Academic english iii May 26, 2015

Today Continue Paper 4: Problem –Solution writing - Solutions and evaluation - Student sample - Thesis statements and outlines

Paper 4 You will write a report. The content and writing style are similar to an essay, but the organization is slightly different.

Paper 4 A report is usually divided into sections with headings. Example: Literature review Methodology Results Discussion

Paper 4 A report is usually divided into sections with headings. Example: Introduction Current situation Suggestions for action Conclusion

Problem – Solution Structure Most important is that the key elements of problem-solution writing are addressed. - Identification of the problem. - Situation (information necessary for understanding the problem) - Identification of solution(s) - Evaluation of solution(s)

Identifying and explaining problem (situation) The problem must be a real issue, not something the writer (you) perceives as bad, or doesn’t like. i.e., “Having class twice a week sucks.” “I hate when my wife doesn’t cook dinner.” The problem must be generally acknowledged as a problem.

Identifying and explaining problem (situation) The problem must be generally acknowledged as a problem.  Conduct some research on problems that you are somewhat familiar with. - Find one that interests you. - One for which solutions are feasible. For this paper, your problem cannot be a Korean problem (i.e., settling the Dok-do disputes).

Identifying and explaining problem (situation) After choosing your problem, you must collect information that will be necessary for the reader to properly appreciate the problem. This information will be used for the “Situation” section of the paper.

Identifying and explaining problem (situation) Information to address in the Situation: What are the causes of the problem? - Why did it happen? Why is it a problem? - Who does it affect? - What are the effects of the problem? What will happen if the problem is not addressed?

Identifying and explaining problem (situation) Example problem: Dormitory capacity - What are the causes of the problem? - Building size (dorm buildings are too small) - University did not build enough buildings - Limited budget for dorms & construction - Too many applicants for dorms - Selection process (freshman and foreign students) - Cost-based selection by applicants

Identifying and explaining problem (situation) e.g. - Who does it affect? - Dorm applicants (outside of first year students, living far from Daegu) - Uni admin (housing office) - Students’ families - What are the effects of the problem? - Increased demand for studio apartments near campus  Increased rental rates/prices - Some students forced to commute long distances (traffic, lateness) - Increased crime against students living alone - Some students are unprepared to live alone - Family/student budget problems (possible loss of students)

Identifying and explaining problem (situation) e.g. - What will happen if the problem is not addressed?

Solution Section Basically two parts for each solution: - Explanation of the solution - Evaluation of the solution  These may be done in a single paragraph or in two paragraphs (depending on the level of detail).

Explanation of solution Essentially involves answering “wh- questions”

Explanation of solution 1,. State what the solution is: “One solution to X is to SOLUTION” 2. Provide sufficient details to allow the reader to adequately understand what the solution is/what it involves.

Explanation of Solution Give sufficient details to allow the reader to adequately understand what the solution is. “One way to increase the number of Japanese tourists in Korea is advertising.” - Obviously, this is insufficient. - The writer must be specific about advertising: - Where? - What kind? - Who is the target? - What the solution is, exactly, must be explained.

Solution section - Evaluation Evaluating the solution: -What are the steps that must be taken for the solution to be implemented/for the solution to work? - Who will be involved - Timeframe - How - Where - Costs

Solution Paragraphs - Evaluation Evaluating the solution: - Feasibility: How possible/practical is your solution? - What are the main advantages?  How can it address the problem? - What are possible issues/disadvantages/objections?  Can these be justified, or overcome?

Solution - State what the solution is. Explain the solution (provide necessary details) - Evaluate the solution  Why this is an effective solution  Strengths  Drawbacks/shortcomings - How to justify the drawbacks

Student Sample - What does the introduction accomplish? - What are the functions of the final 4 sentences of the introduction? - Thesis statement: Identify the problem. State what solutions are possible.

Student Sample - What details does the situation provide? Access to water - Disease - Levels of rainfall (data) in S. Africa vs. World average - Geographical details - What details would you add to the situation to help the reader better appreciate the problem? - Why S. Africa has low rainfall/ has a freshwater crisis - More specific data (e.g. percentage of people suffering) - What will happen if the problem is not addressed** ** BE SPECIFIC - How, specifically it is a problem or who, specifically is affected

Student Sample - What is the difference between the writer’s discussion of Solution 1 and the discussion of Solution 2?

Student Sample - What details would you add to Solution 2?

Entry 8 Situation ENTRY 9: Write about one possible solution to the lack of dormitory capacity at KMU. Two Paragraphs: A. Explanation b. Evaluation Thursday: 1:30

Paper 4 - Reminders Make sure to read the information sheet (see course website). Send me an email telling me your topic by tonight, 8:00 pm.

Paper 4 – note about problems 1. The problem must be a non-Korean problem (let’ emphasize the international aspect of your majors). 2. The problem must be one you can feasible discuss in a 6-8 page report. e.g. Global Warming or World Hunger are much too broad. - Be specific about your problem