Grade 8- Writing Portfolio Week 30

Name:…………………………………………………….

Class:……………………………………………………..

Problem- solution Essay

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:

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 The situation: This is an introduction to the background of the problem.

Description of the Problem: Entails your description of the particulars of the issue and why it
should be tended to. It will be essential to give a point by point clarification of the issue, and this will
regularly include research. Demonstrating that the issue is genuine and deserving of consideration
may likewise mean discovering a few measurements of its effect on individuals, nature, or a physical
environment. Causes should likewise be distinguished in light of the fact that in those causes the
pertinent solution could lie.

Solution: This is your proposed answer to the issue. The solution will be identified with the
examination that has been led.

Evaluation: This is an overview of your previously stated ideas along with a call for action.

Now and then problem-solution exposition will address more than one issue, however, this
move is just powerful when the various issues exist in a similar domain — else, you will think that
it’s difficult to focus on the answers for the issues.

Structure:
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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 Example essay
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. Situation
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.
Problem

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.
evaluation
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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 Post-reading: answer the following questions based on the previous sample essay:

1. What is the problem being discussed in this essay?

2. What is the organization style of this essay?

a) block method
b) Chain method

3. What are the topics of the four components of this problem-solution essay?

Paragraph 1:

Paragraph 2:

Paragraph 3:

Paragraph 4:

4. What is the problem the author mentions?

5. What are the solutions the author mentions?

6. Highlight the transitions used for connecting the ideas.

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Choose one of the following prompts to write a problem-solution essay about.
1. How can we persuade people to make healthy lifestyle choices like not smoking, exercising, and
maintaining a healthy BMI?
2. How can social media bullying be prevented
3. How can injuries in sports (especially football) be prevented?
4. How can parents handle their child's cell phone and social media use appropriately?

Draft: __________

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Publish: __________

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Problem-solution Writing Rubrics
Score 4 3 2 1

Writing problem- Writing problem- Writing problem- Writing problem-

Focus/Idea solution with solution without solution with weak solution without
supporting details general ideas inferences inferences

Organization/ It moves smoothly It moves well between No clear ideas

Ideas are not connected
Paragraphs between ides ides mentioned

The writer speaks The writer speaks to The writer doesn’t

The writer speaks
Voice confidently and directly the reader only in the speak directly to the
directly to the reader.
to the reader. beginning. reader.

The words are carefully Some verbs could be Some verbs are used
chosen. more exact. incorrectly. Many verbs are
incorrect andweak.
Word Choice

Many sentences are

Sentences All sentences are easily Most of the sentences Many sentences
incomplete.
to follow. are easy to follow. are difficult to follow.

Sentences are clear and A few errors with Many errors with The paper has not
Conventions
punctuation is correct. punctuation punctuation been edited.

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