Academic Writer
academic writer: organization: main body: problem and solution
Problem and solution
This framework is very popular amongst undergraduate
writers. However, think before you use it. In some academic fields like certain 'hard'
sciences it is indeed possible to offer solutions to problems. In other fields, for
example the social sciences or the arts, it is not necessary or possible to
provide complete, 100% 'solutions' to every problem or question that your raise.
Indeed it may appear to be slightly simpleminded (or arrogant) to try and do so. You are
probably not the world's leading expert in the area you are writing about. Suggestions
might be more appropriate than solutions. Some ‘solutions’ can be open
ended, or may bring up wider
implications.
Note that there is no need to use the actual words ‘problem’ and
‘solution’ in your writing, even if you are organizing your text in this
pattern.
EXAMPLE Notice the way in which the writer qualifies the 'solution' ('We can’t expect instant changes...'), and suggests simply that 'a start' can
be made by 'recognizing' that engineering is in fact ultimately about serving people.
| Engineering: Problems at the Undergraduate
Level Many engineers approach the real world as though it were uninhabited. Undergraduates who choose an engineering career often see it as an escape from blue collar family legacies by obtaining the social prestige that comes with belonging to a profession. Others love machines. Few, however, are attracted to engineering because of an interest in people or a commitment to public service. On the contrary, most are uncomfortable with the uncertainties of human behavior, its absence of predictable cause and effect, its lack of control, and with the demands for direct encounters with the public. We can’t expect instant changes in engineering education. A start, however, would be to recognize that engineering is more than manipulation of intricate signs and symbols. The social context is not someone else’s business. Engineering is in fact ultimately about serving people. Adopting this mindset requires a change in attitudes in engineering curricula at university. |
Academic Writer 2000