Before you start working on your problem-solving essay, start a conversation with a small group of your classmates about a minor problem that affects you. Explain the problem as clearly as you can, and tell the members of your group about how you think you might solve it. Ask them whether your preliminary solution seems likely to work and why. Then ask them to suggest additional solutions you should consider trying. Take turns speaking while the members of the group listen, respond, and ask questions.

When you are finished, take a few minutes to reflect on the exercise. What did you learn about your audience? Did they understand the problem right away, or did you have to adapt your initial explanation to overcome their assumptions? How much detail did you have to give them before your solution made sense? Did they think your solution was reasonable? What kinds of solutions did they suggest as alternatives? Did their questions and suggestions help you develop a better understanding of your problem or give you new ideas about how to solve it?