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Problem-solution essays are a common essay type, especially for short essays such as subject exams or IELTS . The page gives information on what they are , how to structure this type of essay, and gives an example problem-solution essay on the topic of obesity and fitness levels.
Problem-solution essays consider the problems of a particular situation, and give solutions to those problems. They are in some ways similar to cause and effect essays , especially in terms of structure (see below). Problem-solution essays are actually a sub-type of another type of essay, which has the following four components:
The 'situation' may be included in the essay prompt, in which case it will not be needed in the main body. If it is needed, it can often be included in the introduction, especially for short essays, as with the example essay below . The 'evaluation' may be included as part of the conclusion (also as in the example below), or omitted altogether, especially for short essays. For these reasons, problem-solution essays are more common than situation-problem-solution-evaluation essays (or SPSE essays).
There are two main ways to structure a problem-solution essay. These are similar to the ways to structure cause and effect essays , namely using a block or a chain structure. For the block structure, all of the problems are listed first, and all of the solutions are listed afterwards. For the chain structure, each problem is followed immediately by the solution to that problem. Both types of structure have their merits. The former is generally clearer, especially for shorter essays, while the latter ensures that any solutions you present relate directly to the problems you have given.
The two types of structure, block and chain , are shown in the diagram below. This is for a short essay, which includes the 'situation' in the introduction and 'evaluation' in the conclusion. A longer essay, for example one of around 1,000 words, with citations , would probably have these two sections as separate paragraphs in the main body.
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Below is a problem-solution essay on the topic of obesity and poor fitness . It uses the block structure . Click on the different areas (in the shaded boxes) to highlight the different structural aspects in this essay, i.e. Situation, Problem, Solution, Evaluation. This will highlight not simply the paragraphs, but also (for problems and solutions) the thesis statement and summary , as these repeat the problems and solutions contained in the main body.
Consumption of processed and convenience foods and our dependence on the car have led to an increase in obesity and reduction in the fitness level of the adult population. In some countries, especially industrialized ones, the number of obese people can amount to one third of the population. This is significant as obesity and poor fitness lead to a decrease in life expectancy , and it is therefore important for individuals and governments to work together to tackle this issue and improve their citizens' diet and fitness. Obesity and poor fitness decrease life expectancy. Overweight people are more likely to have serious illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease, which can result in premature death. It is well known that regular exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, which means that those with poor fitness levels are at an increased risk of suffering from those problems. Changes by individuals to their diet and their physical activity can increase life expectancy. There is a reliance today on the consumption of processed foods, which have a high fat and sugar content. By preparing their own foods, and consuming more fruit and vegetables, people could ensure that their diets are healthier and more balanced, which could lead to a reduction in obesity levels. In order to improve fitness levels, people could choose to walk or cycle to work or to the shops rather than taking the car. They could also choose to walk up stairs instead of taking the lift. These simple changes could lead to a significant improvement in fitness levels. Governments could also implement initiatives to improve their citizens' eating and exercise habits. This could be done through education, for example by adding classes to the curriculum about healthy diet and lifestyles. Governments could also do more to encourage their citizens to walk or cycle instead of taking the car, for instance by building more cycle lanes or increasing vehicle taxes. While some might argue that increased taxes are a negative way to solve the problem, it is no different from the high taxes imposed on cigarettes to reduce cigarette consumption. In short, obesity and poor fitness are a significant problem in modern life, leading to lower life expectancy . Individuals and governments can work together to tackle this problem and so improve diet and fitness . Of the solutions suggested, those made by individuals themselves are likely to have more impact, though it is clear that a concerted effort with the government is essential for success. With obesity levels in industrialized and industrializing countries continuing to rise, it is essential that we take action now to deal with this problem.
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Below is a checklist for the main body of an essay. Use it to check your own writing, or get a peer (another student) to help you.
The essay is a essay | ||
An appropriate is used, either or | ||
The essay has a clear | ||
Each paragraph has a clear | ||
The essay has strong support (facts, reasons, examples, etc.) | ||
The conclusion includes a of the main points |
Find out about writing definitions and definition essays in the next section.
Go back to the previous section about cause & effect essays .
Author: Sheldon Smith ‖ Last modified: 22 January 2022.
Sheldon Smith is the founder and editor of EAPFoundation.com. He has been teaching English for Academic Purposes since 2004. Find out more about him in the about section and connect with him on Twitter , Facebook and LinkedIn .
Compare & contrast essays examine the similarities of two or more objects, and the differences.
Cause & effect essays consider the reasons (or causes) for something, then discuss the results (or effects).
Discussion essays require you to examine both sides of a situation and to conclude by saying which side you favour.
Problem-solution essays are a sub-type of SPSE essays (Situation, Problem, Solution, Evaluation).
Transition signals are useful in achieving good cohesion and coherence in your writing.
Reporting verbs are used to link your in-text citations to the information cited.
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Focus Standards: These are the standards the instruction addresses.
Supporting Standards: These are the standards that are incidental—no direct instruction in this lesson, but practice of these standards occurs as a result of addressing the focus standards.
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A. Engage the Learner - (5 minutes)
A. Independent Practice: Plan a Problem-Solution Essay - (30 minutes)
A. Peer Critique: Problem-Solution Writing Planner - (10 minutes)
A. Plan Independent Problem-Solution Essay: Students work to complete their Problem-Solution Writing Planner: Research. B. Independent Research Reading: Students read for at least 20 minutes in their independent research reading text. Then they select a prompt and write a response in their independent reading journal. | – Work Time A: Students plan their own problem-solution essays, which they will write during the mid-unit assessment in the following lessons. – Work Time A: Students integrate information from different media to plan their independent problem-solution essays. – Work Time A: Students select, organize, and analyze relevant content to plan a problem-solution essay. – Work Time A: Students consider task, purpose, and audience as they plan the content of their essays. – Work Time A: With support from the teacher, students plan their problem-solution essays. – Work Time A: Students quote and paraphrase information they have gathered from multiple print and digital sources as they complete their writing planners. – Work Time A: Students interpret the information they have collected from diverse media and use it to explain how design thinking was used to solve a problem. – Closing and Assessment A: Students engage in a Peer Critique protocol to discuss their writing and offer feedback.
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Supports guided in part by CA ELD Standards 6.I.A.1, 6.I.A.4, 6.I.B.6, 6.I.B.7, 6.I.C.10, 6.I.C.11, 6.I.C.12, 6.II.A.1, 6.II.A.2, 6.II.B.5, 6.II.C.6, and 6.II.C.7.
Important Points in the Lesson Itself
Each unit in the 6-8 Language Arts Curriculum has two standards-based assessments built in, one mid-unit assessment and one end of unit assessment. The module concludes with a performance task at the end of Unit 3 to synthesize students' understanding of what they accomplished through supported, standards-based writing.
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or optional ▲. Refer to the for possible responses. | ▲. This resource offers a bank of possible answers that students can select from and support with an explanation, rather than requiring that students generate unique answers on their own. |
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I provide a clear focus and maintain the focus consistently throughout the piece." . Remind students that this is where they will record stars and stairs for their partner. , specifically "use my strengths." Remind students that because they will be working to give a critique to their partner, they will need to use their strengths. and .
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Many instructors design opportunities for students to solve “problems”. But are their students solving true problems or merely participating in practice exercises? The former stresses critical thinking and decision making skills whereas the latter requires only the application of previously learned procedures.
Problem solving is often broadly defined as "the ability to understand the environment, identify complex problems, review related information to develop, evaluate strategies and implement solutions to build the desired outcome" (Fissore, C. et al, 2021). True problem solving is the process of applying a method – not known in advance – to a problem that is subject to a specific set of conditions and that the problem solver has not seen before, in order to obtain a satisfactory solution.
Below you will find some basic principles for teaching problem solving and one model to implement in your classroom teaching.
Define the problem.
Encourage students to reflect. Once a solution has been reached, students should ask themselves the following questions:
If you would like support applying these tips to your own teaching, CTE staff members are here to help. View the CTE Support page to find the most relevant staff member to contact.
Teaching tip categories.
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Teaching essays about proposing a problem and/or solution? Try my teaching plans with links to resources for you and your students.
This video introduces teachers and students to problem and solution essay. This first video outlines the simplest approach for teachers to take with their students - choosing a well-known problem ...
Learn how to write IELTS Problem Solution Essays. Step-by-step instructions to plan & write a high-level essay. Model answer & 6 common mistakes to avoid.
A Useful Lesson When Teaching Problem/Solution Essays - & Other Topics Posted by Larry Ferlazzo | Feb 12, 2016 | reading, writing | 0 | Sequencing activities are great lessons for teaching language and higher-order thinking, particularly if students are challenged to explain their reasons for putting texts or pictures in the order they choose.
Give each student a copy of the four-page worksheet. First, students read a description of problem solution essays and compare two structures for organising a problem solution essay - block structure and chain structure. Students then complete sentences with phrases used for problem solution essays. Exercise A - Answer key.
Need to write a problem-solution essay? Get tips for finding a good topic, deciding on the best solution, and writing an excellent paper.
Need help writing a problem solution paper? Easy steps with questions to guide you and examples from real student essays.
A problem-solution essay, or problem-solving essay, is an essay that identifies a problem or issue and argues a potential solution to the problem. It is similar to a persuasive essay in that the ...
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.
In Unit 3, students write an informational essay organized using a problem-solution structure. They begin by reviewing a model, annotated using the Painted Essay® template. As they analyze the model, students, in pairs, co-construct a collaborative essay addressing the prompt "How did William use design thinking to solve a critical problem?".
In this free problem solution essays worksheet, students are introduced to problem solution essay structure and attempt a problem solution essay writing practice. First, students read a description of problem solution essays and compare two structures for organising a problem solution essay - block structure and chain structure. Students then complete sentences with phrases used for problem ...
In this chapter you will 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.
The problem-solution essay is an essay that describes an issue or question and then provides one or more options for resolution. Learn to write a complete problem-solution essay that has all of ...
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.
W.6.4 — Work Time A: Students analyze the Model Problem-Solution Essay: "Bridges to Prosperity" as an example of clear and coherent writing with attention to task, purpose, and audience. W.6.5 — Work Time A: With support, students develop and strengthen their writing by examining the structure of the Model Problem-Solution Essay ...
Work Time. A. Peer Critique: Problem-Solution Essay - W.6.5 (20 minutes) B. Revise Problem-Solution Essay - W.6.2 (15 minutes) 3. Closing and Assessment. A. Review Performance Task (5 minutes) 4. Homework. A. Review Independent Research Reading Journal: Students review their journal entries in preparation for the Independent Reading Research ...
Procedure: introduce the focus of the lesson: Academic Writing Task 2 - Problems and Solutions essays. elicit environmental problems in general or show the class some pictures related to overfishing and elicit the topic. give students a copy of Worksheet 1 and draw attention to the essay question. elicit keywords from the question to identify ...
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.
Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like people who have a university degree the biggest disadvantage well paid have respect for teachers refuse to do what your teacher tells you a tiring and difficult job cut the amount of work teachers have to do staff who help the teacher in the class I have too much work to do the balance between how much time you spend at work, and ...
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.
RI.6.7 - Work Time A: Students integrate information from different media to plan their independent problem-solution essays. W.6.2 - Work Time A: Students select, organize, and analyze relevant content to plan a problem-solution essay. W.6.4 - Work Time A: Students consider task, purpose, and audience as they plan the content of their essays.
Teaching Problem-Solving Skills Many instructors design opportunities for students to solve "problems". But are their students solving true problems or merely participating in practice exercises? The former stresses critical thinking and decision making skills whereas the latter requires only the application of previously learned procedures.