Problem-Solution Essay: Lesson 1

Summary

In this instructional video, the speaker guides students through the process of writing a problem-solution essay, emphasizing the importance of clearly defining both a significant problem and an effective solution. The speaker suggests brainstorming strategies to refine topics and encourages students to maintain a balance between boldness and persuasiveness in their arguments. By outlining actionable steps and encouraging reflection on the relationship between problems and solutions, the video equips students with essential tools to develop compelling essays while also fostering critical thinking.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video series consists of four short videos aimed at helping students understand and complete their paper assignment effectively.
• 📚 The focus of the first video is on 'finding and fine-tuning a topic' for a problem-solution essay.
• 🔍 Even if you have a topic, refining it is essential for creating a compelling argument in your essay.
• 📝 A problem-solution essay requires two key arguments: presenting a well-defined problem and proposing a convincing solution.
• 💡 The connection between the problem and the solution is crucial; if the problem isn't compelling, the solution won't be persuasive.
• 👥 One approach to developing a topic is to start with a solution and explore the problems it addresses, such as community service in education.
• 🤔 Alternatively, you can identify a problem (like student boredom) and brainstorm various solutions.
• 💭 Extensive brainstorming is encouraged to explore connections and refine your topic further.
• ⚖️ Strive for a balance in your claims: be bold enough to be interesting but not so extreme that your argument becomes unpersuasive.
• 📄 Keep notes after each video for a 'progress report' to submit on Blackboard, ensuring you’re actively engaging with the material.

Q & A

Why are the video assignments broken into four short videos instead of one long one?

The instructor believes that breaking the content into four short videos will help students better understand the different elements of the paper assignment and provide a clearer path to completing the essay.

What is the main focus of the first video?

The first video focuses on 'finding and fine-tuning a topic' for the essay, preparing students to develop their ideas effectively.

What is a problem-solution essay?

A problem-solution essay requires the writer to present a well-defined problem and propose a convincing solution, effectively weaving together two arguments.

What are the five elements of an essay mentioned in the video?

The five elements include presenting a well-defined problem, a clearly described solution, clear convincing reasons, a well-organized argument, and addressing counter-arguments.

How can students develop a topic for their essay?

Students can develop a topic by starting with a good idea for education and identifying the problems it may solve or by starting with a problem in education and brainstorming potential solutions.

What example does the instructor use to illustrate a topic development approach?

The instructor uses community service in high schools and colleges as an example, exploring how it could address various educational and social problems.

What brainstorming techniques are suggested for generating essay ideas?

Students are encouraged to brainstorm as many ideas as possible, even if they don't seem reasonable, to explore connections between problems and solutions.

What should students do with their brainstorming notes after each video?

Students should save their brainstorming notes in a blank document and upload them to a journal on Blackboard, providing a progress report on their essay writing process.

How does the instructor suggest students make their claims in the essay?

The instructor suggests that students should aim for bold yet persuasive claims, balancing between being too bold and too tame to keep their arguments interesting and convincing.

What is the overall purpose of this video series?

The overall purpose is to guide students through the process of writing their essays by breaking down the assignment into manageable parts and helping them understand how to connect problems with solutions.