Objective: For this assignment, you will write a problem/solution essay that addresses a problem or issue within your chosen discipline. A problem/solution essay is a type of informative and persuasive writing that presents a specific problem and proposes a possible solution or solutions. It requires sound critical thinking, thorough academic research, and a clearly demonstrated understanding of both the problem and the proposed solution(s). This type of essay is highly relevant to your academic and professional life, as identifying and solving problems is a key skill in many disciplines and careers. You can demonstrate depth of knowledge in your field, awareness of current issues within the field, and creative problem solving abilities as a field practitioner by mastering the skills necessary to write this essay.
Topic: You have identified and researched a problem or issue within your chosen field of study. This should be a topic you have thoroughly explored and feel engaged with. Your task is to propose a viable solution (or solutions) to this problem.
Purpose: The purpose of this essay is to demonstrate your ability to identify a problem in your field and propose a viable, well-reasoned solution. This will require research skills, critical thinking skills, and clear, persuasive writing skills. You must persuade your audience that you have a high-level understanding of the problem and that your solutions are appropriate and workable.
Audience: Your audience for this essay is your academic peers, your instructor, and other professionals within your field. Assume your audience is knowledgeable about the general subject but may not have the same deep understanding of the specific topic you are discussing.
Requirements:
The essay should be a minimum of 1500 words.
The essay must be formatted according to APA guidelines. Refer to our coursework on the student essay model of APA formatting for college work.
The essay must successfully use proper APA in-text and references list citation methodology.
Learning Outcomes: By the final draft of Essay Project 3, you should be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge of your field to make appropriate rhetorical decisions for the writing situation: Use your understanding of your discipline to structure your arguments, choose relevant evidence, and tailor your writing style to your specific audience and purpose.
Show awareness of field-specific research and incorporate this research into your essay: Display your understanding of research relevant to your field and effectively integrate this research into your essay to support your arguments.
Exhibit critical thinking skills by synthesizing your research to propose a solution to the identified problem: Use your critical thinking skills to analyze and interpret your research, and use this analysis to propose a well-reasoned solution to the problem you’ve identified.
Express your ideas clearly, organize your essay logically, and adhere to the conventions of
standard written English: Communicate your ideas in a clear and understandable manner, structure your essay in a logical and coherent way, and follow the grammatical and stylistic rules of standard written academic English.
Develop a discipline-appropriate thesis statement: Create a thesis statement that is suitable for your field of study and effectively communicates the main argument or point of your essay.
Reflect metacognitively on your writing process: Think about and analyze your own writing process, considering how you approached the task, what strategies you used, what worked well, and what you might do differently in the future.
Evaluation Criteria: Your essay will be evaluated based on your mastery of the above learning outcomes. Ensure that your essay demonstrates your understanding of the problem, your ability to propose a viable solution, and your ability to effectively communicate your ideas in writing.
Sample Outline by Essay Section:
Abstract
Introduction
Background information about the problem
Thesis statement
Problem Description
Detailed explanation of the problem
Evidence supporting the existence and significance of the problem
Solution Proposal
Detailed explanation of the proposed solution
Evidence supporting the effectiveness of the solution
Acknowledgement of Salient Opposing Views
Anticipated responses to the proposed solution
Your engagement with these differing views (Pick 2-3 worthy responses)
Conclusion
Recap of the problem and proposed solution
Final thoughts and implications for the future
