EWRT 1A

Class 18
 Agenda
1. Review Describing the problem
The solution: the thesis
Outlining the plan
2. Planning for objections: the
counterargument
3. Evaluating Alternative Solutions
4. Research?
Investigate
Interview
Read
Essay #4
Looking at the parts of the essay
 You should have a draft with the
following parts of your essay
completed:
A revised and developed description of your problem: two
to four good paragraphs.
One or more sentences to serve as your tentative thesis
statement. In most essays proposing solutions to problems,
the thesis statement is a concise announcement of the
solution.
A paragraph explaining why your solution would solve the
problem.
A paragraph about why your solution is possible.
A list of the steps of implementation.
 Presentation of the problem: Look at
what you have. Add the following:

A few sentences that argue that the

problem exists.
A few sentences that argue that this
problem is serious.
A few sentences that outline the causes of
this problem.
 Now answer this question: What are the
consequences of failing to solve the problem?

Make a list of the

consequences of failing to
solve this problem.
Put the list into paragraph
form.
 Thesis Statement: Review
You have probably written your thesis statement already. If
so, refine it, and copy it into your draft here. Your thesis
goes after a thorough explanation of the problem.

If you have not yet written it, write one or more sentences
to serve as your tentative thesis statement. In most essays
proposing solutions to problems, the thesis statement is a
concise announcement of the solution. Think about how
emphatic you should make the thesis and whether you
should forecast your reasons.
 Description of the proposed solution

Read your working draft of your

proposed solution.
Explain why it would solve the
problem.
Show why or how it is possible.
Revise!
 List of steps for implementing the
solution

You should have written out these steps

for your homework.

Now, put your steps into paragraph

form. Make sure to use transitions and
connecting words so the paragraph
does not read like a list. Explain what
you mean as you go through the steps.
Planning a
Counterargument
Anticipate Objections.

Write a few sentences responding to the following objections you

think are most likely:

We cant afford it.

It would take too long.

People would not do it.

Too few would benefit.

You would benefit personally.

We already tried that, with unsatisfactory results.

 Consider Alternative Solutions
This requires thinking! Remember, ultimately, you are going to show why your
solution is better than these alternatives!
 Considering Alternative Solutions
List two or three alternative solutions that others
have proposed or tried. You may have
discovered these alternatives while you were
looking for a good solution. You may find other
alternative solutions when you start your
research. You do not have to list every solution
that has been mentioned, but you should
include the most popular or serious alternatives.
If you include only obviously weak solutions in
your argument, your credibility will be harmed
and you could be accused of committing the
straw man fallacy, which involves directing your
counterargument against an alternative that
nobody takes seriously anyway.
 Developing your evaluation of
alternative solutions
Write a paragraph for each alternative solution you think you should include
in your argument. Describe the alternative solution fairly, quoting supporters
if possible. Then work out the reasons you believe the alternative solution

would not be feasible,

would not solve the problem,

would not be approved,

would be hard to implement, or

would be too costly, disruptive, or time-consuming to put into effect.

 Plan Follow-Up Research.
Make notes about the kinds of
information you think would help
make your counterargument
convincing for your readers and
where you think you can find this
information.
 Homework
Post #24
Notes and brainstorming for
your counterargument
Your consideration of
alternative solutions

Revisit the library webpage to

add to your preliminary
research