Problem – Solution Essay
A Problem Solution essay is any essay that starts by identifying a problem (or problems)
Topic: Education
Directions: Choose an issue related to Education. Research the problem and write the first half of the paper on the problem. Next, propose a solution. Use additional research to support your thesis and opinions. The conclusion will be the call to action. What do you want people to do about the problem?
Example issues: Standardized Testing, class size, entrance exams, affirmative action, grading scales, expectations, violence, standards, curriculum, budgets, pay, bi-lingual education, why America is behind in education, education funding, education curriculum.
Your issue cannot be: Schools uniforms or bullies.
We spend a little longer on this paper since you have a lot of research and skills to learn before you begin to take on this endeavor. The most important part of this process is to know your topic. Read a lot of articles and make sure you have reliable sources.
Length: 500 – 800 words for part I
Sources: 3
One Source must be a Peer Reviewed Article: label which one. In the databases the search options will have a box that says, “Peer Reviewed.” Check it.
No Dictionary or Wikipedia Sources or google for this assignment.
Example format for your essay: This is a suggestion. You don’t have to use this. We are just doing part I for this essay.
The essay should be well organized into the following sections:
• The introduction
– Identify the problem clearly.
– Recognize the seriousness of the problem.
– Present a thesis statement that effectively defines the concern.
– Support the thesis statement with sources
– Make an impression that you noticeably understand the problem defined.
• The Body
– Analyze the problem well.
– Present some background information about the problem to make the reader familiar with the issue.
– Outline the cause and effect of the problem.
– Give details about the various causes and propose one or more solutions.
– Solutions should be realistic and possible, taking into consideration all the limitations in their practical realizations.
– Sketch out the solutions considered earlier by others for the same problem. Discuss their efficiency and shortcomings discovered so far.
– Choose the most advantageous solution and support it with valid facts and statistics. Do extensive research on the feasibility of the solution.
– Develop a convincing argument for the best solution.
– Find substantial data and information to support your perspective.
– Give reasons that make your suggested solution stand up against anticipated objections or doubts.
– Prove that it is better than other ways of solving the problem.
• The Conclusion
– Summarize the significant points discussed in the essay.
– Once again specify the problem and the positive points of your proposed solution.
