Sessions 8-9
PROBLEM-SOLUTION ESSAYS
Reading Writing 4
Content
• Reading:
• Writing:
- Teacher’s feedback
- Introduction to problem-solution essays
- Writing the introduction, conclusion & solutions
- Making an outline
- Writing a problem-solution essay
Practice writing the introductions
Assignment 1
Practice writing the introductions
Assignment 1
 The thesis statement in the introduction does not mention the solutions.
• It cannot be denied that… (passive  more formal)
• … This essay will examine the reasons why these problems occur…
Assignment 2
Assignment 3
Introduction to problem-solution essays
Exercise 2, pp.20-21: Match the questions (a-e) with the paragraphs
(1-5)
Structure of a problem-solution essay:
Model essay, p.24
Structure of a problem-solution essay
Chain structure vs Block structure
Part 1 Introduction
Part 2
Body para 1
Cause/problem 1
Solution(s) to problem 1
Expected result 1
Body para 2 Cause/problem 2
Solution(s) to problem 2
Expected result 2
Part 3 Conclusion
Part 1 Introduction
Part 2
Body para 1
Cause/problem 1
Cause/problem 2
Body para 2 Solution(s) to problem 1
Expected result 1
Solution(s) to problem 2
Expected result 2
Part 3 Conclusion
Introductions:
Do exercises, p.27
How to write the introduction
1. Background
information
(general topic)
These days/ Nowadays/ It is true that
+ (in our modern society),
doing sth is becoming
increasingly popular
there has been an ongoing
trend towards + N/doing sth
2. Thesis
statement
This essay will look at the causes/problems of N / this trend/activity
and will present/ offer/ give some solutions.
Conclusions:
Do exercises, p.28
How to write the conclusion
In conclusion,
To conclude,
In summary,
To summarize,
All in all,
…
in my view/ in my opinion, N
is a serious problem / an
increasingly worrying issue.
Unless S + V (solutions), S will V (unexpected
result). Governments must take (appropriate/
suitable/ necessary) steps to deal with the
problem as soon as possible./
= Governments must take (appropriate/
suitable/ necessary) steps to deal with the
problem as soon as possible, otherwise S + will V
(unexpected result)
= (Appropriate/suitable/necessary) action/steps
must be taken urgently to solve/tackle the
problem(s) not only by the government but also
by individuals.
Solutions:
Do exercises, p.23
How to write the solutions
Solutions Expected Results
• A solution for the government is to V
• To tackle/ solve this problem, the
government/people should/could V
• The way forward might/could be to V
• This problem could be addressed by
Ving
• Dealing with this issue involves Ving
…
• which would V
• thereby Ving
• This would V
• …
A good body paragraph (p.29)
Exercise 4, p.29
Example of a good body paragraph
• c - One of the reasons that so many people are overweight is that they eat
junk food instead of cooking a healthy meal.
• b - It is common these days for people to eat takeaway food or pick up a
ready meal from the supermarket, rather than cook a healthy meals.
• e - For instance, in the UK, sales of pre-prepared meals, which contain high
levels of fat and salt, have increased dramatically in the last few years.
• d - To address this issue, the government could increase sales tax on food
considered to be unhealthy.
• a - This would hopefully encourage consumers to buy healthier food and
therefore lose weight.
Exercise 5, p.29
Sentences in a body paragraph Descriptions
1 c - One of the reasons that so many people are
overweight is that they eat junk food instead of cooking a
healthy meal.
the main idea of the
paragraph
2 b - It is common these days for people to eat takeaway
food or pick up a ready meal from the supermarket,
rather than cook a healthy meals.
a supporting sentence,
which explains the main
idea
3 e - For instance, in the UK, sales of pre-prepared meals,
which contain high levels of fat and salt, have increased
dramatically in the last few years.
an example
4 d - To address this issue, the government could increase
sales tax on food considered to be unhealthy.
the solution to the problem
5 a - This would hopefully encourage consumers to buy
healthier food and therefore lose weight.
the result of the solution
How to write a good body paragraph
(Chain Structure or Block Structure?)
Structure of a problem-solution essay
Chain structure vs Block structure
Part 1 Introduction
Part 2
Body para 1
Cause/problem 1
Solution(s) to problem 1
Expected result 1
Body para 2 Cause/problem 2
Solution(s) to problem 2
Expected result 2
Part 3 Conclusion
Part 1 Introduction
Part 2
Body para 1
Cause/problem 1
Cause/problem 2
Body para 2 Solution(s) to problem 1
Expected result 1
Solution(s) to problem 2
Expected result 2
Part 3 Conclusion
Sentences in a body paragraph Descriptions
1 c - One of the reasons that so many people are
overweight is that they eat junk food instead of cooking a
healthy meal.
the main idea of the
paragraph
2 b - It is common these days for people to eat takeaway
food or pick up a ready meal from the supermarket,
rather than cook a healthy meals.
a supporting sentence,
which explains the main
idea
3 e - For instance, in the UK, sales of pre-prepared meals,
which contain high levels of fat and salt, have increased
dramatically in the last few years.
an example
4 d - To address this issue, the government could increase
sales tax on food considered to be unhealthy.
the solution to the problem
5 a - This would hopefully encourage consumers to buy
healthier food and therefore lose weight.
the result of the solution
How to write a good body paragraph
 Chain Structure
Exercise 6, p.29
Body
paragraph 1
- There are two main/major problems// compelling causes of …….
- The first problem/cause is that + S + V (problem/cause 1) + Supporting sentences + Example
- Another problem/issue is that + S + V (problem/cause 2) + Supporting sentences + Example
Body
paragraph 2
- However, there are some/several actions that governments and individuals could take to
solve these problems/ the problems described above.
- Firstly, a simple solution for the government is to + V. This would V/ in order to V
- Secondly, another feasible solution/measure would be for individuals to V, which would V/
in order to…
- Example
How to write good body paragraphs (Block structure)
Making an outline:
Exercise 1, p.60
• Read the sample essay
• Circle the main ideas (problem 1, 2)
• Underline the supporting ideas to problem 1 & 2, solutions, expected results and
examples
• Complete the table to make an outline for the essay
Practice writing the solutions
Exercise 1, p.63
Exercise 2, p.63
Exercise 3, p.63
YOUR OWN PHRASES FOR WRITING ABOUT
SOLUTIONS
• …
• …
• …
• If + S + V_ed, S + would/could V
(Second conditional sentence)
Developing topic sentences
Exercise 1, p.64
1. Read this topic sentence. Work with a partner and write two more sentences.
One big problem in cities is the high cost of public transport.
Developing topic sentences:
Exercise 2, p.64
2. Study these suggestions for
developing ideas. Did you use
any similar techniques in
Exercise 1?
Exercise 3, p.64
Exercise 4, p.64
A sample writing task
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
It is really dangerous to cycle in big cities. What are the reasons for
this, and how could the problem be solved?”
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from
your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Practice making an outline
Underline key words/phrases in the following topics
1. It is really dangerous to cycle in big cities. What are the reasons for this, and how could the problem be solved?
2. People eat too much junk food. Why do you think this problem occur, and what could be done to solve this
problem?
3. All over the world, societies are facing a growing problem with obesity. This problem affects both children and
adults. What are the reasons for this rise in obesity? How could it be tackled?
4. Families do not eat together as much as they used to. What problems does this cause? What solutions can you
suggest to deal with this situation?
5. Many museums and historical sites are mainly visited by tourists but not local people. Why is this the case and
what can be done to attract more local people to visit these places?
6. An increasing number of professionals, such as doctors and teachers, are leaving their own poorer countries to
work in developed countries. What problems does this cause? What solutions can you suggest to deal with this
situation?
7. Many schools these days have problems with poor students behavior. Why do you think these problems occur?
What could be done to tackle these problems?
8. A serious problem affecting countries right across the globe is the lack of water for drinking, washing and other
household uses. Why do many countries face water shortages, and what could be done to alleviate the problem?
Choose ONE topic
Find and read at least 2 online articles related to the topic you have chosen
Make an outline for your topic
1. It is really dangerous to cycle in big cities. What are the reasons for this, and how could the problem be solved?
2. People eat too much junk food. Why do you think this problem occur, and what could be done to solve this
problem?
3. All over the world, societies are facing a growing problem with obesity. This problem affects both children and
adults. What are the reasons for this rise in obesity? How could it be tackled?
4. Families do not eat together as much as they used to. What problems does this cause? What solutions can you
suggest to deal with this situation?
5. Many museums and historical sites are mainly visited by tourists but not local people. Why is this the case and
what can be done to attract more local people to visit these places?
6. An increasing number of professionals, such as doctors and teachers, are leaving their own poorer countries to
work in developed countries. What problems does this cause? What solutions can you suggest to deal with this
situation?
7. Many schools these days have problems with poor students behavior. Why do you think these problems occur?
What could be done to tackle these problems?
8. A serious problem affecting countries right across the globe is the lack of water for drinking, washing and other
household uses. Why do many countries face water shortages, and what could be done to alleviate the problem?
HOMEWORK (GROUPWORK)
• Read again the sample essays in Unit 2 & 5
• Find and read at least 2 articles related to ONE topic you
have chosen
• Make an outline for your essay
• Write your full essay (1st
draft)
• Write 2nd
draft
• Submit 1st
and 2nd
drafts of the essays
Format of the writing assignment
• Group Number: ………………………..
• Members: 1 ……….. 2………….. 3………… 4……….. 5………. 6………… 7………… 8………….
• Writing Task:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic: “…………………………………………………………………….”
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.
Write at least 250 words.
• Outline 
• Full essay:
……………………………………
• Source: Link for article 1: …………………………..
Link for article 2: …………………………..
Main idea Supporting ideas/
examples
Solution/ Consequence
1
2
3 (optional)

Lecture_Sessions 8-9_Problem solution essays.pptx

  • 1.
  • 2.
    Content • Reading: • Writing: -Teacher’s feedback - Introduction to problem-solution essays - Writing the introduction, conclusion & solutions - Making an outline - Writing a problem-solution essay
  • 8.
    Practice writing theintroductions Assignment 1
  • 9.
    Practice writing theintroductions Assignment 1  The thesis statement in the introduction does not mention the solutions.
  • 10.
    • It cannotbe denied that… (passive  more formal) • … This essay will examine the reasons why these problems occur…
  • 11.
  • 13.
  • 14.
    Introduction to problem-solutionessays Exercise 2, pp.20-21: Match the questions (a-e) with the paragraphs (1-5)
  • 16.
    Structure of aproblem-solution essay: Model essay, p.24
  • 18.
    Structure of aproblem-solution essay Chain structure vs Block structure Part 1 Introduction Part 2 Body para 1 Cause/problem 1 Solution(s) to problem 1 Expected result 1 Body para 2 Cause/problem 2 Solution(s) to problem 2 Expected result 2 Part 3 Conclusion Part 1 Introduction Part 2 Body para 1 Cause/problem 1 Cause/problem 2 Body para 2 Solution(s) to problem 1 Expected result 1 Solution(s) to problem 2 Expected result 2 Part 3 Conclusion
  • 19.
  • 20.
    How to writethe introduction 1. Background information (general topic) These days/ Nowadays/ It is true that + (in our modern society), doing sth is becoming increasingly popular there has been an ongoing trend towards + N/doing sth 2. Thesis statement This essay will look at the causes/problems of N / this trend/activity and will present/ offer/ give some solutions.
  • 21.
  • 22.
    How to writethe conclusion In conclusion, To conclude, In summary, To summarize, All in all, … in my view/ in my opinion, N is a serious problem / an increasingly worrying issue. Unless S + V (solutions), S will V (unexpected result). Governments must take (appropriate/ suitable/ necessary) steps to deal with the problem as soon as possible./ = Governments must take (appropriate/ suitable/ necessary) steps to deal with the problem as soon as possible, otherwise S + will V (unexpected result) = (Appropriate/suitable/necessary) action/steps must be taken urgently to solve/tackle the problem(s) not only by the government but also by individuals.
  • 23.
  • 24.
    How to writethe solutions Solutions Expected Results • A solution for the government is to V • To tackle/ solve this problem, the government/people should/could V • The way forward might/could be to V • This problem could be addressed by Ving • Dealing with this issue involves Ving … • which would V • thereby Ving • This would V • …
  • 25.
    A good bodyparagraph (p.29)
  • 26.
  • 27.
    Example of agood body paragraph • c - One of the reasons that so many people are overweight is that they eat junk food instead of cooking a healthy meal. • b - It is common these days for people to eat takeaway food or pick up a ready meal from the supermarket, rather than cook a healthy meals. • e - For instance, in the UK, sales of pre-prepared meals, which contain high levels of fat and salt, have increased dramatically in the last few years. • d - To address this issue, the government could increase sales tax on food considered to be unhealthy. • a - This would hopefully encourage consumers to buy healthier food and therefore lose weight.
  • 28.
  • 29.
    Sentences in abody paragraph Descriptions 1 c - One of the reasons that so many people are overweight is that they eat junk food instead of cooking a healthy meal. the main idea of the paragraph 2 b - It is common these days for people to eat takeaway food or pick up a ready meal from the supermarket, rather than cook a healthy meals. a supporting sentence, which explains the main idea 3 e - For instance, in the UK, sales of pre-prepared meals, which contain high levels of fat and salt, have increased dramatically in the last few years. an example 4 d - To address this issue, the government could increase sales tax on food considered to be unhealthy. the solution to the problem 5 a - This would hopefully encourage consumers to buy healthier food and therefore lose weight. the result of the solution How to write a good body paragraph (Chain Structure or Block Structure?)
  • 30.
    Structure of aproblem-solution essay Chain structure vs Block structure Part 1 Introduction Part 2 Body para 1 Cause/problem 1 Solution(s) to problem 1 Expected result 1 Body para 2 Cause/problem 2 Solution(s) to problem 2 Expected result 2 Part 3 Conclusion Part 1 Introduction Part 2 Body para 1 Cause/problem 1 Cause/problem 2 Body para 2 Solution(s) to problem 1 Expected result 1 Solution(s) to problem 2 Expected result 2 Part 3 Conclusion
  • 31.
    Sentences in abody paragraph Descriptions 1 c - One of the reasons that so many people are overweight is that they eat junk food instead of cooking a healthy meal. the main idea of the paragraph 2 b - It is common these days for people to eat takeaway food or pick up a ready meal from the supermarket, rather than cook a healthy meals. a supporting sentence, which explains the main idea 3 e - For instance, in the UK, sales of pre-prepared meals, which contain high levels of fat and salt, have increased dramatically in the last few years. an example 4 d - To address this issue, the government could increase sales tax on food considered to be unhealthy. the solution to the problem 5 a - This would hopefully encourage consumers to buy healthier food and therefore lose weight. the result of the solution How to write a good body paragraph  Chain Structure
  • 32.
  • 33.
    Body paragraph 1 - Thereare two main/major problems// compelling causes of ……. - The first problem/cause is that + S + V (problem/cause 1) + Supporting sentences + Example - Another problem/issue is that + S + V (problem/cause 2) + Supporting sentences + Example Body paragraph 2 - However, there are some/several actions that governments and individuals could take to solve these problems/ the problems described above. - Firstly, a simple solution for the government is to + V. This would V/ in order to V - Secondly, another feasible solution/measure would be for individuals to V, which would V/ in order to… - Example How to write good body paragraphs (Block structure)
  • 34.
    Making an outline: Exercise1, p.60 • Read the sample essay • Circle the main ideas (problem 1, 2) • Underline the supporting ideas to problem 1 & 2, solutions, expected results and examples • Complete the table to make an outline for the essay
  • 35.
    Practice writing thesolutions Exercise 1, p.63
  • 36.
  • 37.
  • 38.
    YOUR OWN PHRASESFOR WRITING ABOUT SOLUTIONS • … • … • … • If + S + V_ed, S + would/could V (Second conditional sentence)
  • 40.
    Developing topic sentences Exercise1, p.64 1. Read this topic sentence. Work with a partner and write two more sentences. One big problem in cities is the high cost of public transport.
  • 41.
    Developing topic sentences: Exercise2, p.64 2. Study these suggestions for developing ideas. Did you use any similar techniques in Exercise 1?
  • 42.
  • 43.
  • 44.
    A sample writingtask You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: It is really dangerous to cycle in big cities. What are the reasons for this, and how could the problem be solved?” Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
  • 45.
    Practice making anoutline Underline key words/phrases in the following topics 1. It is really dangerous to cycle in big cities. What are the reasons for this, and how could the problem be solved? 2. People eat too much junk food. Why do you think this problem occur, and what could be done to solve this problem? 3. All over the world, societies are facing a growing problem with obesity. This problem affects both children and adults. What are the reasons for this rise in obesity? How could it be tackled? 4. Families do not eat together as much as they used to. What problems does this cause? What solutions can you suggest to deal with this situation? 5. Many museums and historical sites are mainly visited by tourists but not local people. Why is this the case and what can be done to attract more local people to visit these places? 6. An increasing number of professionals, such as doctors and teachers, are leaving their own poorer countries to work in developed countries. What problems does this cause? What solutions can you suggest to deal with this situation? 7. Many schools these days have problems with poor students behavior. Why do you think these problems occur? What could be done to tackle these problems? 8. A serious problem affecting countries right across the globe is the lack of water for drinking, washing and other household uses. Why do many countries face water shortages, and what could be done to alleviate the problem?
  • 46.
    Choose ONE topic Findand read at least 2 online articles related to the topic you have chosen Make an outline for your topic 1. It is really dangerous to cycle in big cities. What are the reasons for this, and how could the problem be solved? 2. People eat too much junk food. Why do you think this problem occur, and what could be done to solve this problem? 3. All over the world, societies are facing a growing problem with obesity. This problem affects both children and adults. What are the reasons for this rise in obesity? How could it be tackled? 4. Families do not eat together as much as they used to. What problems does this cause? What solutions can you suggest to deal with this situation? 5. Many museums and historical sites are mainly visited by tourists but not local people. Why is this the case and what can be done to attract more local people to visit these places? 6. An increasing number of professionals, such as doctors and teachers, are leaving their own poorer countries to work in developed countries. What problems does this cause? What solutions can you suggest to deal with this situation? 7. Many schools these days have problems with poor students behavior. Why do you think these problems occur? What could be done to tackle these problems? 8. A serious problem affecting countries right across the globe is the lack of water for drinking, washing and other household uses. Why do many countries face water shortages, and what could be done to alleviate the problem?
  • 47.
    HOMEWORK (GROUPWORK) • Readagain the sample essays in Unit 2 & 5 • Find and read at least 2 articles related to ONE topic you have chosen • Make an outline for your essay • Write your full essay (1st draft) • Write 2nd draft • Submit 1st and 2nd drafts of the essays
  • 48.
    Format of thewriting assignment • Group Number: ……………………….. • Members: 1 ……….. 2………….. 3………… 4……….. 5………. 6………… 7………… 8…………. • Writing Task: You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: “…………………………………………………………………….” Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words. • Outline  • Full essay: …………………………………… • Source: Link for article 1: ………………………….. Link for article 2: ………………………….. Main idea Supporting ideas/ examples Solution/ Consequence 1 2 3 (optional)

Editor's Notes

  • #14 What is the purpose of this exercise?
  • #29 Chain (coursebook)
  • #31 Chain (coursebook)
  • #36 1j, 2d, 3h, 4g, 5b, 6c, 7e, 8a, 9i, 10f