Writing Genre Worksheet: Problem and Solution

When you write about problems and solutions, your goal is to convince your reader that you
know about the problem and that you have solution for it.

1 Choose a problem: Choose a problem that is appropriate for your assignment. For example,
if you are only asked to write a paragraph, you might not want to choose a complex problem.
Think about the following when choosing a problem:
• how important the problem is • who the problem affects
• when the problem began • the availability of solutions
• what caused the problem • readers’ interest in the problem

2 Research the problem: To present a solution that works, you need to understand the
problem very well. Learn all you can about the problem: research newspaper and magazine
articles, books, and credible Internet sources. If possible, include quotes from experts, and
interview people involved with the problem. Use this information to explain the problem as
simply and clearly as possible to your reader.

3 Present solutions: You may have had a solution in mind before researching the problem.
Now that you have more information, is your first solution still the best? Keep an open mind
about another possible solution, and analyze the pros and cons of each possibility. Once
you have chosen a solution to include, persuade your readers that it is the best and most
effective way to solve the problem.

Try it!
1. Which of these topics is a good choice for a one-paragraph assignment? Circle the letter.

a. your disorganized bedroom

b. recycling programs in your community
c. world hunger
2. What solution should you write about in your essay? Circle the letter.

a. the first one you think of

b. all of the possible solutions
c. the most effective solution

Impact Writing Genre Worksheet: Problem and Solution

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