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

VILLENAS1

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.

Illustration: How to prepare a flu vaccine

Flu virus strains – three most common identified

 MODULE 3. PROBLEM, PROCESS AND SOLUTION Dr. BENILDA N. VILLENAS2

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.

 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
 MODULE 3. PROBLEM, PROCESS AND SOLUTION Dr. BENILDA N. VILLENAS3

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.

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
 MODULE 3. PROBLEM, PROCESS AND SOLUTION Dr. BENILDA N. VILLENAS4

 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

 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. VILLENAS5

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:

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.
 MODULE 3. PROBLEM, PROCESS AND SOLUTION Dr. BENILDA N. VILLENAS6

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.
 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…

 MODULE 3. PROBLEM, PROCESS AND SOLUTION Dr. BENILDA N. VILLENAS7

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. VILLENAS8

EXERCISES FOR MODULE 3

Name: ____GILBERT G. LOREDO___________________ 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.

The provisions of the law must be carefully applied.

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

Part II of this paper briefly describes 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.

Myopia, which is commonly referred as shortsightedness, 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.

This study revealed that American and Japanese thresholds did not much differ for
sweetness and saltiness.

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

Pulsed semiconductor lasers do not generally 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.

Environmental managers are always faced with having to determine the extent of
environmental contamination and identifying habitats at risk.

7. The water supply lines must be inspected now and then to prevent blockages.
The water supply lines must be regularly inspected 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. VILLENAS9

Although many elaborations of this model have been developed over the years, all of
them have considerably 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. VILLENAS10

Name: _______ GILBERT G. LOREDO__________ 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.
The question remains whether it is possible to develop a reliable earthquake warning system.

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

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

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

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

5. It has not been determined how these policies likely to affect small businesses.
It has not been determined how these policies are 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.
It might also be of interest to investigate to what extent persistence is a major factor in
graduate student success.

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

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

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

It is unclear what the optimal level of government debt is.
 MODULE 3. PROBLEM, PROCESS AND SOLUTION Dr. BENILDA N. VILLENAS11

Name: ________GILBERT G. LOREDO__________ 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.

Bacteria found in meat can be killed by boiling it at a high temperature.

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

Possible harmful effects of drugs can be reduced by identifying defects, reducing flaws,
and increasing the overall quality of the drugs.

3. One class of rocks is formed by sedimentation.

One class of rocks is formed by processing deposited solid material from a state of
suspension or solution in a fluid, usually air or water.

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

Information on political preferences can be obtained by voting in an election.

5. Cultures are partly preserved by ceremony and ritual.

Cultures are partly preserved by conforming to religious rites, which are a sacred and
customary way of celebrating a religion or culture.

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

Sequences of events at archaeological sites can be established by arranging or
depositing sediment or sedimentary rocks in a sequence of layers.

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

Changes in land use can be detected by scanning the earth by satellite or high-flying
aircraft to obtain information about them.

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

The spread of infectious diseases can be controlled by treating with a vaccine to
produce immunity to a particular infectious disease or pathogen.

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

The English proficiency of students can be improved by learning about a subject,
especially in an educational class or by reading books.

10. The deterioration of the quality of education can be prevented by instituting changes.
The deterioration of the quality of education can be prevented by identifying the problem
or opportunity that is instigating the need for change, exploring alternative solutions, and
securing resources for change execution.
 MODULE 3. PROBLEM, PROCESS AND SOLUTION Dr. BENILDA N. VILLENAS12

Name: ________ GILBERT G. LOREDO________________ 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.
The oil is skimmed from the surface using a boom and 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.
The grapes are harvested, crushed to release the pulp and seeds, and then 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.
The glass is cut to size and inspected to determine if it has any imperfections. The glass is
heated to over 600◦C and 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.
A vessel is taken from the leg and grafted to the aorta and the coronary artery beyond the
narrowed area that 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.
Water from rain or melted snow percolated into the ground through cracks and was heated by
the underlying rocks to temperatures well above the boiling point but the water does not boil;
eventually becomes superheated and pressurized and bursts out of the ground in an explosive
steam eruption.
 MODULE 3. PROBLEM, PROCESS AND SOLUTION Dr. BENILDA N. VILLENAS13

Name: _____ GILBERT G. LOREDO__________________ Score/Rating:___________________

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.
Sustainable development would require industry to reduce pollution output and resource use,
stimulating technical innovation.

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

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

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

The plants extract the nickel and zinc, leaving the soil uncontaminated.

5. Rainfall levels plummeted. A slow, but steady, loss of grasses occurred. As a result, the
region was transformed into a desert.

Rainfall levels plummeted, occurring a slow but steady loss of grass and transforming the
region into a desert.
 MODULE 3. PROBLEM, PROCESS AND SOLUTION Dr. BENILDA N. VILLENAS14

Name: ______ GILBERT G. LOREDO__________________ 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.

The Philippines is a market leader in IT-BPM services and is a top

tier location. The sector has shown tremendous expansion in worldwide
market share during the last ten years. Today, it is the leading provider of
voice-related services, and it is quickly expanding its capacity to provide
non-voice BPM and IT services to a rising number of clients throughout the
world (Philippine Board of Investments, 2018). This expected growth, Situation
however, had been recently challenged by various factors.
The Everest Group recalculated the industry's trajectory through
2022, revealing that revenue growth might drop from 7.1 percent in 2019 to -
0.5 percent in 2020. According to the report, revenue would drop to $26.2
billion in 2019 from $26.3 billion in 2018. In the meanwhile, hiring growth is
expected to slow, but the good news is that, despite the COVID-19
pandemic, the IT-BPM industry is expected to lose no employment (Everest
Group, 2021).
Meanwhile, the quality of the Philippines' ICT infrastructure is
lower and more costly compared to other countries. Most of the challenges
in the sector that the country is currently facing are lack of ICT
Problem
infrastructure, high cost of internet connectivity, cybersecurity threats,
digital gap, lack of ICT Adoption in agricultural extension, and insufficient
demand for connectivity in accessing online content and platforms
especially in rural areas and unserved regions.
With that, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines
(ECCP), in collaboration with Converge ICT Solutions Inc., endeavors to
unravel these challenges faced by the Philippine IT-BPM industry. Join us
and be part of the solution on the webinar entitled "ICT Outlook for 2022: A
Fuel for Economic Progress" on 28 February 2022 from 01:00PM - 02:30PM
(GMT +8), aims to discuss the outlook of the ICT sector for 2022 and the
initiatives of the government and private sector addressing the challenges of
Solution
&
the said industry.

Evaluation

 Article is in active voice.

 Article is in present tense.
 In this article, the situation in Philippine Information Technology (IT) was discussed,
as was the impact of the growing IT industry in our country. Unfortunately, industry
growth in IT subsequently causes problems and challenges in the IT industry. Lastly,
in anticipation of those challenges, solutions are planned to be addressed by holding a
webinar to discuss initiatives and the future of the ICT sector.
 MODULE 3. PROBLEM, PROCESS AND SOLUTION Dr. BENILDA N. VILLENAS15

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.

To solve IT problems quickly without compromising quality, it is essential to identify the

root cause, prioritize the impact, choose the best solution, implement, and test the solution,
learn, and improve from the problem-solving process, and follow up on the problem and the
solution.
Identifying the root cause involves finding out what is causing the issue, where it is
located, and how it affects the system or the user. Using tools like logs, tests, debuggers, or
user feedback can help narrow down possible solutions and avoid wasting time on irrelevant
actions.
Prioritizing the impact of the problem helps allocate resources and time more efficiently,
while choosing the best solution meets the criteria of effectiveness, feasibility, and
sustainability. Implementing and testing the solution ensures the solution works as expected
and does not cause any side effects or errors.
Learning and improving from the problem-solving process involves reflecting on what
worked and what did not work, identifying lessons learned, and updating knowledge and
skills to prevent or reduce the recurrence of similar problems. Following up on the problem
and the solution ensures that the problem is fully resolved, and the solution is maintained and
supported.
In summary, balancing speed and quality in IT troubleshooting and problem-solving is
crucial for ensuring effective and efficient problem-solving. By following these tips and
techniques, IT professionals can effectively address and resolve IT issues without
compromising quality.