The Writing Assignment

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Write an essay proposing a solution to a problem. Choose a problem faced by a community or group to which you belong, and address your proposal to one or more members of the group or to outsiders who might help solve the problem.

This Guide to Writing is designed to help you compose your own proposal and apply what you have learned from reading other essays in the same genre. This Starting Points chart will help you find answers to questions you might have about composing a proposal. Use the chart to find the guidance you need, when you need it.

STARTING POINTS: PROPOSING A SOLUTION

Click the Starting Points chart to download.

A Focused, Well-Defined Problem How do I come up with a problem to write about?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: A focused, well-defined problem.

  • Consider possible topics: Representing the voiceless.

  • Consider possible topics: Moving the masses.

  • Consider possible topics: Improving a group to which you belong.

  • Choose a problem for which you can propose a solution.
How can I best define the problem for my readers?

  • A Focused, Well-Defined Problem: Convincing the Audience

  • A Focused, Well-Defined Problem: Framing the Problem

  • A Focused, Well-Defined Problem: Citing Research Studies

  • Frame the problem for your readers.

  • Test Your Choice: Defining the Problem

  • Assess how the problem has been framed, and reframe it for your readers.

  • A Troubleshooting Guide: A Focused, Well-Defined Problem

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A Well-Argued Solution How do I come up with a plausible solution?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: A well-argued solution.

  • A Well-Argued Solution: Demonstrating Feasibility

  • A Well-Argued Solution: Making a Persuasive Argument

  • A Well-Argued Solution: Using Comparison-Contrast and Classification

  • Develop a possible solution.

  • Research your proposal.
How do I construct an argument supporting my solution?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: A well-argued solution.

  • A Well-Argued Solution: Demonstrating Feasibility

  • Explain your solution.

  • Research your proposal.

  • A Troubleshooting Guide: A Well-Argued Solution
An Effective Response to Objections and Alternative Solutions How do I respond to possible objections and alternative solutions?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: An effective response to objections and alternative solutions.

  • An Effective Response to Objections and Alternative Solutions: Anticipating Negative Side Effects

  • An Effective Response to Objections and Alternative Solutions: Finding a Way to Bridge Differences

  • An Effective Response to Objections and Alternative Solutions: Handling Objections

  • Develop a response to objections or alternative solutions.
A Clear, Logical Organization How can I help my readers follow my argument?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: A clear, logical organization.

  • A Clear, Logical Organization: Creating Unity

  • A Clear, Logical Organization: Creating Coherence

  • A Clear, Logical Organization: Using Graphs

  • Create an outline that will organize your proposal effectively for your readers.

  • A Troubleshooting Guide: A Clear, Logical Organization