Learn: Articles of Confederation and Problem-solution Essay
Problem-Solution Essay
Introduction
In a problem-solution essay, you analyze a problem and propose a method for solving it. The problem you choose to analyze should be one that offers some challenges but is still possible to resolve. A problem-solution essay should have the following characteristics: • a problem that needs to be solved • a thesis statement that identifies the problem and points toward the solution • identification of several possible solutions • specific facts, details, examples, and reasons indicating why one solution is best • an analytical tone
For a review of the steps in the writing process see the Historian’s Toolkit, Write Like a Historian.
Assignment On the following pages, you will learn how to write a problemsolution essay. You will get step-by-step instructions. Each step will include an example from a sample essay discussing the Articles of Confederation. Read the instructions and the examples. Then, follow each step to plan and write a 500–700 word essay. Analyze a problem faced by the writers of the Constitution and discuss the solution that the Constitutional Convention chose. problem arising Sample notes about a Confederation from the Ar ticles of cutive not include a central exe power • Th e Ar tic les did want to give up n’t nt because the states did to central authority.
• •
Congress had to mana
ge everything. e for any action to
•
Prewriting
Define the problem to be solved. In
ak w the new nation as we Foreign governments sas. and ignored its demand vernment defied the national go • Am eri ca ns als o (Shays’ Rebellion). ly or Congress to act quick • It wa s dif fic ult for . make changes in policy
Nine states had to vot take place.
order to write a problem-solution essay, you need to start with a clear vision of the problem itself. Once you have broken your problem down and looked at it from different angles, sit back and look at the big picture. Sample goal: The problems with the Articles Think
Introduction
In a problem-solution essay, you analyze a problem and propose a method for solving it. The problem you choose to analyze should be one that offers some challenges but is still possible to resolve. A problem-solution essay should have the following characteristics: • a problem that needs to be solved • a thesis statement that identifies the problem and points toward the solution • identification of several possible solutions • specific facts, details, examples, and reasons indicating why one solution is best • an analytical tone
For a review of the steps in the writing process see the Historian’s Toolkit, Write Like a Historian.
Assignment On the following pages, you will learn how to write a problemsolution essay. You will get step-by-step instructions. Each step will include an example from a sample essay discussing the Articles of Confederation. Read the instructions and the examples. Then, follow each step to plan and write a 500–700 word essay. Analyze a problem faced by the writers of the Constitution and discuss the solution that the Constitutional Convention chose. problem arising Sample notes about a Confederation from the Ar ticles of cutive not include a central exe power • Th e Ar tic les did want to give up n’t nt because the states did to central authority.
• •
Congress had to mana
ge everything. e for any action to
•
Prewriting
Define the problem to be solved. In
ak w the new nation as we Foreign governments sas. and ignored its demand vernment defied the national go • Am eri ca ns als o (Shays’ Rebellion). ly or Congress to act quick • It wa s dif fic ult for . make changes in policy
Nine states had to vot take place.
order to write a problem-solution essay, you need to start with a clear vision of the problem itself. Once you have broken your problem down and looked at it from different angles, sit back and look at the big picture. Sample goal: The problems with the Articles Think