Writing a

Problem-Solution
Paper
Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
A. Define what is a problem-solution paper;
B. Explain the difference between block structure
and chain structure;
C. Share their insights about the purpose and
importance of writing a problem-solution paper;
D. Show understanding of the discussion by
providing sum up details of the lesson;
E. Write problems and solutions that are appropriate
to the given scenarios; and
F. Construct a problem-solution paper based on
current issues in the Philippines.
 Criteria you may consider when identifying community
problems:
• The problem occurs too frequently (frequency)
• The problem has lasted for a while (duration)
• The problem affects many people (scope, or range)
• The problem is disrupting to personal or community life,
and possibly intense (severity)
• The problem deprives people of legal or moral
rights (equity)
• The issue is perceived as a problem (perception)
What is a PROBLEM-SOLUTION PAPER?

A problem-solution paper
requires you to investigate a
problem, examine alternative
solutions, and propose the most
effective solution using
supporting evidence.
 What are the three stages of writing?

1 3
Starting Polishing
2
Writing
STARTING
 STARTING

A. Identify the Situation

● The situation you are going Examples:

to address in the problem obesity and poor
solution paper should be fitness, trigger warnings
stated clearly in the prompt
on college campuses
for the paper.
● Often the situation will
address a social, cultural, or
historical issue in society.
 STARTING

B. Determine the Key

Components of the Paper

A problem-solution
paper will contain four
main components: the
situation, the problem,
the solution, and the
evaluation.
● In the situation component, you will paraphrase the
prompt of the paper in your own words.
● In the problem component, you will state the problem or
problems and explain what they are in your own words.
● In the solution component, you will state your solution or
solutions to the problem. You will also explain how it will
address the problem.
● In the evaluation component, you will list the main ideas
in the paper and offer a prediction or recommendation
based on your solution to the problem.
 STARTING

C. Use the Block

Structure for the outline

● You list the problems

first in the paper,
followed by the
solutions.
 STARTING

D. Use the Chain Structure

● You discuss a problem,

followed by a solution
to that problem. The
chain structure is used
more often for short
problem solution
papers.
WRITING
 WRITING
a. State the situation in
your own words
● You can do this in the
introduction section of
the essay.
● Focus on a specific
angle or perspective
on the situation,
especially if the
situation is broad
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.
 WRITING

b. Research the problem or

problems.
● Read as much as you can about
the problem, such as scholarly
journals online, print books,
and academic texts. Look for
articles at a national or state
level or local publications.
● If outside sources are not
available, you can conduct a
survey or interview other
people.
For example, if you were
researching the problem
“trigger warnings on college
campuses,” you may interview
college representatives at your
university or college. You may
also talk to students on
campus.
 WRITING

For example, if you were writing

c. Create a strong thesis about the situation “obesity
statement and poor fitness,” you may have
the following thesis statement:
“Obesity and poor fitness can
lead to a decrease in life
expectancy, and it is essential
that individuals and
governments work together to
tackle this issue by improving
their citizen's diet and fitness.”
 WRITING

d. Identify your solutions.

Think about the
problem and come up
with one to two
solutions.
 WRITING
e. Support your solutions with
specific examples
● Avoid simply listing
problems and solutions in
the essay in a general way.
Use specific examples that
allow you to expand on
your solutions. Do not use
general or vague language
when discussing the
solutions.
For example, if one of your
solutions to obesity and poor
fitness is to encourage people
to cook at home, you may list
specific ways on how people can
do it. You may suggest that
National Eating Healthy At Home
Campaign is created, offering
recipes online that take less
than 30 minutes to prepare at
home.
 WRITING
f. Wrap up the paper with an
For example, you may
evaluation
● Once you have outlined your end up a call to action
solutions in the body of the like, “With rising levels
paper, you should end with the
evaluation in the conclusion of obesity in our
section. The evaluation should country, it is essential
discuss your solutions briefly
and sum up the goal of your
that we take action
solution. It can also have a call now to address this
to action, where you note the serious issue.”
value of your solution.
POLISHING
 POLISHING
A. Confirm the paper follows a
clear structure or outline

● Review the paper and confirm it covers the

four components of a problem solution
paper.
● Make sure it addresses the problem and
the solution in detail.
● Check that your thesis statement appears
in the introduction and in the conclusion
sections of the paper.
 POLISHING
B. Check for spelling, grammar, and
punctuation

● Read the paper aloud to yourself to check for

any misspelled words or grammatical errors.
● Try reading the paper backward, starting at the
end, to check for spelling mistakes. Circle the
punctuation in the paper and confirm you are
using all punctuation correctly.
● You can also show the paper to a peer, friend, or
family member and get them to proofread it for
you.
 POLISHING
C. Revise the paper to fit the
word count.

● Make sure the paper falls under or at the word

count. If it doesn't, you may need to revise it by
shortening the sentences, tightening up the
language, and making your ideas more concise.
How to find solutions to
your problems?

● Offer a plan of action

● Support your solution with
examples
● Provide a call to action
Proof reading and Writing Tips
● After finishing the paper, leave it for
one or two days before coming back
and proofread it with a fresh outlook.
● Check whether your essay covers all
four elements of a problem solution
paper.
● Make sure the thesis clearly refers to
the content of the essay.
● Confirm that you’ve done the most
extensive research into the problem.
Proof reading and Writing Tips
● Check whether the solutions offered to the
problem are realistic and can be achieved.
● Pay special attention to the conclusion: it
needs to not only summarize the text, but also
offer a call to action.
● Use online services like Grammarly to check
your spelling and punctuation.
● Ask one of your friends or family members to
proofread your paper to make sure no
grammar or logical mistakes spoil your final
grade.
 Why do you think it’s
important to write a
problem-solution paper?
Identify the following sentences whether they fall under the
STARTING, WRITING, or POLISHING stage.

1. Marc wants to emphasize the main idea of her essay, so

she created a strong thesis statement.
2. Edwin shortened his sentences to fit the word count.
3. Mike confirms if his paper covers the four components of
a problem solution paper.
4. Before writing her essay, Cielo identified and discussed
the situation in the introductory part of the paper.
5. Cheska ensures that she researches the problems by
studying some outsources and gathering data from other
people.