Special Note: There are two assignments contained in this post--one is an in class assignment and one is a essay assignment
Part I: For class today:
We have been building on writing skills as we have merrily trotted through the class. However, with this last essay, we are going to be combining organizational patterns and melding them into one essay. Never fear, I will not leave you wondering blindly in the compositional wilderness. As always, I have a few activities planned and have clearly laid out the assignment in easy to follow, step-by-step directions. All you have to do is follow directions and you will be in great shape. We've already taken the first step with the Causal Analysis essay we have just completed. The next step will be embedding our causal analysis paper into a problem solution essay. To that end, you have a reading assignment to do:
Read the chapter in your text book called "Chapter 13: Writing Essays Using Multiple Strategies." There are two essays in that chapter--one a professional essay and one a student essay. Read them both, but answer the "Questions on Content and Style" that follow the professional essay. Turn your answers in via email as an attachment before midnight Wednesday November 14th.
Part II: Essay Assignment Due by midnight Wednesday, November 22, via email as an attachment:
Problem Solution Meets Causal Analysis
On the surface, this paper seems like a lot to accomplish. However, these two modes of writing go nicely together. In order to effectively analyze a given problem, writers really have to discuss the causes of the problem and describe the impact that problem has on a given group of people—that’s the causal analysis portion of the paper. Really, it’s impossible to write a problem. Ultimately the purpose of this kind of essay is to not only help your reader realize that something is a problem, but also to join you in doing something about that problem.
Before you write:
Decide on a topic. You may stick with the topic that you used for your causal analysis essay or you may choose another topic if you wish. However, your topic selections is going to be key with this paper, more so than any other paper we have written. You will have to make sure that you know enough about the topic without doing research that you can fully develop your ideas. There are going to be topics that are off limits. They are abortion, capital punishment, legalization of any controlled substance.
Organize the information concerning your topic according to the following sample outline.
General Outline
Introduction and thesis. Your thesis needs to indicate the kind of essay you are writing as well as include an opinion.
Sample Thesis: Academic dishonesty has become so prevalent and so easy with the increases in technology in recent years. However the real problem is that most students don’t realize that they are being academically dishonest and need to be educated so that it never becomes an issue.
The history of the problem
Explain clearly what the problem is and how it has developed over time into a problem for us today.
Give examples of the problem
Explain the causes of the problem (Causal analysis)
Discuss who the problem affects and the effects it has on them (Causal Analysis)
Transitional paragraph. This paragraph functions much the same as the transitional paragraph in the block style comparison contrast essay. In this essay, it moves you from a discussion of the problem into a discussion of the solutions. As a result, it acts as a mini conclusion to the problem section and a mini introduction to the solutions section.
Solutions—You need three plausible, realistic solutions, and you need to save the best solution for last.
Solution #1
Describe the solution
Evaluate the solution
What are the benefits of the solution—in what ways will it work?
What are the limitations of the solution—in what ways won’t it work?
Based on your evaluation, explain what circumstances are necessary for this solution to be effective.
Solution #2
Describe the solution
Evaluate the solution
What are the benefits of the solution—in what ways will it work?
What are the limitations of the solution—in what ways won’t it work?
Based on your evaluation, explain what circumstances are necessary for this solution to be effective.
Solution #3
Describe the solution
Evaluate the solution
What are the benefits of the solution—in what ways will it work?
What are the limitations of the solution—in what ways won’t it work?
Based on your evaluation, explain why this is the best solution.
Conclusion—In your conclusion, you are going to have to use the call to action method of conclusion (#4 on p 83 in Steps to Writing Well) because, in writing this essay, you are hoping to get people to join you in solving this particular problem.
As you write:
Visualize your audience—picture the person you are writing this essay for.
Keep in mind the needs of your audience—what are you trying to communicate through this essay? What does your audience need you to do to be able to visualize what you are describing? What does your audience need you to do to feel the sensations that you want them to feel?
What background information does your audience need to understand the context of the situation?
Make sure that you clearly define the problem, discuss the causes and effects, and offer plausible solutions
Include description and figurative language (pp 310-311 in Steps to Writing Well)
Be sure to use sensory details
Make sure that you have an introduction which contains a thesis statement and a conclusion to the essay. Your introduction should use an identifiable introduction strategy.
The writing assignment:
Write a 6-8 page essay in which you define a problem and offer solutions to that problem. Your essay could be humorous or serious. As always, your essay will be better if you write what you know or something you know a great deal about. Please avoid topics about soccer, boyfriends, girlfriends, spouses, significant others.
