Adapted from: Boston

GSW 1110

Assignment Sheet for Essay #3: Proposing Solutions

GSW 1110
For this essay we are going to try to take on the task of coming up with some ways to
solve a local problem that plagues BGSU students. For this essay, your goal is to identify
and explain a problem, discuss several possible solutions the problem, argue that one
solution is more preferable to or better than all the others, and address at least one
counter-argument.
Lots of problems could be addressed in this essay. The only important restriction is that
the problem you address must affect a specific group, such as freshmen or Art majors,
etc. Well talk more about acceptable topics in class and once again well go through a
topic approval process.

Format:
Your essay should hold to the technical format we have been using and be 4-6 full pages
long. All outside sources (see below) as well as the page format must adhere to MLA
guidelines.

The Essay:
There are a couple of things your essay must include:
A clearly defined thesis statement in which you reveal the problem you are
addressing and several possible solutions, and assert the best solution
A clear summary of the problem you will be addressing. You should tell your
reader why what you are discussing is an important problem to address. In
many cases you may have to actually argue that the problem you are
addressing actually does exist.
Discussion of the solutions you will propose. Each solution should be
separately developed and distinct from the other solutions. You should
propose at least 3 solutions to the problem and make sure all of the solutions
are practical and realistic in relation to the problem at hand. Oversimplified or
impractical solutions are not acceptable. You must also address why the
solution will not or has not solved the problem.
After discussing all of the possible solutions, you are to argue why one
solution is better that all the others. Tell your reader which solution you feel
is the best way to deal with the problem. In choosing the best solution you
need to decide what makes a solution better. Is the solution cheaper? Less
risky? Quicker? You need to let your reader know by what criteria you are
evaluating the best solution.
You must have a clear counterargument. There are many ways to incorporate
a counterargument into this essay. You may want to discuss the good and bad
aspects of each solution as you discuss them as counterarguments and refutes,
or you may want to have a counterargument to the best solution that you will,
then, refute. Of course, in order to make your argument the strongest it can be,
you may want to incorporate both of these methods.

Adapted from: Boston

GSW 1110

You must exhibit proper use of source material. You are required to
implement source material. As you write, you will need to implement at least
2 (and no more than 4) different sources into your essay. Keep in mind that
using more than just web sources in your essay will add quite a bit of
credibility to your argument. All sources must be cited according to proper
MLA methodology, including a works cited page.

As always, your writing style should be of a formal academic tone. Do not be afraid to be
creative in your writing, but you are to assume your reader to be an educated college
reader and should word your paper accordingly.
Each papers audience will depend on the problem being discussed, but you should keep
your reader in mind as you write your essay and assume he or she is someone who is
currently affected by the problem at hand.

Finally:
The proposal for this essay is due on Friday, September 26 at the end of class. The
rough draft of this essay (along with a completed values exploration worksheet) is due on
Monday, October 6 by the start of class and the final draft is due on Monday, October
20 by the start of class. Of course, I am here to help. Feel free to talk to or meet with me
at any stage in your writing process. Also, keep in mind that both the Writing Support
Center at the Learning Commons and your classmates can be very valuable assets when it
comes to providing additional help and feedback on your essay. Good luck!