Solution Essay

Your Task:
You’ve characterized the problem and the existing conversation in your previous assignments, so
now it’s time to add your own contribution. In a stand-alone essay of 700-900 words, briefly
recap your problem and any necessary background, then propose, explain, and support what you
feel is the most effective possible solution to that problem. At the end, clarify what specific
course of action you want your target audience to take in regards to your proposed solution.
Keep in mind that the goal of academic writing is to contribute something additional to what’s
already been argued, so that means you have to find something new to say – but being new
doesn’t mean you have to find a cure for cancer. Sometimes, if you feel an already-proposed
solution is best, you can just find a new way of supporting it or present it in a light that earlier
proponents overlooked. As long as you clearly articulate how what you’re saying differs from
what others have already said, you’re contributing to the discussion.
You should incorporate at least 4 academically reliable sources in your Solution Essay. You
should also include and refute at least one counterargument.
Why This Assignment Makes Sense:
In this essay, you’ll be able to demonstrate that you can use the fruits of your research as a basis
for your own meaningful contribution to an academic discussion. And that, my friends, is what
it’s all about.
Evaluation:
Your Solution Essay should… Stage of Development
Early Middle Late
Introduce and explain your chosen problem
Be clear and engaging to an uninformed audience
Clearly explain your own solution to the problem
Support your argument with specific material from at least 4 appropriate
sources
Clarify how your solution differs from what others have already proposed
Explain and refute at least one counterargument
Include a specific call to action for your target audience
Demonstrate mastery of standard English
Demonstrate competence of APA or MLA
Display thoughtful formatting and paragraphing
Be between 700 and 900 words in length
Field Guide Readings that Will Help:
Beginning and Ending (p. 373)
Guiding Your Reader (p. 386)
Arguing (p. 397)
Designing Text (p. 644)