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Explore Difficulties

A good problem-solving essay begins with what educational philosopher John Dewey called a “felt difficulty” — the recognition that something isn’t right. As you learn about an issue, you might find yourself wondering why something is the way it is, or perhaps you’ll say to yourself, “That’s not right.” Treasure these early moments of recognizing a problem. If you feel that something isn’t right, there’s a good chance that a problem is near at hand.

As you search for felt difficulties in the world around you, keep in mind the idea that a problem is a situation with negative consequences for an individual or a group. Your responses to the following sets of questions can help you identify subjects that might serve as the focus for a problem-solving essay. (For additional suggestions, see the writing project ideas.)

Community. What kind of difficulties have you encountered or noticed in your neighborhood? Have you been stuck in long lines at a bank or post office? Have you volunteered at a food pantry that has been overwhelmed by an influx of new clients? Run across a pothole so deep that it ruined one of your tires? Been bothered by the recent actions of local politicians or law enforcement officials?
Economy. Are any of your friends or relatives having financial difficulties? Have you worried about what the future holds for you? For your parents? For your children?
Work. Do any issues at your workplace need to be addressed? Is the industry in which you work facing any challenges? Have you grown aware, through your course work or general reading, of difficulties facing people in your field of study?
News. What have you read recently that surprised or worried you? What annoyed you or made you angry? What have you read that made you think? What controversies have you noticed on the evening news or on the Web sites you visit?

To begin turning a felt difficulty into a defined problem, jot down what doesn’t feel right and then brainstorm or freewrite about it. As you list ideas or write about your felt difficulty, the problem will begin to come into focus.

It can take time to sketch the outlines of a problem. You might find it helpful to think about the problem over a period of a few days or a week. During that time, you might read more about the problem or talk with others about it. As you reflect on the problem, keep track of your ideas by recording them in your writer’s notebook or in a word-processing file.