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Grade 11 Problem and Solution Writing 1

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Fatima Rifai
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312 views

Grade 11 Problem and Solution Writing 1

Uploaded by

Fatima Rifai
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Grade 11

Problem and Solution Essay Writing


What is a Problem-Solution Essay?
• A Problem/Solution essay requires you to investigate a problem,
examine alternative solutions, and propose the most effective
solution using supporting evidence.
• You’ll first describe the problem and persuade your reader that the
problem needs to be addressed. Then, explain a possible solution(s)
and provide support to show why the solution is a good choice.
Structure
• Problem and solution essays are in some Situation
ways similar to cause and effect essays,
especially in terms of structure. Problem-
solution essays have the following four Problem
components:
Solution(s)

Evaluation
Block by Block or Chain Structure?

For For
the block structure, the chain structure,
all of the problems each problem is
are listed first, and all followed immediately
of the solutions are by the solution to that
listed afterwards. problem.

ensures that any


solutions you
generally clearer,
present relate
especially for
directly to the
shorter essays
problems you
have given
Introduction
• In the introduction, you need to describe the problem and explain
why it needs to be solved and then give your thesis statement.
• If it is an unknown problem, you will need to explain in detail.
• If it is a familiar problem, then you need to paint a vivid picture.
• In both situations, you will need to convince the reader that it is an
important problem.
How to make your introduction interesting
• Tell a true-life story about the problem.
• Give a personal experience story.
• Use a scenario or imagined story illustrating why this needs to be solved.
• Give statistics and facts about the problem which makes it vivid for the reader.
• Do a detailed explanation of the problem with facts that show why it needs to be dealt
with.
• Give the history of the situation and explain how this problem developed.
• Use a frame story that gives an example of the problem in the introduction and then a
return to the problem being solved in the conclusion.
• Use a vivid description with sensory details that make the reader see the situation.
• Use a movie, book, T.V. story, or news story to show the problem and why it is important.
Thesis Statement
• At the end of your introduction, you can give your solution idea as the
thesis statement.
Here are some tips:
• State your solution clearly in one sentence.
• Usually, your thesis sentence will come after you describe the
problem.
• It can be a long sentence, such as a compound-complex one; it should
not be a run-on.
Body Paragraphs:
Problem State problem: The foremost problem caused by
The problem paragraph can have this climbing sea levels is the flooding of peoples’
structure: residences.
Explain: Millions of people all over the world live
• Sentence 1- State problem in coastal areas and if the sea rises by even a few
• Sentence 2- Explain what problem is feet, they will be inundated with water and lose their
property.
• Sentence 4- What is the result of this
Result: Shelter is one of the most basic of human
problem needs and widespread flooding would cause millions
• Sentence 5- Example of people to become homeless, not to mention losing
all of their possessions.
Example: The devastation brought about by
widespread flooding was clear for all to see during the
2011 Tsunami in Japan, in which millions of people
were displaced.
Body Paragraphs: Solution(s)
Our solutions paragraph can have
this structure:
State solution: A possible solution to this problem
• Sentence 1- State solution would be to build flood barriers.
• Sentence 2- Explain how the Explain solution: Flood defences, such as dikes,
solution will solve the problem dams, and floodgates, could be built along coasts and
waterways, thereby stopping the water reaching
• Sentence 3- Example populated areas.
Example: The Netherlands is one of the most
populated areas in the world and also one of the most
vulnerable to flooding and they have successfully
employed various flood defence systems.
Conclusion
• For an excellent ending, you want to clinch your argument and
convince your reader that your solution is the best.
Here are some effective ideas:
• Tell the reader what should happen.
• Describe how the situation will change if your plan is adopted.
• Give a real-life example or scenario showing the adoption of your plan
and how it works.
• Cite convincing facts, statistics, or expert testimony on the solution or
the problem.

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