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Problem Solution Essay

Problem-Solution Essay - Writing Guide, Definition & Examples!

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What is a Problem-Solution Essay?

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 proposing effective solutions.

Unlike other types of essays , it places a strong emphasis on presenting practical remedies to real-world problems. This makes it a unique and impactful type of academic essay writing .

Why Write a Problem Solution Essay

There are significant reasons to write a problem solution essay.

First, it encourages the practical application of knowledge by addressing real-world issues and proposing solutions.
Develops deeper understanding of societal problems.
Refines analytical skills and fosters a solution-oriented mindset.
Enhances communication abilities through clear explanation of complex issues and solutions.
Facilitates intellectual growth by tackling significant societal challenges.

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Problem Solution Essay Structure

In crafting a problem-solution essay, the structure plays a pivotal role in presenting ideas coherently and persuasively.

Two commonly used structures for this type of essay are the block structure and the chain structure. Each has its unique approach to organizing information, offering writers flexibility in presenting their analysis and proposed solutions.

Block Structure

The block structure, also known as the whole-to-whole or one-side-at-a-time structure, is a straightforward organizational method.

In this type of structure, the writer dedicates separate blocks of text to first presenting the problem comprehensively. The solutions to the problems are presented in the next sections subsequently.

This structure allows for a clear separation between the problem and solution sections, providing a systematic and easy-to-follow presentation.

Here is an outline for block structure problem-solution essay:

outlining the problems that will be discussed.

Chain Structure

Contrasting the block structure, the chain structure takes an interconnected approach.

In this format, the essay addresses a specific problem and promptly proposes a solution.

The pattern repeats as each problem is introduced, followed immediately by its corresponding solution. This structure aims to maintain a continuous and engaging flow, presenting a transition between problems and solutions.

Here is a chain structure problem solution essay template:

How to Write a Problem-Solution Essay?

A problem solution essay requires taking a systematic approach. Here are the basic steps for writing this type of essay:

Step 1 - Topic Selection

Choosing the right topic is the first crucial step in writing a problem-solution essay. Pick a real-world issue that genuinely interests you.

Consider problems that have personal significance or affect your community. The goal is to engage with a problem that allows for meaningful discussion and exploration.

Step 2 - Understanding the Problem

Before diving into solutions, take the time to fully grasp the intricacies of the problem at hand.

Research the issue thoroughly, aiming to comprehend its various aspects and implications. This step is essential for presenting a well-informed analysis in your essay, ensuring a solid foundation for proposing solutions.

Step 3 - Explore Viable Solutions

Once you've identified and understood the problem, brainstorm possible solutions.

Think about practical, achievable, and effective ways to address the issue. Consider different angles and perspectives, aiming for solutions that are not only feasible but also have the potential to make a positive impact in real-world scenarios.

Step 4 - Create an Outline

Organize your thoughts and structure your essay by creating a clear outline.

Allocate specific sections for introducing the problem, proposing solutions, and crafting a conclusion. A well-organized outline serves as a roadmap, guiding you through each step of the writing process.

Step 5 - Write the Introduction

Begin your essay with a captivating introduction . Start with an attention-grabbing essay hook that draws your reader in.

Clearly state the problem, emphasizing its significance. Conclude the introduction with a concise thesis statement that outlines the solutions you will explore in the essay.

Step 6 - Craft Body Paragraph

Dedicate an individual body paragraph to each problem and its corresponding solution. Elaborate on the details of the problem and present practical solutions.

Support your ideas with examples, evidence, or real-life scenarios. This section forms the core of your essay, providing a comprehensive exploration of the issues at hand.

Step 7 - Address Possible Objections

Acknowledge and address potential counterarguments to your proposed solutions.

Anticipating objections adds depth to your essay, showcasing a thorough consideration of alternative viewpoints. By addressing possible objections, you strengthen the overall persuasiveness of your solutions.

Step 8 - Conclude The Essay

Conclude your essay by summarizing the main points without introducing new information. Reinforce the importance of the proposed solutions and leave a lasting impression.

Consider ending with a call to action or a thought-provoking statement that resonates with your reader. The conclusion should provide a sense of closure to your essay.

Problem-Solution Essay Examples

We know that writing this kind of essay could be a challenge. Here are some problem solution essay samples, you can download and read them for free:

Problem Solution Essay Sample PDF

Financial Problem Solution Essay

Garbage Problem Solution Essay

Problem Solution Essay IELTS

Problem Solution Essay Topics

When picking a topic for your problem-solution essay, think about a few important things.

Choose something that matters to your audience and is important in society right now. Pick issues that really affect people or communities and need attention.

Make sure the problem can be realistically solved with practical solutions. Here is a list of problem solution essay questions and topics you can use:

Tobacco should be banned to control lung cancer. Discuss.
Obesity is caused by genetically modified and processed food. Discuss the solution.
Movie scripts should be censored to control violence in youth. Discuss.
How to tackle the lack of resources in urban homeless shelters?
Government should propose some policies to deal with illegal immigration. Discuss.
How can we use social media to improve awareness?
Propose some ways to keep your friends and family safe.
College students in the United States are overburdened with homework.
How to improve the quality of education in high school?
Providing equal opportunities to under-privileged children is important. Discuss.

These are some good problem-solution topics that you can tweak to use as your own.

Problem Solution Essay Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure your problem solution essay is well-crafted and effective:


Clear Problem Definition
Strong Thesis Statement
Thorough Research
Feasible Solutions
Audience Understanding
Logical Structure
Engaging Language
Addressing Multiple Perspectives
Revised and Edited
Careful Proofreading

So, wrapping up, with this guide and checklist, you can now write a problem-solution essay that fulfills its purpose. Just remember to be clear, practical, and interesting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a problem-solution essay called.

A problem-solution essay is often simply called a "problem-solution essay." It's named this way because its primary purpose is to identify a problem and propose effective solutions.

What type of paper is a problem-solution?

A problem-solution essay is categorized as an argumentative essay. It aims to persuade the reader that a particular problem exists and that specific solutions can address it effectively.

What is the problem-solution essay test?

There isn't a standardized test specifically called a "problem-solution essay test." However, in academic settings, instructors may assign problem-solution essays as assignments or assessments to evaluate students' abilities to analyze problems and propose viable solutions.

What is the problem solution essay topics list for IELTS?

Here are ten potential topics for a problem-solution essay suitable for the IELTS exam:

Discuss measures to mitigate the impact of climate change on local communities.
Analyze strategies to reduce youth unemployment rates globally.
Propose solutions to alleviate traffic congestion in urban areas.
Suggest ways to combat rising obesity rates among children and adults.
Recommend actions to reduce plastic pollution in oceans and waterways.
Discuss how to improve access to quality education for marginalized communities.
Analyze methods to ensure equitable access to healthcare services in underserved regions.
Propose strategies to tackle cyberbullying and its psychological effects on victims.
Suggest measures to address water scarcity issues in drought-prone regions.
Discuss solutions to make housing more affordable for low-income families in urban areas.

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Problem-solution essays Situation-problem-solution-evaluation

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.

What are problem-solution essays?

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.

Example essay

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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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.

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. 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:

Environmental pollution
Internet addiction
Infrastructure
Religious issues
Social movements.

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.

Problem Solution Essay Outline

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:

Block method
Chain method.

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

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.

How to Write a Problem Solution Essay

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:

Acquaintance with the problem’s background
Description of the issue’s specifics
Explanation why it should be solved
Suggested solution and assessment
Call to action .

Let’s learn the secrets of writing a successful essay firsthand!

How to Start a Problem Solution Essay: Introduction

The first section is a problem solution essay introduction. It should include such components:

Thesis statement.

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.

How to Write an Outstanding Problem Solution Essay Body

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:

Discuss an issue and offer your solution
Explain why your strategy will work
Provide some counter argument and refute it.

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.

How to Write a Conclusion for a Problem Solution Essay

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.

Problem Solution Essays Examples

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.

Problem and Solution Essay: Writing and Proofreading Tips

You will be able to become a master of writing a problem and solution essay by following these great tips:

After finishing your work, leave your paper for a while. Later, you will be able to return to it and assess it with a fresh approach.
Check whether you’ve used all the above-mentioned components.
Make sure that your thesis clearly states your paper’s topic.
Perform in-depth research on your issue and explore existing resolutions.
Ensure that your solutions are realistic and can be implemented.
Use special tools to “grade my essay” and check whether your spelling and punctuation are correct.
Ask your relative, family member, or friend to proofread your work. A couple of extra eyes will ensure that there are no logical and grammatical errors.

You should also pay attention to the paper formatting style. Use the same font and text style throughout your essay.

Problem/ Solution Essay: Bottom Line

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.

You can always rely on our top-notch academic writing service. We guarantee high quality, efficiency, affordable prices, and timely delivery. Order your paper now to succeed tomorrow!

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Ultimate Guide to Writing a Problem Solution Essay

A problem-solution essay is a type of academic writing in which the writer has to describe a problem, suggest a solution, and back up their solution with evidence. In everyday life, being able to solve problems is a key skill that helps us get past problems and reach our goals. Writing a problem-solution essay can help students learn how to think critically and solve problems, as well as how to explain their ideas clearly.

The goal of a problem-solution essay is to describe a problem, suggest a solution, and back up your solution with evidence. This kind of essay requires research, analysis, and creative thinking in order to come up with real-world solutions that could work.

In this article, we’ll show you how to write a problem-solution essay from start to finish, including how to choose a topic, identify the problem, suggest a solution, and back up your solution with evidence. We’ll also talk about common mistakes to avoid when writing a problem-solution essay and give you examples of good problem-solution essays to help you get started.

This guide will give you the tools you need to master the art of writing a problem-solution essay , whether you’re a student who wants to improve your writing skills or a professional who wants to solve real-world problems. So let’s get started!

What You'll Learn

Understanding the Structure of a Problem Solution Essay

To write a successful problem solution essay, it’s important to understand the structure and key elements of the essay. Here are some important aspects to consider:

1. Basic format of a problem solution essay: Usually, the essay starts with an introduction that gives some background on the problem. This is followed by a thesis statement that explains how the problem could be solved. In the body, evidence and arguments are given to support the solution. In the conclusion, the main points are summed up and the thesis statement is restated.

2. Importance of an effective introduction and thesis statement: The tone of the rest of the essay is set by the introduction and thesis statement. The introduction should grab the reader’s attention and explain why the problem is important. The thesis statement , on the other hand, should make it clear what solution is being proposed.

3. Elements of a strong body section: In the body, you should give evidence and arguments to back up the solution you’ve suggested. This can include facts, numbers, the opinions of experts, and real-world examples. It’s important to think about and answer possible counterarguments if you want your argument as a whole to be stronger.

4. Key points to consider when writing the conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the main points of the essay and restate the thesis statement . It’s important to leave the reader with a clear understanding of the proposed solution and its potential impact.

Choosing a Topic for Your Problem Solution Essay

When choosing a topic for your problem solution essay, it’s important to select a topic that is relevant and meaningful to you. Here are some importantfactors to consider:

1. Criteria for selecting a topic: Choose a topic that addresses a real-world problem that has a significant impact on individuals or society. The problem should be specific enough to allow for a focused solution, but broad enough to provide ample evidence and arguments.

2. Brainstorming techniques: Brainstorm potential ideas by considering issues that affect your community, workplace, or personal life. Conduct research to identify current trends and issues that are relevant to your topic.

3. Refining your topic: Once you have a list of potential topics, narrow down your options by considering the feasibility of the proposed solution, the availability of evidence to support your argument, and the potential impact of the solution.

By selecting a well-defined problem and proposing a viable solution with supporting evidence, you can write a problem solution essay that effectively communicates your ideas and inspires others to take action.

In summary, writing a problem solution essay requires careful planning and preparation, as well as the ability to identify a problem, propose a solution, and provide evidence to support your solution. By understanding the key elements of a problem solution essay and following the tips provided in this guide, you can write a powerful and effective essay that addresses real-world problems and inspires change.

Conducting Research and Gathering Information

Research is a critical component of writing a problem solution essay. Here are some important aspects to consider when conducting research and gathering information:

1. Importance of research in a problem solution essay: Research provides the evidence and information needed to support the proposed solution. It also helps to identify potential counterarguments and provides a broader context for the problem .

2. Types of sources to use: Use a variety of sources, including academic journals, books, government reports, and reputable news sources. Be sure to evaluate the credibility and reliability of each source before using it in your essay .

3. Tips for conducting effective research: Start by conducting a broad search using keywords related to your topic. Use advanced search tools to refine your search and identify relevant sources. Take detailed notes and organize your research to make it easier to reference later.

Developing a Problem Solution Essay Outline

An outline is an important tool for organizing and structuring your problem solution essay. Here are some important aspects to consider when developing an outline:

1. Importance of an outline: An outline helps to ensure that your essay has a clear and logical structure. It also helps to identify potential gaps in your argument and ensure that all key points are addressed.

2. Basic structure of an outline: The basic structure of an outline includes an introduction, body section, and conclusion. Each section should be broken down into subsections that address specific points related to the problem and solution .

3. Tips for creating a comprehensive outline: Start by identifying the key points and arguments that support the proposed solution. Use bullet points or numbering to organize each point and ensure that they are logically arranged. Be sure to include evidence and examples to support each point and address potential counterarguments. In the conclusion section, summarize the main points and restate the thesis statement .

By creating a comprehensive outline, you can ensure that your problem solution essay has a clear and logical structure, and that all key points are addressed. It can also help to make the writing process easier and more efficient, as you can simply expand on each point in the outline as you write the essay .

Writing Your Problem Solution Essay

Once you have conducted research and developed an outline, it’s time to start writing your problem solution essay. Here are some important aspects to consider when writing your essay:

1. Crafting an effective introduction: Start with a hook that grabs the reader’s attention, provide background information on the problem, and end with a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the proposed solution.

2. Strategies for presenting the problem: Use data, statistics, and real-world examples to illustrate the problem and its impact. Be sure to provide enough detail to make the problem clear and compelling.

3. Techniques for proposing solutions: Present the proposed solution in a clear and concise manner, and provide evidence to support its effectiveness. Address potential counterarguments and provide rebuttals to strengthen the overall argument.

4. Tips for writing a persuasive conclusion: Summarize the main points of the essay, restate the thesis statement, and end with a strong statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Editing and Revising Your Problem Solution Essay

Editing and revising are important steps in the writing process that can help to improve the overall quality of your problem solution essay. Here are some important aspects to consider when editing and revising your essay:

1. Importance of editing and revising: Editing and revising can help to identify and correct errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. It can also help to ensure that the essay has a clear and logical structure, and thatthe argument is well-supported and persuasive.

2. Techniques for proofreading your essay: Take a break from the essay and come back to it later with fresh eyes. Read it aloud to catch errors that you may have missed when reading silently. Use spell-check and grammar-check tools, but don’t rely on them completely.

3. Tips for receiving feedback and making revisions: Share your essay with peers, teachers, or writing tutors to get feedback on your writing. Consider their suggestions and make revisions as needed. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to improve your writing skills .

By editing and revising your problem solution essay, you can ensure that it is well-written, persuasive, and effective in communicating your ideas and proposed solution. Remember to take the time to carefully review and refine your essay before submitting it for grading or publication.

Problem Solution Essay Examples

Looking for some inspiration for your problem solution essay? Here are ten inspiring examples of problem solution essays:

1. Addressing the issue of food waste in households

2. Reducing the carbon footprint of the transportation industry

3. Solving the problem of homelessness in urban areas

4. Addressing the issue of cyberbullying in schools

5. Developing sustainable farming practices to protect the environment

6. Solving the problem of addiction among teenagers

7. Addressing the issue of gender inequality in the workplace

8. Solving the problem of water scarcity in arid regions

9. Developing effective strategies to combat obesity in children

10. Addressing the issue of racial discrimination in law enforcement

Each of these examples provides a clear problem statement, proposes a viable solution, and presents evidence to support the proposed solution. Analyzing these examples can provide valuable insights into the structure and content of a well-written problem solution essay.

Problem Solution Essay Topics

Here are fifty problem solution essay topics that cover a variety of fields:

1. Addressing the problem of plastic waste in the oceans

2. Solving the issue of gun violence in the United States

3. Developing effective strategies to address mental health issues in schools

4. Addressing the issue of income inequality in society

5. Developing sustainable energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels

6. Solving the problem of food insecurity in impoverished communities

7. Addressing the issueof racial disparities in healthcare

8. Developing effective strategies to address climate change

9. Solving the problem of air pollution in urban areas

10. Addressing the issue of animal cruelty in industrial farming

11. Developing effective strategies to address the opioid epidemic

12. Solving the problem of water pollution in rivers and lakes

13. Addressing the issue of cyber security in businesses and governments

14. Developing effective strategies to address the refugee crisis

15. Solving the problem of inadequate access to education in developing countries

16. Addressing the issue of police brutality and racial profiling

17. Developing effective strategies to address the problem of child labor

18. Solving the problem of inadequate access to healthcare in rural areas

19. Addressing the issue of human trafficking

20. Developing effective strategies to address the problem of domestic violence

21. Solving the problem of corruption in governments and businesses

22. Addressing the issue of income disparities in the education system

23. Developing effective strategies to address the problem of fake news

24. Solving the problem of inadequate access to clean water in developing countries

25. Addressing the issue of gender discrimination in the workplace

26. Developing effective strategies to address the problem of drug addiction

27. Solving the problem of inadequate access to affordable housing

28. Addressing the issue of police brutality against people with disabilities

29. Developing effective strategies to address the problem of human overpopulation

30. Solving the problem of inadequate access to mental healthcare in rural areas

31. Addressing the issue of elder abuse in nursing homes

32. Developing effective strategies to address the problem of food deserts in urban areas

33. Solving the problem of bullying in schools

34. Addressing the issue of income disparities in the criminal justice system

35. Developing effective strategies to address the problem of homelessness among veterans

36. Solving the problem of inadequate access to safe and reliable public transportation

37. Addressing the issue of workplace harassment and discrimination

38. Developing effective strategies to address the problem of police brutality against LGBTQ+ individuals

39. Solving the problem of inadequate access to quality education for students with disabilities

40. Addressing the issue of animal testing in the cosmetic industry

41. Developing effective strategies to address the problem of voter suppression

42. Solving the problem of inadequate access to affordable and high-quality childcare

43. Addressing the issue of racism and discrimination in the criminal justice system

44. Developing effective strategies to address the problem of illegal immigration

45. Solving the problem of inadequate access to mental healthcare for veterans

46. Addressing the issue of workplace discrimination against pregnant women

47. Developing effective strategies to address the problem of police brutality against people with mental illnesses

48. Solving the problem of inadequate access to affordable and healthy food in rural areas

49. Addressing the issue of gun violence in schools

50. Developing effective strategies to address the problem ofcyberbullying among adolescents

These topics can be customized and refined based on your interests and expertise. Consider choosing a topic that you are passionate about and that aligns with your academic or professional goals .

1. What is a problem solution essay?

A problem solution essay is a type of academic writing that requires the writer to identify a problem, propose a solution, and provide evidence to support the proposed solution.

2. What are the elements of a problem solution essay?

The key elements of a problem solution essay include an introduction that provides background information and a clear thesis statement, a body section that presents evidence and arguments to support the proposed solution, and a conclusion that summarizes the main points and reiterates the thesis statement.

3. How do I choose a topic for a problem solution essay?

When choosing a topic, consider selecting a real-world problem that has a significant impact on individuals or society. The topic should be specific enough to allow for a focused solution, but broad enough to provide ample evidence and arguments. Brainstorm potential ideas and conduct research to identify current trends and issues that are relevant to your topic.

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How to Plan & Write IELTS Problem Solution Essays

IELTS problem solution essays are the most challenging essay type for many people. The way they are worded can vary hugely which can make it difficult to understand how you should answer the question.

Generally, you’ll be asked to write about both the problem, or cause, and the solution to a specific issue. Sometimes, however, you will only be required to write about possible solutions.

The 3 essay types:

Problem and solution
Cause and solution
Just the solution

Hence, it’s essential that you analyse the question carefully, which I’ll show you how to do in this lesson. I’m also going to demonstrate step-by-step how to plan and write IELTS problem solution essays.

Here’s what we’ll be covering:

Identifying IELTS problem solution essays
6 Common mistakes
Essay structure
How to plan
How to write an introduction
How to write main body paragraphs
How to write a conclusion

Want to watch and listen to this lesson?

Click on this video.

Click the links to see lessons on each of these Task 2 essay writing topics.

Once you understand the process, practice on past questions. Take your time at first and gradually speed up until you can plan and write an essay of at least 250 words in the 40 minutes allowed in the exam.

The Question

Here are two typical IELTS problem solution essay questions. They consist of a statement followed by the question or instruction.

1. One problem faced by almost every large city is traffic congestion.

What do you think the causes are? What solutions can you suggest?

2. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the number of endangered species has increased significantly and we have witnessed more mass extinctions in this period than in any other period of time.

State some reasons for this and provide possible solutions.

These are some examples of different ways in which questions can be phrased. The first half of the questions relate to the problem or cause, the second half to the solution.

What issues does this cause and how can they be addressed?

What are some resulting social problems and how can we deal with them?

What problems arise from this and how can they be tackled?

Why is this? How might it be remedied?

What are the reasons for this, and how can the situation be improved?

Why is this happening, and what measures can be taken to tackle this problem?

And here are a few questions where you only have to write about the solution.

How can this situation be improved?

What solutions can you suggest to deal with this problem?

How can this problem be solved?

What measures could be taken to prevent this?

It’s important that you are able to recognise the common synonyms, words and phrases used in problem solution questions. Here are the key words and their synonyms used in the questions above.

Problem – issues, resulting, situation
Cause – reasons, why
Solution – deal with, addressed, tackled, remedied, improved, measures taken, solved, prevent

Before we move on to some common mistakes, I want to quickly explain the difference between a problem and a cause. Read the following examples.

Problem – I've missed the last bus home after visiting my friend for the evening.

Cause – I misread the timetable and thought the bus left at 22.45 when it actually left at 22.35.

The ‘cause’ is the reason for the ‘problem’. We’ll be looking at question analysis in more detail in a minute.

6 Common Mistakes

These six errors are common in IELTS problem solution essays.

Confusing problem and causes questions.
Having too many ideas.
Not developing your ideas.
Not developing both sides of the argument equally.
Not linking the problems and solutions.
Not being specific enough.

It is common for an essay to consist of a list of problems and solutions without any of them being expanded on or linked to each other. Sometimes, a student will focus on just the problem or only the solution which leads to an unbalanced essay. Both these issues will result in a low score for task achievement.

You must choose just one or two problems and pick solutions directly linked to them. Explain them and give examples.

Another serious error is to write generally about the topic. You need to be very specific with your ideas. Analysing the question properly is essential to avoiding this mistake. I’ll show you how to do this.

Essay Structure

Now let’s look at a simple structure you can use to write IELTS problem solution essays. It’s not the only possible structure but it’s the one I recommend because it’s easy to learn and will enable you to quickly plan and write a high-level essay.

1) Introduction

Paraphrase the question
State 1 key problem/cause and related solution

2) Main body paragraph 1 – Problem or Cause

Topic sentence – state the problem or cause
Explanation – give detail explaining the problem or cause
Example – give an example

3) Main body paragraph 2 – Solution

Topic sentence – state the solution
Explanation – give detail explaining the solution

4) Conclusion

Summarise the key points

This structure will give us a well-balanced essay with 4 paragraphs.

One Problem/Cause & Solution or Two?

Most questions will state problems, causes and solutions in the plural, that is, more than one. However, it is acceptable to write about just one.

This will give you an essay of just over the minimum 250 words. To write about two problems/causes and solutions will require you to write between 350 and 400 words which are a lot to plan and write in the 40 minutes allowed.

It is better to fully develop one problem/cause and solution than ending up with one idea missing an explanation or an example because you run out of time.

The step-by-step essay structure I’m going to show you includes one problem and solution but you can write about two if you feel able to or more comfortable doing so.

How To Plan IELTS Problem Solution Essays

Here’s the question we’re going to be answering in our model essay followed by the 3 steps of the planning process.

One problem faced by almost every large city is traffic congestion.

What do you think the causes are? What solutions can you sugge st?

Analyse the question
Generate ideas
Identify vocabulary

# 1 Analyse the question

This is an essential step in the planning process and will ensure that you answer the question fully. It’s quick and easy to do. You just need to identify 3 different types of words:

1. Topic words

2. Other keywords

3. Instruction words

Topics words are the ones that identify the general subject of the question and will be found in the statement part of the question.

One problem faced by almost every large city is traffic congestion .

So, this question is about ‘ traffic congestion’ .

Many people will do this first step of the process and then write about the topic in general. This is a serious mistake and leads to low marks for task achievement.

What we need to do now that we know the general topic, is to understand exactly what aspect of traffic congestion we're being asked to write about.

The other keywords in the question tell you the specific topic you must write about.

By highlighting these words, it’s easy to see that you are being asked to write about the problem of traffic congestion in large cities. Your essay must only include ideas relevant to these ideas.

The instruction words are the question itself. These tell you the type of IELTS problem solution essay you must write. This is a ‘causes and solutions’ question.

# 2 Generate ideas

The next task is to generate some ideas to write about.

There are several different ways to think up ideas. I cover them fully on the IELTS Essay Planning page.

We’re going to use the ‘friends technique’. This is the method I prefer as it allows you to take a step back from the stress of the exam situation and think more calmly.

Here’s how it works. Imagine that you are chatting with a friend over a cup of coffee and they ask you this question. What are the first thoughts to come into your head? Plan your essay around these ideas.

Doing this will help you to come up with simple answers in everyday language rather than straining your brain to think of amazing ideas using high-level language, which isn’t necessary.

You might want to try this yourself before reading on for my ideas.

Here are my ideas:

Too many cars on the roads – increasing numbers of people own cars, more convenient than buses & trains
Inadequate public transport – crowded, old & dirty
Poor road layout
Rush hour traffic – most people travel to & from work at the same times each day
Car sharing, park-and-ride scheme, congestion charge
Improve public transport – more frequent and better quality
Improve infrastructure – bus lanes, cycle lanes will make it safer for people to cycle
Flexible working hours

For each cause you think of, immediately write down a possible solution. This you will ensure that the problems and solutions you think of are linked.

You don’t need to spend long on this as you only need one or two ideas.

I’ve got more far more ideas here than I need as I spent more time thinking about it that I would in the real exam. I’m going to pick just one cause to develop in the essay and one or two solutions.

My advice on making your selection is to choose ideas you can quickly think of an example to illustrate.

Here are my choices:

Cause – Too many cars on the roads. Why? – increasing numbers of people own cars, more convenient than buses & trains

Solution – Park-and-ride schemes

We’re almost ready to start writing our IELTS problem solution essay but first, we have one more task to do.

# 3 Vocabulary

During the planning stage, quickly jot down some vocabulary that comes to mind as you decide which cause and solution you are going to write about, especially synonyms of key words. This will save you having to stop and think of the right language while you’re writing. For example:

traffic jam
heavy traffic
private transport
infrastructure

With that done, we can focus on the first paragraph of the essay – the introduction.

How To Write an Introduction

Good introductions to IELTS problem solution essays have a simple 2 part structure:

State 1 key problem/cause and related solution/s (outline sentence)
Have 2-3 sentences
Be 40-60 words long
Take 5 minutes to write

1) Paraphrase the question

Start your introduction by paraphrasing the question.

Question: One problem faced by almost every large city is traffic congestion.

What do you think the causes are? What solutions can you suggest?

Paraphrased question:

O ne of the most serious issues facing the majority of large urban areas is traffic jams.

Note my use of synonyms to replace key words in the question statement. You don’t have to replace every key word but do so where possible whilst ensuring that your language sounds natural.

2) Outline statement

Now we need to add an outline statement where we outline the two main points that we’ll cover in the rest of the essay, that is, the cause and the solution I chose earlier. Here they are again.

Cause – Too many cars on the roads. Why? – increasing numbers of people own cars, more convenient than buses & trains

And, this is one way to develop them into an outline sentence.

Outline statement:

The main reason for this is that there are too many private cars on the roads these days and a viable solution is to introduce more park-and-ride schemes.

So, let’s bring the two elements of our introduction together.

Introduction

how to conclude a problem solution essay

This introduction achieves three important functions:

It shows the examiner that you understand the question.
It acts as a guide to the examiner as to what your essay is about.
It also helps to keep you focused and on track as you write.

The two ideas in your introduction will become your two main body paragraphs.

Main body paragraph 1 – Too many cars on the roads

Main body paragraph 2 – Park-and-ride schemes

How To Write Main Body Paragraphs

Main body paragraphs in IELTS problem solution essays should contain 3 things:

Topic sentence – outline the main idea
Explanation – explain it and g ive more detail

Main Body Paragraph 1

The topic sentence summarises the main idea of the paragraph. That’s all it needs to do so it doesn’t have to be complicated.

It plays an important role in ensuring that your ideas flow logically from one to another. It does this by acting as a signpost for what is to come next, that is, what the paragraph will be about.

If you maintain a clear development of ideas throughout your essay, you will get high marks for task achievement and cohesion and coherence.

We’ll now take the idea for our first main body paragraph and create our topic sentence.

Obviously, we’re going to write about the cause of the problem first.

Main body paragraph 1 – Too many cars on the roads

Topic sentence:

The number of people owning cars increases year on year, with most families now having more than one car.

Next, we must write an explanation sentence that develops the idea.

Explanation sentence:

Most people like the convenience of travelling at the time they want to rather than being restricted to public transport timetables, so they prefer to drive themselves around rather than taking the bus or train. This is despite the fact that they frequently have to sit in long traffic queues as they near the city centre.

Finally, we add an example to support our main point. If you can’t think of a real example, it’s fine to make one up, as long as it’s believable. The examiner isn’t going to check your facts. Alternative, you could add another piece of information to support your idea.

Example sentence:

Whenever I have to attend a meeting in the city, I always drive because it means that I can leave home when I want to rather than getting stressed about getting to the station in time to catch the train.

That’s the 3 parts of our first main body paragraph complete. Here’s the finished paragraph.

We now follow the same process for our second main body paragraph.

Main Body Paragraph 2

Main idea 2 – Park-and-ride schemes

First, we write the topic sentence to summarise the main idea.

Topic sentence:

A solution that is proving successful in many areas is park-and-ride schemes.

Now for the explanation sentence where we expand on this idea.

Explanation sentence:

This is where you park your car for free in a large car park on the outskirts of the city and take a bus for the final part of your journey. The fee you have to pay for the bus trip is usually very small and this public transport system is generally very regular, running every ten minutes or so.

Finally, an example to support this point.

A survey carried out in the city of Exeter showed that the rush hour congestion decreased by 10% when the council set up a park-and-ride scheme to the north of the city. There was an additional drop of another 10% in traffic volume when a second scheme began operating to the south.

That’s the 3 parts of our second main body paragraph complete. Here’s the finished paragraph.

Now we need a conclusion and our IELTS problem solution essay is done.

How To Write a Conclusion

The conclusion is a summary of the main points in your essay and can generally be done in a single sentence. It should never introduce new ideas.

If you're below the minimum 250 words after you’ve written your conclusion, you can add a prediction or recommendation statement.

Our essay is already over the minimum word limit so we don’t need this extra sentence but you can learn more about how to write a prediction or recommendation statement for IELTS problem solution essays on the Task 2 Conclusions page.

The conclusion is the easiest sentence in the essay to write but one of the most important.

A good conclusion will:

Neatly end the essay
Link all your ideas together
Sum up your argument or opinion
Answer the question

If you achieve this, you’ll improve your score for both task achievement and cohesion and coherence which together make up 50% of the overall marks. Without a conclusion, you’ll score below band 6 for task achievement.

You can start almost any final paragraph of an IELTS problem solution essay with the words:

In conclusion

To conclude

Now all you need to do is briefly summarise the main ideas into one sentence.

Here’s a top tip . Go back and read the introduction to the essay because this is also a summary of the essay. It outlines what you are going to write about.

To create a good conclusion, you simply have to paraphrase the introduction.

Introduction:

Here is the same information formed into a conclusion. I’ve also added a personal statement at the end to link back to one of my example sentences. You don’t have to do this but in this case, I think that it rounds the essay off better.

That’s it. We’ve completed our essay. Here it is with the 4 paragraphs put together.

Finished IELTS problem solution essay.

Go through this lesson as many times as you need to in order to fully understand it and put in lots of practice writing IELTS problem solution essays from past exam questions. Practice is the only way to improve your skills.

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More help with ielts problem solution essays & other task 2 essays.

IELTS Writing Task 2 – T he format, the 5 question types, the 5 step essay writing strategy & sample questions. All the key information you need to know.

The 5 Types of Task 2 Essay – How to recognise the 5 different types of Task 2 essays. 15 sample questions to study and a simple planning structure for each essay type.

Understanding Task 2 Questions – How to quickly and easily analyse and understand IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.

How To Plan a Task 2 Essay – Discover why essay planning is essential & learn a simple 4 step strategy, the 4 part essay structure & 4 methods of generating ideas.

How To Write a Task 2 Introduction – Find out why a good introduction is essential. Learn how to write one using a simple 3 part strategy & discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

How To Write Task 2 Main Body Paragraphs – Learn the simple 3 part structure for writing great main body paragraphs and also, 3 common mistakes to avoid.

How To Write Task 2 Conclusions – Learn the easy way to write the perfect conclusion for a Task 2 essay. Also discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

Task 2 Marking Criteria – Find out how to meet the marking criteria in Task 2. See examples of good and poor answers & learn some common mistakes to avoid.

The 5 Task 2 Essay Types:

Step-by-step instructions on how to plan & write high-level essays. Model answers & common mistakes to avoid.

Opinion Essays

Discussion Essays

Problem Solution Essays

Advantages & Disadvantages Essays

Double Question Essays

Other Related Pages

IELTS Writing Test – Understand the format & marking criteria, know what skills are assessed & learn the difference between the Academic & General writing tests.

IELTS Writing
Problem Solution Essays
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26 How do I Write a Problem Solution Essay?

To write a problem/solution essay, think about a problem that you have experienced and how it could be fixed. A problem/solution essay is written to explain the solution(s) for a problem . This essay can describe multiple solutions or one “ideal” solution to the problem you describe.

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Interest your reader in the problem.
Convince your reader that the problem is important and needs to be solved.
Explain your solution clearly.
Convince the reader that your solution is cost-effective and feasible.
Convince your reader that your solution is better than other solutions.

A problem-solution essay is an essay that describes a problem and discusses possible solutions to the problem. This type of essay may be assigned in a high school or college composition class, and it generally requires some research before the writing process can begin. The primary thrust of a problem-solution essay is usually either an argument for a specific solution to a problem or a strong case for the urgent need to solve a problem. Like most essays, the problem-solution essay must contain an introduction, a thesis, a body, and a conclusion.

Identify the problem that will be discussed. It can be helpful to brainstorm possible essay topics and create a list of bullet-point ideas that could possibly be discussed for each topic. The best problem-solution topics are interesting and can be viewed from multiple perspectives, but are also not so broad that a solution to the problem is impossible to imagine.

Provide relevant background information . The problem should be clearly defined, and the causes of the problem should be identified if possible. The extent of the problem must also be described, as well as the effects of the problem and possible consequences of allowing the problem to continue unsolved. Any key terms that need to be defined should also be included in the opening, as well as any pertinent historical information that would help the reader understand the problem better.

Depending on the problem to be discussed, the thesis of a problem -solution essay may argue for the urgent need to solve the problem, or it may argue for a single solution to the problem. Most commonly, it will argue for a single solution. The thesis should generally be only one sentence long, and should clearly identify the main point of the essay. It will usually be placed in the opening paragraph, although in some cases the thesis can be reserved for the latter part of the essay where it will be revealed after a complete discussion of the problem and possible solutions have taken place.

The body of a problem-solution essay should fully describe proposed solutions to the problem and discuss the possible outcomes of each solution. Advantages or disadvantages to each solution should be included, as well as the proposed solutions. If any attempts have already been made to solve the problem, those should be described as well. If the essay will be arguing for a single solution to the problem, the body of the paper should lead logically to the conclusion that the solution being advocated is the best solution available. In such cases, it is important not only to describe the solution but also to describe how the solution can or should be implemented.

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How to Write a Problem-Solution Essay

Problem: you’ve been assigned a problem-solution paper. Solution: this handy, 16-step guide will help you successfully tackle the assignment. You may even change the world—or at least your own backyard!

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, cafeteria food, or that annoying guy in the library—these are personal nuisances, not problems. National issues are too big and too broad to be analyzed and solved; you need to think locally. Get out and examine your immediate environment: what problems do you encounter every day that can and should be addressed? What questions arise? What answers are there? 2) Develop a proposal. The first person you’ll need to convince of your topic is yourself. Take these four steps to get the ball rolling:

Develop a rationale for your selection: why it matters, why it’s a problem, and why it can be solved.
Define your initial understanding: clarify what you know about the problem and what you think you know about potential solutions.
Determine what you need to learn: develop questions to help you begin your research or writing.
Design a research plan: poke around your library and/or online databases, and figure out what information is out there. Pick three people who could help your research and arrange to talk to them about the issue.

3) Get early feedback. While most people can’t give advice on Shakespeare, everyone has an opinion about the world’s problems, no matter how small. Make it known to others what your plans are: talk to your teacher, friends, parents— anyone —about your ideas. When you solicit their opinions, ask for their response to both your take on the topic and your plans for gathering information. 4) Don’t jump to conclusions— any . Let’s face it: we’re all know-it-alls; we all think we have the answer to life’s problems. Unfortunately, in our rush to judgment, we often miss key details that would help us make better decisions. The same goes for a problem-solution paper: those who establish their solution first and remain steadfast to it tend to demonstrate a limited understanding of both the problem and logical solution; in other words, they don’t do well on the assignment. It’s okay to brainstorm some initial ideas, but set them aside until later: the most informed decisions come when you’re well-informed. Wait until you’ve researched the topic and fully defined the problem before finalizing your call for action. 5) Research, research, research. No matter how much you already know about your topic, there will likely be plenty out there that you don’t, and perhaps this source may even have helpful statistical information. Read as much as you can about your topic, starting with broad discussions on your topic (i.e., articles about your problem at a national or state level rather than specific to your area) and then moving on to more local coverage. Some key sources are those materials that describe how your problem is/was dealt with in other communities like yours. You can use this information as a comparison tool or to inform your solution. 6) Research some more—but creatively. If you’re tackling a school or local community issue, printed materials may be scant, but consider it an opportunity to collect your own data. The two best methods: construct a survey to be given to the audience affected by your problem or interview key people associated with the problem (or solution). Both methods can provide significant credibility to your analysis and proposal. 7) Map, plan, or outline your essay first. Know where your paper needs to go before you begin. Problem-solution papers have a lot of components and thus need to follow a tight structure: you address the problem, you establish middle ground between all concerned parties, and you present your vision for how to solve the problem. Review steps 8 through 10 before beginning to write, and then organize your notes and data around the components discussed below. 8) When you’re ready to begin writing, start with the problem section first. It’s the easiest and most logical place to start, and it should be the component of the paper on which you have the most information. Take the following steps to define the progression of your “problem” paragraph(s):

Define the nature of the problem.
Establish its existence by explaining what has caused or led to the problem
Explain the extent of the problem.
Explain its effects and why it is an issue that needs to be solved.
Finally, warn readers about future effects if no solution is offered. Apply prior experiences from other communities to this section.

9) Your middle section must establish common ground. You’ve addressed the problem, sure, but before anyone will accept your solution, you need to show you've taken the concerns of others to heart. To do so, you’ll need to explain how others view the topic and the concerns of those people when it comes to trying to solve it. Address opposing arguments, and anticipate your audience’s questions and concerns. Establish criteria for a good solution that will appease everyone involved. 10) Before you propose your solution, address other alternatives first. Show you’ve put some thought into your solution by acknowledging and critiquing other possible solutions to your topic. Explain your reasons for rejecting them. Your goal: make your solution appear to be the best solution . 11) Propose a plan of action. Make sure it’s clear to your readers not only what you’d do but how you would do it. Clearly describe your solution so that your audience can imagine what it will be like. Address the potential arguments your opposition might have to your solution. Let your audience know why they would be satisfied with your approach. 12) Conclude with a call to action. Encourage your audience to accept your views and join the cause. Use projection: show your audience what your community will be like if they do or do not adopt your solution. Or ask them to take simple steps to bring about the change you desire. Help them continue the fight.

13) Write your thesis last. A strange idea, but theses for problem-solution papers are pretty straightforward; wait until you’ve clearly established your ideas before putting them into a single sentence. Your thesis statement, by the way, should identify both problem and the solution. For example, “Schools shouldrequire uniforms in order to minimizegang violence.”

14) Revision advice #1: Use visualization whenever possible. Detailed descriptions evoke strong emotions and help your audience “see” the problem. You can do so with examples from your area or another area with the same problem, or you can create hypothetical scenarios that scare or encourage your audience. Make the problem and solution come alive. 15) Revision advice #2: Make your audience care about your ideas. As you read over your paper, ask yourself, “Am I connecting with those people affected by the problem?” Address their needs and concerns. Show them why your ideas matter. 16) Publish—or perish. Go public with what you’ve learned! A problem-solution paper is just that—a paper—unless those people affected by the problem are made aware of what you know. Talk to your instructor about expressing your knowledge in a new form: a documentary, a pamphlet, or a new club.

Cite this page as follows:

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Problem-Solution Essay

Unfortunately or fortunately, the world we live in is not perfect. Problems of a different nature that we face daily require solutions. And there is no doubt the issues must be solved. That is why in the course of academic writing students are often asked to write problem solution essays, allowing young people to express their points of view. This type of research paper allows you not only to show your creativity but also to find multiple solutions to real problems.

In this article, we will look at the basic principles and requirements for writing a problem solution essay. We will also explain to you the structure of such work and the secrets that will help you become the author of a strong problem solution paper. Keep reading, and you will learn working strategies to help you with your research.

What is a Problem-Solution essay?

Let’s start with an interpretation of the basic concepts, namely problem solution paper definition.

It is a form of argumentative essay. In it, the author’s task is to outline the problem that needs to be solved. And also to convince the reader that this issue is worthy of attention and that its solution is a necessity and not a subjective desire.

Then the most difficult task lies ahead – to propose one or more ways to solve the crisis. The tone of the paper must be persuasive, as the author must inspire confidence and respect to draw attention to the problem. Moreover, you will not only explain the importance of solving this problem but also call the audience to action.

Don’t forget that your problem solution essay should be scientifically based. So, to write your essay , you should possess a certain level of expertise. For this reason, you need to choose problem solution essay topics that are in the field of your interest and knowledge.

Remember that you can opt for one of two key schemes. In terms of the first, you choose one, in your opinion, the best solution to the problem, and present it to the audience. The second direction is to suggest a list of possible solutions. In this way, you allow the reader to independently choose the most attractive option.

Problem Solution Essay Structure

Like any other academic essay, this type requires three main sections. Namely, the introduction, the body part, and the conclusion. The size of each of the parts is rather limited. Therefore, you have to briefly and meaningfully state the necessary explanation. Let’s take a look at the content of each of the parts as well as see some tips to write a good problem solution essay.

Introduction

The introduction opens your solution essay and should be impressive. A book is judged by its cover, and an essay by its introduction. Your task is to interest the reader for further reading. Try to fit in the first paragraph shocking statistics regarding the chosen research problem. Or start with a personal question to the reader. You can even provoke readers into emotion. Perhaps it will be a sense of shame to ignore an important issue that needs a solution. Or a feeling of fear of the possible consequences.

Since the first paragraph of the problem solving essay introduces the reader to the subject, you should keep it concise but informative. The thesis statement will help you with this. It should be coherent and describe the topic and objectives of your work. Place it at the very beginning of the first paragraph.

The main part is the development of your ideas. It is in this section that you have to present the problem, explain its importance, and talk about its peculiarities. And, of course, you need to provide your expert opinion on how to solve the chosen problem.

There are two kinds of formats down to the main part. We will consider each of them in more detail below. However, in short, the block structure assumes that you present all the problems in one paragraph of the paper. And in the second part, all other solutions. While the chain structure of a paper implies gradual disclosure. One problem, one solution.

Both schemes are suitable for a problem solving essay format. We can independently choose the most suitable option. However, do not mix these two structures with each other. Stick to just one format.

Conclusion paragraph

The conclusion is a paragraph for evaluation of findings you have received in the course of writing the research paper. You have to identify your results and express them in the last paragraph. You can also indicate what exactly you would like the reader to remember from your essay.

As a final phrase of your paper, you should call the audience to a specific action. Remind people that solving this problem is absolutely necessary, and explain why it cannot be ignored. Be persuasive, and your opinion deserves to be heard.

Problem Solution Essay Outline

Outlining your essay will help you plan your thoughts and fit the right message into your solution paper. This will also save you time, as the frame of the essay will be ready. Let’s look at the two main directions to write a body part and how exactly you can use them.

The introduction is the same for both types of paper formatting. In it, you must describe the selected situation. State the main idea and objectives of your essay. Finally, your goal is to interest the reader. You do not provide any solution yet, only set the scene for future research development.

The block structure for the outline means that you divide the body part of your essay into two sections. In the first section, you look at problems, explaining their importance and the need to find solutions. While in the second section of the essay is the solution paragraph, where you offer all the ways you know how to solve this problem.

Let’s see the second option you can use for your problem solution paper.

The chain structure for the essay outline means that you divide your body part into several sections depending on how many problems you will consider. Each section should represent one problem and propose a solution for that issue. Accordingly, this is a sequential paper structure format.

The conclusions also have a single format, in this section, you need to include an evaluation of your work. Process the data you have obtained while you write a problem solution research and describe it to the reader. Also, this section of essays often includes a call to action which means you should create a plan of what exactly people are supposed to do to solve the issue.

How to Write a Problem Solution Paper

Such a responsible type of work often causes anxiety among students. It is necessary to show not only ingenuity and creativity but also to conduct a deep analysis regarding the particular problem. To make it easier for you, our custom essay company has compiled a list of the tips that will lead you to write a decent problem solution essay. Follow these steps, and you will get a high score.

Figure out the essential elements of the essay

Every written work begins with an understanding of the basic requirements. Therefore, the first step to writing a quality problem solution essay is to become familiar with the key components of the work.

In addition to the basic elements, namely the introduction, main body, and conclusion, there are also other equally important components. Consider creating an outline for your research to facilitate structuring your ideas and make your problem solution essay match the requirements. Frame a strong thesis statement that will present the topic of your writing. Come up with compelling arguments and evidence to be more persuasive.

Introduce the situation from your point of view

From the very first paragraph, you need to immerse readers in the context of the problem. Your task is to reach out to people and prove to them the significance of the issue you have chosen. Provide evidence that your problem cannot be ignored. The reasons should be shocking so that they draw public attention.

Speak out, let the world know your perspective. That is exactly what the problem solution essay is about. You are supposed to reveal your awareness regarding the topic, so there is no room for doubt that your voice should be heard.

Preliminary research is what you need

Do not ignore preliminary studies on the subject you’ve chosen. This step is an integral part of building a logical argument plan. You need to be an expert in the field, to support your assumptions with real evidence. Consider all the required questions before starting your problem solution paper.

Visit the library for help. Study books, publications in paper, and electronic newspapers. This will help you understand the context and background of your chosen crisis. It is the understanding of the origins of the problem that leads to clarity in the questions of its solution.

Discuss the issue with a profile specialist. Deep research will bring the best result. It’s not just about a good grade. It’s more about being knowledgeable in the area you study.

The Power of a Strong Thesis Statement

The thesis statement summarizes the general theme of your research in a few words. If you had to describe your work in a few words, that would be your research proposal covering the topic. Also, such a phrase helps the reader to determine from the first words whether he is interested in the topic of your work. That is why it is your responsibility to describe your work as concisely and intriguingly as possible.

The thesis proposal is at the very beginning of your introduction. This is literally the first thing the readers encounter when they meet your problem solution essay. As the famous proverb says, a bad beginning makes a bad ending. So make sure it is not the case of your thesis proposal.

Determine the best solutions

Since you have already thoroughly studied the issues, it is time for you to move on to finding ways to solve problems. This is the most important part of writing problem solution essays. Since you need not only to study existing strategies for dealing with the crisis but also to offer your innovative ideas. This requires deep knowledge of the origins of the problem, as well as some creativity.

However, be realistic in your suggestions. Your solution must be tenacious. It should be able to improve the situation now. Very creative, but unrealizable strategies will not be very productive. Your task is to focus on finding real ways to solve real problems and not fantasize about the distant future of science and technology.

When you manage to develop an optimal solution, you will have to explain it to the public. Support your ways out with proper reasons. Why exactly is your idea trustworthy? There might be some objections from the side of the readers, so make sure to avoid misconceptions.

Provide examples to reinforce your solution

Based on the data you discuss, you are supposed to develop examples confirming what you said. To explain to the readers that your plan is effective, you need to provide visual evidence.

You will have to study experiments on problem solving similar to your own one. Have comparable solutions worked in the same situations? Discuss the solution with experts on your topic, and cite scientific research that you relied on. Process the data you received and make up a diagram to reinforce your argument.

It doesn’t matter whether you have one or more solutions. They all are supposed to be well elaborated. Problem solution papers need strong testimony.

Conclude the problem solution essay by evaluating the results

Having covered your problem solution topic, it’s time to focus on the results obtained. To write a compelling conclusion, you can predict exactly how the situation will change if your solution is implemented. Propose to the reader a detailed alternative reality where your plan of problem solution is accomplished. This forces the reader to think about the necessary action to improve the situation. The audience will have no questions nor objections seeing your expert, science-based assumptions.

You can also do the opposite for your problem solution essay. Offer the reality in which your solution to the problem has not been brought to life. How exactly can the situation worsen? What happens if the situation is ignored and not solved? Include this strategy in the problem solution essay, and we guarantee it will work out.

Revision is a key to excellent results

It doesn’t matter how good your problem solution essay is in terms of content as long as your text is full of typos and another formatting is incorrect. All types of essays have a certain format that should be followed. You need to study in detail the requirements for the design of your paper.

Literacy is also very important in writing essays. Proofread your work several times before handing it into the teacher. It is best to check not immediately after writing but the following day. Thus, with a fresh look, it will be easier for you to notice existing errors. Check your work for typos, punctuation, spelling, and stylistic errors.

Give your paper to a friend or parent to check. You can also ask them if your essay is interesting. You will still have a chance to add or reduce some information.

Example of Problem-Solution Essay

Tackling the Challenge of Food Waste in the Foodservice Industry

The foodservice industry is plagued by a significant issue that has been persistent for years: food waste. Recent reports by the National Restaurant Association show that nearly 84% of restaurants throw away excess food every day. This not only has a significant environmental impact but also places a financial burden on restaurant owners. To combat this problem, innovative solutions need to be implemented to reduce food waste.

One solution is to optimize serving sizes. Often, restaurants serve portions that are too large for customers to finish, leading to excessive food waste. Offering smaller portion sizes would help minimize waste while giving customers the option to order more if needed.

Another solution is to donate surplus food to local food banks or charitable organizations. Some restaurants have already started doing this, creating a win-win situation. By reducing their food waste, restaurants can also help feed people in need. Additionally, partnering with local farmers and food rescue organizations can facilitate the donation of unused food to community members.

Additionally, composting programs can be implemented by restaurants to transform food waste into nutrient-rich soil for farming. This can be achieved by collaborating with composting facilities or setting up on-site composting systems. By embracing this approach, restaurants can significantly reduce their environmental impact while creating a sustainable food system.

In summary, the foodservice industry must tackle the issue of food waste by adopting innovative solutions. This can be done by optimizing portion sizes, donating excess food to those in need, and implementing composting programs. As a conscious consumer, I appreciate restaurants that prioritize sustainable practices and make an effort to reduce their environmental footprint. By taking these steps, restaurants can not only benefit themselves but also contribute to a positive impact on the planet and their community.

Problem solution essay is not the easiest task to perform. However, keeping in mind all the basic requirements for the job, you will be able to complete the task. This is also a chance for you to show your wit and creativity and earn a good reputation in the eyes of the teacher. Finding creative solutions to complex problems is one of the requirements for candidates for the best positions in cutting-edge companies. So who knows, maybe today you are writing an essay, and tomorrow you are at the forefront due to your skills. We hope this article has dispelled your doubts and added confidence and motivation to writing a problem solution essay.

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How To Write A Stellar Problem Solution Essay (With Sample Answer)

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Writing a problem solution essay is not as daunting as it may appear at first. Once you have mastered the hacks, you will be able to compose a compelling essay in no time.

We’ve compiled everything you need to know about problem solution essays in this article, so make sure to follow along!

What Is A Problem Solution Essay?

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 paragraphs and a conclusion. The format and structure of a problem solution essay are similar to a cause-and-effect essay, which consist of four components.

One of the ways you could approach this essay is to use the SPSE structure, which stands for:

S(situation)

P (problem)

S (solution)

E (evaluation)

Think of it this way; the ‘situation’ introduces the reader to the problem, whereas both ‘problem’ and ‘solution’ paint a picture to the reader of how you would resolve the issue. Your 'evaluation' concludes why your solutions are the best for solving the problem.

How Do You Solve Problems In Writing?

To write a stellar problem solution essay, you must first identify the problem and support your solutions with solid arguments to convince the reader. However, solving a problem through writing can be tricky and isn’t as straightforward as it sounds.

Put on your thinking cap and read some of our helpful guides on how to solve a problem:

Firstly, you will need to identify the problem. Read the given prompt/question carefully and expand the problem in detail.

Next, list all of the possible solutions. There are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ solutions, so feel free to add as many solutions you think would help to solve the problem.

Now comes the crucial part, where you need to choose the best solutions to the problem. Remember that your solutions need to be effective and practical.

Lastly, justify your points to convince the reader why your solutions would be the most ideal for solving the problem.

Step By Step To Write A Problem Solution Essay

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Now that you’ve identified the problem, it’s time to plan your essay! Writing a problem solution essay for the first time can be challenging but fret not! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you start writing!

Step 1: Describe the problem

Introducing your essay is as important as introducing yourself! In this case, you need to introduce the problem to the reader and explain why you need to solve the issue.

It is essential to describe the problem from the reader’s perspective. So, make sure to introduce the problem in a way that will attract the reader’s attention.

Step 2: Make your reader care

There are many ways you could attract readers. You could start your opening sentence with any personal experience or statistics or turn a mundane problem into something meaningful! This helps to create a strong impression on the reader.

Step 3: Describe your solutions

Keep in mind that the body paragraphs must clearly state the solutions to the problem. Your solutions must be persuasive and demonstrate a strong desire to solve the problem.

When expanding your points, always remember to keep your solutions effective, practical, functional and can be put into practice.

Step 4: Conclude your essay

When writing your conclusion, you would want to leave the reader feeling inspired and wanting to go deeper into your points! You could re-state your introduction and summarise the points again or use these suggestions for an excellent conclusion:

Tell the reader what will happen.

Describe the result of the suggested solutions.

Add testimonials, statistics and relevant facts.

Now that we’ve covered all the steps, let’s look at the full sample essay. Check it out below!

Problem Solution Essay Sample Answer

One of the primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions is transportation. What are the ways to reduce the impact?

Transportation is an essential component of our day-to-day life. An extensive transportation system provides mobility and increases productivity. However, it is reported that transportation produces the largest greenhouse emissions, mainly from cars, trucks, planes and others.

One of the ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to use public transportation. Using public transportation will help to reduce carbon footprint as well as improve better air quality. When public transportation is used effectively, the environmental benefits will last for future generations.

A direct path to a cleaner, greener environment is to carpool. Carpooling encourages people to drive less frequently, which reduces the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere. Fewer vehicles on the road allow people to reach their destination on time and lower their carbon footprints.

Another way to reduce the impact of transportation is to ensure your vehicle is in good condition. Hence, you should perform routine maintenance and care to ensure your car's performance and fuel efficiency. In addition to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, this routine also helps to reduce air pollution.

The above solutions are some of the ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by transportation. We should do our part and take small steps to impact the environment positively.

Problem Solution Essay Topics

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Who says problem solution essay topics are challenging? We prove to you otherwise, so prepare your pens and papers as we've listed some exciting topics for you to start practising.

Many students had to resort to online learning during the pandemic. What are the ways to make online learning effective?

Learning a foreign at a young age helps to boost academic achievement. Should all students learn a foreign language?

Environment

The Earth’s population has increased over the past years and has caused severe environmental problems. What are the ways to solve this problem?

The rise of the ocean’s temperature could cause extinction for the living sea creatures. What needs to be done?

Social media

Celebrities often appear flawless on social media. How do we encourage healthier beauty standards in real life?

Nowadays, social media, mobile apps and games distract people from the real world. How can we stop smartphone addiction?

The topics listed above are some popular examples, but the list isn’t over yet! We also have some exciting topics for you to try to write about.

You’ve decided to give yourself a new nickname. How do you get people to use it?

Fast food tastes great, but it’s not healthy. How can you turn fast food and make it more wholesome?

We need water to stay alive, but some people dislike its taste. How can you stay hydrated without drinking sugary, unhealthy drinks?

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The Definitive Guide to Writing a Problem Solution Essay

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.

What is a Problem Solution Essay?

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.

4 Components of a Problem Solution Essay

In a problem and solution essay, the following aspects must be included:

The Situation: this opening part is where the foundation of the problem lies. It is not an introduction in the sense that you may be familiar with or an abstract that covers the entirety of your thesis. Rather, it is a short and straightforward briefing that will make a layperson familiar with the situation at hand.
The Problem: this part provides specifics of the problem. Detailed dissections of evidence take place here; we’ll summarise those later in the evaluation section.
The Solution: this component covers push-back specific solutions you may encounter. Part of a correct answer is thinking of your opponents’ perspectives and ensuring that they address their assumptions and points.
The Evaluation: in this section, it is crucial to write with brevity and wit; this will make your position memorable. Readers will often remember the last part of essays they read, so make sure it represents a microcosm of your essay as a whole.

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.

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. 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.

How To Find Solutions to Your Problems

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.

Problem Solution Essay Topics

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.

How do we deal with stranded assets in the fossil fuel industry and financial sector?
What should the laws be surrounding new cars run on petrol and diesel?
How should electrification be carried out in developing nations? Is a carbon tax a viable way to reduce emissions?

Other problem solution essay ideas might include social media’s effect on dopamine levels, gerrymandering in electoral districts, or the working week’s length.

Problem Solution Essay Examples

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

Writing Tips for a Problem Solution Essay

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:

Add something new: this solution works when something is lacking. The problem may be a lack of funding, equipment, or motivation. The assumed problem when using this angle of attack is that there is a lack of resources available. Concrete examples of this could include more teaching assistants in education, longer opening hours at a library, or more significant legislation to protect the environment.
Remove something: this is the inverse of the previous point. Inversing is a useful strategy for thinking about problems in general. If something is too crowded or too busy, it might be a solution to limit exposure to something and devise a solution.
Education: learning is a more specific aspect of ‘adding something’; it presupposes that a lack of information and awareness is the cause of the problem. If people had this knowledge, the theory goes that the issue would disappear or reduce because people could make informed decisions and correct their behavior.
Enforcement: if something like school rules, or even the law, is being ignored, proper enforcement might be a solution. Enforcement has its own sets of problems. This angle is an excellent way to write an unfolding and varied essay as it requires lots of discussion around proper enforcement. Making people do things they don’t want to do is a tricky situation and is riddled with structural and psychological issues.
Compromising: proposing compromise through mediation or bi-partisan effort is another complex solution. To work effectively, it has to involve people who possess robust negotiation techniques. But settlements happen all the time, so they’re a powerful solution to many problems. It may be useful to learn about zero-sum and relative issues to argue this case correctly.
A change in leadership: leaders can become stale and cumbersome; they may get weighed down by responsibility and have a low tolerance for change. Although, many problems require systemic changes, such as the climate crisis. With an established leader in charge, progress could be slow as they may be blinkered by their position. In this case, they are proposing an election or vote of confidence as a solution that can break the deadlock and offer people a chance to voice their concerns through voting.

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.

Write a Problem Solution Essay with HandmadeWriting

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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How to Write a Problem Solution Paper

Last Updated: July 22, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Stephanie Wong Ken, MFA . Stephanie Wong Ken is a writer based in Canada. Stephanie's writing has appeared in Joyland, Catapult, Pithead Chapel, Cosmonaut's Avenue, and other publications. She holds an MFA in Fiction and Creative Writing from Portland State University. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 150,703 times.

A problem solution paper focuses on a particular problem or set of problems. As the essay writer, you will then need to come up with a solution or several solutions to the stated problem. Problem solution papers are common on exams, as they allow you to explore an issue and use critical thinking to respond with a solution. To write a problem solution paper, start by outlining the paper. Then, follow the structure of a problem solution paper and polish the paper so it is at its best when you turn it in.

Starting the Paper

For example, you may have a main situation like, “obesity and poor fitness,” or “trigger warnings on college campuses.”
If you get to choose the situation, make a list of groups you belong to, such as “school,” “family,” “race,” “culture”,” or “local community.” Then, identify a situation or issue you have encountered as a member of one of these groups.

Step 2 Determine the key components of the paper.

In the situation component, you will paraphrase the prompt of the paper in your own words.
In the problem component, you will state the problem or problems and explain what they are in your own words.
In the solution component, you will state your solution or solutions to the problem. You will also explain how it will address the problem.
In the evaluation component, you will list the main ideas in the paper and offer a prediction or recommendation based on your solution to the problem.
There will only be one situation presented to you in the prompt for the paper. You can then have multiple problems and multiple solutions that link back to the situation.

Step 3 Use the block structure for the outline.

Introduction section, where you discuss the situation
Transition sentence or paragraph
Conclusion section, where you discuss the evaluation

Step 4 Try the chain structure for the outline.

Problem 1 and Solution to Problem 1
Problem 2 and Solution to Problem 2
Problem 3 and Solution to Problem 3

Writing the Paper

Step 1 State the situation in your own words.

For example, if the situation in the paper prompt is “obesity and poor fitness,” you may focus on specific aspects of the situation in the introduction. You may look at how the consumption of unhealthy food and the overuse of cars plays into obesity and poor fitness in society.

Step 2 Research the problem or problems.

If you cannot find a lot of outside material on the problem, you can collect your own data for the paper. Do this by making a survey that you give to people who are affected by the problem. You can also interview people associated with the problem, or with possible solutions.
For example, if you were researching the problem “trigger warnings on college campuses,” you may interview college representatives at your university or college. You may also talk to students on campus.
Most problem solution papers written for exams do not require you to cite any outside sources. You may need to cite your sources if you are writing the problem solution paper for a class.

For example, if you were writing about the situation “obesity and poor fitness,” you may have the following thesis statement: “Obesity and poor fitness can lead to a decrease in life expectancy, and it is essential that individuals and governments work together to tackle this issue by improving their citizen's diet and fitness.”

For example, you may come up with a solution that addresses a lack of resources by adding support, money, or more staff. Or you may come up with a solution that addresses the problem by changing an existing practice or habit.

Step 5 Support your solutions with specific examples.

For example, if one of your solutions to the problem of obesity and poor fitness is to encourage people to cook at home, you may list a few specific ways people can do this. You may suggest that national eating healthy at home campaign is created, offering recipes online that take less than 30 minutes to prepare at home.

Step 6 Wrap up the paper with an evaluation.

For example, you may end up a call to action like, “With rising levels of obesity in our country, it is essential that we take action now to address this serious issue.”

Polishing the Paper

Step 1 Confirm the paper follows a clear structure or outline.

You can create a reverse outline using your paper as a guide, where you go through each section and confirm it follows the outline you started with.

Step 2 Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

You can also show the paper to a peer, friend, or family member and get them to proofread it for you.

Step 3 Revise the paper to fit the word count.

If you are writing the problem solution paper for a class assignment, you may still have a set word count. Check that your paper falls within this word count.
↑ https://www.jccc.edu/student-resources/academic-resource-center/writing-center/files/problem-solution-paper.pdf
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About This Article

A problem solution paper focuses on a particular issue and should include one or more solutions to it. You’ll need to begin the paper by stating the situation in your own words. For example, the situation could be “obesity and core fitness.” Include a thesis statement at the end of your introduction, which could be something like, “Obesity can lead to decreased life expectancy, making it imperative for governments and people to tackle this issue by improving diet and fitness.” The following sections should deal with identifying all of the problems arising from the situation and proposing solutions to them. Try to give examples to explain each solution. For instance, if you say the growth of obesity can be stopped by improving people’s diets, you could propose a national healthy eating campaign. Finally, you should conclude by evaluating the whole paper and making recommendations about how to implement your solutions. For tips from our Writing co-author on how to plan an outline for your problem solving paper, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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The Ultimate Guide to Write Effective Problem Solution Essay
Mastering The Art of Academic Essay Writing With Examples

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.

What is a problem-solution essay
Structure of a problem-solving essay
Introduction element:hook
Introduction element:background brief
Introduction element: thesis statement
Introduction element: outline
Body paragraph of a problem-solution essay
Conclusion of a problem-solution essay

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.

What 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.

Elaborate on some of the effective solutions to reduce poverty.
Describe solutions to the problem of rising drug abuse in adolescents.
Elucidate the measure that can be taken to prevent human trafficking.

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.

How to structure the problem-solving essay?

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.

Various ways of structuring of problem solution 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.

How to write the introduction of a problem-solving 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

Background information
Thesis statement

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.

Introduction element: Hook of a problem-solving essay

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.

Sample hook

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.

Introduction element: Background brief of a problem-solving essay

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.

What is the problem?
How big is the problem?
Whom does the problem majorly affect?

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.

Sample background brief

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.

Introduction element: The thesis statement of a problem-solving 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,

Why is it a problem?
How does this problem impact the readers?
Why does this problem need to be solved?

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.

Sample thesis statement

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.

Introduction element: Outline of a problem-solving 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.

Sample outline

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.

How to write the body paragraph of a problem solution 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.

Sample body paragraph

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.

How to write the conclusion of a problem solution essay?

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.

Sample conclusion

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.

Problem Solution Essay Structure

Problem Solution Essay Structure: Build Properly!

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.

Thesis Statement for Problem Solution Essay

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.

Problem Solution Essay Introduction: How to Make It Effective

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.

Body of the Problem Solution Essay

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.

Problem Solution Essay Conclusion: How to Make It Effective

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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The Research Trajectory/Proposal

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 .

Forming research questions

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:

Researching your topic

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:

What type of information is available on your topic?
Where did you find this information?
Who are the experts, and what do they have to say about your topic?

Creating a thesis and presenting your proposal

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:

Outlining a Problem-Solution Paper

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:

I. Introduction: Communicating the Problem

Paint a vivid picture of the problem. Focus on the how and why: how did this become a problem? why is it (still) a problem? why is it important / why does it need to be fixed?
End your intro with a thesis statement recapping the problem and providing a preview of the solution(s) you will offer in the rest of your paper.

II. Body: Communicating the Solution(s)

Cover each potential solution to the problem in its own paragraph, or cover each step of a multi-step solution with each step having its own paragraph.
Each body paragraph should have a clearly stated claim that is distinct from, though connected to, the other paragraphs.
Support each solution or solution step with several pieces of evidence from authoritative sources of information. (Best to go to the library catalog and article databases for these.)
Cite each source used to support your claims correctly according to MLA citation format , using an in-text citation that corresponds to an entry in your works cited page.

III. Conclusion: Reiterating Importance

Recap your thesis statement (problem + brief overview of solution)
Close out your paper by emphasizing the importance of solving the problem you have covered.
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How to Write a Problem Solution Essay

DESCRIPTION Child writing a problem solution essay
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PERMISSION Used under license / Getty Images / Jamesmcq24

Problem solution essays are a popular form of persuasion. In these essays, you must describe a problem, convince the reader to care about the problem, propose a solution, and be prepared to dismantle any objections. When wondering how to write a problem solution essay, there’s an effortless formula you can follow. Let’s discuss.

Step-By-Step Guide

A good problem solution essay is going to propose a solution that can be implemented somewhat easily and will, of course, solve the problem. You must avoid any and all vagaries and stick to a specific problem with specific, actionable steps.

Here’s your formula for success:

1. Introduce the Problem

In your introductory paragraph , you’re going to carefully outline the problem. What is it and why does it need to be solved? After you’ve done so, state your thesis statement . In these essays, your thesis will be your solution to the problem. State it succinctly in one or two sentences.

2. Make the Reader Care

Don’t just describe the problem in bland definitions. You have to describe it from the readers’ eyes. Introduce the subject in a way that will make the reader take interest. Why does this problem matter? Why should they care?

There are many ways to lure readers in. Offer staggering statistics that will shock them into taking sudden interest. Share a heartfelt personal narrative that will tug at the heartstrings a little. Or, explain how the problem evolved from a mundane issue to a worthwhile cause.

3. Outline Your Solution

Once you’ve drafted your introduction, it’s time to dive into the body of the essay. Depending on length requirements, you might want to aim for three solid paragraphs that discuss the solution. Of course, you must begin with clarity. Explain your solution in simple terms that anyone could understand. Offer as many details as possible about how this will solve the problem without getting unnecessarily wordy.

Where possible, cite evidence for your solution. Offer examples where similar solutions have worked before. Cite expert opinion, statistics, and studies. If you’re proposing a new solution that hasn’t been explored before, then you can rely heavily on logical argument. Explain why you think your solution will be effective.

As you weave the body of your essay together , keep sound logistics in mind. Who’s going to fund your solution? How much time will it take? If you can cite any obvious rebuttals, start to bring your essay to a close with possible responses to these potential criticisms.

4. Paint a Final Picture

Now, it’s time to bring the essay to a close. Describe the next steps that must take place immediately. Paint a vivid picture of what the world would look like after your practical solution has been implemented.

Some of the best ways to close an essay are with rhetorical questions such as, “Isn’t this the type of world we all seek to live in?” Or, you can cite some sort of call to action. Ask others to join the cause, or direct them to some other source for more information.

Problem-Solution Essay Topic Ideas

When it comes to finding a topic, stick close to home. What matters to you, personally? Are you a member of any type of organization that could use a little change? Or, perhaps you’re not faced with any specific problem at the moment, but you know you will in the future. If you’re entering college, you might have student loan debt in your future. Perhaps you’ll present viable solutions that the government or universities themselves can consider.

Here’s a short list of topics that might get the wheels turning:

Alcohol addiction
Bullying in school
Credit card debt
Dangers of procrastination
Endangered species
Fractures in family relationships
Overabundance of time spent on social media
Safety issues in online dating
Teen suicide
Violation of Americans’ privacy rights
Work-life balance

It’s important to reiterate the importance of a specific problem. It’s the only way you can offer a precise, actionable solution. For example, you wouldn’t want to select the dangers of the online world as a topic. Instead, hone in one one specific branch of the online world, like Instagram or online dating apps. Then, you can provide a specific solution to that specific challenge.

Problem Solved!

Throughout your academic career, you’ll be tasked with various essay assignments. Problem solution essays are of a persuasive vein. It’s the writer’s job to not only persuade the audience to care, but also persuade them to take specific action.

Here are some tips that will make persuasive essay writing easy . Once you have a solid topic in hand, a systematic approach will bring readers into your corner in no time at all.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Problem and Solution Essay Lesson

Problem Solution Essay

This lesson on how to write a problem solution essay will:

discuss common mistakes;
show you how to analyse the question;
show you how to think of ideas;
give you a structure that can be used again and again on all problem solution IELTS essays;
describe how to write an introduction , main body paragraphs and conclusion; and
give you a full band 9 sample answer.

Problem/solution questions are one of the most common IELTS Writing Task 2 questions on the academic paper. Despite being very common, many students fail to do well in these questions. This post will look at some of the most common mistakes and then take you through how to answer these questions step-by-step.

Common Mistakes

The most common mistake for problem solution essays is not expanding on your ideas and instead simply listing lots of problems and solutions. The examiner does not want a list of all the problems and solutions you can think of, and please don’t do this in the exam. Instead, if you look at how the exam is marked , the examiner wants you to pick one or two problems and solutions and then expand on them with explanations and examples. More on how to do this below.
Another common mistake is writing about problems and solutions that are not directly linked to the question. You should be like a sniper when answering the question and only give very specific ideas rather than ideas that generally talk about the overall issue. This has a lot to do with how you identify keywords and micro-keywords in the questions which we will look at below.
Lots of people think of good ideas for problems and then fail to link their solutions to these problems. Each problem should have a solution directly linked to it, or in other words, it should solve the actual problem.
Finally, some candidates think of really good problems and solutions that answer the question properly and then expand their answers with explanations and examples, but they talk too generally. Instead, you should be thinking of specific examples and explanations. We will look at how to avoid this below.

Analysing the Question

This is one of the most crucial parts of answering any IELTS writing question. If you don’t take the time to think properly about what the examiner is asking you to do, then it is very difficult to answer the question correctly.

We analyse the question by thinking about three things:

micro-keywords
action words

Keywords are the words that tell us what the general topic is.

Micro-keywords identify which part of the general topic the examiner wants you to discuss. They often give an opinion, qualify the statement or talk about a sub-category of the bigger general topic.

Action words tell us what the examiner wants us to do.

Problem Solution Sample Essay

Global warming is one of the biggest threats humans face in the 21st Century, and sea levels continue to rise at alarming rates.

What problems are associated with this, and what are some possible solutions?

If we look at this question, we can see that the keywords are ‘ global warming ‘. This is our general topic. We will write about this, but we cannot write about any problems associated with global warming. If we do this, we have not answered the question properly. We, therefore, need to look at the micro-keywords.

The micro-keywords are ‘ humans ‘ and ‘ sea level rise ‘. So instead of writing just about the huge topic of global warming and any problems associated with that (such as increased storms, extinction of certain animals, erosion of soil), we have to talk about how particularly sea level rises will affect humans . If we talked about the problems affecting the ‘planet’ or ‘animals’ or the ‘atmosphere’, we would not be answering the question.

The action words are problems and solutions . Our task is, therefore, to write about that and only that. It does not ask our opinion about the disadvantages, advantages, or causes, just the problems and solutions. If we discussed the causes of sea level rise, we would not be answering the question.

For more information, go to effectively analyse an IELTS question .

How to Think of Ideas

Now that we know exactly what the question is asking us to do, we need to think of specific and relevant ideas. There are many strategies for thinking of ideas for IELTS task 2 questions TO THINK OF IDEAS FOR IELTS WRITING TASK 2 but for problem-solving questions; I like to use something called the ‘coffee shop method’.

Instead of brainstorming or mind-mapping- which take too much time and lead to irrelevant ideas in my opinion- you should pretend you are in a coffee shop with a friend and they have just asked you a simple question. In this case, it would be “What are the problems and solutions associated with sea level rise on humans?”

If you were talking to a friend about this, I’m sure you would have no problem thinking of at least 2 or 3 problems and solutions. This method takes you out of an exam situation and puts your mind into a more relaxed environment. Try it and see. If you don’t like it, try one of my other methods.

There are several problems and solutions, including:

Problem : flooding of people’s homes and businesses

Solution : build flood barriers or move to higher areas

Problem : loss of agricultural land and starvation

Solution : switch to more suitable crops

Problem : displacement of millions of people

Solution : move people in a planned and orderly way before the floods

Problem : groundwater undrinkable

Solution : build desalination plants

As you can see, I didn’t think of lots of problems and then lots of solutions. For each problem, you should think of a solution that directly solves this problem.

You now have lots of ideas, but now you must decide which ones to use. I always tell my students to pick the ones they know most about, i.e. that they can explain and give relevant examples.

I advise my students to use a basic four-paragraph structure with all problem solution IELTS essays. Your four paragraphs should look something like this:

Paragraph 1- Introduction

Paragraph 2- Problems

Paragraph 3- Solutions

Paragraph 4- Conclusion

At a sentence level, your structure should look like this:

Introduction

1- Paraphrase question

2- Outline sentence

3- State problems

4- Explain first problem

5- Explain second problem

6- Example of second problem

7- State solutions

8- Explain solution to first problem

9- Explain solution to second problem

10- Example of solution to second problem

Conclusion

Sentence 11- Summary of main points in paragraphs 2 and 3

For more structures, check out our IELTS task 2 structures guide .

Now let’s look at each paragraph in more detail.

The introduction will have two sentences: a paraphrase of the question and an outline statement.

Paraphrasing is simply saying the sentence again with different words but with the same meaning. We can do this by using synonyms and/or changing the order of the words.

Question- Global warming is one of the biggest threats humans face in the 21st Century, and sea levels continue to rise at alarming rates.

Paraphrased- Climate change is among the principal dangers facing people this century, and ocean levels are increasing dramatically.

As you can see above, I have used synonyms to change the words of the questions, but it still has the same meaning. The examiner will look for your ability to do this in the exam, so practising this skill is a good idea.

Our outline sentence is next, which tells the examiner what they will read in the rest of the essay. This makes it very clear to the examiner and makes the rest of the essay much easier to understand. You will, therefore, gain marks for coherence and cohesion.

Our outline sentence should look something like this:

This essay will first suggest that the biggest problems caused by this phenomenon are the loss of land and the flooding of homes and then argue that pollution reduction and building flood protection are the most viable solutions.

Our introduction will, therefore, look like this:

Climate change is among the principal dangers facing people this century, and ocean levels are increasing dramatically. This essay will first suggest that the biggest problems caused by this phenomenon are the loss of land and the flooding of homes and then argue that pollution reduction and building flood protection are the most viable solutions.

It should be noted that this introduction does not contain a thesis statement. This is because this particular question does not ask us for our opinion. However, IELTS problem solution questions sometimes do ask you for your opinion, and you should then include a thesis statement.

Problems Paragraph

Our problems paragraph will have this structure:

Sentence 1- State problems

Sentence 2- Explain first problem

Sentence 3- Explain second problem

Sentence 4- Example of second problem

State problems : The foremost problems caused by climbing sea levels are that land is being lost and peoples’ residences are often flooded.

Now that we have stated the problems, we must explain these. You should always consider your audience to be someone with no specialist knowledge in this area, and you, therefore, need to explain what everything means. Don’t assume that the IELTS examiner is educated and knows what you are talking about. These assumptions will stop you from writing what you need.

Explain first problem : As water levels rise, low-lying land is submerged, and many countries become smaller.

Explain second problem : Furthermore, millions of people worldwide live in coastal areas, and if the sea rises by even a few feet, they are inundated with water and lose their property.

Now we must give an example of what we are talking about. When we give an example, it should be as specific as possible.

An example of a very general example would be:

Lots of people in the world have experienced floods recently.

This is far too general to be considered a good example.

Example : The devastation brought about by this was clear for all to see during the 2011 Tsunami in Japan, in which millions of people were displaced.

This example is much more specific. Stating a place and/or date can help you make your examples more specific.

Our second paragraph will look like this:

The foremost problems caused by climbing sea levels are that land is being lost and people’s residences are often flooded. As water levels rise, low-lying land is submerged, and many countries become smaller. Furthermore, millions of people worldwide live in coastal areas, and if the sea rises by even a few feet, they are inundated with water and lose their property. This devastation was clear for all to see during the 2011 Tsunami in Japan, in which millions of people were displaced.

Now we must move on to our solutions.

Solutions Paragraph

Our solutions paragraph will have this structure:

Sentence 1- State solutions

Sentence 2- Explain solution to first problem

Sentence 3- Explain solution to second problem

Sentence 4- Example of solution to second problem

State solutions : Possible solutions to these problems would be to reduce the amount of pollution created and build flood barriers.

We now need to explain how our solution will help solve the problem. Again, do not assume that the examiner has any specialist knowledge of this topic, so you need to explain what you mean.

Explain first solution: If each person reduces their carbon footprint, the negative effects on the environment will be reduced, which will mean that the water level will stop rising.

Explain second solution : Furthermore, flood defences, such as dikes, dams, and floodgates, could be built along coasts and waterways, thereby stopping the water from reaching populated areas.

Example : The Netherlands is one of the most populated areas in the world and one of the most vulnerable to flooding. They have successfully employed various flood defence systems.

Our whole solutions paragraph will look like this:

Possible solutions to these problems would be to reduce the amount of pollution being created and to build flood barriers. If each person reduces their carbon footprint, the negative effects on the environment will be reduced, which will mean that the water level will stop rising. Furthermore, flood defences, such as dikes, dams, and floodgates, could be built along coasts and waterways, thereby stopping the water from reaching populated areas. The Netherlands is one of the most populated areas in the world and also one of the most vulnerable to flooding, and they have successfully employed various flood defence systems.

We have now answered the question and need to sum up what we have said in the conclusion.

The conclusion should have no new ideas but instead should list the main points from the previous two paragraphs. You can also use synonyms in this paragraph to avoid repetition.

Conclusion : To conclude, stemming the rising tides caused by increasing global temperatures is one of the foremost challenges we face, and it will ultimately lead to some countries losing landmass and many of the world’s cities being left underwater, but possible solutions could be to protect our environment and to utilise the flood prevention techniques already used by countries like Holland.

Our whole conclusion for this problem solution essay will look like this:

To conclude, stemming the rising tides caused by increasing global temperatures is one of the foremost challenges we face, and it will ultimately lead to some countries losing landmass and many of the world’s cities being left underwater, but possible solutions could be to protect our environment and to utilise the flood prevention techniques already used by countries like Holland.

Problem and Solution Sample Essay

Here is the whole essay:

Climate change is among the principal dangers facing people this century, and ocean levels are increasing dramatically. This essay will first suggest that the biggest problems caused by this phenomenon are the loss of land and the flooding of homes and then argue that pollution reduction and building flood protection are the most viable solutions. The foremost problems caused by climbing sea levels are that land is being lost and peoples’ residences are often flooded. As water levels rise, low-lying land is submerged and many countries become smaller. Furthermore, millions of people all over the world live in coastal areas, and if the sea rises by even a few feet, they are inundated with water and lose their property. The devastation brought about by this was clear for all to see during the 2011 Tsunami in Japan, in which millions of people were displaced. Possible solutions to these problems would be to reduce the amount of pollution being created and to build flood barriers. If each person reduces their carbon footprint, the negative effects on the environment will be reduced and this will mean that the water level will stop rising. Furthermore, flood defences, such as dikes, dams, and floodgates, could be built along coasts and waterways, thereby stopping the water reaching populated areas. The Netherlands is one of the most populated areas in the world and also one of the most vulnerable to flooding and they have successfully employed various flood defence systems. To conclude, stemming the rising tides caused by increasing global temperatures is one of the foremost challenges we face and it will ultimately lead to some countries losing landmass and many of the worlds’ cities being left underwater, but possible solutions could be to protect our environment and to utilise the flood prevention techniques already used by countries like Holland.

I hope this post helps you with IELTS problem solution essays, and if you have any questions, please comment below.

Next Steps

If you found this lesson useful and it has helped you write a problem solution essay, you should also check out our lessons on task 2 opinions essays , discussion essays and advantages and disadvantages essays .

Do you need me to correct your essays and give you feedback on them? Check out our essay correction service .

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Teacher Guide Central

How to Write a Problem-Solution Essay

High school students love to complain. Teachers love to give high school students a reason to complain. Teaching students how to write a problem/solution essay accomplishes both.

Need more essay writing lessons for the common core . This guide includes the following:

How to Write a Problem/Solution Essay
How to Write a Comparison Essay
How to Write a Definition Essay

Each lesson contains instructions for writing each type of essay (for your students), a list of common core objectives covered (for your administrator), one or more graphic organizers (for your students), and a rubric to make grading easy (for your sanity).

The Problem

I assigned a problem/solution essay and couldn’t wait to see the results. After reading 143 illogical solutions, I realized I hadn’t really shown my students how to write an effective essay of this kind. I needed to be punished for not explaining the key principles of a problem/solution essay structure. I opened the wardrobe cabinet in my classroom, wedged my head in, and began opening and slamming the door until I passed out.

Dr. Phil was sitting at my desk when I awoke. “You need to teach problem/solution essay structure,” he said, “but not until you solve your own problem, crappy lesson plans.” Dr. Phil pulled a How to Write a Problem/Solution Essay lesson plan out of his bag, laid it on my desk, handed me a band aid, and disappeared.

I share his lesson plan with you.

ELA Common Core Standards

Teaching how to write a problem-solution essay satisfies the following common core standards. This will impress your administrator, but bore your students. I recommend simplifying the language when you write the objective(s) on the board.

Common Core Writing Standard 1 . Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence. Common Core Writing Standard 2. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content. W.9-10.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in W.9-10.1-3.) W.9-10.5 Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate command of L.9-10.1-3.) W.9-10.7 Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation. W.9-10.8 Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.

Problem-Solution Essay Structure

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.
explores all aspects of the problem, especially its causes and effects.
offers one or more solutions and how to implement those solutions.
uses supporting details : anecdotes, facts, examples, and statistics.
uses logic to persuade the audience.
explains what readers can do to solve the problem.

Problem-Solution Essay Procedures

Whether you assign it as a formal essay or a timed writing assignment, you can help students plan their problem/solution essay with the following tips:

Brainstorm problems. High school students are great at brainstorming problems. Teenagers are best at brainstorming problems about their school. Community, national, and international problems make for better essays with more capable classes.
Think about the problem. Jot down its causes and effects. Write down why it’s a serious problem that deserves attention.
Brainstorm solutions. Use a cluster map to discuss how the problem can be solved.
Evaluate potential solutions and eliminate impractical ones. Find the best solution by examining whether people will support it.
Identify the audience. Address the concerns of the essay’s most likely readers.
Research the facts. Find data and expert opinions to support your solution.

After solutions have been evaluated, researched, and organized, it’s time to draft. Use the following organization:

Identify the problem and explain its significance.
Explain causes of the problem, effects of the problem, and present data to support your assertions.
Address likely concerns.
Conclude by describing how to achieve the solution.

Types of Essays

Step-by-step instructions for writing different types of essays can be accessed by the following links.

Problem-Solution Essay
Persuasive Essay
Narrative Essay
Instructional Article
Literary Analysis
How to Write a Tall-Tale
How to Write an Article Critique
Cause and Effect Essay

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IMAGES

How to Write a Problem Solution Essay
How to Write a Problem Solution Essay
Problem/Solution Essay Example 1
How to Write a Problem-Solution Essay that Inspires Action
How to Write a Problem Solution Essay: Guide with Examples
How to Write a Problem Solution Essay

VIDEO

Workshop 4: Planning a Problem-Solution Essay
IELTS ONLINE SESSIONS
Problem-Solution Essay Explanation
Day 12_ Writing (Problem-Solution Essays) & Final Wrap-up: B2 K39 W Task 2 Problem Solution Essay
How to write a problem_ solution essay about air pollution using relative vocabulary
English Academic Writing Review: Problem and Solution Essay

COMMENTS

How To Write a Problem Solution Essay
Propose practical and reasonable solutions for the first problem. Support each solution with evidence and rationale. Solution 2: Repeat the process for the second problem's solutions. Ensure a clear connection between each problem and its respective solution. Conclusion.
Problem-solution essays
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). Structure. There are two main ways to structure a problem-solution essay.
How to Write a Problem-Solution Essay: Step-by-Step Instructions
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.
Problem Solution Essay: 5-Minute Writing Guide & Examples
Main body - contains 2-3 paragraphs, each of them beginning with a topic sentence. Body paragraph. Problem 1. Problem 2. Body paragraph. Solution 1. Solution 2. Conclusion - sums up all main points. Block method allows you to look at multiple problems or solutions using separate paragraphs.
Ultimate Guide to Writing a Problem Solution Essay
Here are some important aspects to consider when writing your essay: 1. Crafting an effective introduction: Start with a hook that grabs the reader's attention, provide background information on the problem, and end with a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the proposed solution. 2.
IELTS Problem Solution Essays
Essay Structure. Now let's look at a simple structure you can use to write IELTS problem solution essays. It's not the only possible structure but it's the one I recommend because it's easy to learn and will enable you to quickly plan and write a high-level essay. 1) Introduction. Paraphrase the question.
26 How do I Write a Problem Solution Essay?
The primary thrust of a problem-solution essay is usually either an argument for a specific solution to a problem or a strong case for the urgent need to solve a problem. Like most essays, the problem-solution essay must contain an introduction, a thesis, a body, and a conclusion. Step 1: Identify the problem that will be discussed. It can be ...
Essay Lab How to Write a Problem-Solution Essay
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 ...
Step-by-step Guide on How to Write a Problem-Solution Essay
The structure of a problem-solving essay is the same as the structure of an ordinary academic paper. Introduction; Develop a strong thesis for your paper, that will appear in the introduction and the conclusion of your essay, the statement that will outline the problem and problem solution paper ideas that your essay will cover in one or two ...
Problem-Solution Essay: Introduction, Body & Conclusion
The final piece of a problem-solution essay is the conclusion, or the ending paragraph that provides closure to the essay. Conclusion paragraphs are generally structured by restating your thesis, ...
How to Write a Problem-Solution Essay that Inspires Action
Conclude the problem solution essay by evaluating the results. Having covered your problem solution topic, it's time to focus on the results obtained. To write a compelling conclusion, you can predict exactly how the situation will change if your solution is implemented. Propose to the reader a detailed alternative reality where your plan of ...
How To Write A Stellar Problem Solution Essay (With Sample Answer)
Problem solution essays are structured much like persuasive essays with an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion. The format and structure of a problem solution essay are similar to a cause-and-effect essay, which consist of four components. One of the ways you could approach this essay is to use the SPSE structure, which stands for: S ...
All You Need to Know About Writing a Problem Solution Essay
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.
How to Write a Problem Solution Paper: 13 Steps (with Pictures)
1. Confirm the paper follows a clear structure or outline. Review the paper and confirm it covers the four components of a problem solution paper. Make sure it addresses the problem and the solution in detail. Check that your thesis statement appears in the introduction and in the conclusion sections of the paper.
A comprehensive guide to writing problem solution essay
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 Solution Essay Structure
Problem Solution Essay Conclusion: How to Make It Effective. 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 ...
Problem Solving Paper Writing Steps With Sample Essays
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 ...
Problem-Solution Essay
Explain the Solution. A solution is a way to solve a problem. Most problems can be solved in more than one way. Depending on the assignment's parameters, the writer will either list the various ...
Problem-Solution Essay
End your intro with a thesis statement recapping the problem and providing a preview of the solution(s) you will offer in the rest of your paper. II. Body: Communicating the Solution(s) Cover each potential solution to the problem in its own paragraph, or cover each step of a multi-step solution with each step having its own paragraph.
How to Write a Problem Solution Essay
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!
IELTS Writing Task 2 Problem and Solution Essay Lesson
Problem: flooding of people's homes and businesses. Solution: build flood barriers or move to higher areas. Problem: loss of agricultural land and starvation. Solution: switch to more suitable crops. Problem: displacement of millions of people. Solution: move people in a planned and orderly way before the floods.
How to Write a Problem Solution Essay
Problem-Solution Essay Structure. 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 ...
HOW TO WRITE A PROBLEM-SOLUTION ESSAY
This video explains how to write a problem and solution essay. Elaboration of the introduction, body, and conclusion is provided.

Problem-Solution Essay - Writing Guide, Definition & Examples!

What is a Problem-Solution Essay?

Why Write a Problem Solution Essay

Problem Solution Essay Structure

Block Structure

Chain Structure

How to Write a Problem-Solution Essay?

Step 1 - Topic Selection

Step 2 - Understanding the Problem

Step 3 - Explore Viable Solutions

Step 4 - Create an Outline

Step 5 - Write the Introduction

Step 6 - Craft Body Paragraph

Step 7 - Address Possible Objections

Step 8 - Conclude The Essay

Problem-Solution Essay Examples

Problem Solution Essay Topics

Problem Solution Essay Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of paper is a problem-solution?

What is the problem-solution essay test?

What is the problem solution essay topics list for IELTS?

Problem-solution essays Situation-problem-solution-evaluation

What are problem-solution essays?

Example essay

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How to Write a Problem and Solution Essay: A Quick Guide

What Is a Problem Solution Essay: Definition

Problem Solution Essay Outline

How to Write a Problem Solution Essay

How to Start a Problem Solution Essay: Introduction

How to Write an Outstanding Problem Solution Essay Body

How to Write a Conclusion for a Problem Solution Essay

Problem Solution Essays Examples

Problem and Solution Essay: Writing and Proofreading Tips

Problem/ Solution Essay: Bottom Line

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Writing Your Problem Solution Essay

Editing and Revising Your Problem Solution Essay

Problem Solution Essay Examples

Problem Solution Essay Topics

1. What is a problem solution essay?

2. What are the elements of a problem solution essay?

3. How do I choose a topic for a problem solution essay?

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How to Plan & Write IELTS Problem Solution Essays

The Question

6 Common Mistakes

Essay Structure

One Problem/Cause & Solution or Two?

How To Plan IELTS Problem Solution Essays

# 1 Analyse the question

# 2 Generate ideas

# 3 Vocabulary

How To Write an Introduction

1) Paraphrase the question

2) Outline statement

How To Write Main Body Paragraphs

Main Body Paragraph 1

Main Body Paragraph 2

How To Write a Conclusion

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