34 Analyzing the Problem and Finding the Solution Exercise

Introduction:

You have spent weeks gathering information about your topic for social change. You have summarized various perspectives about this topic, and you have synthesized and analyzed these perspectives. Now you are ready to write an argument that proposes real change!

But before you begin writing your proposal it’s important that you carefully analyze all aspects of the problem as well as brainstorm possible solutions to it. This exercise is adapted from the St. Martin’s Guide to Writing, 7th ed.

Assignment:

Below, you’ll find a series of questions for you to consider about your problem. Your task is to answer EVERY question as best as you can. Doing so will help you clarify your ideas and also help you identify any “holes” you may have in your understanding about your problem. This assignment has 3 parts. To receive full credit, you must complete all 3 parts. Furthermore, this is an important prewriting step that will help you with your essay, so please be thorough.

Part I. Analyzing the Problem

Before you can consider the best possible solution, you must analyze the problem carefully and then try to define it. Keep in mind that you will have to demonstrate to readers that the problem exists, that it is serious, and that you have more than a casual understanding of its causes and consequences.

• •  Does the problem really exist? How can I tell?
  •  What caused the problem? Can I identify the immediate causes? Any deeper causes? Is the problem caused by a flaw in the system, a lack of resources, individual misconduct or incompetence? How can I tell?
  •  What is the history of the problem?
  • What are the bad effects of the problem? How does it harm members of the community or group? What goals of the group are endangered by the existence of this problem? Does it raise any moral or ethical questions
  • Who in the community or group is affected by the problem? Be as specific as possible. Who is seriously affected? Minimally affected? Unaffected? Does anyone benefit from its existence?
  • What similar problems exist in this same community or group? How can I distinguish my problem from these?

Defining the Problem:

• • Now, write a definition of the problem, being as specific as possible.
  •  Identify who or what seems responsible for it, and give one recent telling example.

Identifying your Audience:

• •  In a few sentences, describe your audience, stating your reason for directing your proposal to them.
  • Who do you need to address – everyone in the community or group, a committee, an individual, an outsider? You want to address your proposal to the person or group who can help implement it.
  • Answer the following questions about your audience:
  • How informed are my readers likely to be about the problem? Have they shown any awareness of it?
  • Why would this problem be important to my readers? Why would they care about solving it?
  • Have my readers supported any other proposals to solve this problem? If so, what do these proposals have in common with mine?
  • Do my readers ally themselves with any group, and would that alliance cause them to favor or reject my proposal? Do we share any values or attitudes that could bring us together to solve the problem?
  • How have my readers responded to other problems? Do their past reactions suggest anything about how they might respond to my proposal?

Part II. Finding a Tentative Solution

Solving problems takes time. Apparent solutions often turn out to be impossible. After all, a solution has to be both workable and acceptable to the community or group involved. Consequently, you should strive to come up with several possible solutions whose advantages and disadvantages you can weigh. You may notice that the most imaginative solutions sometimes occur to you only after you have struggled with a number of other possibilities.

• • Look back at the way you defined the problem and described your readers. Then with these factors in mind, list as many possible solutions to the problem as you can think of. At this stage, the more the better. To come up with different solutions, use the following problem-solving process:
  • What solutions to this problem have already been tried?
  • What solutions have been proposed for related problems? Might they solve this problem as well?
  • Is a solution required that would disband or change the community or group in some way?
  • What solution might eliminate some of the causes of the problem?
  • What solution would eliminate any of the bad effects of the problem?
  • Is the problem too big to be solved all at once? Can I divide it into several related problems? What solutions might solve one or more of these problems?
  • If a series of solutions is required, which should come first? Second?
  • What solution would ultimately solve the problem?
  • What might be a daring solution, arousing the most resistance but perhaps holding out the most promise?
  • What would be the most conservative solution, acceptable to nearly everyone in the community or group?

Choosing the Most Promising Solution:

• • In a sentence or two, state what you consider the best possible way of solving the problem.

Determining Specific Steps:

• • Write down the major stages or steps necessary to carry out your solution. First, second, and so on.

Defending Your Solution:

• • Proposals must be feasible – that is, they must be both reasonable and practical. Imagine that one of your readers strongly opposes your proposed solution and confronts you with the following statements. Write a few sentences refuting each one.
    • It would not really solve the problem
    • I am comfortable with the way things are
    • We cannot afford it
    • It would take too long
    • People would not do it
    • Too few people would benefit
    • I do not even see how to get started on your solution
    • We already tried that, with unsatisfactory results
    • You support this proposal merely because it would benefit you personally

Part III. Problem-Solution Essay Planning Worksheet

Now that you’ve analyzed your problem and have explored possible solutions to it, fill in this worksheet to focus your project even more.