Understand the assignment

In your essay, you will describe how to solve a problem.

Brainstorm to find a topic

Start thinking of possible topics by talking with other students about problems that students commonly face, doing a free write, or making an idea map.

Choose a focus

With a specific problem in mind (e.g., heavy traffic), think about solutions for that problem. If you feel there is one solution that is the best, choose a few reasons that illustrate why. If there are many solutions that could work, then choose a few solutions to describe.

Outline

A problem/solution essay follows typical essay organization with an introduction paragraph, body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph.

Introduction

Your introduction should start by briefly describing the problem. You should give the reader any background information they need to be able to understand the problem. Consider where or when the problem occurs, who is affected by the problem, and what can happen if the problem is not solved.

At the end of your introduction paragraph, you should give your thesis. The thesis should respond to the problem by either presenting various solutions that may solve the problem or giving reasons that show why one solution is the best. Consider the examples below.

• Reasons to defend the best solution:
  • The best way to solve heavy traffic is by using public transportation because it is more efficient, economical, and sustainable.
• Various solutions:
  • Knowledge and preparation can help international students participate actively in conversations rather than avoiding them.

Remember that it is possible to write a thesis that implies the main points rather than listing them.

Here are some phrases that are useful for writing a problem/solution thesis:

• Public transportation and carpooling can solve traffic jams.
• Students who have a lot of stress should....
• Using public transportation is the best solution to solve traffic jams.
• The most effective way for students to deal with stress is....

Body

Your body paragraphs should respond to the problem by describing the solution(s). If you chose to write about multiple solutions, describe a different solution in each body paragraph. If you chose one solution, describe different reasons why your solution is good in each body paragraph. Look at the examples below and compare them to the example essays for this chapter.

Conclusion

Your conclusion paragraph should start by restating your thesis. Then you should discuss your problem more generally and apply the solutions to the general context you established in your introduction. You can end with a closing statement that is a suggestion, prediction, opinion, or question. You can think of this part of a problem/solution essay as encouraging your reader to go make a change.

Exercises