Proposing a Solution

1
Proposing a Solution

• Chapter 7
• Axelrod Cooper

2
Purpose

• Inform of problems
• Suggest solutions
• Used daily in business, government, education,
  professions.

3
Solutions

• analyze a subject about which there is
  disagreement and take a definite stand on it.
• make an argument giving reasons and support and
  acknowledge readers likely objections and
  questions.
• urge readers to take specific actions.

4
Solutions

• are the most important part of your essay
• argue for the proposed solution to the problem.
  
• succeed or fail by the strength of that
  argument.
• develop PROBLEM SOLVING skills.

5
Problem solving

• depends on a questioning attitude
• wondering about alternative approaches to bring
  about change
• puzzling over how a goal might be achieved
• questioning why a process unfolds in a
  particular way
• posing challenges to status quo
• demanding imagination and creativity (new
  angles, new perspectives)

6
Examples

• Science
• Scientific methods formalized problem solving
• Political Science and Sociology
• Propose solutions to troubling political and/or
  social problems
• Engineering
• Problem solving when building cars, bridges,
  buildings

7
Audience Readers

• Are they aware of the problem?
• Are they aware of the problems seriousness?
• What could be the alternative solutions?
• Are they willing to make changes?
• What are their views?
• What are their biases and assumptions?
• What kinds of arguments will appeal to them?

8
Writing strategies

• Identify or define the problem
• Describe the solution
• Sentence strategy rhetorical questions
• Not seeking and answer, but achieving another
  purpose or effect.
• Utilize counterargument
• Anticipate objections and be prepared with a
  response.
• Evaluate alternative solutions

9
Counterargument

• Utilize one of the following strategies
• Simply acknowledge that you are aware of the
  readers concerns, but do nothing else to
  respond.
• Accommodate the criticism and modify your
  argument by making concessions.
• Try to refute (prove false) opposing arguments. ?
  direct argument

10
Exercise

• Make a list of problems/topics you could write
  about.

11

• Read Chapter 7 (page 329) for more information.