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- The Articles did not include a central executiveThe Articles did not include a
because the states didnbecause the states didnā
t want to give up powert want to give up powe
to central authority.to central authority.
- Congress had to manage everything.Congress had to manage everything. -^ Nine states had to vote for any action toNine states had to vote for any action to
take place.take place.
- Foreign governments saw the new nation as weakForeign governments saw the new nation as weak
and ignored its demands.and ignored its demands.
- Americans also defied the national governmentAmericans also defied the national government
(Shays(Shaysā^ Rebellion).Rebellion).
- It was difficult for Congress to act quickly orIt was difficult for Congress to act quickly or
make changes in policy.make changes in policy.
Sample notes about a problem arisingSample notes about a problem arising
from the Articles of Confederationfrom the Articles of Confederation
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
Assignment On the following pages,
you will learn how to write a problem-
solution 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
500ā700 word essay.
Prewriting
Define the problem to be solved. In
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.
Think about your ultimate goal in solving the problem.
For a review of the steps in
the writing process see the
Historianās Toolkit, Write Like
a Historian.
Analyze a problem faced by the writers of the Constitution and discuss the solution that the Constitutional Convention chose.
Sample goal:
The problems with the Articles
needed to be solved so that the new
nation could survive and adapt to
change.
Brainstorm to identify several solutions. Look for as
many solutions as you can, even if they solve only part of the
problem. List each solution and evaluate it. One good technique is to
ask questions. Create a chart like this one to help you evaluate your
various solutions.
Write a thesis statement. Write a thesis statement briefly
identifying the problem. Your thesis statement may also indicate
possible solutions, but you may also save that information for
later in your essay.
Gather supporting information. Look for facts, details,
and reasons to support your solutions to the problem.
Drafting
Decide how to organize your writing. The simplest way to
organize a problem-solution essay is to begin by identifying the
problem in the first paragraph, leading up to your thesis statement.
Present the solution that you think works best, explaining why it is
the most promising one.
Support your thesis with examples and details. Use
your lists of supporting information to back up your ideas about the
best solution to the problem.
Use an analytical tone. As you write your draft, remember that
you are appealing to peopleās ability to reason, not to their emotions.
Describe the problem and the various possible solutions objectively.
Write a strong conclusion. In your final paragraph, restate
your ideas about the problem and its solution.
Sample thesis statement:
The Articles of Confederation left
the new nation too weak because
they allowed for no central
authority besides Congress. The
Articles needed to be changed in
some wayāor something new had
to replace them.
Problem The Articles of Confederation left the nation weak because there was no central authority.
Possible Solution Leave the Articles as is, persuade other countries and Americans to respect the new nation
Leave the basic Articles in place but have Congress elect a new executive each year, rotating from state to state
Get rid of the Articles, create an entirely new plan
Evaluation Not practicalāwhat would make more established governments and local rebels accept a weak authority?
Possible, but amendments needed to be agreed on by all the states. Also, how does the central authority work with the Congress, which was used to running everything?
Possible, but it would be a huge task to start all over again.
Revising
After completing your draft, read it again carefully to find ways to
make your writing better. Here are some questions to ask yourself.
Revise to strengthen your thesis and support
- Do the introduction and thesis statement identify the problem?
- Do the body paragraphs explain the problem thoroughly? Do they examine several solutions and describe the most effective solution clearly?
- Is your proposal supported by convincing reasons, facts, and examples?
Revise to meet written English-language
conventions
- Are all sentences complete, with a subject and a verb?
- Are all the words spelled correctly? Use a spell-checker or a dictionary to make sure.
- Are all proper nouns capitalized, including names of people and places?
- Did you use proper punctuation? Check punctuation within sentences as well as at the ends of sentences.
Score 4 Supports the thesis with a series of para- graphs exploring a problem and its various solutions, ending with a discussion of the one proposed by the writer
Explores the problem and solutions thoroughly with facts, details, and reasons; links all information to the goal of solving the problem
Varies sentence structure and vocabulary successfully; includes none or very few mechanical errors
Organization
Presentation
Use of Language
Score 3 Uses a reasonably clear organization, but occasionally wanders from the topic
Explores the problem and solutions adequately with several facts, details, or examples; links most information to the goal of solving the problem
Uses some variety in sentence structure and vocabulary; includes few mechanical errors
Score 2 Chooses an organi- zation not suited to the topic (for example, presents the solution without having explained the problem)
Does not explore the problem and solutions adequately; does not link supporting information to the goal of solving the problem
Uses the same types of sentences without varying them; repeats words; includes many mechanical errors
Score 1 Shows lack of organi- zational strategy
Does not provide any facts, details, or examples to explore the problem and solutions
Writes incomplete sentences; uses language poorly; sounds confused; includes many mechanical errors
Rubric for Self-Assessment
Evaluate your problem-solution essay using the following rating scale:
