PROBLEM ESSAY Exit 5 - Heidi Ciarloheidiciarlo.weebly.com/uploads/2/3/2/8/23280644/3_exit_5... · 2019-09-23 · Problem essay Gary Pathare, DMC Foundations 2014 Page 4 Exit 5 Exercise

Problem essay

Gary Pathare, DMC Foundations 2014 Page 1

Exit 5

Understanding problems

Plan a problem essay

Problem essay 1: increase in crime

Problem essay 2: health problems

Problem essay 3: lack of clean water

Focus on the key ideas

Writing about effects

Writing about causes

Writing about solutions

Focus on the question, organization and content

Focus on language


Focus on connecting words and language



PROBLEM ESSAY

Exit 5

How to write about problems

Problem essay


Exit 5

Exercise 1 1

Problem Causes

Effects

Solutions

Exercise 2 1

Focus on the key ideas Problems are described using the words cause, effect and solution

Look at the diagram below to see the relationship between these words. Then complete sentences 1 – 5:

1. The __________________ make the problem happen. 2. An effect is a result of the __________________. 3. A __________________ is how to stop the problem. 4. People try to find solutions to a __________________. 5. Some __________________ have no easy __________________.

A major problem in the world is pollution. Decide if each sentence is a cause of pollution, (C), an effect of it (E) or a solution to it (S):

1 Many people get ill or die. 2 We should stop factories from producing smoke.

3 Rich countries manufacture goods. 4 The world is getting warmer and the arctic ice is melting.

5 We should recycle more plastic and glass bottles and tin cans. 6 Driving cars and flying in planes.

Understanding problems

Problem essay


Exit 5

Exercise 3

“In the city where I live, I have to leave home at 5 o’clock in the morning to drive to work, because there is so much traffic!”

What are the problems? Write a cause, an effect and a solution for each:

Problem 1

Problem

Crime Cause

Effect

Solution

Problem 2

Problem

Cause

Effect

Solution

Problem essay


Exit 5

Exercise 1 1

How to write about problems

Writing about effects (Note: noun = effect, verb = to affect)

Look at these sentences about the effects of a problem: Another effect of rising sea levels is that some countries are getting

smaller. The most serious consequence is that you cannot get a good job.

You can use the table below to write a variety of sentences for effects.

One Another Another negative A third The most serious

effect consequence

of [the problem] Note: this part is optional

is that_________... is + noun*. *Note: this can be a noun phrase, e.g. lower salaries.

Look at the problems below. Choose three and write one effect of each:

Problems

global warming a poor diet the rising cost of living

an unhealthy lifestyle overcrowded cities languages dying

pollution unemployment rising crime levels

Problem 1:

Effect:

Problem 2:

Effect:

Problem 3 Effect:

Problem essay


Exit 5

Exercise 2 1

Exercise 3 1

Writing about causes (Note: cause = noun, to cause = verb)

The table below shows how to write about the causes of problems.

a. The main cause b. Another cause c. A third cause d. Another major cause of the problem

A. is __________ing. B. is that… C. is + noun. *

*Note: this can be a noun phrase, e.g. bad drivers, too much money.

Read the paragraph about the causes of car accidents.

There are a number of causes of car accidents. According to police, the main cause is speeding (1). This causes accidents, because it is easy to lose control of the car when you are driving too fast. Another cause is that people drive too close to the car in front (2). This means that they will crash into the car if it stops suddenly. A third cause is changing lanes without using your indicator (3), which results in many crashes. Another cause is tiredness (4). People drive for too long and fall asleep at the wheel. Finally, another major cause of the problem is young drivers (5), because young people take more risks than older people.

Questions 1 – 5: Which letters from the table above are the highlighted sentences? Write, for example, c + B:

1 2 3 4 5

Choose one problem from Exercise 1 and write two causes for it:

Problem:

Cause 1

Cause 2

Problem essay


Exit 5

Exercise 4 1

Writing about solutions (Note: noun = solution, verb = to solve)

Look at these sentences giving solutions to a problem:

a. An effective way to solve the problem would be to stop people from driving so fast.

b. The best solution is to pay for better hospitals.

You can use the table below to write a variety of sentences for solutions.

One Another A third The best An effective A possible A cheap

solution way to solve the problem way to tackle this problem

would be to is to

stop / try / give / pay for / educate / help / teach / eat / allow / start / ban / prevent… (or any other verb)

Choose three problems from Exercise 1and write one solution for each. Use different sentence types from the table above.

Problem 1: Solution:

Problem 2:

Solution:

Problem 3 Solution:

Problem essay


Exit 5

Exercise 5 1

Giving your opinion about one solution

Part of a question can be to give your opinion about a suggested solution to a problem:

The best solution to the problem of bullying in schools would be to separate the bullies from the other children. To what extent do you agree with this statement? What other solutions can you suggest?

There is a second part to this question (What other solutions can you suggest?), so you only need to write one paragraph to answer this part. This is like a one-paragraph opinion essay.

1. Read paragraphs A – B below and decide in which one: a. The writer agrees with the statement b. The writer does not agree with the statement

2. Underline the topic sentences. 3. Underline the connecting words. 4. Find the reasons. 5. Which opinion do you most agree with?

A In my opinion, separating the children who bully other children is by far the best solution. I have three main reasons for my opinion. Firstly, it means that the problem will stop because the bullies are in a different place. My second reason is that the parents of the other children can stop worrying, because they will know that their children are safe. Thirdly, the bullies will feel very bad and will stop their bad behavior.

B In my opinion, separating the children who bully other children is not a very good solution. I have three main reasons for my opinion. My first reason is that it would not stop the problem, because it would only move it somewhere else. Secondly, it is difficult to teach all the bullies together. My third reason is that it is important that bullies mix with other children, so they can learn to get on with them.

Problem essay


Exit 5

Problem essay 1: increase in crime

Exercise 1

Exercise 2

Focus on the question, organization and content In IELTS, they give you different tasks based on a problem and its causes, effects and solutions.

In some countries the crime rate is increasing and people are more frightened of crime than they used to be.

What do you think are the causes of these problems and what measures would be effective in solving them?

Underline the key words in the question. (Solutions are often called measures, and effective does not mean effect.) Tick () two things you have to do:

a say what the effects of a problem are

b say what the causes are

c suggest solutions

d give your opinion about one possible solution

f give your opinion about how serious a problem is

1. Write C for Causes of crime and S for Solutions to the problem:

a poverty (people being very poor) b employing more policemen and policewomen

c giving people jobs d watching violent movies

e being addicted to drugs f banning violent films

2. Read the model answer on page 9. Which of the causes and solutions from exercise 2 can you find?

3. Write the focus of each paragraph P1 – P4 in the paragraph focus column

of the table: causes/conclusion/introduction/solutions

4. Circle the correct answers to questions a – n in the ‘sentences’ column.

Problem essay


Exit 5

Paragraph focus Sentences P1 a Number of sentences: 1/2/3/4

b Does the writer give an opinion here? yes/no c Which one is the topic sentence? 1/2 d How many things is the writer going to do? 1/2/3

P2 e Is there a topic sentence? yes/no f How many causes are given? 2/3/4/5

g How many reasons are given? 2/3/4 h Is there a reason for each cause? yes/no

P3 i Is there a topic sentence? yes/no j How many solutions are given? 2/3/4/5

k How many reasons are given? 2/3/4 l Is there a reason for each solution? yes/no

P4 m Does the writer give an opinion here? yes/no n Are new solutions given or are they the same as

before? new/the same

Model answer Every day, we see in the media that crime is rising in many countries of the world, and nowadays many people are worried about it. In this essay, I will identify several causes of the problem, and I will suggest some solutions that I believe would help.

There are a number of causes of rising crime rates. In my opinion, the main cause is poverty. People in very poor places steal food and clothes for their children. Another cause is that people watch a lot of violence on television and at the cinema, which makes them commit violent crimes. Another major cause is drugs. A lot of drug addicts steal and commit other crimes to get money to buy drugs, which are expensive.

However, I really believe that it is possible to solve this problem, and I have three possible solutions. The best solution is to help poor people to get jobs. If they had a job, they would earn money to buy the things they need. Another way to tackle this problem would be to ban violent films at the cinema and on television. This would mean that people would stop copying the violent behavior. A third way to solve the problem is to employ more policemen and policewomen. They could prevent people from buying and selling drugs.

In conclusion, although the crime problem is serious, I strongly believe that it can be solved. If we helped poor people, stopped watching violent movies and increased the number of police, we would reduce crime. (254 words)

Problem essay


Exit 5

Exercise 3

Exercise 4

Exercise 5

Focus on language

Key sentences and language chunks

Good writers learn and use ‘chunks’ of about 2 – 4 words that together have a

meaning (In this essay). This is also how good readers read, not word by word.

Look at this sentence telling the reader what to expect:

In this essay, I will identify several causes of the problem, and I will suggest some solutions that I believe would help.

1. Which verb is used for causes? 2. Which verb is used for solutions? 3. Divide the sentence into ‘chunks of meaning’ e.g. In this essay/I will

identify Memorize each chunk, then write the sentence without looking.

Look at this topic sentence for the causes:

There are a number of causes of rising crime rates.

1. Why is it there are, not there is? Which other word agrees with there are? 2. Do the same as you did in exercise 4 number 3.

A However, I really believe that it is possible to solve this problem, and I have three possible solutions.

B In conclusion, although the crime problem is serious, I strongly believe that it can be solved.

C If we helped poor people, stopped watching violent movies and increased the number of policemen, we would reduce crime.

1. In sentences a – c above, which is: a. A topic sentence? b. A 2nd conditional? Underline the past simple and would + verb c. The first sentence of the conclusion?

2. Which 2 of these sentences need to be changed for a different topic? 3. Do the same as you did in exercise 4 number 3.

Problem essay


Exit 5

Exercise 6

Exercise 7

Giving solutions and causes using complex sentences

To solve a problem, we usually identify the causes and find solutions for them. In a causes/solution essay, you can give one solution for each cause.

1. Match the causes and solutions from the model essay. 2. Underline all the complex sentences.

Causes Solutions

1 The main cause is poverty. People in very poor places steal food and clothes for their children.

a A third way to solve the problem is to have more police. They could prevent people from buying and selling drugs.

2 Another cause is that people watch a lot of violence on television, which makes them commit violent crimes.

b Another way to tackle this problem would be to ban violent films on television. This would mean that people would stop copying the violent behavior.

3 Another major cause is drugs. A lot of drug addicts steal to get money to buy drugs, which are expensive.

c The best solution is to help poor people to get jobs. If they had a job, they would earn money to buy the things they need.

Would and could

You can use would and could to talk about solutions. They show that you are imagining the situation. They will help you get a band 5 in grammar, if you use them correctly.

Look at the highlighted words would and could in the solutions.

1. What type of word follows them all? 2. Correct these sentences:

a. They could to stop people from fighting. b. If we spent more money on education, children would are better. c. This would means that people could to go on more holidays.

Problem essay


Exit 5

Problem essay 2: health problems

Exercise 1


Increasing the price of fast food and soft drinks is the best way to solve growing health problems for young people.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

What are the effects of these problems?

1. Underline the key words in the question. Tick () two things you have to do:



c suggest solutions d give your opinion about one possible solution


2. Read the model quickly. Which plan, A, B or C is used?

A B C Paragraph 1 introduction introduction introduction

Paragraph 2 causes your opinion about a solution effects Paragraph 3 effects effects solutions

Paragraph 4 conclusion conclusion conclusion

3. Tick () which effects are given:

a reduced life expectancy (they won’t live as long as they would)

b decreased confidence c increased behavior problems in school

c missing lessons at school d they develop more serious problems like diabetes

Problem essay


Exit 5

Exercise 2

Model answer Some people think that the best solution for the increasing health problems of young people is to raise the price of fast food and soft drinks. In my opinion, they are right. In this essay, I will give reasons for my opinion, and I will say what the effects of the health problems are.

In my opinion, raising the price of unhealthy food and drink is by far the best solution for the problems. I have three main reasons for my opinion. Firstly, I strongly believe that most health problems in children come from obesity, which is caused by the sugar in soft drinks and the fat in fast food. My second reason is that if fast food was more expensive, children would eat healthy food instead. Thirdly, if they bought it, they would buy smaller portions, which would cause fewer health problems.

There are a number of effects of the health problems. The most serious problem is decreased life expectancy. For example, they are more likely to die of heart disease when they are middle-aged. Another consequence is that they miss a lot of school, which means that they do not get good qualifications. Another negative effect of health problems in children is reduced confidence. An unhealthy child does not feel as confident as a healthy child.

In conclusion, although the effects of the health problems are serious, I strongly believe that the problems can be solved. If we raised the price of fast food and soft drinks, it would really help. (253 words)


1. Which word means the same as decrease? 2. Which word means aged about 40 – 60? 3. Underline the three topic sentences. 4. Underline three places where the writer gives his opinion. 5. Underline all of the connecting words in paragraphs 1 and 2. 6. Underline the language for giving effects in paragraph 3. 7. Which words in these sentences show that they are 2nd conditionals?

…if fast food was more expensive, children would eat healthy food instead. …if they bought it, they would buy smaller portions… If we raised the price of fast food and soft drinks, it would really help…

8. Find three sentences with which. Where is the comma in each one?

Problem essay


Exit 5

Problem essay 3: lack of clean water

Exercise 1


Not having access to clean water is the greatest problem faced by humanity.

How true do you think this statement is? What are the causes of the problem?

1. Underline the key words in the question. Tick () two things you have to do:



c suggest solutions

d give your opinion about one possible solution


2. Read the model quickly. Which plan, A, B or C is used?

A B C Paragraph 1 introduction introduction introduction

Paragraph 2 your opinion about a solution

causes your opinion about how serious a problem is

Paragraph 3 causes solutions causes Paragraph 4 conclusion conclusion conclusion

3. Tick () which causes of the lack of clean water are given:

a pollution b some countries do not have enough money c global warming

c lack of education d a hot, dry climate

4. What is the writer’s opinion about the problem?

a. It is easy to solve. b. Nobody knows the causes c. It is serious, but not as serious as war.

Problem essay


Exit 5

Exercise 2

Model answer There are many people who think that the biggest problem in the world today is the lack of clean water. In my opinion, they are wrong, although I agree that it is a serious problem. In this essay, I will give reasons for my opinion, and I will say what the causes of the problem are.

I have two main reasons for my opinion. The first reason is that there are several other problems that are worse than not having clean water. For example, there is the problem of pollution, which causes global warming, and there is also war, which kills millions of people. My second reason is that the lack of clean water is only a problem in a few countries, but other problems like poverty are found all over the world.

There are a number of causes of the water problem. The main cause is that some countries are very poor. For example, a lot of countries in Africa do not have enough money to clean their water. Another major cause of the problem is lack of education. For instance, poor people in India do not know that they should boil their water before they drink it. A third cause is that these countries are very hot and dry, which means that there is not much clean water.

In conclusion, I do not believe that the problem of water is the worst problem, although it is a serious problem. There are other problems that are worse, such as war and pollution. (251 words)


1. What do the highlighted words mean? 2. Underline the three topic sentences. The first topic sentence is:

There are many people who think that… Write a sentence starting ‘There are many people…’ about what people think about smoking.

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

3. Underline two places where the writer gives his opinion. How does he say he does not agree?

4. Underline all of the connecting words in paragraphs 1 and 2. 5. Underline the language for giving causes in paragraph 3. 6. What does although mean in the conclusion? What is the punctuation?

Problem essay


Exit 5

Plan a problem essay

In a problem essay, you need to make a plan that matches the question. Always write: an introduction a separate paragraph for each part of the question a conclusion

You usually have to do 2 of the following:



c suggest solutions

d give your opinion about one suggested solution


Example plans

Paragraph 1 Introduction

Paragraph 2 Causes

Paragraph 3 Solutions

Paragraph 4 Conclusion


Paragraph 2 Your opinion about how serious a problem is

Paragraph 3 Effects



Paragraph 2 Your opinion about one suggested solution

Paragraph 3 More solutions


Documents

PROBLEM ESSAY Exit 5 - Heidi Ciarloheidiciarlo.weebly.com/uploads/2/3/2/8/23280644/3_exit_5... · 2019-09-23 · Problem essay Gary Pathare, DMC Foundations 2014 Page 4 Exit 5 Exercise