The document outlines steps for problem solving including identifying the problem, examining possible solution options, choosing the best solution based on pros and cons, developing a plan to implement the solution, implementing the plan, and evaluating the results. It also provides language for advising others and comparing/contrasting options such as suggesting, recommending, using adverbs of condition, and discussing similarities and differences.

1. Steps & Language for
Problem Solving

2. Processing
the Problem
Choose Choose a solution: Based on pros and cons, choose the best
option. Support your solution with reasons.
Examine Examine the pros and cons of each option: Eliminate
options that will not work based on the pros and cons.
Identify Identify possible solution options: Brainstorm, be creative.
Don’t limit your options.
Search out Search out information about the problem: Get all the
details first before solving the problem.
Identify Identify the problem: What is the problem exactly? Narrow
it down.

3. Implementing
& Evaluating
a Solution
Develop
•Develop a plan to implement
the solution: Create a plan of
action.
Implement
•Implement the plan
Evaluate
•Evaluate the results: Consider
whether the solution was
successful or not. If not,
evaluate why and revise your
plan of action.

4. Language for
Problem
Solving

5. Advice-giving Language
Suggest + V + ing:
Eg) I suggest joining a parent-child group at the library.

6. Recommend + V + ing:
Eg) I recommend signing up for a course at the
community centre.

7. Why don’t you + V + (base):
Eg) Why don’t you ask the parents of your child’s
classmates?

8. How about + V + ing:
Eg) How about contacting the school liaison?

9. Adverbs of
Condition
“If you become a member
of the community centre,
you will meet many new
people.”
“You may not be able to
find a job unless you
volunteer in the
community first.”

10. Transitions of Comparison &
Contrast
Similarly,…
Eg) Option A needs government approval. Similarly, Option B does
too.

11. Both…
Eg) Both A and B may work.
Eg) A requires considerable investment of time and resources.
In the same way, B will take a lot of time and effort.
In the same way,…

12. Are similar in that…
Eg) A and B are similar in that they both need approval.

13. More than…
Eg) Option A is more feasible than Option B.
On the other hand,…
Eg) Option A is cheaper; on the other hand, Option B will save time.

14. Nevertheless,…
Eg) Option A may work faster; nevertheless, option B has more long-term
benefits.
Unlike
Eg) Unlike Option A, Option B has a chance of working.
Compared to…
Eg) Compared to Option A, Option B is more cost effective.