There are two organizational patterns for solving a problem. The first uses an inductive approach where you state your proposed solution upfront and then support it in the paper’s body. The other option uses a deductive approach, where you explain the problem, share possible solutions, before stating the final recommendation for how to solve the problem.
Regardless of which style you use, you will want to do the following:
• Identify a problem and demonstrates it exists
• Appeal to your audience
• Propose one or more solutions to the problem
• Clearly state your claim of which solution is the best to solve the problem
• Persuade your audience that your solution or solutions are feasible and worthwhile
Inductive Approach
I. Introduction
a. Provide a snapshot of what the problem is and that it exists
b. Your thesis should be your claim about the problem. Your claim is how the problem should be solved.
II. Explanation of problem.
a. You briefly explained the problem in the Introduction, but this where you full expand on the problem.
b. This may be several paragraphs.
III. Proposed Solution
a. State your proposed solution to address the problem.
b. Remember, your claim and thesis stated how the problem should be solved in the introduction, but there is where explain and expand upon the solution.
c. This may be several paragraphs.
IV. Support for proposed solution
a. Provide specific evidence from sources to show how this solution will solve the problem.
b. This may be several paragraphs. Additionally, you can incorporate the support for the proposed solution as you explain the solution.
V. Conclusion
a. Summarize the problem and solution.
b. End with a call to action for your readers.
Deductive Approach
You would only use this approach if you want to present several solutions to the problem before you make your final recommendation of which solution is best.
I. Introduction
a. Provide a snapshot of what the problem is and that it exists
b. Your thesis for this paper would instead briefly touch on the many proposed solutions. (Ex. To reduce vandalism in the apartment buildings, several solutions could be explored, such as installing security cameras, building a gate with passcodes, and hiring a security guard.
II. Solution One
a. Evaluate the pros and cons for Solution 1
b. Use source material to show the pros and cons for Solution 1
III. Solution Two
a. Evaluate the pros and cons for Solution 2
b. Use source material to show the pros and cons for Solution 2
IV. Solution Three (if needed)
a. Evaluate the pros and cons for Solution 3
b. Use source material to show the pros and cons for Solution 3
V. Conclusion
a. Provide your final recommendation of which solution should be used and why
b. End with a call to action for your reader