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Problem/Solution Essay
Overview: Depending on your purpose, a written argument can involve different types of claims. Factual claims are concerned with whether something is true or false. Value claims are concerned with whether something is good or bad. And policy claims, which encompass the previous two, are concerned with what should (or should not) be done.
In academic and professional settings, writers are often asked to comment on some kind of policy—that is, to propose a solution to a particular problem. Complicating this effort is the fact that many readers may not share our knowledge and beliefs. We therefore need to think carefully about whom our audience might include. What information will they need? What questions, doubts, and/or objections might they raise? What are the merits of their perspective(s) compared to our own? What tone should we adopt? If we consider such questions carefully when outlining, drafting, and revising our writing, we’re more likely to persuade readers to adopt our point of view.
Assignment: For this essay, you’ll offer a well-defined policy solution to a problem faced specifically by college students. Your job is to define the problem, then explain what should be done (and by whom) to either solve or reduce it. More specifically, you'll need to persuade your reader(s) that...
- the problem exists;
- the problem matters;
- your solution is effective;
- other solutions are less effective.
To do all this requires extensive research, not just to identify and document the problem, but to formulate your solution and illustrate its viability. Your essay must therefore incorporate a minimum of five (5) outside sources. Keep in mind, however, that different topics/arguments call for different types and amounts of information.
For more detailed information, please review the attached document and/or contact your instructor.