Understanding a problem and finding solutions to that problem is a crucial skill you use every day. In this essay, you will be asked to identify a specific problem and propose solutions to that problem. You can find a problem in a field that you are interested in studying OR you could write about problems in areas other than your field/major such as: local or university issues, social issues, etc. You will gather research in order to provide basic background information on the problem, research possible solutions to this problem, and write a thorough essay providing reasons and evidence arguing for two solutions that you believe are best. Your purpose in writing this paper is to convince your reader that the problem you have identified is indeed a problem worth attention and to argue that your solutions are the best solutions. You will do this using a fair, balanced tone, and using the rhetorical appeals and source integration skills you’ve learned in previous units, while avoiding committing logical fallacies. The best way to think about this paper is to break it down into three parts; for each part, you are focusing on a different purpose of the essay: Explain the problem, providing necessary background information so the reader understands your argument Impress upon the reader the significance of this issue; write why the problem matters, and to whom Present solutions for the problem, and convince the reader that this solution is best by describing how the solution would work and how other solutions have or haven’t worked in the past Topics: Like the last assignment, I do not want to ban topics, but your topics are under my discretion. Please think carefully about selecting a topic that will have sufficient academic research to not make the research aspect of your assignment too difficult. Also remember that you are proposing a problem and solutions in this essay—a broad societal problem or conflict we’ve faced for decades without a solution is probably too ambitious. Try narrowing your topic into something that does seem of appropriate scale to try and solve in this space. You are allowed to use a similar topic to your first paper, but your proposal must demonstrate an evolution and deepening of your understanding of the topic at hand. I would prefer you at least change the focus from your first paper, even if you continue to write about the same general topic. Additional Requirements: First, you will turn in a formal, written proposal for your topic: The proposal is a tentative plan. It should be 1-2 pages long and include a statement of the problem you intend to investigate, and your specific research question. You should also indicate why you wish to pursue this topic, how you expect to gather information, and who your target audience is. What you write in the proposal is not set in stone—your plans may change as you move through the writing and research process, and that is fine. However, if you completely “switch gears,” you need to discuss your new topic with me for final approval. Next, we will dig into the research more deeply. You must incorporate at least six outside sources into your paper, three of which must be academic, scholarly sources. Some examples of acceptable sources: Academic, scholarly, or peer-reviewed journals Pieces whose authors are experts in the topic of the essay You can use sources to: explain or provide background information for the problem you seek to fix prove that your problem matters propose solutions to your problem provide examples of solutions that have already been tried provide evidence your solution is realistic and would be effective To help you verify and closely read your sources, I’m also asking you to complete an annotated bibliography for this project, to be included in the portfolio you turn in for your final draft. This will be due before the rough draft, to make sure that you are making progress on your research and finding good sources. In your annotated bibliography, you’ll include: Traditional bibliography entries for at least four of your six sources, two of which should be academic sources, formatted in MLA style A brief paragraph (3-7 sentences) summarizing the source A brief paragraph (3-7 sentences) detailing how you intend to use the source in your project. You’ll be completing two paragraphs for each of your sources!
