ACADEMIC ENGLISH III

November 29, 2013

Today

Continue Problem-Solution writing

organizing

evaluating solutions

Problem – Solution Writing

Involves:

- Researching, identifying, and analyzing a problem.

- Describing the problem

- Coming up with and analyzing possible solutions

- Choosing the best solutions(s)

- Evaluating the solution(s)

Problem – Solution Writing

Requires:

- Analytical skills

To understand the problem and the potentialsolutions.

- Argumentative skills

To effectively evaluate and defend your chosensolution(s).

Problem – Solution Essay Structure

Key elements of problem-solution writing

- Identification of the problem.

- Situation (information necessary for understanding the problem)

- Identification of solution(s)

- Evaluation of solution(s)

Identifying and explaining problem (situation)

Information to address in the Situation:

- What are the causes of the problem?

- Why did it happen?

- Who does it affect?

- What are the effects of the problem?

- Why is it a problem?

Remember to use supporting evidence to present the situation: facts, statistics, examples, quotations.

Identifying and explaining problem (situation)

i.e., Not enough seats in the campus cafeterias

- What are the causes of the problem?

- The cafeterias are too small.

- Space is not used efficiently.- Student to cafeteria ratio is 3,500:1

- Why did it happen?

- The number of enrolled students on campus has increased.

- Less students are going off-campus for food (high cost)

- The number of cafeterias have decreased (one of the engineering cafeterias has been removed).

Identifying and explaining problem (situation)

i.e., Not enough seats in the campus cafeterias

- Who does it affect?

- Affects KMU students

- What are the effects of the problem?

- Students are not able to eat during meal times.- More students are trying to order delivery, which is causing problems (accidents) on campus.

Identifying and explaining problem (situation)

i.e., Not enough seats in the campus cafeterias

- Why is it a problem?

General Essay Structure

Introduction

Body

Conclusion

Problem – Solution OutlineIntroduction

- Opening statement (related to topic)- Identification of problem- Thesis statement

Body

A. Situation

B. Solution 1- details of solution- evaluation of solution

C. Solution 2- details of solution- evaluation of solution

Conclusion

- Restate the significance of the problem- Briefly summarize the solution(s)- Re-emphasize the strengths of the solution(s)

- Call to action

Problem – Solution: Introduction

Introduction

- Opening statement (related to topic)- Identification of problem- Thesis statement

Problem – Solution: Introduction

Man employs technology to meet his needs or maintain his standard of living. However, today’s high technology uses so much energy that soon all our resources will be exhausted. Without such energy, industrial production will decrease, agricultural output will drop, transport will be restricted, and standard of living will decline. In other words, the world is on the verge of an energy crisis unless certain measures are taken. The two most commonly proposed solutions to this global problem are reducing the energy waste and developing cheap and convenient energy.

Problem – Solution: Introduction

Drug abuse is rife in many countries. Every society, every age and ethnic group, every social class, and every family has been touched by the devastating effects of drug addiction. Billions of dollars are spent regulating drug use, treating addicts and their families, and fighting drug-related crime. Although drugs threaten many homes and societies, their effects can be combated more effectively

Problem – Solution: Thesis statement

In this type of essay, the thesis statement may be two sentences.

Sentence 1: State the problem.

Sentence 2: Indicate solution(s).

Of course, it may also be done in one sentence.

Problem – Solution: Thesis statementExamples:

Internet piracy is a big problem for many companies.

Smoking should be banned because it is bad for your health, it costs too much and it affects those who do not smoke.

The melting ice caps pose a real and present danger to our world and, if left unchecked, will cause world-wide disasters in the future. Scientists have researched two viable ways to slow the disintegration of the ice caps.

Many children suffer long-term consequences of bullying. However, the problem can be remedied through a three-pronged approach: educating the parents, encouraging a community atmosphere, and implementing a peer mediation program.

Problem – Solution: Thesis statement

The melting ice caps pose a real and present danger to our world and, if left unchecked, will cause world-wide disasters in the future. Scientists have researched two viable ways to slow the disintegration of the ice caps.

Many children suffer long-term consequences of bullying. However, the problem can be remedied through a three-pronged approach: educating the parents, encouraging a community atmosphere, and implementing a peer mediation program.

Solution Paragraphs

Solution 1- details of solution- evaluation of solution

- State the solution:

“One solution to X is to SOLUTION”

- Give sufficient details to allow the reader to adequately understand what the solution is.

Solution ParagraphsGive sufficient details to allow the reader to adequately understand what the solution is.

“One way to increase the number of Japanese tourists in Korea is advertising.”

- Obviously, this is insufficient.

- The writer must be specific about advertising:

- Where?- What kind?- Who is the target?

- What the solution is, exactly, must be explained.

Solution Paragraphs - Evaluation

Evaluating the solution:

-What are the steps that must be taken for the solution to be implemented/for the solution to work?

- Who will be involved- Timeframe- How- Where- Costs

Solution Paragraphs - Evaluation

Evaluating the solution:

- Feasibility: How possible/practical is your solution?

- What are the main advantages? How can it address the problem?

- What are possible issues/disadvantages/objections? Can these be justified, or overcome?

Paper 4 Topic

I am going to make a list of the topics.

Please email me your topic today.

Paper 4 - Timeline

First draft: Tuesday December 10- Peer feedback day.

Second draft: Thursday December 12 (11:59 p.m.)

Final Draft: Wednesday December 18

Homework Blog # 8

Remember to write a follow-up letter to the internship you applied to in Paper 3.

Deadline: Wednesday (11:59 p.m.)