MODULE 3. PROBLEM, PROCESS AND SOLUTION Dr. BENILDA N.

VILLENAS 1

Academic Writing
Dr. Benilda N. Villenas

MODULE 3. PROBLEM, PROCESS, AND SOLUTION

General-specific texts

 descriptive and expository

 useful when producing data commentaries or writing introductions to research papers

Problem-to-solution texts

 more argumentative and evaluative

 useful when writing critiques and introductions, discussion of process descriptions
(steps required to provide a solution to some problem)

Structure of Problem-Solution Texts

1. Situation
2. Problem
3. Solution
4. Evaluation

LANGUAGE FOCUS: Midposition Adverbs

 Adverbs tend to occur within the verb in formal academic writing

Examples: … are now published

… have more recently been produced
… is somewhat underrepresented
… are published today in English

PROCEDURES AND PROCESSES

 Problem-solution texts use the review approach to raise a question about the current
state of knowledge and to offer a possible or part answer.
 “Classic” problem-solution texts are usually more technical in nature and may describe
procedures and processes.

LANGUAGE FOCUS: Verbs and Agents in the Solution

 In most technical solutions, it is necessary to describe a process or a method.

 When you are describing a method, you will essentially be writing a process description.

Passive Voice

 The passive voice plays an important role in process descriptions.

MODULE 3. PROBLEM, PROCESS AND SOLUTION Dr. BENILDA N. VILLENAS 2

Illustration: How to prepare a flu vaccine

Flu virus strains – three most common identified

Three strains – grown separately and harvested
Harvested virus – purified and inactivated
Inactivated virus strains – blended with a carrier fluid and dispensed into vials

Converted into instructions:

Identify the three most common strains of flu virus.

Grow each of the strains separately and harvest.
Purify the harvested virus.
Inactivate the purified virus.
Blend the inactivated virus strains together with a carrier fluid and dispense into
vials.

Note that imperative forms are used to indicate the necessary steps. They form a set of
instructions.

 However, if we are interested not in providing guidance for actually doing a particular
task but in explaining how something is done – as in a process – we would more likely
write:

First, the three most common strains of flu virus are identified. These strains are then separately
grown and harvested. The harvested virus is purified and inactivated. Finally, the inactive virus strains
are blended together with a carrier fluid and dispensed into vials.

 Notice that each sentence now refers to a particular stage in the process:
◦ The identification stage
◦ The preparation stage
◦ The dispensing stage

Look at the effect when it is converted into the active voice:

The technician identifies the virus strains in the lab. The technician separately grows and
harvests the virus. The technician purifies and inactivates the virus. The technician blends the
inactive virus strains together with a carrier fluid and dispenses them into vials.

The focus on the stage is lost and the emphasis shifts to the agent (the person doing the steps).

 Of course, there may be some occasions when the different agents are an important
part of different steps in the process.

Technician A identifies the virus strains in the lab. Technician B separately grows and harvests
the virus. Technician C purifies and inactivates the virus. Technician D blends the inactive virus strains
together with a carrier fluid and dispenses them into vials.

But this looks more like a job specification or duty roster than a process description.
MODULE 3. PROBLEM, PROCESS AND SOLUTION Dr. BENILDA N. VILLENAS 3

 If information of the agent is important – which is uncommon – it would be better to

describe a process in the following way:

First, the three most common strains of flu virus are identified by technician A. These strains are
then separately grown and harvested by technician B. The harvested virus is purified and inactivated by
technician C. Finally, the inactive virus strains are blended together with a carrier fluid and dispensed
into vials by technician D.

 According to research studies, using by + a human agent is fairly uncommon in formal

academic writing, except when describing the history of the field.

Examples:

The theory of transformational grammar was first developed by Noam Chomsky.

The Bayesian method has been used by statisticians for many years to aid decision
making on the basis of limited information.

 In fact, we are more likely to find by + process or by + a nonhuman agent.

Examples:

The chances of finding oil are estimated by seismic survey.

This enzyme is used by the cancer cells to replicate.

The increased mobility provided by this new joint allows wearers of the finger
prosthesis to hold a cup, to pick up a piece of paper, and in some cases to write again.

FLOW OF IDEAS IN A PROCESS DESCRIPTION

 Concept of flow focuses on the use of connectors and summary words.

 Good flow of ideas can also be achieved by combining or linking verb phrases.

Example:

These strains are then separately grown and harvested. The harvested virus is purified and
inactivated. Finally, the inactive virus strains are blended together with a carrier fluid and
dispensed into vials.

 Some care needs to be taken when putting verbs together because it can sometimes lead
to an unfortunate ambiguity.

Examples:

The liquid is collected and kept for 24 hours.

MODULE 3. PROBLEM, PROCESS AND SOLUTION Dr. BENILDA N. VILLENAS 4

The sample is collected and stored in a sterile container.

In consumer research, individuals are selected and interviewed by telephone.

 In addition to linked passives, good flow is also achieved through use of several time
adverbials that help establish the sequence of events – once, first, next, then, and finally.

Participles

 Flow of ideas can be maintained by taking the –ed participle in the passive construction
and using it as an adjective.

First, the three most common strains of flu virus are identified. These strains are then
separately grown and harvested. The harvested virus is purified and inactivated. Finally, the
now inactivated virus strains are blended together with a carrier fluid and dispensed into vials.

 By changing harvest and inactivate into their adjectival forms, the writer establishes a
strong connection between the sentences and indicates a newly acquired characteristic of
the virus. As a result of the steps in the process, the virus can be described as harvested,
inactivated, or even purified.

Active Voice in Process Descriptions

 We have emphasized the use of passive voice in process descriptions as they concentrate
on processes that involve human action. However, there are many natural processes that
take place outside of direct human intervention. In such cases, active voice is often used, or
there may be a mix between active and passive, depending on the process.

 If a process description employs verbs that indicate a change of state, such as expand,
rise, cool, and form, the active voice will also be used.

Examples:

The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.

Most metals expand and contract with variations in temperature.

The beam fractures when the load upon it becomes too great.

Tropical storms can form only in areas of high humidity and temperature. First, the
warm sea heats the air above its surface. The warm, moist air then rises above the sea, creating
a center of low pressure.

Causes and Effects

MODULE 3. PROBLEM, PROCESS AND SOLUTION Dr. BENILDA N. VILLENAS 5

 In order to help readers understand a problem and/or a solution, there may be a need to
use expressions to highlight causes and effects.

 Examples:

An increase in demand is likely to cause a rise in prices.

Increases in demand usually lead to price increases.

Increases in price are often caused by increases in demand.

MODULE 3. PROBLEM, PROCESS AND SOLUTION Dr. BENILDA N. VILLENAS 6

LANGUAGE FOCUS: -ing Clauses of Result

 As an alternative to using sentence connectors such as therefore and as a result, causal

relationships can also be expressed by –ing clauses of result.

The magma flows into the pores of the rocks; as a result, the rocks rupture.
The magma flows into the pores of the rocks, thus causing them to rupture.

A current is sent through the material. As a result, the electrons are polarized.
A current is sent through the material, polarizing the electrons.

 Sometimes writers also use a preliminary subordinate clause to set the scene for the
process.

When the ABS controller senses that a wheel is about to lock up, it automatically
changes the pressure in the brake lines of the car. As a result, maximum brake performance
is achieved.

When the ABS controller senses that a wheel is about to lock up, it automatically
changes the pressure in the car’s brake lines to prevent the lockup, (thus) resulting in
maximum brake performance.

Subordinate clause When the ABS controller

(optional) senses that a wheel is about to lock up,

Main clause it automatically changes the pressure in the brake lines of

the car to prevent the lockup,

(thus/thereby) –ing (thus) resulting in maximum brake performance.

clause

 This structure is particularly useful in problem-solution texts, because it can be used to

express the next step in the process, a resulting problem, or a resulting solution.

Process: Prices rise, thus leading to a drop in demand.

Problem: Prices rise, thus increasing the chance of hyperinflation.

Solution: Prices rise, thus increasing earnings that can then be reinvested
in the enterprise.

LANGUAGE FOCUS: Indirect Questions

 Formulating questions (problems) and evaluating the answers to those questions

(evaluations)

Example:
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It is not clear, however, whether such high percentages for English provide an accurate picture
of languages chosen for publication by researchers around the world.

Until such time, nonnative speakers of English will remain uncertain about how effective
their publications are in their own languages.

In both examples, the writer used indirect questions rather than direct questions.

Indirect questions follow the standard word order (the subject followed by the verb).
They do not require that the subject and the verb be inverted, as in a direct question. Indirect
questions also end with a period rather than a question mark.

Example:

Direct question: What time is it?

Indirect question: He asked what time it is/was.

The main difficulty in using indirect questions involves remembering that the subject
and verb should not be inverted in an indirect question. Both research and experience suggest that
not inverting is relatively late.

 Presumably, the use of a “question word” may automatically trigger the inversion. As a
result, even native speakers may incorrectly produce

It is unclear what will be the price of oil next year.

It is unclear what will the price of oil be next year.

rather than correctly produce

It is unclear what the price of oil will be next year.

Uses of Indirect Questions

 Can be used in explaining a purpose

A questionnaire was distributed in order to determine whether...

 Can be used to problematize issues, cases, phenomena, statements, and so on

◦ To introduce a problem
◦ To offer a critical evaluation of the solution

 Indirect questions can be a way to introduce or discuss a problem, but direct questions
may be possible.

However, is the data reliable?

But keep in mind that the use of direct questions should be limited in academic writing.
MODULE 3. PROBLEM, PROCESS AND SOLUTION Dr. BENILDA N. VILLENAS 8

 Another way to introduce a problem is to use an adversative sentence connector, such as

however or nevertheless.

However, this system/process/idea has its problems.

Nevertheless, few solutions have been found to…

Despite this, little progress has been made in…

Nevertheless, the problem remains as to how…

However, there remains the issue of reliability.

Even so, this model has some serious limitations.

Even so, researchers still have to find a way to…

INTRODUCING THE SOLUTION

Examples:

One interesting solution to this problem is now being tested in the village of Chungungo, a
village of 300.

One approach currently under study involves transplanting healthy coral into a bleached reef.

Sample skeletal sentences

Solutions to this problem are now widely discussed. One remedy is to…

One method to address this difficulty is to…

There are two possible ways of handling this problem. The first… The second…

Several options are available to address this obstacle. However, the best one seems to be…

Recently, researchers have made significant progress in overcoming this difficulty by…

Reference:

Swales, J. M., & Feak, C. B. (2004). Academic writing for graduate students. Essential tasks and skills
(2nd ed.) USA: The University of Michigan Press.
MODULE 3. PROBLEM, PROCESS AND SOLUTION Dr. BENILDA N. VILLENAS 9

EXERCISES FOR MODULE 3

Name: _____________________________________________ Score/Rating:____________________

Exercise 1. Find a single adverb to replace the phrase in italics and then place the adverb in
midposition.

Example: The routines for the show must be done with skill.
The routines for the show must be skillfully done.

1. The provisions of the law must be applied with care.

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

2. Part II of this paper describes in only a couple of paragraphs the laws of the U.S. that
pertain to agricultural biotechnology.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

3. Myopia, which is referred to as shortsightedness most of the time, is a common cause of

visual disability throughout the world.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

4. This study revealed that American and Japanese thresholds for sweetness and saltiness
did not differ a lot.
____________________________________________________________________________

5. As a rule, pulsed semiconductor lasers do not use the broad gain bandwidth to full
advantage in the generation of subpicosecond pulses.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

6. Environmental managers are faced with having to determine the extent of

environmental contamination and identifying habitats at risk all the time.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

7. The water supply lines must be inspected now and then to prevent blockages.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

8. Although many elaborations of this model have been developed over the years, to a
considerable extent all of them have followed the traditional specification in presupposing
that an individual will choose to make a tax report.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
MODULE 3. PROBLEM, PROCESS AND SOLUTION Dr. BENILDA N. VILLENAS 10

Name: _____________________________________________ Score/Rating:____________________

Exercise 2. Insert the verb to be in the correct position.

1. The question remains whether it possible to develop a reliable earthquake warning

system.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

2. Current studies provide little information on how this policy being implemented in
rural areas.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

3. We need to know what precautions being taken to prevent the spread of disease.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

4. There is some question as to whether the current crisis can eventually overcome.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

5. It has not been determined how these policies likely to affect small businesses.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

6. It might also be of interest to investigate to what extent persistence a major factor in

graduate student success.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

7. Another issue raised by this study is whether and to what extent poverty and climate
linked.
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____________________________________________________________________________

8. The process uses the CPU power it needs, depending on what it doing and depending
on what other processes running.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

9. It is unclear what the optimal level of government debt.

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
MODULE 3. PROBLEM, PROCESS AND SOLUTION Dr. BENILDA N. VILLENAS 11

Name: _____________________________________________ Score/Rating:____________________

Exercise 3. Expand the following sentences, making them more informative by replacing the
noun phrase with one or more verb phrases:
Example: Teaching can be improved by in-service training.
Teaching can be improved by asking teachers to attend a large range of short
courses throughout much of their careers.

1. Bacteria found in meat can be killed by radiation.

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

2. Possible harmful effects of drugs can be reduced by tests.

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

3. One class of rocks is formed by sedimentation.

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_____________________________________________________________________

4. Information on political preferences can be obtained by polling.

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_____________________________________________________________________

5. Cultures are partly preserved by ceremony and ritual.

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6. Sequences of events at archaeological sites can be established by stratification.

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7. Changes in land use can be detected by remote sensing.

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8. The spread of infectious diseases can be controlled by vaccinations.

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9. English proficiency of students can be improved by studying.

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_____________________________________________________________________

10. The deterioration of the quality of education can be prevented by instituting changes.
_____________________________________________________________________
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MODULE 3. PROBLEM, PROCESS AND SOLUTION Dr. BENILDA N. VILLENAS 12

Name: _____________________________________________ Score/Rating:____________________

Exercise 4. Improve the flow of ideas for the following process descriptions by adding a
time adverbial, linking passives, or using an –ed participle.

Example: The plants are selected. The plants are planted at a particular site based on the
type of metals present and other site conditions.

The plants are selected and planted at a particular site based on the type of
metals present and other site conditions.

1. Oil spill cleanup

The oil is skimmed from the surface using a boom. The oil is pumped into a tank for
recycling.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

2. Wine making
The grapes are harvested. The grapes are crushed to release the pulp and seeds. The
grapes are fermented for three weeks.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

3. Tempering glass
The glass is cut to size. It is inspected to determine if it has any imperfections. The glass
is heated to over 600◦C. The glass is cooled in a step known as quenching.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

4. Coronary bypass surgery

A vessel is taken from the leg. The vessel is grafted to the aorta and the coronary artery
beyond the narrowed area. The vessel allows blood to flow to the heart muscle.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

5. Geyser eruption
Water from rain or melted snow percolates into the ground through cracks. The water is
heated by the underlying rocks to temperatures well above the boiling point. The water
does not boil. It becomes superheated. It also becomes pressurized. The water bursts out
of the ground in an explosive steam eruption.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

Name: _____________________________________________ Score/Rating:____________________

MODULE 3. PROBLEM, PROCESS AND SOLUTION Dr. BENILDA N. VILLENAS 13

Exercise 5. Combine the ideas presented in each of the following statements, using an –ing
clause of result.

Example: A current is sent through the material. As a result, the electrons are polarized.
A current is sent through the material, polarizing the electrons.

1. Sustainable development would require industry to reduce pollution output and

resource use; as a result, technical innovation will be stimulated.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

2. The researcher supposedly manipulated the data. As a result, an apparent effect was
created where none existed.
_____________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________

3. The computer viruses infect, executable files; as a consequence, the host computer is
damaged when the executable is run.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

4. The plants extract the nickel and zinc; hence, the soil is left uncontaminated.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

5. Rainfall levels plummeted. A slow, but steady, loss of grasses occurred. As a result, the
region was transformed into a desert.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
MODULE 3. PROBLEM, PROCESS AND SOLUTION Dr. BENILDA N. VILLENAS 14

Name: _____________________________________________ Score/Rating:____________________

Exercise 6. Critical Analysis of a Problem-Solution Text

A. Clip one article in your field of study and do the following:

 identify the parts of a problem-solution text
 determine whether the active or passive voice is used
 determine whether it is written in present tense
 determine how the flow of information is maintained
 identify the time adverbials, midposition adverbs, sentence connectors indicating
causes and effects, –ing clauses of result, or indirect questions.

B. Writing Task

Write your own problem-solution text that includes both a process description and a
definition, or write a review of the current state of knowledge in your field, raising a
question about the current state of knowledge and offering a possible answer.