English for Academic and Professional Purposes

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The Structures of Academic Texts

Module 005: The Structures of Academic Texts

Academic writing follows different structure depending on the author’s

purpose and perspective. This module will explain how the Problem –
Solution structure is organized. Though this type of structure is similar to
the thesis and factual structure, yet each has a different pattern to follow.
This structure discusses a problem and proposes a solution and its effects.

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

a. develop critical thinking in analyzing data or evidences for essay
writing.
b. apply the steps in writing an essay using the problem –solution
structure.
c. identify the meaning of a difficult word using context clues.
d. determine the different types of context clues.

The Problem – and – Solution Structure

Similar to the thesis structure, the problem – and – solution structure also
proposes an argument but presents in a different pattern. The author
presents the over-all solution as the main argument or the thesis statement.
However, the author also presents this structure in several ways. One pattern
is by providing an over-all solution to the problems at the introductory part
before presenting the problems as the supporting details. Another way is by
presenting one or more problems at the beginning and present the solution at
the end. The body of the essay or text explains a series of problems, also
providing possible solutions until finally arriving at the final , overall solution
at the concluding paragraph.

______________________________________________

"This sort of essay involves argumentation in that the writer seeks to

convince the reader to take a particular course of action. In
explaining the problem, it may also need to persuade the reader concerning
specific causes" (Dave Kemper et al., Fusion: Integrated Reading and Writing,
2016).
___________________________________________________________________
Component of the Problem-and-Solution Structure

I - Introduction - the author presents an overall solution or one or more

major problems with a subject.

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 II – Body – contains the following points:

a. First Point (problem #1): presents the problem alone or a

combination of problem in detail and a possible solution. Again,
each paragraph or point contains a topic sentence.

b. Second Point ( Problem #2) : second problem in detail or a

combination of problem and possible solutions.
c. Third, fourth, fifth points, etc.

d. Final Solution/Resolution of problems – an explanation why a final

solution seems impossible.

III - Conclusion - the final paragraph which discusses the final

argumentative conclusion

Read the passage below to help you understand the problem and solution text
structure.
The town of Infanta, Quezon province almost got obliterated when
millions of cubic meters of floodwater, uprooted tree trunks, cut logs and mud
ran down from the eroded slopes of the Sierra Madre mountains during a “freak
Introduction: of nature” towards the tail end of the 2004 November monsoon. A day after
Typhoon Winnie rammed down the town of Infanta along with its neighboring
Presents the problem towns of Real and General Nakar, the whole area was completely devastated and
isolated from the outside world.
After the impact of the November 2004 disaster, however, the people of
Infanta and its local government decided to overcome the devastation caused by
the November 2004 event and rejected recommendations by national authorities
to abandon the town and relocate the entire population to higher and lesser
Body: prone area to avoid further destruction from future natural calamities. For the
people of Infanta and its local leaders led by Mayor Filipina Grace America, the
Section 1: Solution choice was only one thing. They have to properly prepare and seriously plan for
subsequent events that will surely come their way as long as they stay in Infanta.
Infanta’s community-based disaster preparedness and management
plan (CBDPM) was a plan that not only practical measures to address possible
emergency and disaster situations that might occur in the area but also the
town’s determination to survive and work for its future. Infanta learned from the
November 2004 calamity that the “community-based” approach is the most
Body: appropriate strategy for its disaster preparedness and management plan in the
context of its geographical situation because it promotes self-reliance, especially
Section 2: Solution within the first 24 hours of isolation and emergency response.
Likewise, it is accepted that while it cannot avoid the natural hazards
brought about by its natural conditions, it can however work to mitigate the
“vulnerabilities” of communities to these natural hazards. Finally, Infanta
realised that in any calamity “our best asset or resource is still the human
resource”.
Conclusion
_________________
Taken from:
Road to Survival and Recovery: Infanta’s Disaster Rehabilitation and
Management Strategy
To Stay and Make a Stand
http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTPHILIPPINES/Resources/Elmer
MercadoWBCEACaseStudyInfanta.pdf
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The Structures of Academic Texts

What have we learned?

You were able to learn how to organize your composition using the Problem-
Solution structure. In writing, remember to start with a problem and propose a
solution. In reading an article with this structure, remember that authors use
the problem and solution structure to organize their ideas in a way that helps the
reader understand the passage and what is being proposed/solved.

Building Vocabulary through Context Clues

Context clues are hints found within a sentence, paragraph, or passage that a reader
can use to understand the meanings of new or unfamiliar words. A reader may learn
the meaning of the unknown word by looking at the ‘ surrounding territory’.

A reader should rely on context clues when an obvious clue to meaning is provided, or
when only a general sense of the meaning is needed for the reader’s purposes. Context
clues should not be relied upon when a precise meaning is required, when clues suggest
several possible definitions, when nearby words are unfamiliar, and when the unknown
word is a common one that will be needed again; in these cases, a dictionary should be
consulted.

There are several different types of context clues. Some of them are:

1. Definition / Description Clue

The new term may be formally defined, or sufficient explanation may be given within
the sentence or in the following sentence. Clues to definition include “that is,” commas,
dashes, and parentheses.

Examples:

a. His emaciation, that is, his skeleton-like appearance, was frightening to see.
“Skeleton-like appearance” is the definition of “emaciation.”

b. Fluoroscopy, examination with a fluoroscope, has become a common practice.

The commas before and after “examination with a fluoroscope” point out the
definition of “fluoroscopy.”

c. The dudeen – a short-stemmed clay pipe – is found in Irish folk tales.

The dashes setting off “a short-stemmed clay pipe” point out the definition of
“dudeen.”
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 2. Example Clues
Sometimes when a reader finds a new word, an example might be found nearby that
helps to explain its meaning. Words like including, such as, and for example, point
out example clues.
Examples:
a. Piscatorial creatures, such as flounder, salmon, and trout, live in the coldest
parts of the ocean.
“Piscatorial” obviously refers to fish.

b. Celestial bodies, including the sun, moon, and stars, have fascinated man through
the centuries.
“Celestial” objects are those in the sky or heavens.

c. In the course of man’s evolution, certain organs have atrophied. The appendix, for
example, has wasted away from disuse.
“Atrophied” means “wasted away.”

3. Synonym Restatement Clue

The reader may discover the meaning of an unknown word because it repeats an idea
expressed in familiar words nearby. Synonyms are words with the same meaning.
Examples:
a. Flooded with spotlights – the focus of all attention – the new Miss America began her
year-long reign. She was the cynosure of all eyes for the rest of the evening.
“Cynosure” means “the focus of all attention.”
b. The mountain pass was a tortuous road, winding and twisting like a snake around
the trees of the mountainside.
“Tortuous” means “winding and twisting.”
4. Contrast / Antonym Clue
Antonyms are words with opposite meanings. An opposite meaning context clue
Contrasts the meaning of an unfamiliar word with the meaning of a familiar term. Words
like “although,” “however,” and “but” may signal contrast clues.

Examples:

a. When the light brightens, the pupils of the eyes contract; however, when it grows
darker, they dilate.
“Dilate” means the opposite of “contract.”

b. The children were as different as day and night. He was a lively conversationalist, but
she was reserved and taciturn.
“Taciturn” means the opposite of a “lively conversationalist.”
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The Structures of Academic Texts

5. Mood / Tone Clue

The author sets a mood, and the meaning of the unknown word must harmonize with the
mood.

Examples:
a. The lugubrious wails of the gypsies matched the dreary whistling of the wind in all
but-deserted cemetery.
“Lugubrious,” which means “sorrowful,” fits into the mood set by the words “wails,”
“dreary,” and “deserted cemetery.”

6. Experience Clue
Sometimes a reader knows from experience how people or things act in a given
situation.
This knowledge provides the clue to a word’s meaning.

Examples:
a. During those first bewildering weeks, the thoughts of a college freshman drift back to
high school where he was “in,” knew everyone, and felt at home. A feeling of nostalgia
sweeps over him.

b. She walked away from her closet and quickly slipped a jersey over her head. She
smoothed it into place over her hips, added a belt, glanced at the mirror, and left for
work.

7. Analysis or Structure Clue

The parts used to construct a word can be direct clues to meaning. Knowledge of
prefixes, roots, and suffixes can aid a reader in using this type of context clue.
Learning one word part can add dozens of words to a reader’s vocabulary. The
power of word parts lies in the ability to combine the roots and affixes with the
context in which a word is used to discover the author’s meaning.

Examples:
a. The story is incredible.
The root cred means “to believe,’ and the prefix in means “not.” Therefore, if a story
is incredible, it is unbelievable.

b. The somnambulist had to be locked in his bedroom at night for his own safety.
If a reader knows the meaning of ambular (walk) and somn (sleep) and sees the
sentence, the reader may realize that a “somnambulist” is a sleepwalker.
Sufficient clues might be available for the careful reader to make an educated guess
at the meaning.

Example:

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 a. She told her friend, “I’m through with blind dates forever. What a dull evening! I was
bored every minute. The conversation was absolutely vapid.”
“Vapid” means “uninteresting.”

9. Cause And Effect Clue

The author explains the reason for or the result of the word. Words like “because,”
“since,” “therefore,” “thus,” “so,” etc. may signal context clues.

Example:

a. She wanted to impress all her dinner guests with the food she served, so she
carefully studied the necessary culinary arts.

“Culinary” means “food preparation.”

Glossary:

Context Clue - a word or words in sentence that help (s) the reader get the meaning of
an unfamiliar word.

Mood - also tone, a feeling or attitude expressed by the words that someone uses in
speaking or writing.

Vocabulary – all the words used and understood by a particular person.

References:
Books and Journals:
The World Book of Word Power (1992). Grygel, J.(ed.). Chicago. World Book
Inc. Vol. 1

Online Supplementary Reading Materials

Argumentative Texts: Structures and Characteristics.
Retrieved from https://oposinet.cvexpres.com/temario-de-ingles-secundaria/temario-
2-ingles-secundaria/topic-34-argumentative-texts-structure-and-characteristics/
Retrieved on July 21, 2016.

Road to Survival and Recovery: Infanta’s Disaster Rehabilitation and Management

Strategy.
http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTPHILIPPINES/Resources/ElmerMerc
adoWBCEACaseStudyInfanta.pdf . Retrieved 20 April , 2017
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The Structures of Academic Texts

Online Instructional Video

Problem and Solution Text Structure
https://prezi.com/x-u8gnjjoaib/problem-and-solution-text-structure/

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