1. Class 16
EWRT 1A

2. Agenda
Presentation: Basic Features: Proposing
Solutions
Discussion: Kornbluh
In-Class Writing: Beginning your essay

3. Basic Features
As you read essays proposing a solution
in this chapter, you will see how different
authors incorporate the basic features of
the genre.

4. A Well-Defined
Problem
Writers try to define the problem in a way that establishes the
need to find a solution. Writers use the strategies listed below to
present the problem as real and serious:
• giving examples to make the problem specific
• using scenarios or anecdotes to dramatize the problem
• quoting testimony from those affected by the problem
• citing statistics to show the severity of the problem
• vividly describing the problem’s negative consequences

5. A Well-Argued Solution
A good thesis statement in an essay proposing a solution
makes clear exactly what is being proposed and may
also forecast the reasons for it that will be developed and
supported in the essay. The argument for the proposed
solution offers concrete reasons and support showing
that the solution is feasible—meaning it meets the
following criteria:
• it will help solve the problem;
• it can be implemented; and
• it is worth the expense, time, and effort.

6. For example, a writer might
demonstrate that
• the proposed solution
would reduce or eliminate
a major cause of the
problem;
• a similar solution has
worked elsewhere;
• the necessary steps to
put the solution into
practice can be taken
without excessive cost or
inconvenience; or
• stakeholders could
come together behind the
proposal.

7. An Evaluation of
Alternative Solutions
Solution essay writers present their solution as
preferable to other possible solutions. Writers use
two basic methods to present alternative solutions:
• Compare the proposed solution to other, familiar
solutions.
• Compare the proposed solution to solutions they
think of themselves.

8. An Anticipation of Readers’
Objections and Questions
Writers of solution essays respond to possible objections
and alternative solutions. Writers may counterargue in
one or more of the following ways:
by acknowledging an objection
by conceding the point and modifying the proposal to
accommodate it
by refuting criticism—for example, by arguing that an
alternative solution would be more costly or less likely
to solve the problem than the proposed solution.

9. A Readable Plan
To make their essays easy to read, writers usually include some or all
of the following:
a forecast of the argument
key words introduced in the thesis and forecasting statement
topic sentences introducing paragraphs or groups of paragraphs
repeated use of key words and synonyms throughout the essay,
particularly in topic sentences
clear transitional words and phrases
headings that explicitly identify different sections of the essay
visuals, including charts that present information in an easy-to-read
format

10. Consider “Win Win
Flexibility”
What is the problem? Which of these strategies does
Kornbluh use to define her problem?
• giving examples to make the problem specific
• using scenarios or anecdotes to dramatize the
problem
• quoting testimony from those affected by the
problem
• citing statistics to show the severity of the problem
• vividly describing the problem’s negative
consequences

11. What is Kornbluh’s
Solution?
Which does she use to demonstrate her solution?
the proposed solution would reduce or eliminate a major
cause of the problem;
a similar solution has worked elsewhere;
the necessary steps to put the solution into practice can be
taken without excessive cost or inconvenience; or
stakeholders could come together behind the proposal.

12. How Does Kornbluh
Address Questions and
Concerns?
by acknowledging an objection
by conceding the point and modifying the proposal
to accommodate it
by refuting criticism—for example, by arguing that
an alternative solution would be more costly or
less likely to solve the problem than the proposed
solution.

13. Alternative Solutions
How does Kornbluh present her
solution as preferable to other
possible solutions?

14. A Readable Plan
Which of the following does Kornbluh include to make her essay easy
to read:
a forecast of the argument
key words introduced in the thesis and forecasting statement
topic sentences introducing paragraphs or groups of paragraphs
repeated use of key words and synonyms throughout the essay,
particularly in topic sentences
clear transitional words and phrases
headings that explicitly identify different sections of the essay
visuals, including charts that present information in an easy-to-read
format

15. Analyzing the Problem
p 365
Explore What You Know. Figure out what you know
now about the problem and what you still need to find
out by jotting down answers to the questions below:
• How do I know the problem exists and that it is
serious?
• What could cause a problem like this?
• Who suffers from the problem? What evidence of it
have I seen or experienced myself?
• Who, if anyone, would benefit from not changing the
way things work now?

16. Identifying Your Possible Readers
pp 365-66
In a few sentences, explore your readers. In addition to your
instructor and classmates, think about writing to people who are
affected by the problem or those in a position to take action to
solve it. The following questions will help you develop an
understanding of your readers:
• How informed are my readers likely to be about the problem?
Have they shown any awareness of it?
• Why would my readers care about solving this problem?
• Have my readers supported any other proposals to solve this
problem? If so, what do those proposals have in common with
mine?
• What values and concerns do my readers and I share that
could bring us together to solve the problem?

17. Defining the Problem
Write a paragraph or two describing the problem
for your readers. Be as specific and vivid in your
explanation as possible given the information you
currently have. Writing a very rough draft of this
part of your essay should help clarify what
additional information you will need.

18. Listing Possible Solutions
It usually helps to consider several possible solutions before
focusing on one solution, so problem solving requires creativity.
Use the following questions to help you make a list of creative
solutions you could consider for your essay:
Can you adapt a solution that has already been tried or proposed
for related problems?
• What smaller, more manageable aspect of the larger problem
could you solve?
• Could re-imagining the goal help you make fundamental
changes?
• Could the problem be solved from the bottom up instead of from
the top down?
• Could an ongoing process help solve the problem?

19. Choosing the Most
Promising Solution
In a sentence or two, describe the solution you
want to explore further. You cannot know for
certain whether you will be able to construct a
convincing argument to support this solution, but
you should choose a solution that you feel
motivated to pursue.

20. Constructing an
Argument

21. Explain Why It Would
Solve the Problem.
Write for a few minutes explaining why you think this
solution could solve the problem. For example,
would it
eliminate one or more causes?
change people’s attitudes?
re-imagine the objective?
reduce anxiety and tension?

22. Show Why It Is Possible.
Write for a few minutes explaining
why people could agree to put the
solution into effect. For example,
what would it cost them in time or
money?

23. Explain How It Could Be
Implemented.
Write down the major stages or steps
necessary to carry out your solution. This
list of steps will provide an early test of
whether your solution can, in fact, be
implemented.

24. Plan Follow-Up Research.
Add notes about the kinds of information you
think would help make your argument convincing
for your readers and where you think you can
find this information.

25. Planning a
Counterargument

26. Anticipate Objections.
Write a few sentences responding to the following
objections you think are most likely:
• We can’t afford it.
• It would take too long.
• People would not do it.
• Too few would benefit.
• You would benefit personally.
• We already tried that, with unsatisfactory results.

27. Plan Follow-Up Research.
Add notes about the kinds of information
you think would help make your
counterargument convincing for your
readers and where you think you can find
this information.

28. Considering Alternative
Solutions
List two or three alternative solutions that others
have proposed or tried. You may have discovered
these alternatives during interviews or in your library
research. You do not have to list every solution that
has been mentioned, but you should include the
most popular or serious alternatives. If you include
only obviously weak solutions in your argument,
your credibility will be harmed and you could be
accused of committing the straw man fallacy, which
involves directing your counterargument against an
alternative that nobody takes seriously anyway.

29. Developing Your
Counterargument
Write a paragraph for each alternative solution you think you
should include in your argument. Describe the alternative
solution fairly, quoting supporters if possible. Then work out the
reasons you believe the alternative solution
would not be feasible,
would not solve the problem,
would not be approved,
would be hard to implement, or
would be too costly, disruptive, or time-consuming to put
into effect.

30. Homework
Write: finish and post ALL of the writing from the
presentation for today.
Blog Prompt: Write one or more sentences to serve as your
tentative thesis statement. In most essays proposing
solutions to problems, the thesis statement is a concise
announcement of the solution. Think about how emphatic
you should make the thesis and whether you should
forecast your reasons.
Review the readings in this chapter to see how other writers
construct their thesis statements.
Bring SMG