1. Proposal/
Problem Solving
ENG 111, College Composition I

2. Proposal/Problem Solving
• A problem is a situation, condition,
attitude, person, place, or thing that is
a “source of perplexity, distress, or
vexation.”
• A problem can be global or local.
• *a proposal paper and a problem solving
paper are the same thing.

3. Key Features
• A well-defined problem
• A recommended solution
• Convincing argument for proposed
solution
• Anticipate questions
• A call to action
• An appropriate tone

4. Techniques for Problem Solving
• Analyze the political, social, cultural
context.
• Identify and understand the audience.
• Demonstrate that a problem exists.
• Propose a solution or solutions.
• Persuade the audience that the proposal
will work; address objections.
• Support the problem and solutions with
evidence.

5. Demonstrate that a
Problem Exists
• Identify the problem.
• Define it.
• Indicate whom it affects.
• Provide evidence that it exists.
– Expert opinion
– Examples
– Statistics
– Personal Experience

6. Proposing a Solution and
Convincing the Audience
• Make specific recommendations.
• Provide reasons.
• Provide evidence: statistics,
examples, expert opinion, personal
experience.
• Examine feasibility and drawbacks.

7. Problem Solving: Choosing a
Subject
• Narrow the topic.
• Identify your audience.

8. Collecting
• Identify and Focus on the Specific
Problem:
– Who?
– What?
– When?
– Where?
– Why?
• Prove that the Problem Exists.

9. Collecting
• Demonstrate That the Problem
Needs a Solution.
– Discuss the effects of the problem,
both short-term and long-term.

10. Collecting
• Discover Possible Solutions.
– Explain what caused the problem
– Ask “What if?” to explore solutions.

11. Collecting
• Evaluate Possible Solutions.
– Apply the “If . . . then” test.
– Does the proposal:
• Solve the problem?
• Meet certain criteria, such as cost-
effectiveness, practicality, ethicality,
legality?
• Avoid creating new problems?

12. Collecting
• Convince the Audience.
– Provide reasons.
– Provide evidence: statistics, expert
opinion, examples, personal experience.

13. Collecting
• Answer Possible Objections to the
Proposal.
– List drawbacks.
– List responses.

14. Collecting
• List Possible Steps for
Implementation.
• Call for Action.

15. Collecting
• Provide Evidence by Reading and
Investigating.
– Interview participants or authorities.
– Use a questionnaire or survey.
– Find articles or web sites addressing
the problem.

16. Shaping the Problem Solution
• Pick a genre:
– Problem Solving Pattern
Introduce the Problem
Identify and Demonstrate the Problem
Provide Solutions
Address Possible Objections/Drawbacks
Implement the Plan/Call to Action

17. Shaping the Problem Solution
• Pick a genre:
– Point-by-Point Pattern
Introduce the Problem
Identify and Demonstrate the Problem
Point #1: solution, evidence, objections,
feasibility
Point #2: solution, evidence, objections,
feasibility
Point #3: solution, evidence, objections,
feasibility
Implementation and Call to Action

18. Shaping the Problem Solution
• Pick a genre:
– Alternative Pattern
Introduce the Problem
Identify and Demonstrate the Problem
Solution #1: Why It’s Not Satisfactory
Solution #2: Why It’s Not Satisfactory
Solution #3: Why It Works Best +
Evidence, Objections, Feasibility
Implementation and Call to Action

19. Shaping the Problem Solution
• Pick a genre:
– Step-by-Step Pattern
Introduce the Problem
Identify and Demonstrate the Problem
Plan for Implementing the Solution
Step #1: Reasons and evidence
Step #2: Reasons and evidence
Step #3: Reasons and evidence
Call for Action

20. Citing Sources
• Mention sources in the text.
• List sources at the end under
References.
• Follow the APA format on the
tutorial or in the text.
• NOTE: At least three outside
sources are required.

21. APA Format
• In-text citation gets the author’s last
name (if none, the title) and the copyright
year. (Jones, 2005). However, if it is a
direct quote, the page number is added
with p. or pp. (Jones, 2005, p. 1).
• If using the author’s name in the sentence,
the copyright date comes behind his name:
According to Jones (2005), APA style is a difficult citation
format for first-time learners. (paraphrase)
According to Jones (2005), “APA style is a difficult citation
format for first-time learners” (p. 1).

22. APA Continued
• The website address is included
behind the phrase: Retrieved from
http://www.etc. (do not use the web
address in the in-text)
• Quotations are not used for minor
titles in the Reference list, but are
used in the in-text citation. (Still do
not use all of the title if it is long,
just the beginning.)

23. APA Continued
• In the WC is now called References
and the copyright switches to be
behind the initial of the author’s
name. Titles only get the first words
capitalized unless there is a colon or
it is a professional journal.

24. Example of Works Cited
Works Cited
Jones, E. (2005). The challenge facing our nation.
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Retrieved on
November 19, 2010 from:
http://www.billandmelindagatesfoundation.com
(Use double-spacing and hanging indent)

25. Example of Internal Citation
“This is a direct quote” (Jones, 2005,
p. 1).
This is a paraphrase (Jones, 2005).
(Use the author’s last name or the title
and the copyright year; use a comma
if there is a page number and put p.
for one page and pp. for more than
one. The end punctuation goes after
the citation.)

26. Revising
• Before posting your paper:
– Gain some distance and objectivity.
– Look at the Guidelines for Revision.
• Post the paper in Group File Exchange.
• After completing the group forum:
– Read the suggestions from other group
members.
– Make the necessary changes.
– Send the second draft to the instructor.