Problem-Solution Essay Outline

*Label and underline the name of each section. You are doing a phrase/topic outline. Only write out
what it says. I prefer to have this typed, but you may handwrite it if it is: neatly done, in blue or
black ink only, on the front side of a clean piece of paper. Be sure to include the internal citations
for the information from your sources. If you have no internal citations, I WILL TREAT THE
OUTLINE AS PLAGAIRIZED AND YOU WILL RECEIVE A ZERO WITH NO REVISION
OPTION!

Introduction
A. Attention Getter (write this out) – could be a startling statistic/fact, an anecdote, quote,
rhetorical question
B. Explanation of attention getter (write out)
C. Thesis statement (write this out)

Section 1 – Problem (3-4 paragraphs)

A. Topic Sentence – Define problem (write out)
1. Describe
2. Examples
3. Who affected
B. Topic Sentence – Causes/history of the problem (write out)
1. Where/how it originated
2. Causes
C. Topic Sentence – Seriousness/Consequences (write out)
1. Negative affects
2. How serious
3. Consequences

Transition sentence to lead into the solution.

Section 2 – Solution (3 -4 paragraphs)

D. Topic Sentence – Solution #1 (write out) D. Overview of Solution (Write out)

1. Good point 1. Step 1
2. Negative 2. Step 2
3. Rebuttal 3. Step 3
E. Topic Sentence – Solution #2 (write out) E. Step 1 – Topic Sentence (Write out)
1. Good point 1. Details
2. Negative 2. Negative
3. Rebuttal 3. Rebuttal
F. Topic Sentence – Solution #3 (write out) F. Step 2 – Topic Sentence (Write out)
1. Good point 1. Details
2. Negative 2. Negative
3. Rebuttal 3. Rebuttal

Conclusion
A. Summary statement (write out)
B. Relate to the world today or future (write out)
C. Call to action/final thought (write out)