Class 19
- 2. Agenda Review: Essay #4: The Problem The Solution New The Counterargument The Alternative Solutions
- 3. Essay #4 Looking at the parts of the essay
- 4. You should have a draft with the following parts of your essay completed: A two-page, revised and developed description of your problem. This can be based on your essay #3. One or more sentences to serve as your tentative thesis statement. In most essays proposing solutions to problems, the thesis statement is a concise announcement of the solution. A paragraph explaining why your solution would solve the problem. A paragraph about why your solution is possible. A list of the steps of implementation.
- 5. Presentation of the problem: Read (yes, right now) this section of your essay. Make sure you have included the following: Compelling evidence that shows that the problem exists and that it is serious A clear discussion of the cause or causes of this problem. A clear discussion of the consequences of failing to solve this problem.
- 6. Thesis Statement: Review You have probably written your thesis statement already. If so, refine it, and make sure you have included it in your draft. If not, write it in right now. Your thesis goes after a thorough explanation of the problem. If you have not yet written it, write one or more sentences to serve as your tentative thesis statement. In most essays proposing solutions to problems, the thesis statement is a concise announcement of the solution. Think about how emphatic you should make the thesis and whether you should forecast your reasons.
- 7. Description of the proposed solution Read your working draft of your proposed solution. Have you explained how or why it would solve the problem? If not, make notes here. If yes, read and revise. Have you explained how or why your solution is possible. If not, make notes here. If yes, read and revise. We will address the steps of implementation next, so don’t worry about that section quite yet.
- 8. List of steps for implementing the solution You should have written out these steps for your homework. Read what you have, making sure you have included each part. Now, put your steps into paragraph form. Make sure to use transitions and connecting words so the paragraph does not read like a list. Explain exactly what you mean as you go through the steps.
- 10. Anticipate Objections. Remember, you write a counterargument that addresses objections readers might have to your solution. Write a few sentences responding to the following objections you think are most likely. For homework, you will further develop your ideas. We can’t afford your solution. Your solution would take too long to implement or to show results. People would not accept your solution, or they would not participate in it. Too few would benefit from your solution. You would benefit personally from your solution. We already tried your solution, with unsatisfactory results.
- 11. Consider Alternative Solutions This requires thinking! Remember, ultimately, you are going to show why your solution is better than these alternatives!
- 12. Considering Alternative Solutions List two or three alternative solutions. You may have discovered these alternatives while you were looking for a good solution. You may have found alternative solutions when you did your research. You do not have to list every solution that has been mentioned, but you should include the most popular or serious alternatives. If you include only obviously weak solutions in your argument, your credibility will be harmed and you could be accused of committing the straw man fallacy, which involves directing your counterargument against an alternative that nobody takes seriously anyway.
- 13. Developing your evaluation of alternative solutions Write a paragraph for each alternative solution you think you should include in your argument. Describe the alternative solution fairly, quoting supporters if possible. Then work out the reasons you believe the alternative solution. You will further develop your ideas for your homework. The alternative solution would not be feasible, The alternative solution would not solve the problem, The alternative solution would not be approved, The alternative solution would be hard to implement, or The alternative solution would be too costly, disruptive, or time-consuming to put into effect.
- 14. Plan Follow-Up Research. Make notes about the kinds of information you think would help make your counterargument convincing for your readers and where you think you can find this information.
- 15. Homework Discussion #23 Post a paragraph addressing at least one counterargument. Discussion #24 Post a paragraph addressing at least one alternative solution. Put all of the parts of your essay into the outline we wrote today. Read your essay aloud to make sure it is in a logical order. Integrate your research into your essay. Begin your works cited page. Bring a copy of posts #23 & #24