Problem Solution Essay: How-To

A Guide to writing Problem/Solution Papers

What is it?

A problem solution essay is exactly what it sounds like. You research a problem, create a solution for it, and write about it.

1. Identify a problem

2. Come up with a practical solution

Example Problem:

Child poverty

This is an example that I will use throughout these

slides. Let’s assume I choose to research child

poverty.

Problem Research

I would research my problem by using different web sites.

I would jot (write) down all of the facts that I found about my problem, child poverty.

These facts would go into my paper.

While researching, I would look up:Who is involved/impacted/affected…

What is happening…

When did it/is it occuring…

Where is it occurring…

Why is it happening…

Solution Drafting

After looking up the problem and the facts about the problem, I will come up with a solution

When coming up with a solution, I will ask myself:

What is the solution?

How will it work?

How long until it works?

Why will it work?

I will come up with facts and statistics to support my solution

Example Solution: Give all property previously owned by prisoners to children in

poverty.

Road Blocks

After drafting a solution, I will look at anything that could get in the way of that solution

Road Blocks are things that may not allow the solution to happen

Examples:Not enough money

Illegal

Requires too many people to enforce

Not practical to enforce on a large scale

Etc….

Example Road Blocks: could be illegal to give away

property, if criminal, could have stolen possessions, may owe

money to bank for some possessions…

Format

1. Introduction with thesis

2. Body ParagraphsWhat is the problem?

What is the solution?

3. Conclusion

IntroductionHere, you BRIEFLY introduce what your paper is about

Tell the reader the problem you researched

In the first sentence or two, connect to the reader somehow:Try to make the reader interested in what you are saying

Address the reader: “I’m sure you have seen the sad faces of children on TV- those that live in poverty…”

Make it interesting: “Faces on the front of the newspaper all dirty and scarred, fearful eyes that speak of pain, begging for relief…”

Make the reader aware: “Poverty in North Carolina is a much larger issue than many people think. We always think of Africa or other countries…”

The last sentence of your introduction is called a thesis.

The thesis is VERY important Tells the reader what the paper is about

You state the problem you researched AND how you plan to solve it

One fat sentence not a skinny one.

Body ParagraphsThere is no limit to how many or how few paragraphs to include here.

Generally, 3 body paragraphs is the minimum1st paragraph: Discusses the problem.

Go into detail about the problem

Answer the who, what, when, where, why stuffWho is involved/impacted/affected…

What is happening…

When did it/is it occuring…

Where is it occurring…

Why is it happening…

Add statistical facts (percentages, numbers…)

Body ParagraphsOther body paragraphs

One or more paragraphs should:Address the solution to the problem

What is the solution

How will it work

How long until it works

Why will it work

Should include facts and statistics

One or more paragraphs should discuss the possible problems with the solution

Examples:Costs too much money

Not enough people to help

Not practical

Should include facts and statistics

ConclusionHere you want to wrap up the paper

The first few sentences should:Restate the problem and the solution you mentioned in the paper

Should not include a lot of details like the body of the paper did

The last sentence should be addressed to the reader or should be a statement that ends the paper

Make it final: “The solution to the problem of poverty presented above is the best available…”

Make it personal: “If all of us put in the time and follow through with the plan presented, poverty would virtually be eliminated…”