Proposing a Solution Essay

Think about the causes of competition gone wrong in the areas of athletics, business, or politics. Once you have identified possible causes, pose a solution to the problem.

 You must use documentation from at least three sources.

 One/or more articles from a database, i.e. Issues and Controversies, Opposing Viewpoints, Sirs Researcher, EBSCOHost, etc.

 One/or more articles from a website (must be .edu, .gov., or .org)

 You may not use Wikipedia as a source.
 Choose a problem to write about.

 Make a list of problems you see stemming from competition in athletics, business, or politics.
 Choose a problem to solve.
 Test your choice. Ask yourself the following:

 Do you understand the problem well enough to convince my readers that it really exists and is serious?
 Do you have some ideas of how to argue that your solution is feasible?
 Will you be able to answer objections readers are likely to have?
 Is the problem one you can research in the time you have?

 Begin with exploratory research.

 Read for an overview of your topic.

 Go to Google Advanced Search. Go to Lectures/Notes and watch the video Lateral Research Tutorials for help with Google Advanced Search. Be sure to search appropriate domains.
 Go to online databases and search for articles. Use the My Library tab after logging into My Doghouse. Username and passwords for all databases are posted for you.
 Create a working bibliography of all sources that you read.
 Plan the Essay.

 Define the problem.

 Demonstrate that the problem really exists. Cite statistics, quote authorities, or describe its negative effects.

 Describe the proposed solution.

 Try to describe the solution in a way that it looks like the best solution.
 Give examples or reasons to support your solution.
 Show how the solution could be implemented. Will it be easy or will it require effort and compromise?

 Address counterarguments to your solution (opposing arguments)

 Decide which counterarguments to include.
 Find support for your refutations (statistics or research studies).

 Address alternative solutions.

 Decide which alternative solutions need to be mentioned.
 Argue why these solutions are not the best solutions without criticizing the proponents. Provide reasons, statistics, and examples to help explain why these solutions are not best.

 Conclude the essay.

 Decide how to best conclude: should you end with a scenario suggesting the consequences of failing to solve the problem or issue an inspiring call to action?