1. The document outlines the parts of an essay proposing solutions to problems, including describing the problem, presenting a thesis statement announcing the proposed solution, explaining why the solution would work, and considering objections and alternative solutions. 2. It provides guidance on developing each part, such as arguing the problem is serious, outlining its causes, listing consequences of not solving it, and evaluating alternative solutions by describing them and reasons the proposed solution is better. 3. Students are assigned homework to post notes for their counterargument and consideration of alternatives, and do more research by revisiting the library webpage.

1. Class 19
EWRT 1A

2. Agenda
1. New Teams Today
2. Review Describing the
problem
• The solution: the thesis
• Outlining the plan
3. Planning for objections: the
counterargument
4. Evaluating Alternative
Solutions
5. Research?
• Investigate
• Interview
• Read

3. NEW TEAMS TODAY!
Here comes your footer 
Page 3

4. Essay #4
Looking at the parts of the essay

5. You should have a draft with the
following parts of your essay
completed:
 A revised and developed description of your problem: two
to four good paragraphs.
 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.
 A paragraph explaining why your solution would solve the
problem.
 A paragraph about why your solution is possible.
 A list of the steps of implementation.

6. Presentation of the problem: Look at
what you have. Add the following:
A few sentences that argue that the
problem exists.
A few sentences that argue that this
problem is serious.
A few sentences that outline the causes of
this problem.

7. Now answer this question: What are the
consequences of failing to solve the problem?
Make a list of the
consequences of failing to
solve this problem.
Put the list into paragraph
form.

8. Thesis Statement: Review
 You have probably written your thesis statement already. If
so, refine it, and copy it into your draft here. Your thesis
goes after a thorough explanation of the problem.
 If you have not yet written it, 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.

9. Description of the proposed solution
Read your working draft of your
proposed solution.
Explain why it would solve the
problem.
Show why or how it is possible.
Revise!

10. List of steps for implementing the
solution
 You should have written out these steps
for your homework.
 Now, put your steps into paragraph
form. Make sure to use transitions and
connecting words so the paragraph
does not read like a list. Explain what
you mean as you go through the steps.

11. Planning a
Counterargument

12. 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.

13. Consider Alternative Solutions
This requires thinking! Remember, ultimately, you are going to show why your
solution is better than these alternatives!

14. Considering Alternative Solutions
List two or three alternative solutions that others
have proposed or tried. You may have
discovered these alternatives while you were
looking for a good solution. You may find other
alternative solutions when you start your
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.

15. Developing your evaluation of
alternative solutions
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.

16. Plan Follow-Up Research.
Make 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.

17. Homework
 Post #24
 Notes and brainstorming for
your counterargument
 Your consideration of
alternative solutions
 Revisit the library webpage to
add to your preliminary
research