There’ll be a time when you need to write an essay that discusses a problem and looks at the remedy for it. The aim of writing in this format is to let the reader know about the issue and also which consequences are possible.
It can also be written persuasively to make the reader consider a specific solution to the problem at hand. An essay like this aims to get consensus and eventual agreement on your stance and a solution to the problem.
It can also stay completely unbiased and neutral and simply provide a fair and balanced objective analysis of the problem and its possible solutions. The solutions in this case are all presented in the same light.
What type of topics can be covered in problem-solution essays?
There are numerous options when it comes to writing about problem solution essays. They tend to be on huge issues that we haven’t yet found any actionable solution for. They can be categorized into social issues (ranging from poverty and homelessness to world hunger), environmental issues (climate change, pollution, and deforestation), and political issues such as global corruption and wars being started. Other issues that can be included are educational or business issues with their own topics to consider. So, you can see it’s an area in which you are spoilt for choice and you can cherry-pick what works for you.
What does the structure look like for a problem-solution essay?
The structure will appear similar to other types of essays. However, there are some key notes and ideas to factor into your next problem-solution essay to help make it pop and be much more successful.
Build an introduction that lasts
This is the chance for you to be able to hook the reader’s attention. Get them early, whether it’s through a question that provokes thought, sharing an anecdotal story or with an eye-catching fact. After the hook, you can bring them to the actual problem, which will be the essay’s focus. You round off the introduction with a thesis statement that showcases the best possible solution (biased or unbiased) and why that solution, at a high level, is the best outcome.
Problem paragraph
The next paragraph should be a body paragraph focusing solely on the problem. This includes what the root causes of the issue are and what factors continue to contribute to it and make it as destructive as it is today. Here, you’re going to need to start bringing in data and sources that help to back up the claims you’re looking to make related to the problem.
It can also include references such as personal experiences as well. It’s vital to show these as it gives the valuable legitimacy to back up what you’re saying.
Primary solution paragraph
Your second body paragraph should include the best possible solution that you’ve selected and go deeper into detail. It should explain the solution and why it makes it the best option for the current problem. Again, you will want some type of evidence and source to work on backing up your claims. This should be relevant and quality data points that showcase how your solution has the best chances for success. With clear illustrations of the scenario in which the solution works, the reader can get on board with it.
Alternative solutions
Depending on the length of the essay and how long it needs to be, you may want to consider stating alternative solutions. With these, you can cover why they are not the optimal option for the problem being discussed within the essay. This section reinforces why your original choice for the solution was the best one based on how ineffective these other types of solutions could be. Again, always make sure to come up with the right data points to include in this section.
This may not be necessary at all, and you can skip right ahead to the conclusion at this point. The conclusion can help wrap everything up and reiterate the thesis statement and how your proposed solution aligns with that statement. With this type of essay, you can even have a call to action at the end to call the reader to take steps to address the problem at hand.
Key tips to consider when looking to write a Problem-Solution Essay
Make sure that if you decide on this type of essay writing, that you do the research and put it into your paper. These types of essays are all about factual data points and evidence and about quality over quantity.
To make it easier on you, work with a topic that you are interested in and have some prior knowledge about that you want to explore further. It will help give you the motivation you’re looking to have when it comes to the necessary research.
Have your essay be clear and straight to the point. You want to typically be objective where possible, but if you have a particular stance and have copious amounts of data points to fall back on, then you can lean towards that direction. In the end, it will lead to a much more passionate, clear and well-written essay.
It also cannot be stressed enough that no matter how interesting your essay and content may be, you want to make sure that it’s readable. That means taking the extra moment to proofread it carefully and ensure that it is not only grammatically correct but also that it flows properly and is enjoyable to read.
In the end
Problem-Solution essays are an excellent way to communicate ideas and eventually have others take action based on the data that you’ve presented. It’s a way to give more attention to some of the most pressing issues that we have to face in the world today. When you come at it from an academic, well-written approach, it will help your own skill set in writing and academic research that will help you effectively showcase your point.