Problem/Solution Topics

You will be writing a proposal for a solution to a problem and using sources to back-up your proposed solution to that problem. A solution does not mean the problem goes away 100%, but at least the solution reduces the problem. You will describe a problem and then propose and explain a solution to that problem. You need to make this problem real with stories and examples that emotionally affect people (pathos).

There are two arguments in this essay. You must convince your readers that this is a problem that they must do something about, and that your solution will help reduce the problem. This essay should be about 50% problem and 50% solution.
Requirements:
Sources: At least five good, reputable sources. You can use books, periodical articles (magazines, journals, newspapers), and interviews as sources. If you want to use a website as a source, it must follow the criteria for evaluating websites that we discussed in class. DO NOT USE WIKI SITES FOR COLLEGE PAPERS.

Documentation: All sources must be properly cited in the paper (APA in-text citations) and on a List of References page. If you do not cite sources, you have plagiarized your sources, which will result in automatic failure of the project.

Citations and References: Every citation in the essay must point to a References entry. Every entry on the References page must have a citation in the essay. If the citations and references pages do not match, your essay will fail.

Headings: APA essays must have headings for each section of the essay.
Problem/solution essay topics

I suggest that you write a proposal for a problem you already know something about or that you have experienced firsthand.

Possible topics:

One choice: You can use the negative effects from your cause/effects essay to be the problem and then suggest solutions for that problem. You will have to change your MLA in-text citations to APA in-text citations.

Anything about solving environmental problems, especially a problem that affects your own community

Bullying prevention

Getting people to recycle

Smoking prevention or reduction

Unequal access to health care or health insurance

Social media or computer games addiction

Homelessness

School violence

Population control

A problem in your country that concerns you

Another problem that needs to be solved, but not the topics listed below:

Guns in the US Do NOT choose this—I will give you a zero
Illegal drugs Do NOT choose this—I will give you a zero
Capital punishment Do NOT choose this—I will give you a zero
Assisted suicide Do NOT choose this—I will give you a zero
Organization of Key Points (NOTE: APA essays must have headings for each section)

First half is problem, then second half is solution (close to equal in length)

Introduction: Background ending with thesis (or claim)

State your solution to the problem in one specific sentence (your thesis or claim). The thesis should mention the problem and your solution.

AT LEAST THREE PAGES of PROBLEM—remember PATHOS!!! Tell stories to make readers sad and/or mad enough to want to help with the problem.

Explain the problem, why it’s a problem, and convince your readers that it is important enough to need solving. First half of essay should discuss the problem.

AT LEAST THREE PAGES of SOLUTION

Give your solution and reasons why your solution should be implemented. Second half of the essay should discuss your suggested solution.

Show the reader that your solution is better than other possible solutions. Here are other solutions and here’s why mine is better than the others.

Convince your readers that the benefits of your solution outweigh the costs of your solution

Anticipate and state what possible objections to your solution there might be and explain how your solution is still valid in light of these objections.

Conclusion