Problem-Solution FormatProblem-Solution FormatAnalyzing the ProblemAnalyzing the Problem

• Define the problem:

– What is the undesirable present? (State the problem in a declarative sentence.)

– What is the desired goal?– What are the obstacles to reaching the desired goal?– Identify which obstacles can be eliminated.– Identify which obstacles can be managed.– Identify possible future obstacles, if any.

ProblemProblem

• What are the causes of the problem? Consider multiple cases such as:– Unpredictable– Negligence– Criminal activity – Economics– Politics– Technology– Consumer demand

ProblemProblem

• What are the symptoms of the problem? Consider multiple symptoms such as:

– Health risks– Risks to survival or safety– Economic hardship– Threat to civil or human rights– Lack of choice– Inconvenience– Destruction of property

ProblemProblem

• Who is directly affected by the problem?• Who is indirectly affected by the problem?• What will happen if nothing is done about the

problem?– Will it go away, stay the same, or progressively get

worse?

• What is the extent of the problem?– Consider the history of the problem– Consider the geographical proportions of the problem.

Analyzing the SolutionAnalyzing the Solution

• What are some of the possible solutions?– What is the criteria for a satisfactory solution?– Why are some solutions acceptable and others

rejected?

• What is the ideal solution?– Is it practical and workable?– Is it moral and ethical?– Is it legal?– Is it logistically feasible?– Is it economically feasible?

SolutionSolution

• Who supports the solution?– Professional organizations?– Legal and/or medical experts?– Politicians?– Citizen grassroots groups?– Media?– Victims of the problem?– Voters?

SolutionSolution

• Who opposes the solution?– Same as above– Corporations and/or stockholders– Other cities, states, or countries?

• How can you refute their arguments?• What can we, as individuals, do to help solve the

problem?• Who has the jurisdiction to implement the

solution?– Legislature– Individuals– organizations