Techniques for problem solving

Problem solving requires all your skills as a writer. You need to observe carefully to see if a problem exists. You may need to remember experiences that illustrate the seriousness of the problem. You need to investigate which solutions have worked or have not worked. You often have to explain what the problem is, and why or how your proposal would remedy the situation. You may need to evaluate both the problem and the alternative solutions. To help you identify the problem and convince your readers of the soundness of your proposal, keep the following techniques in mind:

• Identifying and understanding your audience. If you want something done, fixed, changed, improved, subsidized, banned, reorganized, made legal or illegal, make sure that you are writing to the appropriate audience.
• Demonstrating that a problem exists. Some problems are so obvious that your readers will readily acknowledge them: nuclear weapons, war in the Middle East, acid rain in industrialized nations, and drug and alcohol abuse. Often, however, you must first convince your audience that a problem exists: Are foodpreservatives really a serious problem, or would eliminating them cause even more problems?
• Proposing a solution that will solve the problem. After convincing your readers that a serious problem exists, you must then propose a remedy, plan, or course of action that will eliminate or reduce the problem.
• Convincing your readers that your solution to the problem will work, that it is feasible, or that it is better than the alternative solutions. You convince your readers by supporting your proposal with reasons and evidence.