PROBLEM-SOLUTION ESSAYS

BY : VU THI BICH DAO, MA

 ACCOUNT ESSAYS
• The writer’s task:
to present a list of ideas on a topic, but not to
convince the reader nor discuss the sides of the issue.
Writer may have to discuss some problems of and
solutions to the identified phenomenon, or to point
out the causes and effects of the phenomenon, or the
advantages and disadvantages of the phenomenon.
Typical task words in the titles : What…? How….?
 ORGANISATION

I. INTRODUCTARY PARAGRAPH
• General statements: introduce the topic
including topic words and give background
information on the topic.
• Thesis statement: lists out ideas and also the
order in which ideas are to be developed in
the body
 ORGANISATION
II. THE BODY
• Para1: develops first idea
• Para 2: develops second idea.
• Para3, etc.: develops next ideas
III. CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH
• summary of main points.
• personal opinions
 PROBLEM-SOLUTION ESSAYS
• EX1 : People are now dependent on private
automobiles, and public buses are getting fewer. The
living communities are far away from city centers. What
measures can be taken to solve this problem?
• Ex 2: “Crime is on the increase”. Discuss this statement
and offer some possible solutions.
• Ex 3: The private motor vehicle has greatly improved
individual freedom of movement. Moreover, the
automobile has become a status symbol. Yet, the use of
private motor vehicles has contributed to some of
today’s most serious problems. How can the use of
private motor vehicles be reduced?
 Prob-Solution Organisation (1)
I. INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH
 State the problem and its causes/consequences
II. MAIN BODY
Para 1: solution 1 & result
Para 2: solution 2 + result
Para 3 : solution 3 + result
III. CONCLUSION
Final paragraph: summarize your opinion
Problem-Solution Organisation (2)
• INTRO PARA : - General statements + thesis
statement
• BODY : + para 1 : Problem 1
+ para 2 : problem 2
+ para 3 : problem 3
* CONCLUSION : summarise the main points
and state your personal comments.
Problem-Solution Organisation (3)
• INTRODUCTION : background information +
thesis statement.
• BODY : + Para 1 : Problems
+ para 2 : Solutions
* CONCLUSION : summarise the main points and
personal comments.
 Notes
• Each paragraph should start with a topic
sentence which summarizes what the
paragraph is about.
• Appropriate linking words should be used to
show the connection between paragraphs as
well as to link sentences within a paragraph.
 Useful Phrases
• Expressing cause:
since/because/ because of/ owing to/ due to/ The
reason for ….is that…/ the reason why….is that…
• Expressing effect:
Thus/ therefore/ so/ consequently/ as a result/ as
a consequence/ result in…..
• Expressing purpose :
So that/ so as to/ in order to/ in order that/ with
the intention of V-ing/ with a view to V-ing,…
 Problem & Solution Expressions
• Steps / measures should/could be taken so as to
solve …..
• Measures must be taken in order to deal with….
• Steps could be taken so as to
overcome/combat/eradicate……
• Serious attempts to halt/prevent/ solve……must be
made
• One possible way to solve/overcome the problem
of……..is………
• Another way to combat/deal with this problem is/
would be….
 Problem & Solution Expressions
• An alternative way to eradicate the problem
of….is……….
• People should focus their attention on ways to
solve the problem of ….
• Governments should focus on their attention on
ways to improve the situation of…..
• In order to reduce the impact of ……on the society,
we need to………
• By V-ing, we can ensure that ……
• The ………..situation could be improved if……
• It would be a good idea if……
 PRACTICE 1
• READ THE MODEL ESSAY AND MAKE AN
OUTLINE
• UNDERLINE LINKING WORDS/PHRASES
 PRACTICE 2
Read the given essay and fill in the gaps with the
appropriate topic phrases on the right.
 IN-CLASS WRITING
Most cities suffer from traffic congestion.
What do you think should be done about it?