Problem solution essay

1. What is a Problem-Solution essay?
Problem-
Solution
Essay
A problem-solution essay informs readers about a
multi-step problem and suggests actions that
could be taken to solve this problem.

2. Problem-
Solution
Essay
Map for Problem-solution essay

3. B a s i c s i n a B o x
RUBRIC Standards for Writing
A successful problem-solution essay should
• clearly states a problem and explains its
importance
• states the causes and effects of the problem
• offers one or more solutions and explains how
to make them happen
• tries to make the reader believe that
your solution is the best
• gives the reader a final thought –
refers to problem and solution briefly

4. Writing Your Problem-Solution Essay
1 Prewriting
To find a meaningful topic to write about
 Brainstorm problems that you have
discussed with your friends lately.
The first step in writing is having something
to write about. You'll need to choose a
problem, brainstorm for ideas, and plan
your essay before you are ready to write.

5. Writing Your Problem-Solution Essay
1 Prewriting
To find a meaningful topic to write about
 Think about problems in our school,
community, world.
Hmm.. friends, or when I
fell down… or when my
cat got stuck in the tree,…

6. Planning Your Problem-Solution Essay
1. Think about the problem. Why do you think it is a
serious problem? What are its causes and effects?
2. Brainstorm possible solutions. How might the
problem be solved?
3. Think about each solution and choose the best
one. Does one solution stand out as the best
solution?

7. Planning Your Problem-Solution Essay
4. Identify your audience. Who will read your essay?
What do they already know about the problem?

8. Writing Your Problem-Solution Essay
2 Drafting
As you begin drafting, don’t be too worried about
form or finishing quickly. You can perfect your writing
later. You may want to try the following organization:
n Identify the problem and explain why it is
important.
n Explain and support the solutions.
n Conclude by describing how to achieve the
solutions.

9. Writing Your Problem-Solution Essay
3 Revising
Target Skill
SENTENCE COMBINING
In a problem-solution essay, you may
want to join sentences with words such
as because, therefore, although, and but.

10. Writing Your Problem-Solution Essay
4 Editing and Proofreading
Target Skill
Correct your sentences by rewriting long
sentences as two separate sentences, or
by joining them with a transitional word.

11. INTRODUCTION: Explain the problem
Don’t you feel like it’s hard to breathe sometimes?
People don’t care enough about the environment
anymore. Air pollution is caused by dust particles,
fumes (or smoke) or odors that are introduced into the
atmosphere in a way that makes it harmful to humans,
animals and plants. Although this is a huge problem for
us, there are many solutions that can help fix this issue.
HOOK
THESIS STATEMENTS

12. BODY: Explain the solution(s)
There are different ways to help improve the
environment in becoming a healthier place, but we don’t
always do what needs to be done. Therefore we should
start taking more action. Some solutions could be
walking, riding a bike, or taking public transportation
instead of driving. This will reduce air pollution, because
less smoke, fumes will be let out. Also recycling can help.
We could furthermore reuse paper, bottles, clothes and
be more creative with everything we have. As a result,
our planet will only get more benefits.

13. SOLUTION
Finally, air pollution is a big problem that can be solved
by different solutions. Join us and help make the world
a better place, won’t you?