2. AGENDA
• Introduction To Essay #6
• The Problem From Essay #5
• In-class Writing: Finding A Solution
• Write Two Potential Solutions To Your Problem.
3. Review
• A Well-Defined Problem
• A Clearly Described Solution
• A Convincing Argument
• An Effective Counterargument
• An Evaluation of Alternative
Solutions
4. Now that you know
the basic features
of the problem/
solution essay, let’s
write one!
Here comes your footer Page 4
5. Assignment: Write an essay from five to seven
pages in length, that addresses the topic below.
Use a minimum of five credible sources to
support your argument.
Prompt: Write an essay proposing a solution to a
well-defined problem faced by, or in, education
today. Address your proposal to your audience:
one or more members of the education board, its
leadership, or to outsiders who may be able to
contribute to solving the problem.
Read the entire
assignment on
Canvas. It is
linked below this
PowerPoint.
6. You have already defined a
problem in education today. All
you have to do now is find a
solution and explain it.
7. Writing: Finding a solution
An effective solution will eliminate one or more major causes or
consequences of the problem:
Make a list of causes of your problem
Make notes about how you might eliminate the causes of the problem.
Try to generate several ideas. Don’t worry about the quality of your
ideas right now. Just brainstorm.
Make a list of consequences of your problem
Make notes about how you might eliminate the consequences of the
problem. Try to generate several ideas. Don’t worry about the quality of
your ideas right now. Just brainstorm.
8. Using your brainstorming, make a
refined list of possible solutions
to the problem you identified
and explained in essay #5. Try
to name at least three ideas.
You will use these “alternative
solutions” in your essay after
you settle on the single, best
solution.
9. Investigate two possible solutions: make notes about
how each one would solve the problem. Remember, you
will address the less effective solution in your essay as
well.
• Solution one • Solution two
10. All: Once you have notes about how or why your solutions will
solve the problem, Try out your Solution on your housemates.
Present the problem and the solution. Explain how and why it will
work. Then ask for questions or comments.
In the role of Housemate: Ask detailed questions about how
the solution will work. Try to find holes in the presenter’s solution.
Be firm in requiring an answer to your question.
In the role of Presenter: take notes as your housemates pick
at your solution. They will make your proposal stronger, and they
may be giving you counterarguments and alternative solutions that
you can use in your essay!Here comes your footer Page 10
11. Homework
• HW Discussion #31 Finish your
in-class brainstorming and writing.
Post both potential solutions.
