PROBLEM

SOLUTION
ESSAY
How-tos!
 Content:

Definition + Structure/
Purpose outline Examples
What is a problem? Solution? How to plan/brainstorm 2 methods

TIPs Differentiate
DOs and DON’Ts
Problem-solution
Basic rules Problem solving and vs
vocabs Argument
 01
Definition
+ Purpose
What is a ‘problem’?

● Discusses a situation, person,

or thing that needs to be dealt
with or solved.

● Need two or three problems

What is a ‘solution’?
Provide as much information
as possible

discusses th
e
answer to a The solution does not require
problem to be detailed in the thesis
statement

it summarizes the
situation
Structure and
Brainstorming
● How to plan/brainstorm

● How to write an introduction

● How to write main body paragraphs

● Tips:

● How to write a conclusion

 Micro Keywords Action
keywords words
which part to discuss what the general topic is what to do
Intro - Thesis
Statement Come after you
describe the problem.

State you
r solution Is an essential part of the
clearly in
on
sentence. e
introduction but not
essentially written in a
strict order
 Body

Block Chain
Problems first solutions Problem followed by
after solution

Clearer Ensures relativity

 Brief
infog
raphi
c
 Head-ups
● Pick one/two problems and solutions and
expand with explanations and examples

● Do not write about problems and solutions that

are not directly linked to the question

Should include the cause of problem suitable

solution
 Problem Solution
• • Add something
Lack of resources
• • Educate
Lack of awareness
• • Make or enforce laws/rules
Current rules
• Change method or procedure
• Something isn’t done
• Motivate
the right way
• People know what to do
but don’t do it
• • Work out a compromise
Lack of agreement
conclusion
● What should happen.
● How the situation will change

● show how the solution is needed or how it will

work.
● Give real-life example or scenario

● Cite convincing facts, statistics, or expert

testimony
Problem-solution essays are pieces of
writing that unveil a certain problem
and offer different ways of solving it.

● Present the writer's views on

the problem and his/her ams,
ework, ex
approach to the solution. Ho m
works
EXAMP
LES
INTRO + OUTRO FIRST

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in c lu f childraeted b y S lid
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imize the
effects? bad
 Intro
● In modern society, more and more
people have easier access to
computers and technology, especially
children, who overuse it by playing
excessive computer games. As a
result, many become addicted,
leading to negative effects on their
health, however, there are effective
ways to prevent these issues.” 
Outro
● To sum up, while computer games
have their own benefits, there are
undoubtedly noticeable
disadvantages as well. Through
adequate precautions, the severity
of these negative impacts can be
avoided
● Yellow: Thesis statement
 Method 1: block method

● SAMPLE QUESTION:
Overpopulation of urban areas has led to numerous problems. Identify one or
two serious ones and suggest ways that  governments
  and individuals can tackle
these problems.

Note that this question specifically asks you what governments and individuals can do.
You MUST, therefore, write about what both of these can do in order to fully answer the
question.
● Overpopulation can lead to overcrowding Body 1: the problems
and poor quality housing in many large
cities. Poorly heated or damp housing
could cause significant health problems,
resulting in illness, such as bronchitis or
pneumonia. Another serious consequence ● Yellow: the
of overcrowding is a rising crime rate as problem
poor living conditions may lead young
people, in particular,to take desperate
measures and turn to crime or drugs
● Blue: The consequences
Body 2: the
government's
solution ● In terms of solutions, I believe the
government should be largely responsible.
Firstly, it is vital that the state provides
essential housing and healthcare for all its
citizens. Secondly, setting up community
projects to help foster more community spirit
● Pink: government’s solution and help keep young people off the street is a
good idea. For example, youth clubs or
evening classes for teenagers would keep
them occupied. Finally, more effective
policing of inner-city areas would also be
beneficial.
 Body 3: the
individuals’ solution
● Naturally, individuals should also try
to address these problems. One way is
to put pressure on the government to
ensure they tackle the problems by, for ● Orange: individuals'
instance, forming action groups to
lobby the government and request solution
intervention and adequate funding.
They could also form neighborhood
watch areas to try and help reduce the
high levels of crime.
 Method 2: chain method

● SAMPLE QUESTION:

The number of people who are at risk of serious

  health problems due to being
overweight is increasing. What is the reason and how can this problem be
solved?
 Problem 1
● Immobility is one of the main reasons for the ●
increase in the number of obese people. It is a
fact business competition is getting tougher
due to the globalisation, and people have to
work for longer hours, therefore having no
time in doing some exercises. Additionally, it
has been noticed that even in their leisure time
people choose to watch TV or surf the internet
instead of doing exercise or playing any
outdoor game.
Solution 1
 To solve this problem, there should be
increasing awareness of the significance of
spending a few hours daily to engage in physical
work. Regular physical activity can improve
your muscle strength and boost your endurance.
Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your
tissues and helps your cardiovascular system
work more efficiently and when your heart and
lung health improve, you have more energy to
tackle daily chores.
 Problem 2 Solution 2

● Food marketing is often singled out as the

●  In an effort to improve one’s well-being, the
leading cause of the obesity epidemic. 
government could take measures such as
Individuals around the world want easy
conducting rallies, awareness camps, free
access to a variety of tasty, convenient,
health check-ups to educate the general public
inexpensive, and safe foods that can be
regarding the ways to keep their weight in
eaten in large quantities. By catering to, and
check. Moreover, a balanced diet should be
stimulating these biological interests, food
included in an individual’s routine and there
marketers have been accused of
should be no overeating. Eating more raw
contributing to the growing problem of
vegetables and fruits is always beneficial as it
global obesity
assures ample dietary fiber in meals.
DOs avoid repetition by using
Exam
synonyms
produce a note of the principal conte
causes and potential solutions nt
need to find three or more solutions and
discuss them
provide a reason and an example
for each of your solutions Advantages or disadvantages to every
solution needs to be included

if appropriate, state your opinion

in a formal style (e.g. It is my firm Where possible, cite evidence for
belief that) solution.

Offer examples where similar

use formal vocabulary solutions have worked before

use passive voice to sound more

formal and objective Cite expert opinion, statistics, and
studies
DON’Ts Exa m
t
conten
DON’T list too many solutions,
pick out ones that are the most
suitable and realistic
Avoid being personal

DON’T use emotive language DON’T go too deep into

(e.g. disgusting, fabulous) explaining your examples

Don’t describe in bland

DON’T use only personal definitions. Describe it from
examples, take advantage of the readers’ eyes.
facts and information
worldwide
 Tips +
recommended vocab
+
common mistakes
 TIPs
● Consider the
● Look out for your reaction of your
tone reader

Is it too formal? ● Address the reader who can

implement your proposal
Is it too informal? ● Work on the points that can convince
the reader about your opinion.
How to Convince
Your Audience co up le of
Next, a troduction
e in
creativ deas
● Find common ground with i
your audience

● What are the warrants

(values or strong beliefs) ● Examples of needs and
your audience holds? values that motivate
most audiences

● Tell a true-life story about the
problem
● Give a personal experience story
● Use a scenario or imagined story
illustrating why this needs to be
solved
● Give statistics and facts about
the problem
● Do a detailed explanation of the
problem with facts
● Give the history of the situation
and explain how this problem
developed
● Use a vivid description with
sensory details
● Use a movie, book, T.V. story, or
news story to show the problem and
why it is important.
 For the body where you
include your solutions, there
could be 12 ways to
introduce them.
 A diversity of vocabulary
should be needed in your
essay. These are some
recommended transitional
words you could add in.
 Common mistakes
wander from the subject being too general

1 2 3 4

listing only problems and inability to link solutions to

solutions creative problems
LAST PART

b e tw e en a
if f e r e nces l ution
D an d s o
p ro b l em
rg u m ent
w it h an a
essa y
essay
 ● Vividly describe a problem or
Similarities situation

● Vividly describe a problem or

situation

● Have a viewpoint they want to

an t t he
convince the reader to understand May w r to
reade on
e ac t i
● Want the reader to believe, do, or tak
think something
 Problem-solution ● What needs to be done
essays give a
detailed plan for ● How it needs to be done

how the problem ● Why it will work

needs to be solved
and argues for a ● Why it is feasible and reasonable

specific action as a solution

● Why it is cost-effective

The body argues your solution

● Why this solution is better than
and explains: other solutions
 We appr
Do you have any questions? eciate
your coo
peration
 References
● https://www.eapfoundation.com/writin
g/essays/problemsolution/
● https://www.thoughtco.com/problem-s
olution-composition-1691539
● https://www.ieltsbuddy.com/problem-s
olution-essays.html
● https://blogs.wp.missouristate.edu/wri
tinglab/rhetoric/problem-solution/
● https://ieltsonlinetests.com/writing-tip
s/dos-and-donts-ielts-writing-task-2-ie
lts-mentor
● https://sites.google.com/view/essaywrit
inghelp229/the-fight-against-problem-
solution-writing-essay
 Credit

● Content: All members

● Powerpoint: Bằng
Linh, Khánh Ly
● Presentation: All
members