A proposal is written to offer a solution to a problem. Before presenting the solution, a proposal writer must be sure that readers know what the problem is. The writer may also have to establish that the problem indeed exists and is serious enough to need solving. Sometimes a writer can assume that readers will recognize the problem. At other times readers may not be aware of the problem.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Problem and Solution
A Well-Defined Problem
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A Proposed Solution
ReplyDeleteOnce the problem is established, the writer must present and argue for a particular solution. Be sure that your topic is narrow and that your solutions are reasonable.
A convincing Argument
The main purpose of a proposal is to convince readers that the writer's solution is the best way of solving the problem. Proposals argue for their solutions by trying to demonstrate:
that the proposed solution will solve the problem
that it is a feasible way of solving the problem
that it stands up against anticipated objections or reservations
that it is better than other ways of solving the problem
A reasonable Tone
ReplyDeleteRegardless of the proposal or the argument made on its behalf, problem-solution writers must adopt a reasonable tone. The objective is to advance an argument without "having" an argument. The aim is to bridge any gap that may exist between writer and readers, not widen it.
Writers can build such a bridge of shared concerns by showing respect for their readers and treating their concerns seriously. They discuss anticipated objections and reservations as an attempt to lay to rest any doubts readers may have. They consider alternative solutions as a way of showing they have explored every possibility in order to find the best possible solution.
Most important, they do not attack those raising objections or offering other solutions by questioning their intelligence or goodwill.
Steps to a Problem and Solution Paragraph:
ReplyDelete1. Define the problem in your essay. The problem can be anything ranging from whale preservation, to US war with Iraq, to Child Abuse, to Teen Prostitution, to the EU corruption, to the skyrocketing unemployment. The problem needs to be clearly defined in the essay.
2. Research and analyze. The second part of problem-solution essay deals with analyzing the problem as meticulously as possible. A writer needs to use the library to obtain additional information to better understand the causes of the problem and the reason why the problem still persists.
3. Establish criteria for solutions. Since our resources (i.e. money, time, people, technology) are always limited a good writer needs to establish selection criteria to pick reasonable solutions to the problem. These criteria make the solutions realistic rather than fantastic and the paper profound rather than carelessly written.
More Steps:
ReplyDelete4. Provide a list of possible solutions based on the established criteria. A writer now needs to present several solutions based on the limiting criteria that can resolve the problem or remedy the situation described earlier in the essay.
5. Pick the optimal solution. The solution is selected based on its costs, resources need, time spent, environmental friendliness and efficiency. Most of the time writers use cost-benefit analysis to pick the best solution.
6. Tell how to implement the solution. This final step might not be required by some professors who believe that presenting the solution is enough. In other cases a writer should write about the ways to implement the solution to solve the problem. This final step gives the problem-solution essay that final touch that impresses the readers and makes the paper complete.