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Problem-Solution Essay Outline Guide

This document outlines a structured approach for writing a problem-solution essay. It includes sections for introducing the problem, identifying its consequences, proposing and evaluating potential solutions, and addressing alternative solutions. The outline emphasizes the importance of feasibility and practicality in proposed solutions.

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25 views2 pages

Problem-Solution Essay Outline Guide

This document outlines a structured approach for writing a problem-solution essay. It includes sections for introducing the problem, identifying its consequences, proposing and evaluating potential solutions, and addressing alternative solutions. The outline emphasizes the importance of feasibility and practicality in proposed solutions.

Uploaded by

ydh22b44bp
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Problem-Solution Essay Sample Outline

I. Introduction
A. Make a Claim
II. Identify the Problem
A. What’s the situation?
B. What are the consequences? How severe are they? How long will they last?
C. Who or what is affected?
III. Agents/goals/actions/results
A. Focus on actions that have unwanted results. Ask yourself:
1. Who or what is the agent (the person, group, or thing that acts in a manner
that causes a problem)?
2. What goals does the agent want to accomplish?
3. What actions does the agent carry out to accomplish the goals?
4. What are the unwanted results of the agent’s actions? Goals and barriers.
Identify goals, and ask what obstacles stand in the way of accomplishing
them. Ask yourself: What are the goals? What barriers stand in the way of
accomplishing the goals?
IV. Propose Your Solution
A. If other writers have addressed this problem, explore the solutions they’ve
proposed. Even failed solutions might have helped address some aspects of the
problem. Create a list of potential solutions — both your own and those of other
writers — and briefly describe them. Evaluate each solution by answering the
following questions.
B. If other writers have addressed this problem, explore the solutions they’ve
proposed. Even failed solutions might have helped address some aspects of the
problem. Create a list of potential solutions — both your own and those of other
writers — and briefly describe them. Evaluate each solution by answering the
following questions.
C. Review your responses to the questions and then identify your most promising
solutions. If you’ve identified more than one solution, ask whether the best
features of each might be combined into a single solution.
V. Evaluate Your Solution
A. Most problems can be solved given unlimited time, vast sums of money, revisions
to the laws of physics, or changes in human nature.
B. If your solution requires any or all of these, however, your readers are likely to
question its practicality. Before you start drafting your proposal, ensure that your
solution is feasible by asking whether it can be implemented
1. in a reasonable amount of time;
2. with available funding;
3. with available resources;
4. given current knowledge and technology;
5. and without causing additional problems.
6. You should also consider potential objections to your solution. You may
be able to modify your solution to account for likely objections, or you
may want to prepare an argument about why the trade-offs involved in
accepting your solution are better than leaving things as they are.
VI. Provide Support For Your points
A. Solution should offer a reasonable and thoughtful response to the problem
B. Should be clear, alternatives,
C. To identify support, list the key points you are making about your proposed
solution
VII. Address Promising Alternative Solutions
A. Most problems can be solved given unlimited time, vast sums of money,
revisions to the laws of physics, or changes in human nature. If your solution
requires any or all of these, however, your readers are likely to question its
practicality. Before you start drafting your proposal, ensure that your solution is
feasible by asking whether it can be implemented in a reasonable amount of
time; with available funding; with available resources; given current knowledge
and technology; and without causing additional problems. You should also
consider potential objections to your solution. You may be able to modify your
solution to account for likely objections, or you may want to prepare an argument
about why the trade-offs involved in accepting your solution are better than
leaving things as they are.
VIII.

Common questions

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A solution's practicality is determined by its feasibility within a reasonable timeframe, the availability of necessary funding and resources, alignment with current knowledge and technology, and its ability to avoid causing further problems. Addressing potential objections also plays a role in evaluating practicality .

Identifying agents, actions, and unwanted results helps clarify who or what contributes to the problem and how, as well as the consequences of these actions. This understanding allows a precise definition of the problem context, the scope of impact, and underlying causes, informing solution development .

Potential objections play a critical role in refining a solution by highlighting its weaknesses or potential pitfalls. Addressing these objections can involve modifying the solution to counter them or preparing arguments that justify the trade-offs, thus strengthening the proposal's validity and acceptance .

Considering both successful and failed past solutions is important because it provides insights into what strategies are effective and what challenges may arise. This understanding enables the development of a solution that incorporates effective elements and addresses, or mitigates against, known failures, increasing the likelihood of success .

Ensuring that a solution does not cause additional problems is critical as it prevents exacerbating the existing situation or creating new issues, which could compromise the solution's effectiveness and lead to greater complexities. It is important for maintaining focus on resolving the primary problem sustainably .

The need for available resources and funding is crucial in determining feasibility as it assures the material and financial means to implement the solution. Without adequate resources, even well-conceived solutions may fail, making it essential to ensure all necessary elements are accessible .

Establishing clear goals provides direction and criteria for measuring the success of a solution, while identifying barriers helps anticipate and strategize around potential challenges. This approach ensures that solutions are targeted and pragmatic, increasing the likelihood of successful implementation .

Synthesis of multiple proposed solutions can enhance effectiveness by combining the strengths of each into a comprehensive approach. This can address different aspects of a complex problem simultaneously, creating a more robust and adaptable solution that leverages broader insights and strategies .

Evaluating other writers' solutions helps to identify existing strategies that address similar issues. It allows for the analysis of successful components and the pitfalls of failed solutions, which can inform the development of a more comprehensive and effective solution by avoiding past mistakes and leveraging successful approaches .

In a problem-solution essay, the problem identification involves understanding the situation, assessing the severity and duration of consequences, and identifying who or what is affected. Each step is significant because defining the situation establishes context, assessing consequences determines the problem's urgency, and identifying those affected highlights the scope of impact .

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