Prompt: Write an essay of at least four (4) full pages in which you identify a problem and propose a solution to that problem. Choose a topic that is important to you personally, one that is solvable (that has a realistic solution), and one that you can research adequately in the time you have been given.
Option 1: A problem facing a group or organization to which you belong (a sports team, a band, a charitable organization, or other similar group)
Option 2: A problem facing a place where you currently work or have worked in the past
Option 3: A problem facing your college or a college class you have taken in the past or in which you are presently enrolled
Option 4: A problem facing your local community (where you live-city, neighborhood, street, apartment building, etc.)
Your audience is your instructor and your classmates. Try to choose an issue that you think would interest your readers, and be sure that you present a well-defined problem, a recommended solution, a convincing argument for your proposed solution, a response to anticipated questions, a call to action, and an appropriate tone.
Consider the following when writing about a solution to a problem:
1) Grab your audience with an effective introduction.
2) Develop a thesis statement that identifies the problem and proposes a solution for reader.
3) Define the problem in the first and second body paragraphs.
a. Provide some background on the problem in the first paragraph (usesources).
b. Give a specific example(s) of problem in the second paragraph (use sources).
c. Show people being affected by problem in the second paragraph (usesources).
d. Briefly pose your solution at the end of the second body paragraph-just a sentence or two.
4) Present your own solution, step-by-step, in the fourth body paragraph. It may take more than one paragraph, depending on how many points your solution entails. Remember, you are directing the reader to take action. You may also use part of an alternative solution within your own solution, explaining what part you will use and how you will include it in your solution.
5) Examine anticipated questions/criticisms in the third body paragraph (use sources).
a. Present an anticipated question/criticism
b. Refute/concede thisquestion/criticism.
i. Examine the weaknesses of thequestion/criticism.
ii. State why your solution is best.
c. Repeat with otherquestions/criticisms.
6) End your essay with a solid conclusion that restates the problem, reviews the anticipated questions/criticisms very briefly, and reemphasizes your solution. Remember to leave food for thought, which may be asking the reader to take some action to make the solution a reality, or you can discuss the positive effects of your solution.
• Select one of the articles/essays we are reading for our study of proposing solutions to problems.
o "This Is Not a Mirage: Colorful Art Installations That Delight, Then Horrify" in Mod. 4
o "Are We Loving Monarchs to Death?" in Mod. 4
o "Analysis: Fast Fashion Comes at a Steep Price for the Environment" in Mod. 4
• Write a one- to two-page journal about your response to the article or essay using MLA formatting. Do not re-tell the article! I have already read it. Instead, tell me how the reading made you feel. Your reaction is the most important part of the response journal. Did it make you angry, happy, or confused? Did you like or dislike (it's okay to dislike it) the narrative?
• In addition, consider the following:
o What is the main idea of the article (thesis)?
o What possible problem does the writer identify and discuss?
o Why is this a problem?
o What alternative solutions does the author discuss?
o Did any of these solutions work?
o How does he or she refute these alternative solutions?
o What solution does the author propose?
o Why does the author believe the proposed solution would work?
o Is there anything you would change about the article/essay?
o What do you like the best or dislike the most?
o What part of the argument do you remember the most, and why is it memorable?
o What questions does the article/essay bring to mind?
• These questions are only suggestions. You do not have to answer them. Your journal should be in paragraph form, not a numbered or bulleted list.