your research. Please use library
resources before resulting to internet search engines.

Counterarguments and Defense: Anticipate possible counterarguments for your readers, and then be
prepared to defend yourself against them.

1. List any plausible reason you could give your readers to convince them to accept your suggested
solution.
2. Which are the best reasons? Make a list of these reasons and detail why they should be important to
your readers and in turn why they are important support for your argument for a particular solution.
3. Describe any advantages/disadvantages (if any) of adopting your solution(s).