English 101
Proposing a Solution to a Problem
Spring Semester 2020
“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Assignment:
Write an argumentative essay in which you propose a solution to a problem. In this essay, you will carefully analyze and explain a specific problem that you care about and strongly wish to see resolved. It could be a topic that you explored in essays earlier this semester. The problem should not be about broad issues like gun control, abortion, euthanasia, immigration, and anything that uses religion as its argument base. You should think about problems in your sphere. Draw from issues involving your home, campus, classroom, or job. Show the readers that this problem exists and that it matters to you and to them. Write for an audience who, once aware of the problem, may be expected to help do something about it.
Secondly, you are to propose one or more ways to solve the problem or alleviate it. However, your essay does not necessarily have to solve the problem entirely, as many problems will never be solved 100% of the way; it might just be a proposal that lessens the extent of the problem. In writing, you could use words like
should,
ought, and
must
because they urge action. Provide the reasons why your proposal deserved to be implemented; supply evidence that your plan will work. Overall, your purpose is to convince readers that your problem must be solved.
Furthermore, your essay must be organized as an argument in which you assert a claim, support it with reasons and evidence, and acknowledge and refute counterclaims fairly.
Minimum Page Length:
The final draft should be
at least five full pages. Essays that do not meet the requirement will receive a zero.
The revision option does not apply for this essay assignment.
See
the syllabus.
Writing Tips:
The important aspects of a strong proposal are:
· The proposal has to be
specific. You must describe exactly what it is that you think should be done, in detail.
· The proposal has to be
realistic. For example, the problem of students walking and texting can be a dangerous combination. However, it would not be realistic to ban all cell phone use on campus as a solution.
· You have to have
concrete evidence
that this proposal will actually work. If you are analyzing a problem that currently exists, then it is of course true that we have not yet discovered or put into place an effective solution to that problem. Therefore, solution proposals are, at least to some degree, speculative. You still have to find some evidence that a proposal like yours will work.
· You should have a
counterargument
that addressed the possible objections to your proposal. For this assignment, you must include at least one clear counterargument to an anticipated objection.
You could go to the Writing Center at any writing stage for support. Also, I am available during my office hours or by email if you are having any problems writing this essay. See me immediately if you have questions regarding this assignment.