ProblemSolution Patterns for Reports and Speeches

1
Problem-Solution Patterns for Reports and
Speeches

• Four key divisions
• Problem
• Criteria
• Solutions
• Assessment of SolutionsFrom John Dewey, How
  We Think, 1933

2
The Problem

• Identify a problem or significant question
• Analyze the situation. Specify
• the causes
• the effects

3
Assessment Criteria

• Define criteria to be used in assessing the
  solution
• criteria inherent in the situation
• criteria imposed by the client
• criteria that you establish
• Give quantities when possible

4
Assessment Criteria

• Give reasons as needed
• Rank your criteria with lists
• Must have...
• Should have...
• Nice to have...

5
Alternative Solutions

• Describe several possible answers
• Examine each proposed solution in relation to the
  criteria to predict its possible results

6
Assessment of the solutions

• Recommend the solution that comes closest to
  meeting your criteria