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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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The 17 Best Middle School Problem Solution Essay Topics. A problem solution essay should state a problem, describe it, propose a solution, and explain why that particular solution is better, compared to alternative options. Middle school students often write such essays since they need to practice their writing and analytical skills.
Answer: A recommendation report is another name for a problem/solution essay. The difference is that the recommendation report is generally focused on improving a business or institution. Additionally, the recommendation report carefully examines all of the possible solutions, as well as their pros and cons, before making the final recommendation.
Sample Problem-Solution Essay. Ask for student volunteers to read each paragraph of the problem-solution essay on this page and the one that follows. Then review the features that are called out in the side notes. Point out the problem (underlined) as well as each topic sentence that addresses a different part of the problem and proposes a ...
A problem-solution essay should have three components that are addressed in three separate body paragraphs. First, describe the problem and incorporate facts and statistics. Second, explain the ...
Table of contents. 1 120 Problem Solution Essay Topics List. 1.1 Environmental Issues Problem-Solution Essay Topics. 1.2 Social Problems Problem And Solution Essay Ideas. 1.3 Healthcare Challenges: Problem-Solving Essay Ideas. 1.4 Technological Advancements Ideas for a Problem Solution Essay. 1.5 Educational Concerns Problem Solution Paper Topics.
Problem Solution Essay Topics for Middle School. Middle School is often a challenging time for most people. It is a time when teenagers feel like adults yet are still children in the real sense. This problem, coupled with many other issues, makes for a quite impressive problem solution essay topics list.
Simply put, it describes a problem and suggests a solution. You should argue that the solution is feasible and workable and inform the reader why this answer is the best choice. So when it comes to selecting your subject, make sure that it can fit the criteria. This type of paper can cover a vast multitude of different topics, so you may be ...
A problem-solution essay that addresses economic problems is compelling precisely because everyone is eager for answers—especially college graduates. Check out these six problem-solution essay topics about economics for essay ideas. 6. Problem: Student loan debts.
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.
The sooner they start, the better. Below are some descriptive, sequential, compare and contrast, cause and effect, and problem/solution writing prompts to help you give your students the practice they need. Descriptive. Write an essay describing your school to a potentially new student. Write an essay describing the appeal of reality TV shows.
After that, suggest one or several solutions (they usually take up the main body paragraphs). And conclude with an evaluation and call for action. You can consult problem solution essay examples for free to see how other high-school and college students dealt with the assignment.
Problem. Put the problem you'll be analyzing here. Solution. Put your thesis (main solution) here. Solution. Bullet your points that support your solution here (these will become your supporting paragraphs. Address arguments that oppose your solution as well as other solutions. Be sure to explain the importance of the information.
Problem Solution Essay Topics For Middle School. School is a critical phase in a student's life, during which skills must be developed to prepare them for the academic and professional future. Below are 10 topics for problem solution essays for school students: The Impacts of Positive Body Image on Teenagers' Lives
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.
Writing Unit for Problem/Solution: Secondary. WRITE Institute, October 2012. WRITE InstituteRubric for Problem SolutionA problem/solution essay provides sufficient information for the reader to underst. nd the problem, and its causes and effects. If appropriate, the essay also points out.
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. 1. f 2. b 3. d. 4. a.
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.
Write your opening paragraph!!! Brainstorm Solutions Use a circle map to brainstorm solutions to the problem. The problem goes in the center. The solutions go in the outer circle. Circle Map Miss Nelson is missing 4-5 possible solutions Choose the best solution Look at your possible solutions to the problem and answer these questions: 1.
Middle School Problem Solution Essay Topics. Middle school topics should be oriented towards real world concerns to show that the student is ready to start considering problems that impact everyone. At the same time, it's okay to tackle problems that might seem more kid-friendly.
55 essay samples found. A problem-solution essay is a type of argumentative writing that addresses a specific problem and proposes one or more solutions. It requires not only critical thinking and analysis but also creativity and foresight to propose effective solutions. Writing a problem-solution essay involves identifying a problem that is ...
Problem/Solution Essay Topics for Middle School. For many individuals, middle school is a particularly difficult time. Adolescents at this age feel like adults but are actually still youngsters. This issue and several other challenges contribute to an excellent collection of problem and solution essay topics for middle school.
Problem-solution essays consider the problems of a particular situation, and give solutions to those problems. They are in some ways similar to cause and effect essays, especially in terms of structure (see below). Problem-solution essays are actually a sub-type of another type of essay, which has the following four components: Situation.
Problem Solution Essay Topics For Middle School. You can use the shortlisted topics for the solution essay mentioned below, or feel free to do your research. We are ending the private vs public school debate for once. What factors to consider while making your pick? How can global warming be slowed down?