Problem-Solution Essay Process

Prompt: Chinua Achebes novel Things Fall Apart is like a lengthy advice column for todays
globalized world. The problem seems to rest in the inability of two cultures to peacefully coexist.
The solutions rest in the some of the characters. Drawing evidence from the Things Fall Apart,
create an analysis of the major problems featured in the novel, and what solutions may unfold.

Step 1: Pre-Writing (10 Points) Students will answer the following questions in their
notes.
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Prompt Analysis What exactly am I writing about?

Rubric Analysis How can I get a good grade?
Brainstorming What problems will I be identifying? What solutions will I be identifying?

Step 2: Collection (10 points) Students will show their research in their notes.
-

Quote Collection- Use Things Fall Apart to answer the following questions.
o Problem #1: What quotes and/or examples from the novel illustrate
between the two cultures?
o Solution #1: What quotes and/or examples from the novel illustrate
solutions for the cultural conflict?
o Problem #2: What quotes and/or examples from the novel illustrate
between the two cultures?
o Solution #2: What quotes and/or examples from the novel illustrate
solutions for the cultural conflict?
o Make sure to cite all direct quotes.

a problem
possible
a problem
possible

Step 3: Outline/Argument Development (10 points) Students will create a SPES

outline in their notes.
-

There are many parts to a successful essay. An outline allows you to write down your best
ideas for all of these parts before you actually begin writing. Students should spend a lot
of time creating their outlines and should edit this document as needed because best
ideas are often changing.
Students are provided with a list of all of the essay parts that should be included in their
outline. They should use this list to create an outline in their notes. Outlines can be typed,
but they dont have to be.

Step 4: Rough Draft (10 points) 5/5 Students must type their first rough draft.
Step 5: Peer Editing 5/6 Students who have completed their rough draft will participate in
a peer editing lesson in order to improve their final grade.

Step 6: Final Draft 5/10 (50 points) Students will continue to edit and revise their
rough draft. Their final draft should reflect a keen understanding of the rubric expectations. The
final draft should also have a Work Cited page attached to it.
Due Date: May 10: On this day,
students must hand in the following
- MLA Format (5 points)
documents:
- Work Cited (5 points)
-

Rubrics (name on top)

Final Draft
Rough Draft w/ Peer Editing Sheet
Outline
Collection Notes

Step 3: Outline/Argument Development

To make your outline, write down your ideas, quotes, sources, and even questions for all of the
different essay parts. You can write your outline in your notes or you can type it.
1. Introduction
a. Hook-quotation, universal statement, question, etc. (something interesting)
b. Context- frame your essay
c. Thesis- what is the argument you are making?
2. Body Paragraph 1 Problem from the Novel 1
a. Statement
b. Proof 1
c. Explanation 1
d. Proof 2
e. Explanation 2
f. Proof 3 (optional for Academic students)
g. Explanation 3 (optional for Academic students)
h. Synthesis/Summary
3. Body Paragraph 2 Solution from the Novel 1
a. Statement
b. Proof 1
c. Explanation 1
d. Proof 2
e. Explanation 2
f. Proof 3 (optional for Academic students)
g. Explanation 3 (optional for Academic students)
h. Synthesis/Summary
4. Body Paragraph 3 Problem from Novel 2
a. Statement
b. Proof 1
c. Explanation 1
d. Proof 2
e. Explanation 2
f. Proof 3 (optional for Academic students)
g. Explanation 3 (optional for Academic students)
h. Synthesis/Summary
5. Body Paragraph 4 Solutions from Novel 2
a. Statement
b. Proof 1
c. Explanation 1
d. Proof 2
e. Explanation 2
f. Proof 3 (optional for Academic students)
g. Explanation 3 (optional for Academic students)
h. Synthesis/Summary
6. Conclusion
a. Summary of Arguments
b. Extension

Solution
m #2 Proble Solution
m #1 Proble

Quote 1

Quote 1 Explanation

Quote 2

Quote 2 Explanation

Quote 3
(Honors only)