Essay #2: A Problem-Solution Essay
The purpose of this assignment is to incorporate research into a well-developed argument that effectively proposes a solution to a problem. Write a 4-5 page essay offering a solution to the enduring and researchable issue you explored in the Literature Review assignment. You should work with at least 3 of the sources you used for the Literature Review assignment again. Do not use all of one source type. In other words, you will have engaged with these sources before on the last major writing assignment, and all sources should be credible.
In sum, you will target an audience and convince them that your suggested solution will work to effectively solve the issue your essay and Literature Review explore. The aim of this assignment is to persuade the informed audience that your argument is reasonable and insightful based upon your research. Consequently, your essay should be specifically focused, fully developed, coherently organized, and stylistically/technically clean.
In order to format this essay correctly, please use the MLA template posted on Blackboard>Assignments>Essay 2 to format the essay. As with other assignments, there is no excuse to not format this essay correctly.
In addition, this essay must use at least 4 direct quotes and 4 templates from pages 46 or 47 TS/IS (but do not use the template that uses “us” – replace “us” with individuals.) Bold these quotes and templates to make them easily found in the document. You may want to introduce all 4 direct quotes using templates to easily meet the assignment criteria.
Once you have finished the prewriting activity that serves as an outline for Essay #2, you should begin to produce and complete a substantive draft of Essay #2 in proper MLA format.
Remember, the more appropriate details and examples you provide, the more convincing your argument will be.
Basic Structure
The structure of the essay will be as follows. This outline represents sections of the paper, but each section (with the exception of the introductory, background, and concluding paragraphs) may be made up of several paragraphs:
I. Introduction
- The introduction should acquaint the reader with the topic/problem by providing a brief summary of the issue as well as briefyet pertinent general background information on the issue. Next, briefly explain the importance of finding solutions to the problem at hand. Lastly, include a two sentence argumentative thesis statement that indicates the three solutions you choose to explore. Remember, you only have to actually favor one of these solutions (explored in section V).The thesis should be the last one or two sentences of your introduction.
*Note: This section of the essay should only be one paragraph. As with all paragraphs of this essay, be sure to focus on the essay topic.
Body: The body of the essay should make claims that support the validity of the thesis. Use your research, including quotations and explanations, to convince the audience. Be sure to integrate quoted material as evidence. The effectiveness of your analysis depends on your ability to explain clearly how the textual evidence you have selected supports your position. The body of the essay should be composed of these four parts:
II. The Problem
- A detailed, research-based explanation of the problem, who it affects, and how much it costs individuals or society.
III. Background
- Use research to show the problem’s history and its causes.
*Note: This section of the essay should only be one paragraph. As with all paragraphs of this essay, be sure to focus on the essay topic.
- Possible Solutions
- This section should elaborate on the three different ways of solving the problem mentioned in the second part of the thesis. You should devote at least one paragraph to each point, and you should support each point with evidence from research. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each solution. This section should be at leastthree paragraphs.
- Recommended Solution or Plan for Action
- The recommendation you make should be supported with evidence from research and logical reasoning. It must professionally address any possible objections to the solution. In other words, acknowledge your naysayers in an effective yet respectful manner. Do not refer to their ideas as dumb or ridiculous. Use formal language to draw your audience in instead of alienate them.
- Conclusion
- The conclusion should remind the audience of the essay’s purpose, restate the thesis, and summarize supporting points. The last paragraph should also restate the urgency of this problem and show how society will benefit from your proposed solution.
Lastly, you need to include your Works Cited Page (three sources minimum. Do not use all of one type of source).
Works cited page: A correctly formatted works cited page is required for this assignment.
A paper without a properly formatted works cited page, at least three cited (in-text) and incorporated sources, or photocopies/printouts of pages used from sources will be given a ZERO. Please follow directions.
Reminders/Checklist:
- Follow MLA parenthetical documentation guidelines for quotations, parenthetical documentation, works cited, font, spacing, and so on.
- Use correct quotation formats, particularly introduction/integration of quoted material.
- Summarize specific research details/quotations to support and clarify argumentative points.
- Clearly and fully explain significance of quoted material and other textual details and evidence.
- Use literary present tense.
- Double space everything.
- Use third person to create a formal, academic voice for your argument. Do not use terms like “I,” “us,” “you,” “your/yours,” “our,” “we,” etc.
- Follow conventions and strategies of formal argumentative writing discussed in class, as well as, appropriate composition conventions.
- Proofread!
Grading
A Paper
In an interesting, logical, persuasive, and well researched essay, thoroughly explains the problem, its causes, and its possible solution and argues effectively for the best solution. Follows outline with appropriate headings and uses the correct thesis template. Bolds all 4 direct quotes and templates used.
Essay is well researched, full of interesting and relevant examples, quotations, and statistics. Evidence comes from credible and reliable sources. Quotations used are not too long.
Quotes are gracefully introduced and correctly cited. Information from research is correctly documented. The essay draws on the required number of sources, and they are listed on the works cited page and correctly formatted.
Aside from following required format, organization is strong and effective. Essay contains a well developed introductory paragraph with a clear, argumentative thesis statement. Body paragraphs have strong topic sentences that are ideas. The conclusion is thoughtful and well developed.
Essay contains few grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
B Paper
Accomplishes all of the above to a lesser extent.
C Paper
Contains one or more of the following problems:
Analysis of the problem, causes, and solution is not thorough. Paper lacks sufficient logic or evidence from research to support its claims, or writer fails to convince audience that the recommended solution is the best possible one.
Essay lacks sufficient relevant examples, quotations, and statistics. Evidence does not come from credible or reliable sources.
Quotes are not introduced or correctly cited or information from research is incorrectly documented. The essay fails to draw on the required number of sources, or they are either not listed on the works cited page and are incorrectly formatted.
Organization is weak and ineffective. Introduction is not well developed or lacks a clear, argumentative thesis statement. Body paragraphs lack topic sentences that are ideas. The conclusion is underdeveloped or repetitious.
Essay contains many grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
D/F Paper
Contains two or more of the problems listed under C Paper.