Problem-Solution Research Essay

Guidelines

To complete the Problem-Solution Research Essay, you will propose a solution to a problem faced by a community, group, or entity, and offer solutions that might help solve the problem.  Your goal is to articulate a convincing argument in support of the solutions. 

Essay Requirements

5 double spaced pages (4 pages and 1 Works Cited page)

3 academic journal articles required (one quote from each articleno more than 2 typed lines)

MLA formatting

Include a Works Cited page

Sample Essay

Sample Problem-Solution Research Essay -1.pdf 

Quoting Requirements

The Research Essay must feature at least two (2) quotes from each academic source (6, in total). Make sure that all in-text citations contain the author’s last name and the page number where the quote was taken (Rembrandt 11). Quotes should never exceed two (2) typed lines, and no paragraph should have more than two quotes. In addition, make sure that each paragraph is at least 6-7 typed lines or 10-12 sentences. Remember to use evidence from your source material to back up your ideas. You will be conducting research to find statistics, facts, quotes from experts, and studies. 

Essay Outline

Introduction Paragraph: Identify the problem for which you will offer solutions. Include any background information you find important. Write a Three-point thesis statement (containing a well-defined problem and three clear solutions). Sample Thesis: The most effective methods for lowering incarceration rates are decriminalizing all illicit substances, creating programs for terminally-ill prisoners to be released, and instituting more restorative justice programs.  Please see the Sample Thesis Statements at the bottom of the page.

Body Paragraph 1: Write a topic sentence that reflects the first point in your thesis.  Add a few more sentences, then quote from one your sources and explain the quote (Quote 1 from a source).

Body Paragraph 2: Write another topic sentence that still relates to (or offers another angle on) the first point in your thesis.  mentions another place in the story where the reader can see the first point in your thesis.  Add a few more sentences, then quote from one your sources and explain the quote (Quote 2 from a source).  Now address the counterargument. It is important that you anticipate opposition  (readers objections and questions).  At some point in the paper, you need to acknowledge your opposition and deal with opposition points. You can choose to either completely refute an opposition point, or you can choose to concede that the oppositions point is of some value. You may find that you do both of these things at the same time. 

Body Paragraph 3: Write a topic sentence that reflects the second point in your thesis.  Add a few more sentences, then quote from one your sources and explain the quote (Quote 3 from a source).

Body Paragraph 4: Write another topic sentence that still relates to (or offers another angle on) the second point in your thesis.  mentions another place in the story where the reader can see the first point in your thesis.  Add a few more sentences, then quote from one your sources and explain the quote (Quote 4 from a source).  Now address the counterargument. It is important that you anticipate opposition  (readers objections and questions).  At some point in the paper, you need to acknowledge your opposition and deal with opposition points. You can choose to either completely refute an opposition point, or you can choose to concede that the oppositions point is of some value. You may find that you do both of these things at the same time. 

Body Paragraph 5: Write a topic sentence that reflects the third point in your thesis.  Add a few more sentences, then quote from one your sources and explain the quote (Quote 5 from a source).

Body Paragraph 6: Write another topic sentence that still relates to (or offers another angle on) the third point in your thesis.  mentions another place in the story where the reader can see the first point in your thesis.  Add a few more sentences, then quote from one your sources and explain the quote (Quote 6 from a source).  Now address the counterargument. It is important that you anticipate opposition  (readers objections and questions).  At some point in the paper, you need to acknowledge your opposition and deal with opposition points. You can choose to either completely refute an opposition point, or you can choose to concede that the oppositions point is of some value. You may find that you do both of these things at the same time. 

Conclusion Paragraph: Write a thesis restatement and then discuss the significance of the three solutions that you discussed throughout the paper.

Accessing Polk State Library Databases

Since all three sources for this essay must be from academic, peer-reviewed journals, you will need to use Polk State’s Library Databases to find them.

How to Format a Works Cited page (Links to an external site.)

How to Cite Articles in Scholarly Journals (Links to an external site.)

How to Quote from a Source (in-text citations)

When quoting a passage from any source, you will need to use an In-text citation. A quotation includes two parts: a signal phrase (The author suggests, The critic makes the case, As the writer points out, etc.) and an explanation.  A citation also must quotation marks ” ” and parenthesis ( ). 

Heres an example quote taken from a story: In the story, Kate Chopin writes that, He had only taken the time to assure himself of its truth by a second telegram (14).  Another common approach is: One line from the story states, He had only taken the time to assure himself of its truth by a second telegram (Chopin 14). Both are correct. From there, you would explain what the quote means and why it is relevant to your argument. The reader will be able to find other information about the source on your Works Cited page.

Note: You may begin a quote at any point in a sentence. But if you do not complete the sentence, you must indicate that words were left out with a three-dot ellipsis. Also, never begin a paragraph with a quote. After you use the author’s full name once in the paper, it’s common to use their last name from then on. Quotes should never exceed two typed lines.

Sample Thesis Statements

In the article, the author argues that working remotely is a practical option by discussing workplace goals, online training, and unemployment.

The issue of general education classes filling too quickly should be addressed in three ways: more access to online classes, independent study options, and preferred placement in designated class sections.

In order to prevent arts-based non-profit organizations from shuttering their doors over funding issues, organizations should prioritize grant writing, solicit small-dollar donations from all income brackets, and showcase their impact more consistently in local communities.