C. Munzenmaier • Hamilton College • Urbandale, IA

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Problem-Solution Paper

One piece of advice that's often given to new employees is "Don't mention a problem to your boss if you don't have a solution."

The name of this paper summarizes its structure:

• Problem

—define the problem and provide any background needed

—show why the problem is important enough to need a solution

—identify the best solution to the problem

• Solution

—propose a solution

—show why this is the best solution
—(anticipate objections and show why it's the best alternative)

See the St. Martin's Guide to Writing, pp. 325-326, for a fuller explanation.

Class Materials (will be posted after topic is introduced in class)

Internet Resources

Problem-Solution Model

Proposals (senior project for Electrical. Computer, and Systems Engineering)

Nine Questions for Developing Problem-Solution Papers