Essay providing solutions to problems

Tip
Essays providing solutions to problems are pieces of writing in which we present a problem
and its causes, then discuss our suggestions as well as their expected results.

Introduction
In the first paragraph, we present the problem and its causes.

Main Body
In the second, third and fourth paragraphs, we write our suggestions and their expected
results. We write each suggestion and its results in separate paragraphs. We should link our
ideas using appropriate linking words.

Conclusion
In the last paragraph we summarize our opinion.

Other information
Such essays are normally written in semi-formal or formal style, depending on who is going
to read them and where it is going to be published. They are usually found as articles in
magazines, newspapers, etc.

To make our piece of writing more interesting to the reader, we can use certain techniques
to start or end it such as:

 addressing the reader directly. If you want to help the environment, there
are lots of things that you can do.
 using a quotation (a sentence/phrase from a book, a play, etc). Don’t forget to
mention the name of the person who said / wrote it. ... as American
anthropologist Margaret Mead said “We have nowhere else to go .. this is all we
have.”
 using a rhetorical question (a question that makes a statement rather than
expecting an answer). Is it important to protect endangered species?

Useful vocabulary

To make suggestions

 It would help if / be a good idea if ...;

 A / Another useful suggestion would be to ...;
 The situation could be improved if / by ...;
 Steps / Measure should be taken in order to solve / deal with ...
 To present results and consequences

 In this way ...;

 This would ...;
 Then ...;
 If ..., the result would be ...;
 The effect / consequence / result of ... would be ...

Example
How can we make our planet a safer place for animals?

Is our planet a safe place for animals? Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like it. Thousands of
species have become extinct and many more are now endangered. We need to do
something fast before it is too late for them.

Firstly, measures need to be taken to protect our wildlife. The destruction of threatened
animals’ habitats should be illegal, with long prison sentences for people who break these
laws. This would protect animals and the environments thei live in.

Another solution is to promote education about endangered species. If people are aware of
the problem, then they will buy fewer products made of materials such as ivory or fur.

Finally, we should create more national parks and conservation areas. This would allow
animals to live and breed safely in their natural habitats. As a result, their numbers would
increase and species would not die out.

In conclusion, there are many ways to make our world a better place for animals. We all
need to do whatever we can. As Malcolm Bradbury said “If you’re not part of the solution,
you’re part of the problem.”