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Problem/Solution Proposals

English 2010 Intermediate Writing

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Problem/Solution Proposals

There are typically two types of proposals: Proposals focusing on changing behavior and

practice. Limited in scope with general suggestions for a

solution.

Proposals focusing on policies. Broader in scope and highly formalized with

concrete solution(s) and specific prescriptions for action.

Policy proposals are better appreciated by audiences.

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Problem/Solution Proposals

Characteristics of Proposal Arguments. A call for action.

The writer works to get their audience to do something.

A focus on the future. The writer works to demonstrate the proposal will

solve or at least mitigate the problem for future generations.

A focus on the audience. The writer works to convince their audience to take

some sort of concrete action to solve the problem.

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Problem/Solution Proposals

Development of Proposal Arguments. The writer should establish the seriousness and

legitimacy of the problem--1st rhetorical move. Is there any debate the problem exists?

Provide ample evidence the problem exists and poses serious consequences if left unaddressed.

The writer should offer a strong and clear claim as a feasible solution--2nd rhetorical move. Why will this solution work?

Time and space permitting, how will the solution be implemented?

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Problem/Solution Proposals

The Seven Step Problem Solving Cycle: Step One: Identifying Problems.

“In order to solve a problem, you first have to know what the problem really is, in the same way that you can’t untie a knot until you’ve found the knot.”—Aristotle.

What is a problem anyway? Externally caused problems: A problem that

occurs when something fails or goes wrong and is the source of the negative sense of the word and therefore have discoverable causes.

Deliberately chosen problems: A problem generated by the solver which consists of a challenge, or goal established in order to invent, improve or remedy something.

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Problem/Solution Proposals

The Seven Step Problem Solving Cycle: Step One: Identifying Problems.

The inclusive definition of the term problem: A problem is a situation someone wants to change.

It is crucial for you to identify a situation (topic) as a problem as clearly as possible for your audience.

Three critical questions you must answer:

What is the problem?

Why is this a problem?

What would you like to have instead?

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Problem/Solution Proposals Getting Started Formulating a Proposal Argument

Define and analyze the problem:

Evaluate the seriousness of the problem by:

Exploring its causes, consequences, history and past efforts at dealing with it.

Listing specific source evidence that supports the seriousness of the problem.

Begin your analysis by writing a few sentences in response to each of these questions:

Does the problem really exist? How can I tell?

What are the immediate and/or deeper causes of the problem?

What is the history of the problem?

What are the detrimental effects of the problem? how is it harmful?

Who seems to be most affected by the problem? Who might benefit?

What specific evidence from my sources would help in supporting the seriousness of the problem?

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Problem/Solution Proposals

The Seven Step Problem Solving Cycle: Step One: Identifying Problems.

Subproblem(s): Smaller problem(s) that is/are part of the larger one. You should always try to break the main problem

down into subproblems in order to more effectively solve it.

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Problem/Solution Proposals

The Seven Step Problem Solving Cycle: Step One: Identifying Problems.

The importance of goal setting: Knowing what you have and then differentiating that

from what you want is essential for knowing exactly what and how severe the problem is.

Not establishing a goal state can leave the problem ill-defined.

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Problem/Solution Proposals

The Seven Step Problem Solving Cycle: Step One: Identifying Problems.

Inhibitors to effective problem solving: Hot-potato problem solving: A strategy used to pass

the problem on to others either by disclaiming responsibility or by engaging in blame transfer.

Premature closure: The desire to get rid of a problem as quickly as possible which typically results in adopting the first course of action one comes across which actually turns out to be costly and ineffective.

Denial: Claiming that a problem does not exist at all or that what obviously appears to be the problem really is not one thing but some other thing.

Solving the wrong problem: Treating the symptom of a problem rather than the problem itself, or falsely identifying the problem

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Problem/Solution Proposals

The Seven Step Problem Solving Cycle: Step One: Identifying Problems.

Causation: Identifying a problem to be addressed by scrutinizing causation (cause and effect relationships).

What is a cause? A cause is an event, circumstance, or condition

involved in producing an effect.

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Problem/Solution Proposals

The Seven Step Problem Solving Cycle: Step One: Identifying Problems.

Kinds of causes: Sufficient cause: An agent that by itself can

produce a given effect.

Necessary cause: An agent that must be present for an effect to occur, but which by itself cannot produce the effect.

Contributory cause: An agent that helps to bring about a given effect but which by itself is neither sufficient nor necessary.

Proximate cause: An agent or event occurring immediately before the effect which may actually be the effect of a previous cause.

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Problem/Solution Proposals

The Seven Step Problem Solving Cycle: Step One: Identifying Problems.

Avoid fallacies of causation: Post hoc, ergo propter hoc: “After this; therefore,

because of this” or mistaking a time sequence for a cause and effect relationship.

Cum hoc, ergo propter hoc: “With this; therefore, because of this” or mistaking a correlation between two things with a cause and effect relationship.

Causal reduction: When a single agent is named as the cause of an effect that actually is the result of several causes.

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Problem/Solution Proposals

The Seven Step Problem Solving Cycle: Step One: Identifying Problems.

Chain of Causation: Many problem are merely the end product of a chain

of causes and effects.

Always lay out the chain of causation to better reveal solutions or areas that should be addressed in order to remedy the problem permanently.

Multiple causation: Problems that turn out to be the result of many causes.

Develop diagrams to help you better understand chains of causes and multiple causes first.

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Problem/Solution Proposals

Getting Started Formulating a Proposal Argument. Focus on the solution(s) you believe to be the

most compelling. In a sentence or two, state what you consider to

be the most effective solution you can offer.

Why’s this solution so appealing?

Will an audience be able to relate to the solution?

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Problem/Solution Proposals

Getting Started Formulating a Proposal Argument. Formulate relevant, compelling

premises/supporting claims for your solution: List as many reasons or premises as possible in

support of your solution.

Now choose the most effective and promising supporting claims.

Find compelling source evidence substantiating your premises. You might need to look for case studies you can

compare to your solution.

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Problem/Solution Proposals

Getting Started Formulating a Proposal Argument. Address opposing claims/counter-arguments or alternative

solutions.

List as many points of opposition someone might offer in reaction to your solution.

Now choose at least two of the most compelling counter-claims or alternative solutions.

Offer creative and compelling rebuttals/refutations of counter-arguments or alternative solutions:

List as many ways you can rebut/refute the opposing claims/counter-arguments you’ve provided

Describe the most effective way(s) to rebut/refute each of these counter-points.

Provide any supporting source evidence you might offer to bolster your rebuttal.