Planning the Construction of a SOLUTIONS Paper

 


Planning for your ‘Solutions’ Essay

Chapter 12 of The Composition of Everyday Life, pages 365-389

A SOLUTIONS ESSAY explains a relevant, current problem, explores possible causes, and argues for a solution.

•         Length: 5-7 pages of paragraph content (4 pages + 3 lines on a 5th page is not 5 pages)

•         Topic: a particular problem you are familiar with (good, clear understanding is needed)

•         Purpose: persuasive – analyze a problem and propose a solution(s)

•         Audience: those affected by the problem or those with power to solve the problem

•         Resources: your observations, experiences, and at least 2 *credible* resources. (See the handout about credible resources in the Writing Help section of Lessons.)

•         Works Cited page: Sources formatted in MLA style meeting MLA Guidelines.  The Works Cited page does not count as part of the minimum page length requirement.

When writers propose solutions to problems, they are involved in many layers of analysis. They must analyze the problem to discover its causes—some of which may lie hidden in abstraction. They must also consider all the possible ways of addressing the problem and then come to some conclusion about the most appropriate solution.

Proposing solutions involves argument. Writers have to convince readers that the problem must be addressed, that action is necessary. They must also argue for the value of their particular solution.

You might think of proposing a solution as a double-layered argument: First, you must argue that a problem exists and, second, that a particular solution will best solve it. Proposing a solution involves all the elements of an argument (thesis, support, counterargument, and concession). Writers who acknowledge the true complexities of their problems and solutions will better engage their readers and meet with less opposition.

Steps

Days

Workload

 

Step 1

 

Monday

 

Understand Your Assignment

·        Read your assignment carefully before you start writing to ensure you understand the requirements.

·        Note the specific deadline for submitting your topic, 2 sources, outlines, and rough draft work by the end of the week.

·        Consult with your instructor if you have questions in these areas. It is best to ask for clarification now, at the beginning of the week than later when you might miss interacting with your professor online.

 

 

Step 2

 

Tuesday

 

Define Your Topic

·        Write down your research question or topic. Make sure that you have a very focused PROBLEM. 

·        Note keywords and subject terms that can be used as search terms to learn more about the subject (issue/problem).

 

 

Step 3

 

Tuesday

 

Create Your Brainstorming (part 1 of the 3-part RD assignment)

·        Based on the ideas you have, begin working through the brainstorming from the textbook.

·        Create the S.T.A.R.T. section of your RD assignment.

·        Write out your ideas and possible topics, causes, and solutions.

 

 

 

Step 4

 

Wednesday

 

Investigate Your Topic

·        Refine your topic and ask more specific questions to define your thesis statement. Are you on track? Do you have a clear problem?  Have you identified the causes of the problem?  Brainstorm at least one possible solution to this issue.  While you can have more solutions for the problem, you must have at least one clear solution to present to the audience in the full essay you create.

·        Consult with your instructor on the direction of your paper if you think you need more guidance.

·        Visit the Library’s assistance desk to provide guidance on locating information and resources to help you refine your topic.

·        Visit the Writing Center online to refine your topic idea based on the research you’ve done and the assignment requirements.

 

 

Step 5

 

Wednesday

 

Retrieve Information on Your Topic

·        Plan your search strategy.

·        Search and choose at least 2 reliable and credible sources to support your assertions in the body paragraphs: the problem, the causes, and the solution(s).

·        Use the Library Catalog and Databases to gather your information.

·        Are you on track? Go back to the Lessons>Writing Help>Paper #4 (Solutions) section to make sure that you have the correct focus and resources.

·        Need extra help?  Consult with your professor on the direction of your paper.

 

 

Step 6

 

Thursday

 

Create Your Outline (part 2 of the 3-part RD assignment)

·        Organize your ideas.

o   Thesis that declares there is a solution to a specific problem.

o   Topic sentences for each of the body paragraphs that moves the audience from the problem to the causes of the problem, to the solution(s).

·        Organize your notes.

o   Identify where specific resources will go int the paper to support your ideas.

·        Outline the format of your paper. See the handout in the Writing Help section for Paper #4 (Solutions).

 

 

Step 7

 

Friday

 

Write the First Draft (part 3 of the 3-part RD assignment)

·        BrainFuse Writing Center tutors are available to help you get started or work through writer’s block. They also have helpful online resources, too!

·        The learning specialists in the Academic Support Center are also available to assist you with quick writing questions on a walk-in basis.

·        Write at least 5 full paragraphs so that your professor can see your topic, problem, causes, solutions, and support.  Without enough content, your professor will not be able to give you full guidance.

·        Create a title that makes a statement.  The title will not be a question.

·        Create a thesis statement that clearly identifies the problem and solution.

 

 

 

Step 8

 

Saturday

 

Write the Works Cited page (part 3 of the 3-part RD assignment)

·        Use the MLA Guidelines handout in the Lessons>Writing Help>MLA section of the classroom to help you create proper in-text, parenthetical, and full-source citations in MLA format.

·        Review the MLA guidelines for creating a HEADER with last name and page number, the HEADING, double spacing the RD content, etc.

·        Save the 3-part RD assignment with a memorable label so you can find it to load into the classroom.

o   Suggestion: First and Last name – Paper 4 RD Assignment

·        Save the RD assignment again, but this time, save it in PDF format. 

·        Load the full assignment to the assignment link.

 

 

Step 9

 

 

Sunday

 

Running Behind?

·        If you did not submit your work by Saturday night, don’t worry.  While it is best to turn in your work ahead of time so that you do not forget or run into Internet issues on Sunday, if you have not turned in your work yet, be sure to do so before the 11:59 pm cut off time.

 

 




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