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Problem-solution essays are a common essay type, especially for short essays such as subject exams or IELTS . The page gives information on what they are , how to structure this type of essay, and gives an example problem-solution essay on the topic of obesity and fitness levels.
Problem-solution essays consider the problems of a particular situation, and give solutions to those problems. They are in some ways similar to cause and effect essays , especially in terms of structure (see below). Problem-solution essays are actually a sub-type of another type of essay, which has the following four components:
The 'situation' may be included in the essay prompt, in which case it will not be needed in the main body. If it is needed, it can often be included in the introduction, especially for short essays, as with the example essay below . The 'evaluation' may be included as part of the conclusion (also as in the example below), or omitted altogether, especially for short essays. For these reasons, problem-solution essays are more common than situation-problem-solution-evaluation essays (or SPSE essays).
There are two main ways to structure a problem-solution essay. These are similar to the ways to structure cause and effect essays , namely using a block or a chain structure. For the block structure, all of the problems are listed first, and all of the solutions are listed afterwards. For the chain structure, each problem is followed immediately by the solution to that problem. Both types of structure have their merits. The former is generally clearer, especially for shorter essays, while the latter ensures that any solutions you present relate directly to the problems you have given.
The two types of structure, block and chain , are shown in the diagram below. This is for a short essay, which includes the 'situation' in the introduction and 'evaluation' in the conclusion. A longer essay, for example one of around 1,000 words, with citations , would probably have these two sections as separate paragraphs in the main body.
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Below is a problem-solution essay on the topic of obesity and poor fitness . It uses the block structure . Click on the different areas (in the shaded boxes) to highlight the different structural aspects in this essay, i.e. Situation, Problem, Solution, Evaluation. This will highlight not simply the paragraphs, but also (for problems and solutions) the thesis statement and summary , as these repeat the problems and solutions contained in the main body.
Consumption of processed and convenience foods and our dependence on the car have led to an increase in obesity and reduction in the fitness level of the adult population. In some countries, especially industrialized ones, the number of obese people can amount to one third of the population. This is significant as obesity and poor fitness lead to a decrease in life expectancy , and it is therefore important for individuals and governments to work together to tackle this issue and improve their citizens' diet and fitness. Obesity and poor fitness decrease life expectancy. Overweight people are more likely to have serious illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease, which can result in premature death. It is well known that regular exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, which means that those with poor fitness levels are at an increased risk of suffering from those problems. Changes by individuals to their diet and their physical activity can increase life expectancy. There is a reliance today on the consumption of processed foods, which have a high fat and sugar content. By preparing their own foods, and consuming more fruit and vegetables, people could ensure that their diets are healthier and more balanced, which could lead to a reduction in obesity levels. In order to improve fitness levels, people could choose to walk or cycle to work or to the shops rather than taking the car. They could also choose to walk up stairs instead of taking the lift. These simple changes could lead to a significant improvement in fitness levels. Governments could also implement initiatives to improve their citizens' eating and exercise habits. This could be done through education, for example by adding classes to the curriculum about healthy diet and lifestyles. Governments could also do more to encourage their citizens to walk or cycle instead of taking the car, for instance by building more cycle lanes or increasing vehicle taxes. While some might argue that increased taxes are a negative way to solve the problem, it is no different from the high taxes imposed on cigarettes to reduce cigarette consumption. In short, obesity and poor fitness are a significant problem in modern life, leading to lower life expectancy . Individuals and governments can work together to tackle this problem and so improve diet and fitness . Of the solutions suggested, those made by individuals themselves are likely to have more impact, though it is clear that a concerted effort with the government is essential for success. With obesity levels in industrialized and industrializing countries continuing to rise, it is essential that we take action now to deal with this problem.
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Below is a checklist for the main body of an essay. Use it to check your own writing, or get a peer (another student) to help you.
The essay is a essay | ||
An appropriate is used, either or | ||
The essay has a clear | ||
Each paragraph has a clear | ||
The essay has strong support (facts, reasons, examples, etc.) | ||
The conclusion includes a of the main points |
Find out about writing definitions and definition essays in the next section.
Go back to the previous section about cause & effect essays .
Author: Sheldon Smith ‖ Last modified: 22 January 2022.
Sheldon Smith is the founder and editor of EAPFoundation.com. He has been teaching English for Academic Purposes since 2004. Find out more about him in the about section and connect with him on Twitter , Facebook and LinkedIn .
Compare & contrast essays examine the similarities of two or more objects, and the differences.
Cause & effect essays consider the reasons (or causes) for something, then discuss the results (or effects).
Discussion essays require you to examine both sides of a situation and to conclude by saying which side you favour.
Problem-solution essays are a sub-type of SPSE essays (Situation, Problem, Solution, Evaluation).
Transition signals are useful in achieving good cohesion and coherence in your writing.
Reporting verbs are used to link your in-text citations to the information cited.
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Every student needs recommendations about how to make the process of academic writing easier and more effective. A problem-solution essay guide can be of great use to those who care about their grades and academic performance.
So, what are the main aspects of turning this type of essay into a masterpiece?
It is not difficult to identify the problems; however, it may be a real challenge to find effective solutions. A perfect paper requires a lot of effort and much time spent on collecting outstanding ideas. We will lead you to success through the process of collecting ideas to writing the final output. When you learn all the rules and finish with training, you will write any type of academic paper easily and quickly. Besides, you will no longer ask questions like “What is thesis?” or “What does problem and solution mean?”
A problem-solving essay can be graded high only if certain requirements are met. Think about how you can add some humor and encourage your audience to laugh and agree with your points. Besides, have a look at the advice below and improve your skills to impress the professors.
It will take you less effort if you decide to write about the problems you know about or have experienced personally. It is good if you have some topic in your mind that bothers you or ideas you have thought about with relevant solutions. Then you have a good start. Afterward, make a list of organizations or groups which you belong. Consider the place where you live, your hometown, the clubs you attend, the activities and events you participate in, the sports groups, your job, and so on.
Then think about the groups with which you can identify, in particular male or female, single child or one of the siblings, your ethnic background, interests, height, etc. Take a minute to take into account the stereotypes related to the groups you belong to.
Have a look at the list of organizations and groups. Brainstorm the problems they might experience. Those issues and problems can be related to leadership, type of organization, procedures, rules, ideas, stereotypes, people, etc. Think about the correlation of what the group can do versus what they want to do. If you still need some hints, you can make use of lists of topics online. Please note that a persuasive topic in problem writing requires developing an effective solution.
Pick several interesting problems out of the list of problems you have composed. Make a question out of the topic ideas. Make sure that the question is not too broad. Have a look at the possible questions related to the cheating problem, for example:
There are numerous possible solutions for each problem. However, in most cases, students have some ideas at once. As soon as you get one, write it down to have it as a starting point. Then you can talk to your classmate, friend, or parent to discuss the problem and try to think of other solutions as well. Such discussions always help to get the required feedback and fresh ideas. Actually, it is better to talk to as many people as possible. Professors always encourage their students to share the ideas or even have a group of people for a debate over the solutions.
If you have a number of ideas, it is great! Communicate with the people you trust and choose the one you agree is the best for an essay. Having asked your family members, acquaintances, and friends, find out which idea they like the most and which solutions they can offer. It may happen that you will change your initial idea completely, it is fine! Just make sure that the chosen topic is both important and interesting for you.
For instance, if you decide on a military problem-solving process, you have to know which type of claim you need. You will do the same with any other types of essays. First of all, write down the ideas of other people and do some research on the basis of such questions:
Do thorough research and get to know what opinions people have about the problem, solutions, and related causes. To consider the relation between the causes and effects, try to find answers to the following questions.
First of all, as they say, if you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem. Try to find the problem that will not only be interesting for you but will also address the proper audience. Your solution will work only if the target group can implement the presented solution. Otherwise, they will be merely irritated with your attempts.
Besides, your audience should have certain authority. If you deal with the problem of low-quality food in the school cafeteria, the students will be interested in solving the problem but they cannot do that. Addressing the students in such a paper will not be a good solution. The right audience to be addressed in such a community problem-solving paper will be the staff or the administration of the cafeteria.
Furthermore, your audience should be convinced, so use proper reasoning. Even if the students do not like the taste of the food, it is not a persuasive argument for the authorities. What they will note is the argument that the food is unhealthy or that the students’ parents are dissatisfied with the quality. Make all the arguments with reasons and evidence to make the paper persuasive.
What is the usual purpose of a problem-and-solution essay? Every problem can have a number of causes, and you have to focus on finding solutions to the most common ones. Do research and answer the following questions to search for the best solution idea.
Introduction: Ensure clarity and involve the readers.
Description: Present the problem for the audience to understand it.
Importance: Persuade the audience that the problem requires immediate solution.
Cause/Effect: Provide the explanation of the problem causes, and present the correlation between the actual causes and imaginary causes.
Thesis: Ask a question and provide the answer.
Body: Ensure a detailed explanation of the solutions and present the arguments.
Conclusion: Your conclusion should be a call to action. The readers should know what you expect them to believe, think, or do. Explain to them what will change if the solution is implemented.
Problem analysis and application of the problem-solving strategy, reference list.
It is much easier to address a particular problem or a difficult situation if a person can properly define this issue and distinguish its major components. In this way, an individual can take more informed decisions, especially at the time when it is necessary to reconcile several conflicting values or interests. The scenario that will be analyzed in this paper also represents a conflict of interests.
In particular, one should mention the need for better economic opportunities and the necessity to complete one’s studies while avoiding additional expenses. Furthermore, one should keep in mind that the scenario does not include the information which may be important for choosing the most optimal solution. There are other aspects of this issue and they will be examined in the following sections of the paper. Overall, it is possible to apply the approach outlined in the article The Problem Solving Process (n. d.). This technique can be helpful for discussing this scenario from different perspectives and generating different solutions. These are the main questions that should be examined in greater detail.
This problem can be reduced to the choice between two options, while the implications of each decision cannot be accurately determined. In this case, I have to decide whether I should accept the job offer from a company that is ready to hire me as a supervisor with a significant salary increase. However, I would have to start my work during my final examination period; so, I may need to abandon my studies at the college that I currently attend. One should take into account that the current company gives tuition reimbursement while the new company does not. Therefore, I may need to spend more time and money to obtain a Bachelor’s degree. This is one of the drawbacks that should be considered. Certainly, it is possible to work in the company in which I have worked for eleven years. Nevertheless, this decision can deprive me of possible opportunities for career growth and this mistake can have far-reaching implications.
Admittedly, it is possible to provide alternative definitions of this problem; however, one can do it only by identifying some of the important factors that are not identified in the chosen scenario. For instance, one may consider the opportunities for professional growth in the two companies. Furthermore, one should focus on such an issue as job design in each of the organizations. If this information had been provided in the scenario, the problem could have been formulated more accurately.
While analyzing this problem, one should consider the factors involved in this problem, especially possible opportunities and threats associated with each of the decisions. In particular, one can focus on such factors as the new employment opportunity, increased salary, and favorable attitude of the management that reimburse the relocation costs. These are the positive aspects of the first option. At the same time, one should not overlook potential disadvantages such as the increased costs of education and possible necessity to spend more time in order to receive an academic degree. By staying in the current company, I would manage to avoid these pitfalls, but I may not be able to increase my socio-economic status and acquire new professional skills.
This situation can be examined from a different perspective if one can learn more about the details omitted from this case. In particular, one may focus on the way in which each of the choices can contribute to a person’s career. For instance, this problem might be examined with the help of the cost-benefit analysis. In particular, this technique can be applied provided that the cost of tuition is specified. However, this information is not available. Overall, a decision-maker should remember that even the most rigorous analytical tool can be ineffective, if the available information is inaccurate or incomplete (Engel, 1998).This is one of the issues that should not be overlooked.
Overall, it is possible to identify several solutions to this scenario. For instance, it is possible to ask the management of the new company to postpone the start date so that I could have enough time to complete my studies and obtain a Bachelor’s degree. Furthermore, I may take an academic leave and resume my studies at the time, when I get used to the requirements of the new employer. Thirdly, it is possible to reject the offer and continue working in my current company.
It is possible to mention that the first solution may be the most optimal decision, if the managers of the new company agree to postpone the start of my career in this organization. Nevertheless, this organization may not be able to offer me this opportunity due to possible time constrains. So, they may not be open to negotiation while discussing this particular issue. In turn, the second solution enables a person to take new employment opportunity and retain the chance of continuing one’s education. However, this solution leads to the increased costs that may be required for receiving a degree. In turn, the third approach enables the person to avoid these expenditures. Yet, this evaluation can be fully valid provided that one can take accurately assess two companies. For instance, the chosen scenario does not tell a person how the managers of the current company can respond, if an employee, who has worked for the organization for eleven years, decides to leave. In particular, they may choose to offer him/her a salary increase. This is one of the cases illustrating the limitations of the current analysis which cannot incorporate the relevant evidence. So, while solving a particular problem, one should not disregard the issues that are not mentioned in the scenario (Brest & Krieger, 2010). This is one of the points that should be made.
Overall, the most optimal approach is to combine the first two solutions. In particular, at the beginning, one should carefully explain the complexity of the situation to the management of the new company and ask them if it is possible to start working after the examination period. It is quite possible that they will agree to wait for the completion of the examination period. Provided that this opportunity is not available, one should take an academic leave or move to a different college since in this way, one can make use of the new employment opportunity. However, this chosen approach can be adopted only if the management of the current company does not try to retain the employee in any way.
The next course of action will strongly depend on the work environment of the new company and the ability of a person to meet the requirements of the employee. Provided that I am able to perform successfully in the organization, I will continue my education and take a Bachelor’s degree. Furthermore, it is possible that I may stay at the company in which I am currently working and complete my graduate studies. Overall, it is possible to say that the solution of the problem can take different paths, depending on the decisions of other people. This is one of the details that should not be overlooked.
Overall, the problem-solving strategy that has been described in this paper can be applied to various situations. Moreover, it can be used in different settings because it is compatible with various analytical tools and data collection methods. Apart from that, this strategy enables a person to distinguish those issues that are not fully described in a particular scenario. This is the main advantage of this problem-solving strategy.
Overall, these examples show that the application of a problem-solving strategy can be useful for taking decisions. They enable a person to decompose a certain problem and identify the advantages and disadvantages of possible solutions. It should be noted that the selected scenario does not include specific and relevant data that may be important for developing the most appropriate solutions. More importantly, at this point, one cannot accurately identify the most optimal decision, because it is important to consider the responses of various stakeholders such as the managers of both companies. These are the main details that can be singled out.
Brest, P., & Krieger, L. (2010). Problem Solving, Decision Making, and Professional Judgment: A Guide for Lawyers and Policymakers . Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Engel, A. (1998). Problem-Solving Strategies . New York, NY: Springer Science & Business Media.
The Problem Solving Process . (n. d.). Web.
IvyPanda. (2020, June 25). Problem Solving Process at the Workplace. https://ivypanda.com/essays/problem-solving-process-at-the-workplace/
"Problem Solving Process at the Workplace." IvyPanda , 25 June 2020, ivypanda.com/essays/problem-solving-process-at-the-workplace/.
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IvyPanda . 2020. "Problem Solving Process at the Workplace." June 25, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/problem-solving-process-at-the-workplace/.
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Conflict management, steps in decision and problem solving process, popular essay topics.
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The most effective problem-solving approach includes some variation of the following steps: Determine the issue (s) Recognize other perspectives. Think of multiple possible results. Research and evaluate the possibilities. Select the best result (s) Communicate your findings. Establish logical action items based on your analysis.
Step 1: Think about groups that you belong to and the problems that those groups have. Make a list of groups you belong to, such as: Step 2: Make a list of problems you have encountered in some of these groups. Sometimes there is a plan for a solution, but it isn't working, or maybe the plan isn't being enforced.
1.Describe the problem and tell why it is important to solve. 2. Explain your solution and why it will work. 3. Refute objections. Problems are easy to see, but finding solutions is not as easy. To write an effective paper, you need to spend some time preparing your ideas. This step-by-step guide leads you through the process of getting your ...
Problem Solution Essay Outline. The best guide for a problem solution essay outline is the four components mentioned above. Cover the situation, the problem, the solution, and then evaluate both or all sides of the story. To drill down further into the outline, you should have an introduction that will set out your paper's structure.
A problem-solution essay should have three components that are addressed in three separate body paragraphs. First, describe the problem and incorporate facts and statistics. Second, explain the ...
Propose practical and reasonable solutions for the first problem. Support each solution with evidence and rationale. Solution 2: Repeat the process for the second problem's solutions. Ensure a clear connection between each problem and its respective solution. Conclusion.
A problem-solution essay is a type of argument. "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).
This type of essay may be assigned in a high school or college composition class, and it generally requires some research before the writing process can begin. The primary thrust of a problem-solution essay is usually either an argument for a specific solution to a problem or a strong case for the urgent need to solve a problem. Like most ...
The problem solution essay intends to present either multiple solutions to a single problem or one ideal solution to the problem discussed in the essay. In the book, Fusion: Integrated Reading and Writing (2016), the author Dave Kemper defined a problem-solving essay, "This sort of essay involves argumentation in that the writer seeks to ...
1) Take a walk. A good problem-solution paper addresses a problem that is worth pursuing and can be solved practically. World peace is out, sorry. So are your personal gripes with security ...
4. Start Writing Your Essay. Now the outline is created, it's time to fit in the extensive detail. A problem-solving essay follows the structur e of having an introd uction paragraph, three supporting body paragraphs, and a concluding one.. Start adding the details as discussed in the outline section.
The problem solving process can best be defined as the best way to overcome obstacles in situations and the steps used to help overcome them (Peterson et al., 2002). The second step, sort out information that is not needed provided clarity during times in which the process seemed overwhelming. This called for a potential solution, a desired ...
After this, write down your thoughts on a topic outline to decide your problem solution essay flow. 3. Compose a Powerful Introduction. When reading a piece of writing, people often doubt whether or not the composition is worth their time. To persuade them, you should begin your paper with a captivating introduction.
Describe the factors that may be a part of the problem as many as possible. Study all potential causes of the problem that may be relevant to the factors. Create a diagram of the factors and causes, how they are connected and analyze it. Depending on the complexity of the problem you can do an investigation by analyzing causes and also surveys ...
Planning a "Problem-Solution" Essay . Students are often asked to write essays that address a particular problem. Based on a series of questions, the Dewey Sequence was developed by educator John Dewey as a reflective method for solving problems. The idea is to work through the list of questions and use the answers you come up
A problem and solution essayis a type of academic writing that defines some specific issue and provides steps to solve it. This kind of essay is aimed at assessing a student's ability to find some controversial problem and offer a clear problem-solving strategy. Your topic should be relatively simple to write about.
After you have chosen your topic, you can find instructions on how to develop your ideas, find a unique solution to the problem, and organize your essay in this guide to writing a problem-solving paper. 4 Parts of Problem-Solution. Describe a problem vividly. Propose a solution. Argue that the solution is practical, feasible, cost-effective ...
Overview of the Problem-Solving Mental Process. Problem-solving is a mental process that involves discovering, analyzing, and solving problems. The ultimate goal of problem-solving is to overcome obstacles and find a solution that best resolves the issue. The best strategy for solving a problem depends largely on the unique situation.
Problem-solution essays consider the problems of a particular situation, and give solutions to those problems. They are in some ways similar to cause and effect essays, especially in terms of structure (see below). Problem-solution essays are actually a sub-type of another type of essay, which has the following four components: Situation. Problem.
Arguments for the solution: the readers should understand every aspect in the problem-solving process and know how the solution will: resolve the problem. be logical. be cost-effective. be feasible. Respond to the objections: The problem is of insignificant importance. The problem has other causes of greater importance.
1. Define the problem. Diagnose the situation so that your focus is on the problem, not just its symptoms. Helpful problem-solving techniques include using flowcharts to identify the expected steps of a process and cause-and-effect diagrams to define and analyze root causes.. The sections below help explain key problem-solving steps.
In this way, an individual can take more informed decisions, especially at the time when it is necessary to reconcile several conflicting values or interests. The scenario that will be analyzed in this paper also represents a conflict of interests. Get a custom essay on Problem Solving Process at the Workplace. 190 writers online.
Problem Solving Process Essays. Conflict Management, Steps in Decision and Problem Solving Process. Introduction Conflict is defined as a form of disagreement between two or more people. Conflicts have become part of our integral lives, from childhood with our guardians to school with our teenagers and workplaces with our colleagues. In today ...