Outline Patterns for the Problem Solving Essay
Review current edition of Stephen Reid text book The Prentice Hall Guide
for College Writers
Pattern 1: Problem Solving Pattern
I. Introduction
A. Attention Getter
B. Background, interesting information:startling statistics, facts, quotation,
personal experience, anecdote
C. Lead-in to thesis
D. Thesis: Somebody should do something
II. Identify and demonstrate the problem
A. Current Condition or current policy showing why it is ineffective
B. Weakness of current condition
C. Explore causes and effects of the problem that the current
condition does not solve
1. causes
2.effects
III. Present Solution(s)
IV. Answering possible objections, costs, drawbacks
V. Conclusion: implementation of plan; call to action
Pattern 2: Point-by-Point
I. Introduction
II. The overall problem: identify and demonstrate
III. One part of the problem, solution, evidence, answers to possible objections,
feasibility.
IV. Second part of the problem, solution, evidence, answers to possible
objections, feasibility.
V. Third part of the problem, solution, evidence, answers to possible
objections, feasibility
VI. Conclusion:implementation of plan; call to action
Pattern 3: Alternative Pattern
I. Introduction
II. The problem: identify and demonstrate
III. Alternative solution 1: why it’s not satisfactory
IV. Alternative solution : why it’s not satisfactory
V. Alternative solution 3: why it is best: give evidence, objections,
feasibility
VI. Conclusion: implementation of plan
Pattern 4:Step-by-Step Pattern
I. Introduction
II. The problem:identify and demonstrate
III. Plan for implementing the solution or how solution has worked in the
past:
A. Step one: reasons and evidence showing why this step is necessary and
feasible.
B. Step two: reasons and evidence showing why this step is necessary and
feasible.
C. Step two: reasons and evidence showing why this step is necessary and
feasible.
IV. Conclusion