Part I. Topic Proposal for Problem/Solution Essay Description: After having collected a list of credible and relevant sources for your problem/solution essay, in this topic proposal part, you will p
Part I. Topic Proposal for Problem/Solution Essay
Description:
After having collected a list of credible and relevant sources for your problem/solution essay, in this topic proposal part, you will propose a topic for your final Problem/Solution essay.
Specifically, you identify a problem you want to analyze for your Problem/Solution essay, and then you contextualize this problem by explaining the reasons you selected it, to whom the problem is relevant or crucial, and the importance of the problem.
Next, you analyze 3-4 key aspects of the problem that make it controversial, or difficult to solve and challenging as a scientific/political/social/economic issue.
This topic proposal part frames the important background context to the problem you want to write about, and it will serve as the basis for the introduction section of your Problem/Solution essay.
You proposal should have 3 sections, and each section should have a heading:
- Problem statement: 1 sentence that summarize a problem that you want to analyze, including the location/context, major causes and effects, and the people who are affected by it.
- Rationale for researching this problem (1-2 paragraphs): explaining the reasons you selected this topic, to whom the problem is relevant or crucial, and why the problem is important.
- Analysis of the problem (3-4 paragraphs): analyze 3-4 key aspects of the problem that make it controversial, difficult to solve and challenging as a scientific/ technological/ social/economic issue. These key aspects are developed from the causes and effects of the problem, and people’s different opinions about it.
Format: Microsoft Word file, size 12 Times New Roman font, double-spaced, 1-inch margins, title related to your topic, 4-line heading on page 1: your name, instructor’s name, course number/ section, and date.
Length: 2-3 pages, 550-800 words
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Part 2. Annotated Bibliography
Description:
After selecting a topic for your Problem/Solution essay, in this annotated bibliography part, you will create a list of 6-10 sources that are credible, relevant and useful for the problem you intend to analyze.
For EACH source in your annotated bibliography, you firstly cite your reference in APA style, then write a one paragraph to summarize and evaluate the source (this is the process of “annotating” a source). This paragraph should be around 150-350 words, and contain three parts of information—your own summary of the main idea of the source, your own evaluation of one of the strengths or weaknesses of the source, and your own reflection on how this source can be useful for your arguments in Problem/Solution essay.
At least four of your sources should be from the PSU Library databases or from PSU library books, magazines, and journals, and at least two of your sources should be scholarly articles from academic journals.
Sources in the Annotated Bibliography will serve as the basis for your References List in your Problem/Solution essay. The total word count should be at least 650 words. You CANNOT change your topic once your turned in the Annotated Bibliography.
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Combine both Topic Proposal and Annotated Bibliography in a same word/pdf document and submit it here.
