College Composition / Unit 15 CMP 0361 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Problem and Solution
The idea
Problem-and-solution writing introduces a predicament and offers information about what was done or should be done to remedy it.
In practice
Build the pattern in order. First, define the problem precisely: who is affected, how, and how seriously. Second, show its causes or complexity, so readers see why simple fixes have not worked. Third, present the solution and how it works. Fourth, support the solution with evidence that it would succeed. Fifth, acknowledge costs or objections and answer them. The anchor's model argues that social media platforms could slow misinformation by adding human monitors to their algorithms, while conceding that this would increase their burden.
Where people slip
A proposal that skips the problem section assumes readers already agree there is a problem. For a skeptical audience, proving the problem is half the argument.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
Unlocks
Something wrong in this lesson? Flag it · Sources for College Composition