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Problem-solution essays are a common essay type, especially for short essays such as subject exams or IELTS . The page gives information on what they are , how to structure this type of essay, and gives an example problem-solution essay on the topic of obesity and fitness levels.
Problem-solution essays consider the problems of a particular situation, and give solutions to those problems. They are in some ways similar to cause and effect essays , especially in terms of structure (see below). Problem-solution essays are actually a sub-type of another type of essay, which has the following four components:
The 'situation' may be included in the essay prompt, in which case it will not be needed in the main body. If it is needed, it can often be included in the introduction, especially for short essays, as with the example essay below . The 'evaluation' may be included as part of the conclusion (also as in the example below), or omitted altogether, especially for short essays. For these reasons, problem-solution essays are more common than situation-problem-solution-evaluation essays (or SPSE essays).
There are two main ways to structure a problem-solution essay. These are similar to the ways to structure cause and effect essays , namely using a block or a chain structure. For the block structure, all of the problems are listed first, and all of the solutions are listed afterwards. For the chain structure, each problem is followed immediately by the solution to that problem. Both types of structure have their merits. The former is generally clearer, especially for shorter essays, while the latter ensures that any solutions you present relate directly to the problems you have given.
The two types of structure, block and chain , are shown in the diagram below. This is for a short essay, which includes the 'situation' in the introduction and 'evaluation' in the conclusion. A longer essay, for example one of around 1,000 words, with citations , would probably have these two sections as separate paragraphs in the main body.
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Below is a problem-solution essay on the topic of obesity and poor fitness . It uses the block structure . Click on the different areas (in the shaded boxes) to highlight the different structural aspects in this essay, i.e. Situation, Problem, Solution, Evaluation. This will highlight not simply the paragraphs, but also (for problems and solutions) the thesis statement and summary , as these repeat the problems and solutions contained in the main body.
Consumption of processed and convenience foods and our dependence on the car have led to an increase in obesity and reduction in the fitness level of the adult population. In some countries, especially industrialized ones, the number of obese people can amount to one third of the population. This is significant as obesity and poor fitness lead to a decrease in life expectancy , and it is therefore important for individuals and governments to work together to tackle this issue and improve their citizens' diet and fitness. Obesity and poor fitness decrease life expectancy. Overweight people are more likely to have serious illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease, which can result in premature death. It is well known that regular exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, which means that those with poor fitness levels are at an increased risk of suffering from those problems. Changes by individuals to their diet and their physical activity can increase life expectancy. There is a reliance today on the consumption of processed foods, which have a high fat and sugar content. By preparing their own foods, and consuming more fruit and vegetables, people could ensure that their diets are healthier and more balanced, which could lead to a reduction in obesity levels. In order to improve fitness levels, people could choose to walk or cycle to work or to the shops rather than taking the car. They could also choose to walk up stairs instead of taking the lift. These simple changes could lead to a significant improvement in fitness levels. Governments could also implement initiatives to improve their citizens' eating and exercise habits. This could be done through education, for example by adding classes to the curriculum about healthy diet and lifestyles. Governments could also do more to encourage their citizens to walk or cycle instead of taking the car, for instance by building more cycle lanes or increasing vehicle taxes. While some might argue that increased taxes are a negative way to solve the problem, it is no different from the high taxes imposed on cigarettes to reduce cigarette consumption. In short, obesity and poor fitness are a significant problem in modern life, leading to lower life expectancy . Individuals and governments can work together to tackle this problem and so improve diet and fitness . Of the solutions suggested, those made by individuals themselves are likely to have more impact, though it is clear that a concerted effort with the government is essential for success. With obesity levels in industrialized and industrializing countries continuing to rise, it is essential that we take action now to deal with this problem.
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Below is a checklist for the main body of an essay. Use it to check your own writing, or get a peer (another student) to help you.
The essay is a essay | ||
An appropriate is used, either or | ||
The essay has a clear | ||
Each paragraph has a clear | ||
The essay has strong support (facts, reasons, examples, etc.) | ||
The conclusion includes a of the main points |
Find out about writing definitions and definition essays in the next section.
Go back to the previous section about cause & effect essays .
Author: Sheldon Smith ‖ Last modified: 22 January 2022.
Sheldon Smith is the founder and editor of EAPFoundation.com. He has been teaching English for Academic Purposes since 2004. Find out more about him in the about section and connect with him on Twitter , Facebook and LinkedIn .
Compare & contrast essays examine the similarities of two or more objects, and the differences.
Cause & effect essays consider the reasons (or causes) for something, then discuss the results (or effects).
Discussion essays require you to examine both sides of a situation and to conclude by saying which side you favour.
Problem-solution essays are a sub-type of SPSE essays (Situation, Problem, Solution, Evaluation).
Transition signals are useful in achieving good cohesion and coherence in your writing.
Reporting verbs are used to link your in-text citations to the information cited.
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A problem-solution essay is a type of academic essay that explores a particular issue or challenge, and presents a potential course of action to address it. The purpose of a problem-and-solution essay is to identify a problem or issue, and to provide a practical solution or strategy for resolving it.
With so many unsolved issues, it’s easy to find some good questions for consideration. All you need is to look around or read the news. Writing a problem and solution essay won’t take much time and effort if you know what details to cover and what order you should follow. By using our ultimate guide, you will be able to compose an excellent and convincing essay with minimal effort. Close social networks and YouTube, spend 5 minutes reading our article to take to any problem solution essay topics like a duck to water. Have a tough deadline? Consider paying someone to write your essay . StudyCrumb experts will deliver a perfect problem and solution essay tailored to your requirements.
A problem and solution essay is a type of academic writing that defines some specific issue and provides steps to solve it. This kind of essay is aimed at assessing a student's ability to find some controversial problem and offer a clear problem-solving strategy. Your topic should be relatively simple to write about. It’s good if it meets the general public's interests. Some popular topics for this essay include such issues:
No matter what topic you choose, it should motivate you to think and look for ways of solving the problem. You should analyze it, study various strategies, and choose which one fits best. In a problem and solution essay, you can write about more than one problem. However, your solution is only efficient when several subjects in question fall into the same field. Otherwise, it will be difficult to focus on the right solution.
One of the most important steps of your writing process is creating a problem solution essay outline . Without it, your paper will be unstructured and poorly organized. This is not the case when there is an efficient well-thought-out plan. Writing an outline is crucial on the way to composing a brilliant essay. It will help you stay on point without deviating from the issue. This way, you can save time and effort. Unlike any other type of writing, a problem and solution essay provides some room for flexibility. You can create an outline using two different methods:
Each of these methods have their advantages and can be applied depending on the situation that will be covered. Let’s look at each of these approaches more in detail. The block outline has the following structure:
Introduction – presents the topic and contains 4-5 short sentences.
Main body – contains 2-3 paragraphs, each of them beginning with a topic sentence.
Body paragraph
Body paragraph
Conclusion – sums up all main points.
Block method allows you to look at multiple problems or solutions using separate paragraphs. However, mastering this approach at first may be somewhat difficult. The chain method is more appropriate if you want to focus on some unified idea within one body paragraph. Here’s an example of chain outline:
Introduction
Body paragraph 1
Body paragraph 2
This approach helps you explore an issue step-by-step. For this reason, it may be easier for beginners.
Now, it’s time that we learn how to write a problem and solution essay. Further, we will tell you about the best way of doing it. Below, you will find detailed information on perfecting each section of your essay. We will specifically shed more light on:
Let’s learn the secrets of writing a successful essay firsthand!
The first section is a problem solution essay introduction. It should include such components:
Your opening paragraph should specify an issue, as well as provide some background information. Think over the first sentence that will captivate your readers. Everything must be clear from the very first lines. If one gets your idea at once, it’s almost in the bag. It may take some time to come up with a catchy hook, but you will be rewarded with an A+. Consider rare statistics, any little-known fact, or some hype information. Remember that your second and third sentences should naturally flow into further discussion. Develop your idea by introducing some context. By the way, you can write an introduction after the rest of your essay is complete. Just make sure you have a thesis statement. After all, it’s the ground of your essay. All main points should be related to your thesis.
The next part in the problem and solution essay is the main body. Here, you should suggest ways of solving the issue. It would be great if you analyzed probable consequences of problem-solving actions. You should support why you think the specific measures are necessary and what they will result in. Usually, the main body of a problem and solution essay includes 3 paragraphs. Every body paragraph focuses on different aspects:
Argumentation is essential. By using it, you can convince readers that your strategy is correct. There is a good way to make powerful arguments. You should start with a statement, followed by an explanation. Back up your point of view with supportive examples. Then comes your final judgment. You can create transitions between paragraphs to make it easier for readers to follow a train of thought.
Congratulations! You’ve reached the last stage – a problem and solution essay conclusion. It usually contains 4-5 sentences summarizing your reasoning. In this part, you can make a general conclusion. It should include strong statements about what has been written. You can rephrase your thesis statement and share your final thoughts. The goal of the last part is to draw a complete picture and make readers think. Your last paragraph shouldn’t contain any fundamentally new facts – only a general summary of points mentioned above. Try StudyCrumb’s summarizer tool if you have challenges ending your problem and solution writing. Your writing style in conclusion must always correspond to the style of your entire essay. Don’t try to stay on the safe side by using such phrases as “in my humble opinion”, “I am not an expert, but”. Readers will see them as excuses and uncertainty, which you definitely don’t want. What they should understand is that your essay is over and there is a logical conclusion.
It is important to study a problem solution essay example before writing your own work. This way, you will be able to assess all the aspects and see how other authors coped with a similar task. You can borrow an exact structure or method of handling the situation. Our examples won’t replace your essay. You shouldn’t copy or assign them to yourself. Focus on creating unique and useful content.
You will be able to become a master of writing a problem and solution essay by following these great tips:
You should also pay attention to the paper formatting style. Use the same font and text style throughout your essay.
As you can see, there is nothing super hard about writing a problems and solution essay. Hopefully, our detailed guide will help you complete your assignment. Of course, you should be ready to test which approach works best for you. After all, you should strive for continuous improvement.
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Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.
Picking a topic.
Think about what problem would you like to see solved. You should pick something that will be motivating to you, something that you are passionate about. Why? For one, it will make it easier for you to research and to keep yourself motivated to do the research. For another, it will make it easier for you to write on and make your paper more engaging for others to read. Your paper and the research it documents should be impactful to those who read it.
Important: make sure that you pick a problem that really has possible solutions. The same considerations apply to picking a topic for this paper as for any other -- the topic can't be too broad or too narrow, and it has to be something that can actually be researched. For more information on choosing a topic, check out this webpage on finding problem topics and useful ways to approach finding solutions to those problems .
Not sure what to research for your topic? Take the topic you have selected and turn it into a research question. For instance, if your topic is "obesity in America," you could frame that into research questions like "What are measures that prevent weight gain?" or "What are the most sustainable diets for weight loss?" (Tip: Avoid search terms like "best" or "worst" because they are very vague and subjective. Choose terms that are more specific and quantifiable in meaning.)
Still stuck on how to create a research question? Check out this video for more help:
Now that you have a research question, do some preliminary research to give you direction on breaking your problem down in to feasible solutions. Choose more specific Browse the library's databases, skim through a book, or search the web for possible information.
Keep these questions in mind as you search:
Using the research you gathered from your research question(s), create a claim indicating what solutions you plan to propose in your paper. What three solutions are you proposing to the problem? The topic you submit in your proposal cannot be changed, but the research process is still ongoing, so your solutions may change if you find better ones in your ongoing research. This is a tentative thesis; you can make some changes to it later if you need to.
Now that you have taken some time to seriously think about and research your topic, you are ready to present your trajectory/proposal (intentions) for the research project. The proposal must contain your final subject/topic for the research project.
Not sure how to put together a thesis? Watch this helpful video that breaks it down for you:
A problem-solution paper is exactly what it sounds like. First, an issue or obstacle is posed, then a solution or series of solutions is suggested to resolve that issue or obstacle.
Problem-solution essays can be structured differently depending on the nature of the topic. (For instance, if there is important historical information to your problem that is a bit too long for your intro, then you might want to spend a paragraph between your intro and your solution body paragraphs to give your audience that history.) Most essays, however, follow this basic formula:
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When students face issues on how to write a problem and solution essay, they need clear guidelines to organize and provide high-quality papers. Basically, key insights in this article include a definition of a problem and solution essay, its format, unique structure, and organizational pattern. Further on, other essential details include possible easy prompts students can choose when writing their papers, technical steps, and tips for creating a high-standard document. Besides, an outline template and example of a problem and solution essay give readers a practical paper of how this type of text should appear after its completion. In turn, people can find information on what they can include when writing their compositions and what mistakes they should avoid. Therefore, this guideline is a must-read for every student who hopes to write a good problem and solution essay that meets instructor’s quality expectations.
Academic texts are an excellent place to build critical writing skills and develop an intellectual capacity to create different types of essays that others can use as sources of ideas. Since most types of papers are technical, students must continuously expose themselves to ideas and knowledge about how to produce good compositions. In principle, this guideline on how to write a problem and solution essay includes vital insights for students and anyone interested in writing this kind of text for academic or intellectual reasons. By reading this article, people can learn an actual meaning of a problem and solution essay, its format, unique structure, distinctive features, tips for a high-standard piece, and possible prompts, among other essential writing details that include what they can include and what they should avoid. Finally, an outline template and a practical example of a problem and solution essay offer readers a good paper of this type of text.
According to its definition, a problem and solution essay is a type and form of writing that identifies a specific issue and proposes one or more ways to solve this challenge. For example, the main purpose of writing a problem and solution essay is to encourage critical thinking and analytical skills, including an ability to argue persuasively (Fonteyn, 2024). Basically, this approach not only informs readers about a defined problem but also motivates them to think about actionable steps they can take to contribute to a solution. Further on, this type of paper begins by clearly defining a specific issue, explaining its causes, and discussing its impacts on individuals, communities, or society at large (Caplan & Johns, 2022). After establishing an actual significance of a chosen challenge, an author presents potential responses, discussing their feasibility, benefits, and potential implications. Moreover, by focusing on both an explained issue and a way to resolve it, these essays help readers understand complex challenges and consider actionable options to make positive changes (Babin et al., 2020). In terms of pages and words, the length of a problem and solution essay depends on academic levels, assignment requirements, and specific challenges and responses, while general writing guidelines are:
High School
College (Undergraduate)
University (Advanced Undergraduate or Early Graduate)
Master’s Level
Ph.D. Level
As the name suggests, this kind of academic essay addresses a specific problem and its solution. For example, someone writing this paper should identify a particular concern and explain how to solve it (Caplan & Johns, 2022). Basically, a problem-solution essay is a type of persuasive or argumentative paper. Further on, this text mainly applies where instructors want to assess students’ writing skills and ability to investigate matters and find relevant information that enhances one’s understanding of them. In this respect, a problem and solution essay differs from other types of scholarly texts, including a research paper or a research proposal, and some compositions, like argumentative, cause and effect, or compare and contrast formats of writing (Fonteyn, 2024). While these texts require writers to examine issues and use evidence to construct and defend arguments and observations, a problem and solution essay means one must state a principal issue and explain a unique way of addressing it. Finally, a good topic for writing a problem and solution essay is “Reducing Plastic Waste in an Environment by Implementing Stronger Recycling Programs and Promoting Reusable Materials.”
Section | Content |
---|---|
Title | Essay Title: Create a clear, concise title reflecting a problem and a proposed solution(s). |
Introduction | Hook: Start with a captivating and engaging opening to grab attention. |
Problem Statement: Clearly state a specific issue. | |
Thesis Statement: Present a brief overview of a chosen challenge and mention of a response(s) to be discussed in writing. | |
Problem Description | Detailed Explanation: Describe a chosen difficulty in detail, including its causes and effects. |
Significance: Explain why such an issue is important and needs to be addressed. | |
Evidence: Provide data, examples, or evidence that illustrate a challenge’s impact. | |
Solution(s) | Proposed Solution(s): Write about one or more ways to address a presented challenge. |
Explanation: Explain how a specific response(s) can effectively address a given issue. | |
Feasibility: Discuss a practicality of a proposed option(s), including resources needed and potential implications. | |
Supporting Evidence: Provide examples, studies, or expert opinions that support an overall effectiveness of a presented solution(s). | |
Counterarguments | Acknowledgment: Recognize opposing viewpoints or alternative options. |
Rebuttal: Refute these counterarguments by explaining why a proposed solution(s) can be superior. | |
Conclusion | Restatement of Thesis: Reiterate a discussed issue and a proposed option(s). |
Summary of Key Points: Summarize main arguments made in a problem and solution essay. | |
Call to Action: Encourage readers to take action or consider an actual importance of an available option(s). | |
Closing Statement: Provide a final thought or reflection on writing about a chosen topic. | |
List of References | Citations: List all sources cited in a problem and solution essay in an appropriate format (APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, Harvard, etc.). |
Note: Some writing sections of a problem and solution essay can be added, deleted, or combined with each other, depending on complexities of chosen topics and assignment requirements. For example, a problem and solution essay format is a structured approach to writing where an author identifies a specific issue, explains its significance, and proposes one or more options to address it, often including an analysis of their effectiveness and potential challenges (Fonteyn, 2024). In literature, a basic definition of problem and solution refers to identifying a specific issue and then proposing one or more ways to effectively address or resolve that challenge. Further on, a standard structure of a problem and solution essay typically includes an introduction that presents a specific issue, body paragraphs that detail this challenge and propose ways to address it, and a conclusion that summarizes an entire discussion and reinforces an overall effectiveness of proposed options (Babin et al., 2020). In writing, a problem-solution essay is also known as an issue-resolution or problem-solving paper. Moreover, a problem-solution essay test typically assesses a student’s ability to identify a specific issue, analyze this challenge, and propose effective options within a structured writing format (Eichmann et al., 2019). Basically, an example of a problem is traffic congestion in urban areas, and a solution might be implementing a comprehensive public transportation system to reduce a high number of cars on a road. Finally, a standard SPSE essay format stands for situation, problem, solution, and evaluation, and this type of writing involves describing a situation, identifying a related issue, proposing ways to address it, and evaluating an overall effectiveness of those options (Caplan & Johns, 2022). In turn, to start a first paragraph of a problem and solution essay, people begin with a compelling hook, introduce a specific challenge by clearly defining it, and provide a thesis statement that briefly outlines a proposed response.
Like other academic texts, a problem and solution essay has a unique writing structure that students should adopt to ensure their work meets instructor’s expectations. For example, to write a problem and solution essay, people clearly define a specific concern, provide evidence to support its significance, propose one or more actionable ways to address it, and analyze an overall effectiveness and feasibility of those options (Fonteyn, 2024). In writing, an entire design features certain elements, including a description of an issue in a way that attracts a reader’s interest, an explanation of a potential option, a plan to implement an answer, and a procedure to evaluate an outcome. In short, students should approach an assigned task more carefully when writing such a composition . Moreover, a mistake students make is to assume expectations and rely on their knowledge of other papers in writing assignments (Babin et al., 2020). While there are areas of similarities, most types of academic texts have distinct features that form part of expectations. As such, an essay structure is one of these features and determines whether students score highly or poorly in the eyes of readers.
🔹 Problem Description
Defining a specific problem is a person’s first task when generating ideas about a problem and solution essay. For example, this definition should form part of writing a thesis statement to inform readers early about a paper’s aim (Caplan & Johns, 2022). While using many words to describe a chosen concern in a college essay introduction is not advisable, students should use a paper’s body to comprehensively address an issue, including its causes and who or what is affected. Essentially, a description part of a composition should make readers care about a unique situation and be curious about a way of addressing it (Fonteyn, 2024). In turn, some examples of sentence starters for beginning a problem and solution essay are:
After describing a defined issue, students should explain a logical resolution in writing a body of a problem and solution essay. For example, people should tell readers something about a solution in a thesis statement because this sentence mentions a problem (Babin et al., 2020). Ideally, a good thesis statement should focus on the most critical aspects of any paper, in this case, a problem and a solution. However, body paragraphs should tell readers more about a way of addressing a defined challenge, including who or what provides it and how it will impact a situation. In writing, a problem and solution essay should be rich with information that enables readers to understand everything without outside input (Fonteyn, 2024). As a result, all solutions should not leave readers confused or unimpressed because of simplicity or unreasonableness.
🔹 Implementation Plan
A good solution for writing an essay should have an implementation plan because it takes time to happen. For example, since most situations are complex and multifaceted, solutions take time to develop because of some dynamics involved, including a need to consult and budget-making (Babin et al., 2020). Therefore, students should discuss implementation by addressing who or what would provide an entire solution, how, and the time it will take to get results. Besides, these writing details are essential to readers because they provide a roadmap to deal with a challenge when going through an entire composition. In turn, the most critical element of an implementation plan is the timeline, meaning when a specific solution will be available to when expected outcomes will manifest.
🔹 Evaluation of Outcome
The most effective strategy for assessing whether a particular solution described in an essay has solved a specific challenge is to evaluate an entire outcome. For example, some examples may be futile if they do not address a defined issue (Fonteyn, 2024). Therefore, when writing a problem and solution essay, students should explain who or what would evaluate an outcome and key features they would assess to determine whether it is a right outcome.
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The most notable feature of scholarly documents is a unique content organization from an introduction to a conclusion. For example, students can adopt block or chain structures when writing a problem and solution essay depending on whether an instructor has specified a pattern (Caplan & Johns, 2022). Ideally, different patterns determine how students describe a problem and a solution. In writing, a problem-solution essay topics list for IELTS includes issues, like environmental pollution, unemployment, urbanization challenges, healthcare accessibility, and educational inequality, each requiring analysis of a specific challenge and proposed options.
🔸 Block Structure
A block structure is where authors divide a body of a problem and solution essay into two writing sections. Basically, a first element of an essay addresses a challenge(s) and all the crucial details, like some causes and effects. Then, a second section outlines a solution(s) to a presented concern and essential elements, like who or what would provide, and an expected outcome. Therefore, when adopting a block structure in writing an essay, students should deal with an issue entirely before proceeding to a resolution (Fonteyn, 2024). Besides, they should have another writing section in an essay for an implementation plan and another one for evaluating outcomes. As a result, such a format should be as follows:
🔸 Chain Structure
A chain structure divides a body of a problem and solution essay into several writing sections depending on a number of issues. For example, students use each section to describe a challenge, addressing some causes and effects and its solution, as well as essential writing details, like who or what would offer it and how long it would take to solve (Babin et al., 2020). Depending on essay instructions, students can use subheadings to identify key sections or use body paragraphs, each for one problem and its solution. Then, people should have another writing section in an essay for an implementation plan and another one for evaluating outcomes. As such, such a format should appear as follows:
Examples of 12 Problems, Their Solution(s), Implementation, and Evaluation for Writing an Essay
Type | Example | Solution(s) | Implementation (Activities that will help to solve an issue) | Evaluation (The expected outcomes) |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. Chaotic problem. | A lack of adequate nursing staff in a hospital’s emergency room (ER). | – Recruit six new nurses. | – Design a recruitment exercise by defining job requirements, identifying interviewers, developing interview questions, determining the criteria to identify the most qualified candidates, and covering an interview date and location. – Announce vacancies for nurses in a press. – Create a budget to recruit additional staff. | – A well-defined and developed recruitment plan with all the essential details. – A clear and precise communication inviting qualified candidates to apply for a position. – A well-attended interview session. – The hiring of six additional nurses. |
2. Complex problem. | Poor school academic performance in a school district. | – Reassess an entire curriculum. – Assess teachers’ curriculum implementation. | – Set up a team to reassess a curriculum. – Identify some weaknesses of a curriculum. – Propose recommendations. – Assess teachers’ commitment to a curriculum. | – A team is in place tasked with reassessing a curriculum. – An assessment team has defined some shortcomings of a curriculum, including misalignment with the school district’s students’ academic assessment criteria. – An entire proposal by an assessment team indicates a need to redesign a curriculum to reflect the school district’s students’ academic assessment protocols. |
3. Complicated problem. | Healthcare professionals experience nurse burnout. | – Hire more nurses. – Introduce more shifts to reduce nurses’ working hours. – Introduce spiritual programs that teach meditation. | – The human resource (HR) department establishes a committee to review nurses’ working conditions and table recommendations on how to solve a challenge within six months. | – A committee of 6 individuals exists with a mandate to review nurses working conditions. – It meets twice a week, and there is evidence of minutes for every meeting. |
4. Social problem. | – Most psychologists have a couple therapy sessions every week. – Counselors and social workers actively resolve community issues, including domestic violence. – The criminal justice system has set up a task force to address all forms of domestic violence. | – Establish reproductive health education programs in high schools. – Mobilize adolescents for community work. – Involve social workers in counseling teenagers. | – Engage community stakeholders to create linkages between education, healthcare, and social work. – Build a community center for youth. | – Community leaders are constantly engaging people’s representatives in local assemblies to advocate for legal interventions, such as legislation and other policies targeting the youth. – There is a forum for school administrators, healthcare professionals, and social workers to deliberate on youth issues. |
5. Family problem. | Increased cases of intimate partner violence. | – Couple therapy. – Divorce or separation. – Prosecution of perpetrators. | – Therapy sessions by family psychologists. – Involvement of counselors and social workers in community affairs. – Family courts. – Law enforcement patrols in communities to arrest perpetrators of intimate partner violence. | – Most psychologists have couple therapy sessions every week. – Counselors and social workers actively resolve community issues, including domestic violence. – The criminal justice system has set up a task force to address all forms of domestic violence. |
6. Health problem. | Increase in cases of substance abuse among a youth population. | – Development of youth empowerment policy frameworks. – Disruption of a drub supply chain. – Rehabilitation programs for drug addiction. | – The local, state, and federal governments pass laws targeting youth empowerment. – Law enforcement agencies identify all persons involved in an illicit drug supply chain. – Hospitals establish rehabilitation programs for drug addiction. | – There are laws in place facilitating youth empowerment, including internships, job-focused training, and skills development. – Police departments have set up drug enforcement taskforces targeting the manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and peddlers of illicit drugs. – Public and private hospitals have in-house rehabilitation programs targeting people with drug use disorders. |
7. Homelessness problem. | Many people do not have places to live. | – Massive affordable housing. – Cash transfer for homeless senior citizens. – Rent-regulation policies. | – Government land offers to private housing developers. – Government-funded affordable housing projects. – Legislation targeting financial assistance to homeless senior citizens. – Legislation regulating rent in cities. | – The government has established land incentives for private housing developers. – The government has identified public land parcels for affordable housing projects. – Registration of private housing developers. – The government has created a budget for financial assistance to homeless, elderly persons. – Registration of homeless senior citizens. |
8. Legal problem. | When someone runs away from a police officer, this action means crime. | – Community policing. – Police patrols in high-crime areas. – Time-bound amnesty for surrender or unregistered firearms. | – Partnership between law enforcement and a community to arrest criminal activities. – Increased police presence in high-crime areas. – Community-led collection of unregistered firearms without legal consequences for holders. | – Some members of the public have volunteered to collaborate with law enforcement to identify criminals in a community. – Establishment of an interagency task force aiming at frequent patrols in high-crime neighborhoods. – Increased arrests and prosecution of criminals. – The government has announced a three months amnesty for anyone who turns in an unregistered firearm. – The surrender of a high number of unregistered firearms. |
9. Corruption problem. | In public offices, representatives take illegal money. | – Prosecution of corrupt public officials. – Lifestyle audit for high-ranking public officials. – A toll-free number for the public to report corrupt practices like bribery. – Training of public officials on professional ethics. | – Increased focus by the justice department on unethical conduct in public service. – Wealth declaration by high-ranking public officials. – Initiatives increasing awareness of some dangers of corruption in society. – Integrating professional ethics in training programs for public service employees. | – Appointment of a special prosecutor to deal with corruption cases in public service. – Freezing of assets for public officials who cannot account for their wealth. – Publications in public buildings and offices, such as pamphlets, asking people to report corruption incidences. – Establishment of a whistleblower program in public service. – Regular seminars on professional ethics for public service employees. |
10. Road problem. | A high rate of automobile accidents. | – Increased traffic patrol. – Arrest and prosecution of drunk drivers. – Impounding unroadworthy cars. – Mandatory driving tests for drivers charged with traffic offenses. | – The police department should increase the number of traffic marshals on busy highways. – Impromptu monthly vehicle inspections. – Suspension of driving licenses for drivers charged with serious traffic offenses. | – A high number of traffic marshals on busy highways. – Conviction of a person on DUI charges. – A monthly vehicle inspection initiative. – Retraining of drivers charged with serious traffic offenses. |
11. Easy problem. | People have a lack of morale in the workplace. | – A review of employee salaries and benefits. Improvement of working conditions. – Establishment of workplace programs targeting staff rejuvenation. – Elimination of communication barriers in the organizational hierarchy. | – Reconciling employee compensation with a workload for each job category. – Provision of necessary support to employees across all cadres. – Building recreational facilities and programs for staff and their families. – Rewarding high performance through family-oriented holiday packages. – Adoption of the open-door policy. | – There is an improved worker compensation commensurate with the workload for every job category. – An improved work environment focused on health and safety. – There is a weekend-only on-site entertainment program for staff and their families. – An established staff motivation initiative rewards high-performing employees with a five-day international and three-day local family holiday. – Employees can raise issues with their managers without unnecessary bureaucracy. |
12. Education problem. | Insufficient funding of public schools. | – Legislation specifying the budgetary allocation for every school in a district. – Accountability and transparency in school funding. – Regular audit of school accounts. | – Focus by elected leaders on increasing budgets for each public school, using student population as the criteria for increased funding. – Appointment of auditors for a school district. | – Local and state assemblies are or have debated bills on school funding. – The education department has appointed auditors to audit school accounts for all schools in the district. |
Choosing good essay topics is a first task when writing an academic paper, and it determines whether students have an easy or hard time generating ideas and putting them together coherently. Therefore, they should know that selecting problem and solution essay prompts can mean the difference between a below-average and an excellent document. Before deciding on a specific writing theme, one should read widely to seek knowledge on what topics are easy to understand and which can complicate producing a high-standard paper (Fonteyn, 2024). In turn, the following list comprises easy topics students can choose from when writing a problem and solution essay because they require authors to describe a specific challenge, state an option for a resolution and how to implement it, and evaluate further outcomes.
Title: Unique Topic
I. Introduction
II. Body of an Essay
A. Problem:
B. Solution(s):
III. Conclusion
List of References
Topic: Discuss Student Loan Debt as a Burden to Graduates and How the Government Can Lighten It
Introduction
The high cost of college education is historically out of reach for a majority population. Officials in America enacted legislation to facilitate loans to individuals who see a college education as a pathway to economic mobility. Although student loans have helped millions to come closer to experiencing the American Dream, repaying it is burdensome to graduates, and some stakeholders believe loan forgiveness is the best solution.
Student loan debt results from a government’s effort to assist millions of Americans in attaining a college education despite their socioeconomic status. Any day of the week, a review of the mass media will reveal sentiments from various quarters about student loan debt and how it has made graduates’ lives a nightmare. For example, multiple reports show that most people graduating from higher education enter the job market yearly with a loan burden (Sinha et al., 2024). These reports indicate the adverse effects of this condition, including sinking individuals into financial slavery and making a high standard of living a mirage. Arguably, people can conclude that a college education is no longer a pathway to the American Dream but one to economic slavery.
B. Solution
Since Joe Biden assumed the presidency, a section of congressional members has called for the federal government to adopt loan forgiveness to make life bearable for many graduates. Ideally, this intervention means the federal government owning up student loans in the market to free graduates from loan repayment, which has proven to be a significant barrier to financial independence and a high living standard (Mitchell, 2022). While this solution is commendable, it has several weaknesses. Firstly, this response does not solve an actual essence of an issue but transfers it from individual to government levels. Since the government gets money through taxation, student loan forgiveness will become a problem for taxpayers. Secondly, this option does not address why people seek student loans, meaning an issue will continue manifesting. Another solution to a problem that most people believe is ideal is making the necessary arrangements, including legal ones, to make student loan repayment part of employment benefits (Deller & Parr, 2021). Such a response recognizes that almost every graduate entering the job market has a student loan repayment obligation. Therefore, employers should make loan repayment an employment benefit and kill two birds with one stone, which means attracting the best candidates and retaining them because of improved life satisfaction. Companies are constantly losing their best employees because most skilled workers are always searching for an employer with the best compensation package (Mitchell, 2022). As a result, making student loan repayment an employment benefit, like health insurance, will make an employer a dream workplace for most graduates because everyone wants a burden off their shoulders.
Student loan debt is a burden to most graduates, and the federal government and employers can help lighten it for millions of Americans. The media shows how loan repayment has sunk a majority of graduates into financial slavery and made the American Dream just that, a dream. Loan forgiveness by the federal government can help to lighten such a burden. However, making loan repayment an employment benefit is the best solution because it does not transfer an entire obligation to a taxpayer. Therefore, legislators should refocus their efforts on loan forgiveness and consider how loan repayment can become part of employment benefits.
Deller, S., & Parr, J. (2021). Does student loan debt hinder community well-being? International Journal of Community Well-Being , 4 (2), 263–285. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42413-020-00107-1
Mitchell, J. (2022). The debt trap: How student loans became a national catastrophe . Simon & Schuster Paperbacks.
Sinha, G. R., Viswanathan, M., & Larrison, C. R. (2024). Student loan debt and mental health: A comprehensive review of scholarly literature from 1900 to 2019. Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work , 21 (3), 363–393. https://doi.org/10.1080/26408066.2023.2299019
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Writing scholarly papers or essays is a technical process that requires an in-depth understanding of certain conventions. Basically, these conventions include following a prescribed essay outline; formatting in APA, MLA, Harvard, or Chicago/Turabian; using an active voice; adopting a formal tone; writing papers without grammar or format errors; and producing papers with a logical order of ideas and thought (Fonteyn, 2024). In writing, students should capture these details in various sections of their essays. Moreover, the purpose of a problem and solution paragraph is to clearly identify a specific issue and propose one or more practical options, aiming to inform or persuade readers about how this challenge can be effectively addressed (Babin et al., 2020). Ideally, a writing process happens in steps, each with its demands that form an instructor’s assessment criteria. Thus, the main steps for writing a great problem and solution essay are preparation, stage setup, document writing, and wrap-up.
Step 1: Preparation
Preparation is a first step in writing a problem and solution essay, requiring students to focus on several details. For example, a first aspect is defining a unique topic if assignment instructions do not specify it (Babin et al., 2020). Basically, a key secret to a good topic is to identify a problem one cares about deeply that has practical solutions. On the other hand, writing about a specific problem that cannot be solved would be frustrating because it would defeat the purpose of a problem and solution essay. Further on, when defining a topic and generating ideas, students should consider an intended audience to determine whether to use simple or technical language (Fonteyn, 2024). In principle, the most effective strategy for writing essays is to incubate ideas while learning habitually. Moreover, the best and most effective way to start a solution paragraph in any essay is by clearly introducing a specific option with a transitional phrase, such as “One effective way to address this problem is by…” or “A viable solution to this issue is…” followed by a concise explanation of a proposed response (Caplan & Johns, 2022). In turn, course content is rich in ideas one can use to construct topics usable when professors issue instructions to write a paper for assessment.
Step 2: Stage Setup
Setting a stage is a second step of writing a problem and solution essay. For example, a first task for students is to find credible sources (Caplan & Johns, 2022). In this writing task, learners should research widely and identify materials relating to a topic to generate ideas and write their essays. Further on, the best approach is to read several reliable sources while making notes (Fonteyn, 2024). Besides, students should focus on materials that help them to construct a specific topic that addresses a problem with possible solutions to write about. In turn, a next task is to create a clear outline according to the one above. In an informative essay, problem and solution sections identify an issue and then explain possible methods or strategies to resolve it, aiming to educate readers about its significance and an overall effectiveness of proposed options (Babin et al., 2020). However, someone may decide to follow block or chain writing structures in a paper’s body. As a result, an entire choice will depend on a specific number of problems and solutions, but a chain structure is best suited for an essay addressing several issues and resolutions because it provides a logical flow.
Step 3: A Writing Process
A third step in writing a problem and solution essay is to begin typing words, focusing on producing an initial draft. For example, this first draft allows students to organize all ideas into a coherent paper (Babin et al., 2020). After completing a document, students should read it and confirm if all the ideas are sufficient. If some ideas are irrelevant, they should add more academic sources. However, if there are too many ideas, one should delete some irrelevant sources (Fleckenstein et al., 2020). In writing, students should also alter their essay outlines after adding or deleting sources to fit their ideas. Basically, people may switch from a block format to a chain writing structure in their essays if they find more problems and solutions and vice versa if some concerns and options are reduced significantly (Fonteyn, 2024). Finally, a last task in this step is to create a well-organized thesis summarizing a paper’s objective, mentioning some problem(s) and solution(s).
Writing an Introduction
In a first section, students should focus on a hook, background information, and a thesis when writing an introduction paragraph for a problem and solution essay. Basically, a hook is a statement that grabs a reader’s attention and stirs their interest in reading an entire text (Babin et al., 2020). In writing, background information tells a unique context of a chosen topic by stating why a problem is a matter of concern to an author, a reader, and a broader society. Then, a thesis tells a target audience a main reason for organizing an essay. For example, to write a problem and solution statement, people clearly identify a chosen issue, explain its significance, and then propose one or more actionable options to address it (Heffernan & Teufel, 2018). As a last sentence in an introduction paragraph, a central thesis gives readers a sneak peek into a main argument that is a primary focus of body paragraphs.
Writing Body Paragraphs
A body section is the most comprehensive section of a problem and solution essay because it comprehensively describes key problem(s) and solution(s). For example, to write a good problem and solution paragraph, people clearly state an assigned issue, provide evidence or examples to illustrate this challenge, then propose a specific response and explain how such an option effectively addresses a discussed concern (Caplan & Johns, 2022). In writing, students can adopt block or chain structures depending on a specific number of problems and solutions. Further on, an important detail to consider is ensuring each paragraph writing has a topic sentence that identifies an idea relating to a central thesis statement (Fonteyn, 2024). The rest of the paragraph in an essay should focus on supporting a single idea through evidence-based writing. In short, students should use evidence from various sources, such as government websites and research materials (Babin et al., 2020). Moreover, one should cite such evidence in an applicable format: APA, MLA, Harvard, or Chicago/Turabian. In principle, the end of each paragraph should have a transition that allows for a logical flow to a next part or section. Finally, depending on a defined college essay length and its writing, people can use headings and sub-headings to organize a body section.
Writing a Conclusion
As the term suggests, a conclusion section is a last paragraph of a problem and solution essay. In writing, authors should end their papers by reminding readers of a thesis with a summary of main points (Caplan & Johns, 2022). Essentially, a conclusion paragraph of an essay should restate discussed problem(s) and solution(s) and make a call to action that allows readers to formulate ideas of what society should do to make the issue(s) less severe and the options(s) sustainable.
Step 4: Wrap-Up
A wrap-up activity is a last step of writing a problem and solution essay, and it is all about perfecting an initial draft document to make a paper a final one. Basically, a first task is to read and reread a problem and solution essay to identify and revise writing or other mistakes. For example, a revision process of an essay and its writing should involve rearranging words and sentences to eliminate an illogical flow of ideas and thoughts (Fonteyn, 2024). Moreover, a next task is to edit essays by fixing grammatical and formatting errors, including missing punctuation or wrong citations. In case of formatting, students should adopt one style, like APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago/Turabian, or others, in writing a whole essay since each one is unique.
For example, when citing a book, citations should read as follows for each type:
📕 APA Citation for a Book
Author’s surname, initials of first and second names. Publication year in brackets. Title in a sentence case . Publisher’s name.
(Author’s surname, publication year, page number)
📕 MLA Citation for a Book
Author’s surname, complete first and second names. Title in a title case . Publisher’s name, publication year.
(Author’s surname and page number).
📕 Harvard Citation for a Book
Author’s surname, initials of first and second names with date of publication. Title in a sentence case . Publisher, publisher’s location.
(Author’s surname, publication year, page number).
📕 Chicago/Turabian Citation for a Book
Author’s surname, complete first and second names. Title in a title case . Publisher’s location, publisher.
Author’s first, second, and third names. Title in a title case . Publisher’s location, name, and publication year are in brackets. Page number from where people got the information they are citing.
A high-standard scholarly essay is a product of enough preparation and focused intellectual engagement. For example, this condition makes it essential for students to learn to accomplish their tasks flawlessly (Babin et al., 2020). As such, key tips for students and anyone writing a problem and solution essay include identifying vulnerable groups in society; brainstorming about some issues they face; thinking about possible options to address them; generating ideas about concerns and resolutions, creating an outline; considering whether to adopt a block or chain structure; writing an introduction with a hook, background information, and a thesis; describing the problems and the possible solutions comprehensively in a body section; ensuring body paragraphs have topic sentences, evidence, transitions, and citations; and writing a conclusion that restates a central thesis, summarizes main points, and makes a call to action in an essay.
10 things to do:
10 things not to do:
Element | Description |
---|---|
Clear Definition of a Problem | Include a precise explanation of a specific issue, its origins, and why it matters. |
Background Information | Provide a unique context about a chosen challenge, including historical, social, or economic factors. |
Impacts | Discuss who is affected by an obstacle and how it impacts individuals, communities, or industries. |
Causes | Analyze underlying causes or contributing factors to a given situation. |
Examples and Evidence | Include real-life examples, statistics, or research that illustrate a concern’s severity. |
Proposed Solution(s) | Present specific, actionable options to a defined challenge, explaining how they will be implemented. |
Feasibility Analysis | Evaluate an overall practicality of proposed responses, considering resources, time, and cost. |
Benefits | Explain how proposed options will effectively resolve a presented issue and some benefits they bring. |
Potential Implications | Address possible obstacles to implementing discussed options and suggest ways to overcome them. |
Call to Action | Encourage readers to take specific steps or consider alternatives presented seriously. |
A problem and solution essay is a structured academic paper that identifies a specific issue and proposes a potential option to address it. In writing, such compositions include an introduction that defines a specific challenge, a body that explores some resolutions and their implementation, and a conclusion that evaluates corresponding outcomes. Moreover, this type of paper should be well-organized, using either a block or chain writing structure to clearly present a problem and its solution. Finally, a principal purpose is to demonstrate an author’s ability to analyze issues and suggest actionable options.
Babin, M., Burnell, C., Pesznecker, S. M., Rosevear, N., & Wood, J. R. (2020). The word on college reading and writing . Open Oregon Educational Resources.
Caplan, N. A., & Johns, A. M. (2022). Essential actions for academic writing: A genre-based approach . University of Michigan Press.
Eichmann, B., Goldhammer, F., Greiff, S., Pucite, L., & Naumann, J. (2019). The role of planning in complex problem solving. Computers & Education , 128 , 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2018.08.004
Fleckenstein, J., Meyer, J., Jansen, T., Keller, S., & Köller, O. (2020). Is a long essay always a good essay? The effect of text length on writing assessment. Frontiers in Psychology , 11 , 1–10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.562462
Fonteyn, D. (2024). Foundations of writing for university study . Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.
Heffernan, K., & Teufel, S. (2018). Identifying problems and solutions in scientific text. Scientometrics , 116 (2), 1367–1382. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-018-2718-6
Home ➔ How to Write an Essay ➔ Problem-Solution Essay
In academic writing, problem solution essays are a common assignment for students. These essays require students to identify a particular problem, propose a solution, and support their ideas with evidence and analysis.
Though the concept of a problem-solution essay might appear simple, many students grapple with organizing their thoughts, crafting a persuasive argument, and presenting their information in a coherent and compelling manner. To address these challenges, we have developed a comprehensive guide on problem-solution essay writing, offering step-by-step instructions and expert advice to help you create an impactful and effective problem-solution essay.
A problem-solution essay is a type of academic writing that identifies a specific problem and proposes one or more viable solutions to address it. This essay genre is particularly useful in developing critical thinking, analytical, and persuasive skills. Below are the main characteristics of problem-solution essays:
Choose a topic.
The first step in writing a problem-solution essay is choosing a topic. The topic should usually be a social issue you are passionate about and have a solution to be implemented. Your topic can be a local, national, or global issue. Here are some problem-solution essay topics:
After receiving your essay prompt, the next crucial step is to conduct in-depth research on the problem. Utilize a variety of reliable sources, such as academic books, peer-reviewed journals , reputable articles, and authoritative websites, to collect comprehensive information on the issue. Always prioritize using credible sources to guarantee the accuracy and legitimacy of the information you gather.
Accurately defining the problem is a critical step in writing problem-solution essays. It establishes the foundation for the entire essay and provides context for the proposed solution. To define the problem effectively, you must explain the issue and its impact on those affected. Supporting your claims with concrete examples and data is essential.
One helpful approach involves asking questions to determine the problem’s scope and influence. Who is affected by the problem? What are its consequences? How widespread is the issue? Has the problem worsened over time? Addressing these questions can enhance your understanding of the problem and emphasize its significance.
Moreover, it is crucial to articulate why the problem warrants a solution. This may involve discussing its impact on people’s lives, the economic cost of the issue, or the ethical implications of allowing the problem to persist. A persuasive explanation of the problem’s urgency and importance strengthens the case for your proposed solution.
Additionally, it is vital to consider various perspectives on the problem. What do experts say about the issue? How do different stakeholders perceive it? Are there potential conflicts or trade-offs involved in solving the problem? Examining diverse viewpoints aids in identifying the most effective and feasible solution.
In summary, defining the problem demands thorough analysis and research. A clear and comprehensive definition of the problem equips you to develop a persuasive and effective solution.
Once you have clearly defined the problem, the subsequent step involves proposing a well-researched solution that addresses the root cause of the issue. To convincingly present your solution, you must provide evidence demonstrating its effectiveness and outlining a practical implementation strategy.
Once you have proposed a well-researched solution, the next step is developing a comprehensive action plan. This plan should outline the steps needed to implement the solution effectively, ensuring it is realistic and achievable. To create a successful plan of action, consider the following key elements:
Problem: Excessive plastic waste generated on college campuses contributes to environmental pollution and negatively impacts the surrounding ecosystem.
Solution: Implement a comprehensive plastic waste reduction program on college campuses involving reusable materials and promoting sustainable practices among students and staff.
By incorporating these elements into your plan of action, you can ensure a well-organized, realistic, and achievable strategy for implementing the proposed solution. A solid plan of action strengthens your problem-solution essay and demonstrates your understanding of the complexities involved in addressing the issue at hand.
The final step in writing a compelling problem-solution essay is to write the essay itself. To ensure a coherent and well-structured piece, the essay should follow a specific structure consisting of an introduction, body, and conclusion. Here’s a breakdown of each section:
By following this structure and carefully developing each section, you will create a well-organized and persuasive problem-solution essay that effectively presents the problem, proposes a viable solution, and outlines a realistic plan of action.
Cybersecurity Problem-Solution Essay by Georges Junior Naddaf
Overall, this problem-solution essay effectively addresses the issue of cybercrime and proposes a multifaceted solution. Here are some strengths and areas for improvement:
Areas for improvement:
A problem-solution essay should typically be at least 1000 words long . However, the length may vary depending on the problem’s complexity, the analysis’s depth, and the assignment’s requirements. Always consult your instructor’s guidelines for specific word count expectations.
Yes, you can propose multiple solutions to the problem. However, ensuring that each solution is well-researched, feasible, and distinct from the others is crucial. Analyzing the pros and cons of each proposed solution can strengthen your argument.
While you can incorporate personal experiences in a problem-solution essay, it is important to remember that this type of essay relies primarily on research and evidence-based analysis. Personal experiences can add a personal touch and make the essay more relatable, but they should be used sparingly and complement the overall argument.
Yes, it is essential to provide evidence to support the proposed solution. Providing credible sources, such as research studies, expert opinions, and relevant examples, will demonstrate the legitimacy of the solution and persuade the reader that it is well-researched and feasible.
Yes, including statistics in a problem-solution essay is encouraged, as they provide quantifiable evidence to support your argument. Ensure that the statistics are relevant, up-to-date, and derived from credible sources. Cite the sources properly to maintain academic integrity.
Problem-solution essay is a common type of expository essay in academic writing. These essays are usually assigned to students in higher levels of education because they require effective research on the topic before providing foolproof solutions to the problems.
If you are also a student, there are possibilities that you will also get the task of writing an essay for a college/school assessment. Most probably you have gotten one and that’s why you are here we guess.
Besides, we know that researching and writing a problem and solution essay can be a head-scratcher sometimes. Moreover, students often get confused with the structure, thesis statement, and what to write in the body paragraphs of a problem solution essay. Lack of proper knowledge in writing a good problem and solution essay could result in lower credits.
However, before writing a problem solution essay, it is essential to identify the right problem that needs to be discussed in the essay. For this, you need to effectively brainstorm some of the ideas and then choose the right problems to address unless the topic is already assigned by your professors.
Now that you have effectively chosen a good topic for writing, you must go through a stepwise approach for writing an impressive problem solution essay. So, before starting to write an essay, it is essential to know what exactly is a problem-solution essay.
As the name suggests, a problem solution essay offers the solutions to a specific problem discussed in the essay. The problem solution essay intends to present either multiple solutions to a single problem or one ideal solution to the problem discussed in the essay.
In the book, Fusion: Integrated Reading and Writing (2016), the author Dave Kemper defined a problem-solving essay, “This sort of essay involves argumentation in that the writer seeks to convince the reader to take a particular course of action. In explaining the problem, it may also need to persuade the reader concerning specific causes”. To understand the problem-solving essay more comprehensively, let’s have a look at some of the example topics of problem-solving essays.
To continue, as seen in the above examples, some critical social problems are addressed and effective solutions need to be presented. Problems can be complex social issues like drug abuse or environmental problems like climate change that concern the entire planet. In most problem-solution essays, the problems are peculiar and have large scale implications.
But in order to effectively present a problem and its foolproof solutions, it is necessary to follow the right structure of writing a good problem solution essay. So, let’s get started with the structure.
Giving the right structure to an essay is an important aspect of writing a good essay because the better the structure, the more easily your reader or audience can navigate through your essay. In the case of a problem or solution essay, the structure is even more important because through the right structure only, your audience would be able to understand the given problem and your provided solutions more effectively.
In the problem solution essays, the structure is quite similar to the other essays that start with an essay introduction and is followed by body paragraphs and conclusions. To simplify, the standard structure of a problem solution consists of four paragraphs in which the introduction usually starts with asking a question that reflects the main problem. Along with this, the introduction also consists of the outline and the thesis statement of the essay.
Following the introduction, as per standard structuring, there will be two body paragraphs in which one will talk about the problem while the paragraph will present the solutions. The number of paragraphs containing the problem and solution can be extended as per the desired length of the essay. In the end, the conclusion of the essay will be provided that will sum up the key arguments. Let us delve into the introduction of a problem- solution essay.
An introduction is an important aspect of an essay because through an impressive introduction only, you will be able to convince your readers to read your essay till the end. In the case of a problem-solving essay, your introduction should be engaging enough to give a clear idea to the readers about the given problem/situation and whom the problem majorly impacts.
However, while writing an introduction there are a few other important aspects that need to be taken into consideration.
The crucial aspect is that your introduction should always contain
That being said, the further sections will deliberately explain all the elements one by one to give you a clear picture of writing essays. Besides, every section will contain a sample element of the essay topic: Elaborate on some of the effective solutions to reduce poverty.
Explanation through an example will assist you in better understanding how to write each element meticulously. So, let’s move ahead without further ado.
A hook is a very first and crucial element of writing an engaging essay introduction. Its presence in the introduction of the essay will assist you in intriguing the curiosity of the reader that will encourage them to read till the end.
Besides, the hook in the introduction of a problem-solving essay could be of various types. It can be a fun fact/claim or an astonishing statistic that directly points toward the problem which will assist in grabbing the attention of the reader from the very beginning.
Besides, in the case of a problem solution essay, you can also create a hook by asking valid questions related to the problem discussed in the essay to involve your reader in your essay as well. As per our example, the sample hook is given below.
Approximately 85% of the world is currently living on less than $30 per day. More than two-thirds of the same lives on less than $10 per day. Moreover, every 10th person survives on less than $1.90 per day (Roser & Ortiz-Ospina, 2022).
After hooking the readers on interesting information, it is time to give background information about the problem.
The background information will be provided to make your readers understand the context of the essay. In the case of a problem solution essay, you will provide background information about the problem that will clearly answer a few of the given questions below.
Background information will assist the readers in understanding the urgency of the problem and will also highlight the major reason behind the need for highlighting the problem. In accordance with our example, the sample background information is given below.
Poverty is becoming a global issue and every coming day; the rich are becoming richer and the poor are becoming poorer. Hence making progress against poverty is becoming one of the most urgent goals of the globe today. People lying in the poor category often face challenges like hunger, less access to education, sanitation issues, and much poorer health.
After giving the readers the background information, it is now time to give the thesis statement of the problem solution essay.
The thesis statement refers to the brief summary of the central idea of the essay that is usually included at the end of the introduction before the outline of an essay. A thesis statement in a problem solution essay can be of two to three lines but irrespective of the length of the thesis statement, your thesis statement needs to clearly include,
Moreover, the thesis statement should naturally highlight a brief summary of the solutions that would be highlighted later in the discussion. However, the thesis statement does not need to present detailed solutions. In the case of our example of the sample essay, the thesis statement in the problem solution essay is given below.
Poverty is still a problem because it brings other problems such as malnutrition, and sanitation issues along. It also hinders the growth of developed and developing nations which directly impacts the lives of other people as well. Alleviation of poverty will ensure enhanced living standards for the people and will provide them with better growth opportunities.
Following the thesis statement, the last paragraph highlights the outline of the essay.
The outline of the essay is the last paragraph of the introduction that will deliberately guide your readers toward the main body paragraphs of the essay. In the case of a problem solution essay, it is a kind of roadmap that will further guide your readers on the given problem and solutions they will encounter in the body paragraphs of the essay respectively.
However, it is essential to note that the outline should always summarize the solutions rather than discuss them in detail.
In this essay, firstly different problems that occur from poverty will be discussed in the essay, along with some of the statistics validating the issue. Secondly, the essay will possess some of the main causes of the problem. Lastly, different solutions will be discussed in the essay that can assist in reducing global poverty.
After the meticulous explanation, comes the body paragraphs of the essay.
Body paragraphs are the cornerstone of the essay that requires the utmost research and attention to detail. There can be multiple paragraphs or even more depending upon the overall length requirement of the essay. You can choose to present the body paragraphs in two ways, block or point-by-point.
The block method in a problem solution essay refers to describing the problem first and then presenting all the required solutions. Whereas the point-by-point method in a problem-solution essay refers to presenting all the problems and solutions simultaneously rather than going through all problems and all solutions separately. In writing the body paragraph of the problem solution essay, you need to keep the 3 Es in mind which stands for explain, expand, and example.
To elaborate, in each paragraph you will start by explaining the topic sentence. This topic sentence will underline the problem or the solution that will be discussed in the paragraph. After explaining the topic sentence, you will elaborate your point by validly expanding the topic sentence and supporting the topic sentence by giving evidence (if possible).
For example, if you are describing the problem, you will use some statistics or research to validate the problem. Other than that, if you are providing a solution, you will use stats or research to validate how your given solution is the most effective remedy. Lastly, you can provide examples in the cases to explain the topic sentence more effectively.
Besides, the last line of the paragraph will be the transition sentence forming cohesion between the current paragraph and the next paragraph describing whether your next paragraph will present another aspect of the problem or will discuss the solution.
Following the example of our topic, below given is the example of a body paragraph using the chain method explaining poverty as a problem, first.Following the example of our topic, below given is the example of a body paragraph using the chain method explaining poverty as a problem, first.
Poverty is a concept that is more than about lack of income and productive resources to ensure that are required to ensure good and sustainable livelihoods. Poverty also brings along poor mental and physical effects like hunger, malnutrition, and limited access to education. Along with this, poverty also brings ensures humans depriving of basic services access which has also resulted in social, political, and economic discrimination. This burden of poverty has excluded many people and deprived them of participating in various decision-making processes. Hence, it is essential to discuss the various possible solutions and act upon them to eradicate poverty effectively.
Lastly, the conclusion is the last paragraph that will wind up your whole essay in the end. While writing the conclusion, firstly, you will restate the thesis statement. Further than that, in a problem solution essay, it is always better to conclude with an intriguing statement that leaves your reader thinking more about the problem further and makes an impactful ending.
To conclude, sometimes all it takes is a small effort from external factors to kickstart the alleviation of poverty by giving some cashflow maintenance to the people living under the poverty line. Hence, the need is to effectively understand the problem and make small changes to implement the solutions and make the world free of poverty.
To encapsulate, if you keep all the above-given tips and tricks given in the guide in mind before writing the problem-solving essay, we are sure that you will be able to write a problem-solving essay like a pro.
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Problem Solution Essay
16 min read
Published on: Feb 1, 2022
Last updated on: Jul 23, 2024
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Are you facing difficulties when it comes to writing problem solution essays?
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A problem-solution essay is a type of academic writing that requires the writer to analyze a problem, propose a viable solution, and support their ideas with relevant evidence.
The primary objective of this essay is to address real-world issues and provide practical solutions to those problems.
In a problem-solution essay, the writer typically begins by describing the problem, highlighting its severity and impact. The writer then proposes a solution to the problem, providing a detailed explanation of how the solution will work.
The essay may also include a discussion of the potential challenges or limitations associated with the proposed solution.
Problem-solution essays play a crucial role in academia and beyond. Here are some reasons why these essays hold significant importance:
Writing a problem-solution essay enhances critical thinking abilities by requiring the writer to deeply analyze and understand complex problems. It encourages the development of analytical skills to assess the root causes, consequences, and potential solutions to a given problem.
Problem-solution essays provide an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world issues. By researching and proposing solutions, students bridge the gap between theory and practice, making their education relevant and meaningful.
Engaging in problem-solution essays cultivates a problem-solving mindset. It encourages individuals to identify problems, think creatively, and propose effective solutions. This mindset is highly valuable in various academic disciplines, professional settings, and everyday life.
Problem-solution essays promote awareness of social, environmental, or political issues. By addressing pressing problems and proposing solutions, these essays contribute to raising consciousness and fostering positive change within society.
Crafting a compelling problem-solution essay hones persuasive communication skills. Writers must effectively communicate their ideas, present logical arguments, and convince readers of the feasibility and effectiveness of their proposed solutions.
Successfully tackling problem-solution essays instills a sense of empowerment and personal growth. As students overcome challenges and present innovative solutions, they gain confidence, expand their knowledge base, and develop essential skills for future endeavors.
A problem-solution essay possesses distinct features that set it apart from other essay types. Let's explore some key features of a problem-solution essay:
The essay begins by clearly identifying and defining the problem . It is essential to provide a comprehensive understanding of the problem, its scope, and its impact on individuals or society.
The writer should establish the urgency and significance of the problem to capture the reader's attention.
The heart of a problem-solution essay lies in proposing a feasible solution.
The writer must present a well-reasoned and practical solution that directly addresses the identified problem. The proposed solution should be logical, realistic, and supported by evidence or expert opinions.
A strong problem-solution essay relies on evidence to support the proposed solution. This may include statistical data, research findings, case studies, or expert testimonies.
The writer should provide convincing evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness and viability of the proposed solution.
Acknowledging and addressing any potential limitations or challenges associated with the proposed solution is crucial. This demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the problem and a realistic approach to solving it.
By acknowledging limitations, the writer shows a balanced perspective and invites further discussion or alternative solutions.
A problem-solution essay often concludes with a call to action, urging readers to take steps toward implementing the proposed solution or supporting related initiatives. This call to action encourages readers to reflect on the problem and motivates them to contribute to positive change.
Like other essays, problem-solution essays also follow a format. Creating a problem-solution essay outline will make the essay writing process smoother.
Have a look at the problem-solution essay structure:
Introduction
An introduction is important because you will not be able to write a good essay without one. You need to describe the problem and then show why it is important. If it is a new or uncommon problem, you will need to explain how it works and its consequences.
If it is a common problem, you will need to tell us about what happens when the problem isn't solved and how people feel about that. Whatever the case may be, you want to convince readers of its importance.
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The thesis statement serves as a concise and informative sentence that outlines the main focus of your essay. It provides the readers with an understanding of the knowledge they will gain by reading it.
For example, if you're writing an essay about how to solve a problem, your thesis statement should be:
"This essay explores the impact of social media on mental health and proposes strategies to promote a healthier digital environment, enabling readers to understand the potential risks and empowering them with effective solutions for maintaining their well-being in the digital age."
You can also add other solutions that did not work before explaining your solution in detail.
An essay usually has three paragraphs, one for each problem and solution. When working on each solution, it is important to review these things:
The last part of an essay is as important as the first. It is often the strongest part, and many people think it doesn't matter because it comes at the end. But that's wrong!
If you don't do a good job on your conclusion, you might fail to earn a good grade. Here are some tips for writing a strong conclusion for your essay:
This was all for the Problem solution essay format. Now it's time to get started to write an essay.
A good problem-solution essay should propose a solution that is easy to implement, reasonable, and solves the problem. Make sure your essay stays focused on the main topic.
Below are steps for writing a good and impressive problem-solution essay.
1. Choose the Topic
Think about the issues that are bothering you. These could be anything, but they need to be big enough for them to affect people. Make a list of these issues or problems that are facing some groups or your community.
2. Think How to Implement Solution
To make a great solution, it needs to be easy to understand and do. Good solutions can be done easily, solve the problem well, and are not expensive.
One of the common ways people try to solve problems is by getting rid of what is causing the problem.
For example, if someone does drugs, they may stop doing them. It can also help if you educate people about how it works or use advertising to motivate them.
Final ly, you might be able to change something that is not working, like an old law, or introduce new ones. Of course, there are other solutions too, so think about all of them!
3. Create an Outline
An outline is important in writing. It helps you to remember what you were going to say, and it also tells your readers what they will learn from the essay. When you write an outline, divide the information into sections or paragraphs.
Pick a topic and then add all of your points in order to make the essay easier for the reader.
Here's a generic outline for a problem solution essay.
A. Hook or attention-grabbing statement B. Background information on the problem C. Clear statement of the problem's significance D. Thesis statement introducing the proposed solutions
A. Causes and factors contributing to the problem B. Consequences and implications of the problem C. Supporting evidence and data to strengthen the analysis
A. Brief overview of the proposed solutions B. Explanation of how the solutions directly address the problem C. Potential benefits of implementing the solutions
A. Detailed description of Solution 1 1. Step-by-step instructions or strategies 2. Supporting evidence or examples B. Detailed description of Solution 2 1. Step-by-step instructions or strategies 2. Supporting evidence or examples C. Detailed description of Solution 3 (if applicable) 1. Step-by-step instructions or strategies 2. Supporting evidence or examples
A. Assessment of the effectiveness and feasibility of each solution B. Discussion of potential challenges or limitations C. Proposed strategies to overcome the challenges
A. Summary of the main points discussed in the essay B. Restatement of the problem's significance and the urgency of implementing solutions C. Call to action, encouraging readers to support or implement the proposed solutions |
4. Start Writing Your Essay
Now the outline is created, it's time to fit in the extensive detail. A problem-solving essay follows the structur e of having an introd uction paragraph, three supporting body paragraphs, and a concluding one.
Start adding the details as discussed in the outline section.
5. Revise Your Essay
The last step in the process of writing an essay is to proofread it. Proofreading means that you go through it a lot of time to ensure there are no mistakes or errors in your essay.
Ensure that the vocabulary, grammar, spelling, citation, facts, syntax, and format are accurate and appropriate. If you find any errors during this step, then correct them before submitting your essay to your instructor.
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We know that it can be hard to write this kind of essay. We have a sample essay below to help you understand.
Problem-solving is an essential skill that plays a crucial role in both personal and professional realms. It is a process of identifying challenges, analyzing their root causes, and developing effective solutions to overcome them. The ability to solve problems efficiently is a highly valued skill in today's complex and dynamic world. This essay explores the importance of problem-solving, its impact on personal and professional growth, and provides practical strategies for enhancing problem-solving abilities.
Problem-solving enables individuals to face adversity, learn from failures, and develop resilience. By actively seeking solutions, individuals can build the mental strength required to overcome obstacles and grow personally. Effective problem-solving necessitates critical thinking, which involves evaluating information, analyzing multiple perspectives, and making informed decisions. This process strengthens cognitive abilities and helps individuals become more adaptable and open-minded. Problem-solving encourages individuals to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions. Engaging in creative problem-solving nurtures imagination and helps individuals develop a proactive and resourceful mindset.
Problem-solving skills enable individuals to recognize hidden opportunities within challenges. Businesses that cultivate a problem-solving culture are more likely to identify gaps in the market and devise strategies for growth and success. Problem-solving often requires collaboration and teamwork, as diverse perspectives and expertise contribute to more comprehensive solutions. Individuals with strong problem-solving skills can facilitate productive teamwork, fostering a positive work environment and driving success. : Effective problem-solving leads to continuous improvement and innovation within organizations. By analyzing and resolving issues, companies can optimize processes, enhance productivity, and stay ahead of competitors in rapidly evolving industries.
Clearly defining the problem is essential to identify its underlying causes and develop appropriate solutions. Ask questions, gather relevant information, and break down the problem into manageable components. : Explore different perspectives and generate a range of potential solutions. Evaluate the pros and cons of each option, considering feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and long-term impact. : Once a solution is selected, create an action plan and implement it. Monitor the results, gather feedback, and make necessary adjustments. Embrace failures as learning opportunities and refine strategies accordingly. Problem-solving is a vital skill that empowers individuals to overcome challenges, foster personal growth, and drive professional success. By cultivating problem-solving abilities, individuals can navigate complex situations with confidence, harness creativity, and contribute to innovative solutions. Through defined strategies and a commitment to continuous improvement, problem-solving can be nurtured and enhanced, creating a positive impact on both personal and professional spheres. Embracing problem-solving as a lifelong learning process is key to unleashing innovation and achieving sustained growth in today's dynamic world. |
Below are additional examples of problem solution essays that can serve as sources of inspiration for your writing.
Problem Solution Essay Sample pdf
Garbage Problem Solution Essay
When you write about a problem solution topic, make sure it is something important to you. Usually, people write about things that are happening around them or in the world.
Below are some topics to choose from when writing your essay.
If you're still having trouble writing this type of essay, check out this informative video below.
In conclusion , a problem-solution essay is an effective way to address and propose solutions to issues that affect individuals or society.
By identifying a problem and presenting supporting evidence, you can inspire readers to take action and contribute to positive change.
However, if you still think that you could benefit more from professional essay writing aid, we've got your back!
Our team of experienced writers provides a reliable problem solution essay writing service . They will ensure to deliver you a well-written and compelling essay that effectively addresses the identified problem.
For deadlines that are too close for comfort, consider seeking assistance from our AI essay writing tool .
So, what are you waiting for? Hire our online essay services today.
What is the best way to start the solution paragraph in an essay.
The best way to start a solution paragraph in an essay is by explaining the problem and then suggesting people to try it.
Start your first paragraph by following the below steps:
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This is the first of three chapters about Problem-Solution Essays . To complete this reader, read each chapter carefully and then unlock and complete our materials to check your understanding.
– Introduce the concept of essay types in academic English
– Discuss the seven most common essay types
– Provide specific features and numerous example questions for problem-solution essays.
Chapter 1: What is an academic problem-solution essay?
Chapter 2: What makes a problem-solution essay successful?
Chapter 3: What is an example problem-solution essay?
While it might be true that writing an effective academic essay is one of the most challenging skills to master, provided students and researchers at first follow tried and tested methods for how to plan, organise and compose their essay then success should certainly be achievable. While there are a multitude of different essay types with varying structures and emphasis, this short reader focuses specifically on writing problem-solution essays . In Chapter 1, we explore the unique aspects of the problem-solution essay before moving on in Chapter 2 to the six steps for clarity and success. Finally, Chapter 3 provides students and teachers with a five-paragraph example essay to be used as a model for both structure and language.
What are the seven essay types?
Before exploring the problem-solution essay in significant detail, it’s important that we first briefly introduce the various types of essay available to researchers and academics. It’s vital that students can identify each of the following seven essay types as each may require unique language structures and organisation. Each of these seven types may also necessitate different levels of research and varying strengths of argumentation:
What are the features of a problem-solution essay?
Problem-solution essays are relatively common and may be encountered as assignments in the preliminary year or as components of English proficiency tests such as IELTS and TOEFL. An essay of this type usually provides the reader with a situation such as ‘air quality in developing countries’ and then asks the writer to focus on three aspects:(1) identify the problems the situation has caused, (2) outline possible solutions to those problems, and (3) evaluate the efficacy of those solutions.
While problems and solutions are of course necessary in a problem-solution essay , the evaluations of these solutions (their strengths and weaknesses) are somewhat essay dependent. If included at all, such evaluations might be placed within the body section directly after each solution or they might be saved for the end of the essay – such as in the conclusion. While there may be a number of structures possible when writing a problem-solution essay, what is generally common in all such essays is that the writer is able to do the following:
What this means is that any problems a writer includes will need to be explained and their importance highlighted to the reader. As for the solutions, these will also need to be discussed clearly and concisely – with comprehensive considerations provided. How will a solution resolve an issue, for example, or who will enact and fund the solution, and is that solution feasible and cost effective? To convince your reader of your solutions, a writer will of course be required to conduct sufficient research to provide sources that support their claims, arguments and evaluations.
What are some example problem-solution questions?
Because not all problem-solution essay questions include the words ‘problem’ or ‘solution’, we’ve provided twelve example questions below so that students can become more comfortable and familiar with knowing when a problem-solution essay is and isn’t required:
In which ways can poverty be quickly solved ?
How can students best deal with noisy roommates?
What are the key ways of reducing childhood obesity?
What is the best way to help someone who is anxious?
Is there any solution to the North Korea nuclear crisis?
How can education be made more affordable for students?
How can governments better reduce the number of smokers?
What are some of the best methods to deal with addiction?
What are some policies for improving the US-China trade war?
How can we encourage the general public to be less prejudiced?
How has digital communication affected face-to-face relationships?
Which policies would best alleviate the problem of illegal immigration?
Now that we’ve explored the basic concepts of problem-solution essays , students shouldn’t forget to check their comprehension by unlocking Chapter 1’s activities. Following this, Chapter 2 next focuses on the six most important steps for creating effective problem-solution essays.
To reference this reader:
Academic Marker (2022) Problem-Solution Essays . Available at: https://academicmarker.com/essay-writing/essay-types/problem-solution-essays/ (Accessed: Date Month Year).
Once you’ve completed all three chapters in this short reader about Problem-Solution Essays , you might then wish to download our Chapter Worksheets to check your progress or print for your students. These professional PDF worksheets can be easily accessed for only a few Academic Marks .
Chapter 1 explores the topic: What is an academic problem-solution essay? Our Chapter 1 Worksheet (containing guidance, activities and answer keys) can be accessed here at the click of a button.
Chapter 2 explores the topic: What makes a problem-solution essay successful? Our Chapter 2 Worksheet (containing guidance, activities and answer keys) can be accessed here at the click of a button.
Chapter 3 explores the topic: What is an example problem-solution essay? Our Chapter 3 Worksheet (containing guidance, activities and answer keys) can be accessed here at the click of a button.
To save yourself 2 Marks , click on the button below to gain unlimited access to all of our Problem-Solution Essays Chapter Worksheets. This All-in-1 Pack includes every chapter, activity and answer key related this topic in one handy and professional PDF.
06 February, 2021
13 minutes read
Author: Josh Carlyle
In this article, we cover the basics of problem solution essay writing. We will explain what a problem and solution essay is in academic and straightforward terms. We shall also cover the four essential components that make this essay coherent. With these four components in mind, we will offer guidance on the outline structure and provide some general writing tips on research and problem solving, as well as some topics and essay samples.
A problem solution essay is a staple of humanities and social science subjects. These essays cover a pressing issue, examine how it causes problems, and offer solutions to these problems. The topic for problem solution essay papers can be incredibly diverse. The problem could be local, regional, or global. It could affect a wide range of people or be part of the discourse on an arcane and obscure aspect of computing.
If you are wondering how to write a problem solution essay, look no further than its name. The core of a problem solution essay is in the title. In this type of essay, a problem is presented, and a solution is offered. Doing this well requires presenting the issue in an audience-appropriate way and then offering solutions that thoroughly negate any critiques of those solutions.
In a problem and solution essay, the following aspects must be included:
These components are the essence of the structure required in a problem solution essay. The actual structure you will work with will require a finer granulation of sections. For instance, in the solution section, the critiques will also need to have a review applied, demonstrating their lack of applicability or irrelevance.
The best guide for a problem solution essay outline is the four components mentioned above. Cover the situation, the problem, the solution, and then evaluate both or all sides of the story.
To drill down further into the outline, you should have an introduction that will set out your paper’s structure. Then you should present the situation. Keep this section free from emotive language. Use it to ensure the reader has all the facts, and imagine that you want everyone reading the paper to be on a level playing field in terms of knowledge and framing of the problem.
In the problem section, you must explain why there is a particular issue. At this point in your essay, ensure that you do not leave the door open to other causes of the problem. Find ways to make the problem something that the reader cares about and wants to solve, but beware of assuming the reader is on your side simply because you’ve said some things and made some points.
Once the situation has been explained, and the problem elucidated, present your solution. It should use evidence, and you should be able to explain how it directly relates to the question. Don’t use ad hominem attacks or go polemic. Unravel the problem with your solution. Take it to step by step and keep your writing composed.
In the evaluation section, you should find your argument’s weaknesses and the views that find fault with your solution.
You can find solutions to your problems by researching them; someone will have asked the question before, or one very similar to it. You can talk to your peers and even conduct polls on social media to gauge the public’s position on various solutions.
Another way of finding solutions include flipping your perspective. Take the position of the other side and see the world through their gaze. By putting yourself in the opponent’s shoes, you can see weaknesses in your ideas and perhaps adjust them to take on more relevance to more people or factor in an aspect that you had overlooked.
Ultimately, the best way to find solutions is to read and read some more. Try looking in your library if you prefer books to the internet, but don’t leave Google out of it. Using the search engine correctly, you can dig up all kinds of books, papers, and presentations that will be very useful in your studies.
The list of problem solution essay topics is very long. As mentioned earlier, the problem can be a local issue, affecting a specific demographic or being universal. Regardless of the topic you choose, there are another million waiting for an answer.
To start you off, the climate crisis is an excellent area for debate.
Other problem solution essay ideas might include social media’s effect on dopamine levels, gerrymandering in electoral districts, or the working week’s length.
Reading previous papers is a fantastic method to improve your grades. Study essays that get top marks and some of the ones which get lower marks. The difference will be apparent in their vocabulary, logic, and evidence. Read a few problem solution essay sample papers but don’t plagiarize them; always cite your sources. Here are a few examples to help you get started:
https://www.eapfoundation.com/writing/essays/problemsolution/
https://www.ieltsbuddy.com/problem-solution-essays.html
An essay is a complex task to complete. That’s why it’s useful to break down the whole into several steps.
Step one is to conduct some thorough research and planning. If you have free choice over the problem at hand, then start by brainstorming some groups you belong to and decide whether they’re officially mandated ones like a sports team or a club, or broader, like your sex, gender, nationality, or language grouping.
After this, jot down some issues in the groups. Are you struggling to manage the payment plan for your sports hall? Has there been an instance of bullying or shaming in your school? With the topic in mind, move onto research.
When researching your topic, it’s always useful to remember that there is nothing new under the sun. It is almost definite that similar problems have arisen before, and most solutions already exist.
Then, conduct and compose a literature review on the topic. A literature review is an excellent addition to your essay as a standalone section. It helps to situate your issue within the world and builds relations to other similar problems.
You may think you have nothing to say about the problem or find it hard to justify your opinion. Well, in the problem solution essay, your voice matters. Always try to back up what you’re saying through evidence and try not to stray into writing a polemic. Yet, passion and emotion are useful tools for framing the problem. Just try not to make these responses the whole essay.
As far as solving problems goes, you can use some general mechanics to come up with solutions. The following paragraphs will present some of these logical mechanics; feel free to use them in your writing:
One could surmise that the problem and solution essay is an incredibly relevant style of writing. By dissecting an issue and coming up with solutions, you learn a skill that is useful in many careers and practices. But writing one effectively requires both passion and perseverance; writing about topics that move us, though letting the fire burn too brightly, can put readers off or lead them to ignore their blind spots.
Follow the structures set out above and make sure to proofread your essays before submission. Finding a good editor is always a positive step; they can help to rephrase your words so that your argument comes across more fluently.
Writing drafts is good practice, although not always possible due to time constraints. Ideally, you should work through two drafts before submitting a final piece; if the essay makes up a small part of your overall grade, adjust the drafting process accordingly.
Problem solution writing has been speaking truth to power for millennia. HandmadeWriting loves seeking solutions as much as it loves a simple academic essay or lab report. It’s hard to become a good essay writer without getting critical at times. That’s why we pride ourselves on producing some of the most compelling content around. So be the next one to enjoy our writing and get an A+ for it.
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In the article, you will learn about what an essay is, what its features are, and how to write a problem-solution essay: aim, structure, outline, and examples.
An essay is one of the most versatile and multifaceted literary forms.
At the center of the problem-solution essay is the study of a problem situation, which the author reveals from different sides, first of all, from a social, moral, and ethical perspective.
Before proceeding to a detailed analysis, let’s first consider what a problem-solution essay is (and an essay as a whole), and what genre features it has.
Kamini Dashora, PhD, Principal, P.P. Patel College of Social Sciences, (Affiliated Sardar Patel University, Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India)
Crime and criminality have been associated with man since his fall. Crime remains elusive and ever strives to hide itself in the face of development. Different nations have adopted different strategies to contend with crime depending on their nature and extent. One thing is certain, it is that a nation with high incidence of crime cannot grow or develop. That is so because crime is the direct opposite of development. It leaves a negative social and economic consequence. Cybercrime is defined as crimes committed on the internet using the computer as either a tool or a targeted victim. It is very difficult to classify crimes in general into distinct groups as many crimes evolve on a daily basis. Even in the real world, crimes like rape, murder or theft need not necessarily be separate. However, all cybercrimes involve both the computer and the person behind it as victims; it just depends on which of the two is the main target. Hence, the computer will be looked at as either a target or a tool for simplicity’s sake. For example, hacking involves attacking the computer’s information and other resources. It is important to take note that overlapping occurs in many cases and it is impossible to have a perfect classification system. The term ‘cyber crime’ is a misnomer. This term has nowhere been defined in any statute /Act passed or enacted by the Indian Parliament. The concept of cyber crime is not radically different from the concept of conventional crime. Both include conduct whether act or omission, which cause breach of rules of law and counterbalanced by the sanction of the state. Before evaluating the concept of cyber crime it is obvious that the concept of conventional crime be discussed and the points of similarity and deviance between both these forms may be discussed. Full-text citeseerx.ist.psu.edu
Problem-solution essay by Razieh Tadayon Nabavi
Introduction Life satisfaction involves people thinking about their life as a whole, including factors such as whether they are achieving their goals, are doing as well as other people around them and happy generally rather than just right now. These days education became significant issues around the world. There are a lot of opportunities of study for people not only in their country, but also in abroad. Over the past few decades, researchers have done many studies about students that they are living in overseas. Based on their findings some of these students face some problems about satisfaction of their lives. So some scholars claim that unsatisfaction of life became a global problem for foreign students which study in abroad. Problem Life satisfaction represents how satisfied people feel with their life generally, Satisfaction has been described by Shin and Johnson (1978) as a global assessment of a person’s quality of life according to his/her own criteria. In recent years, a lot of young people from different countries go to the developed countries for continue their education. During this period, they probably face with unsatisfaction of their lives. Based on a number of studies as like Ylijoki (2000) unsatisfaction of life for students who are living abroad are increasing. It caused by different indicators such as homeless, stress, unsuccessful and etc. The researchers stated that when students start their new life in abroad some of them become homeless about their countries, families and even about their home foods. They cannot adjust themselves with host country foods, families and friends. So they prefer to isolate themselves and spend many times alone. Researchers also pointed to stress, lack of confidence and academic achievement as other factors that impact on life satisfaction. Some scholars suggested that researchers in their future studies can find more predictors for preventing of this problem. Problem-solution essay by Razieh Tadayon Nabavi
Can Cities Be the Source of Scalable Innovations?
By Christof Brandtner
Systems change to address complex problems, including climate change, is hard to achieve. What little optimism remains to tackle such complex challenges is mostly placed in supranational schemes, such as the COP climate change conferences, or transformational national policy, such as the Green New Deal in the US. Solutions of grand design regularly disappoint, however, because of their high costs, the challenges of translating big plans to local needs, and ongoing disagreement and polarization about what works and what is detrimental. There is hope on the skyline though. Urban innovation ecosystems can provide an alternative to grand schemes, and cities’ social sectors provide a source of ongoing innovation. Companies like Sidewalk Labs, a subsidiary of Alphabet that develops technologies for sustainable urban design, are transforming business as usual to solve complex urban problems. Social enterprises such as car-sharing programs are changing the nature of urban transportation and providing alternative options to individual car ownership. Through its iconic mobile showers, the San Francisco nonprofit LavaMae has found new ways to serve the homeless in the absence of more radical reforms of affordable housing. And the US Green Building Council (USGBC), an intermediary promoting energy-efficient construction, developed guidelines and rating systems for sustainable cities and neighborhoods. Promising ideas are in ample supply, but the crucial question is: How can social innovators scale such innovations so that their local impact adds up to big solutions? Full-text of the problem-solution essay
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When receiving a new assignment, you keep asking the same questions, ‘What should I include in my essay?’ or ‘What is the problem solution essay structure? There are a lot of questions that worry the students who want to be effective in academic writing, especially when it is about the essay in which they have to define problems and solutions.
When writing a problem-solution essay, a student is expected to present a certain challenge, conflict, or issue to add a resolution or answer afterward.
Note that it is essential to specify the target audience and the purpose of the essay before writing. After that, it is time to work on each of the constituent parts of the problem solution essay structure.
You should write an impressive thesis that can effectively outline the key essay argument before working on any other parts. What you have to do is not only develop a broad statement that presents the chosen topic but outline specifically the aspects and positions the essay is going to cover. Have a look at the example of a weak thesis:
Ozone layer depletion is seen as a problem of crucial importance.
It sounds like a nice thesis for you, isn’t it? However, it gives only the general topic without explaining the purpose of writing. It does not give any hint about what you will do with the idea either. Now have a look at a different thesis:
Being an extensively discussed topic, ozone layer depletion demands immediate actions that can be done by each person in the community and serious measures to be taken by the government.
It is a strong thesis as it enables readers to see the main problem and understand what information will be discussed in the remaining part of the essay. In general, only a strong thesis can guarantee that the essay has a clear focus.
Having made an elaborate thesis, it is time to work on a good problem-solution essay introduction. This paragraph is supposed to draw the attention of the readers and present the topic to be discussed. An introduction is an important part of the essay; therefore, it is a must to make it eye-catching and interesting to read. How can you start it? It can be a rhetorical question asked or a fresh idea in a statement. Moreover, it is possible to open the essay with a funny anecdote or a good definition.
Have a look at one rhetorical question used at the beginning of the introduction.
What would you say to the offer of doing the same thing daily throughout your whole life, if they guaranteed that it would make the world a safer place?
The introductory paragraph format with such an opening will undoubtedly draw your readers’ attention. Try to make the content easily relatable to the audience you have targeted at. Appeal to the specific interests of these people. Make your topic narrow and then make a direct connection with the thesis statement, placed at the end of the initial essay paragraph, probably as the last sentence.
Now when you have already understood the problem and solution meaning and constructed your thesis in accordance with the chosen topic, you should work on the body of the essay. This is the most extended part aimed at the development of the key topic or explanation of your ideas. The structure of the body typically includes two to three paragraphs, and it is important to make sure that each of them has a specific idea that at the same time supports the thesis.
Let us get back to the problem and solution paragraph with the example of ozone layer depletion. It is reasonable to have one paragraph of the body devoted to the solutions possible for an individual and the other body paragraph focused on the solutions possible for the governments to make. Overall, the paragraphs of the body should include transition sentences at the end and at the beginning.
The explanations below are devoted to the conclusion essay format.
The final constituent part, which is of great importance as well, is the problem-solving essay conclusion. It is the ending paragraph that is added to ensure efficient closure to the whole paper. The structure of those paragraphs includes the parts of a conclusion in a problem conclusion essay which restate the given thesis, provide the summary of the key points, and cover a broad statement for perfect closing.
You can have either an argumentative conclusion or a persuasive conclusion. Start with the restatement of the key issue and then summarize all discussed solutions. Note that you have to focus on one option only if the essay is persuasive. Finally, close the essay with the last statement so that the readers are still interested and motivated to consider this topic even after they have finished reading.
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Avoid solution language. Resist the temptation to propose solutions in the problem statement. The goal is to clearly define the problem, not to prescribe how it should be solved. This approach encourages creative thinking and enables you and your team to consider a range of potential solutions. Consider the audience
Then, a problem-solution essay task was given where the learners would then prepare a reporting video of an authentic problem in their surroundings by using the problem-solution essay format. The showcase of the video was scheduled for the third week. A set of questionnaires was used as the instrument to obtain their perception of their writing ...
A problem-solution essay is a type of argument. "This sort of essay involves argumentation in that the writer seeks to convince the reader to take a particular course of action. In explaining the problem, it may also need to persuade the reader concerning specific causes" (Dave Kemper et al., "Fusion: Integrated Reading and Writing," 2016).
A problem-solution essay is an essay that identifies a problem or issue and argues a potential solution to the problem. Some problem and solution examples are substance abuse, environmental ...
A problem-solution essay is a form of argumentative writing that looks into a specific issue, providing a detailed examination of the problem and proposing effective solutions. A problem-solution essay stands apart from narrative , descriptive , and expository essays by focusing sharply on identifying a problem, analyzing its causes, and ...
Problem-solution essays consider the problems of a particular situation, and give solutions to those problems. They are in some ways similar to cause and effect essays, especially in terms of structure (see below). Problem-solution essays are actually a sub-type of another type of essay, which has the following four components: Situation.
Planning a "Problem-Solution" Essay . Students are often asked to write essays that address a particular problem. Based on a series of questions, the Dewey Sequence was developed by ... with as the basis for organizing and developing the ideas for your essay. Step One: Define the Problem . 1. What is the specific problem that you or your ...
What Is a Problem Solution Essay: Definition. A problem and solution essay is a type of academic writing that defines some specific issue and provides steps to solve it. This kind of essay is aimed at assessing a student's ability to find some controversial problem and offer a clear problem-solving strategy.
Problem-solution essays can be structured differently depending on the nature of the topic. (For instance, if there is important historical information to your problem that is a bit too long for your intro, then you might want to spend a paragraph between your intro and your solution body paragraphs to give your audience that history.)
According to its definition, a problem and solution essay is a type and form of writing that identifies a specific issue and proposes one or more ways to solve this challenge. For example, the main purpose of writing a problem and solution essay is to encourage critical thinking and analytical skills, including an ability to argue persuasively ...
Step 1: Think about groups that you belong to and the problems that those groups have. Make a list of groups you belong to, such as: Step 2: Make a list of problems you have encountered in some of these groups. Sometimes there is a plan for a solution, but it isn't working, or maybe the plan isn't being enforced.
A problem-solution essay is a type of academic writing that identifies a specific problem and proposes one or more viable solutions to address it. This essay genre is particularly useful in developing critical thinking, analytical, and persuasive skills. Below are the main characteristics of problem-solution essays:
For a problem/solution essay to work, it must present a clearly defined problem in the introduction, present and explain possible solutions in the body, and restate the problems and the benefits of the solution in the conclusion. A successful problem/solution essay…. clearly states the problem and explains its significance.
When wondering how to write a problem solution essay, it's important to describe a problem, convince the reader to care about the problem, and propose a solution. Read on to learn more!
The problem solution essay intends to present either multiple solutions to a single problem or one ideal solution to the problem discussed in the essay. In the book, Fusion: Integrated Reading and Writing (2016), the author Dave Kemper defined a problem-solving essay, "This sort of essay involves argumentation in that the writer seeks to ...
A good problem-solution essay should propose a solution that is easy to implement, reasonable, and solves the problem. Make sure your essay stays focused on the main topic. Below are steps for writing a good and impressive problem-solution essay. 1. Choose the Topic.
A problem solution essay is a form of an argumentative essay which aims to convince readers using facts and appropriate solutions. When writing this essay, you need to consider the problems of a particular situation and provide solutions to them. Problem solution essays are structured much like persuasive essays with an introduction, body ...
Problem-solution essays are relatively common and may be encountered as assignments in the preliminary year or as components of English proficiency tests such as IELTS and TOEFL. An essay of this type usually provides the reader with a situation such as 'air quality in developing countries' and then asks the writer to focus on three aspects ...
Problem Solution Essay Outline. The best guide for a problem solution essay outline is the four components mentioned above. Cover the situation, the problem, the solution, and then evaluate both or all sides of the story. To drill down further into the outline, you should have an introduction that will set out your paper's structure.
1.Describe the problem and tell why it is important to solve. 2. Explain your solution and why it will work. 3. Refute objections. Problems are easy to see, but finding solutions is not as easy. To write an effective paper, you need to spend some time preparing your ideas. This step-by-step guide leads you through the process of getting your ...
9.-.Problem.Solution.Essay.pub. Each instructor develops her or his own assignments. Your instructor and the assign-ment sheet s/he has provided are the two best sources for guidance as you work to-ward a final draft. The handouts/tutorials for the types of essays feature general guide-lines to help you write solid essays, but they should be ...
The problem-solution essay is a short narrative that briefly describes events, facts, and people. An essay is considered one of the varieties of a story that combines elements of literature and journalism. This type of text belongs to a special kind of author's or writer's journalism, which is considered the pinnacle of journalistic skill.
1) Take a walk. A good problem-solution paper addresses a problem that is worth pursuing and can be solved practically. World peace is out, sorry. So are your personal gripes with security ...
The structure of those paragraphs includes the parts of a conclusion in a problem conclusion essay which restate the given thesis, provide the summary of the key points, and cover a broad statement for perfect closing. You can have either an argumentative conclusion or a persuasive conclusion. Start with the restatement of the key issue and ...
A problem-solution essay, like a director on a movie set, demands action. You want readers to recognize the urgency of the problem and why it needs to be solved. Show specific examples of how the problem affects individuals or communities, either through personal experiences or through facts. For instance, in an essay arguing for stricter gun ...