Problem Solution Essay Structure

Problem-Solution
essays are short essays for IELTS or subject exams that examine the problems of
a specific situation and offer solutions to these problems. The structure of
problem-solution essays includes four main sections – Situation (Introduction),
Problem, Solution, and Evaluation (Conclusion).

Structure of
problem solution essays

Problem-solution
essays can be structured in two main ways, namely a block or a chain arrangement. In the block arrangement, all the
problems are described first, and all the solutions are explained later. In
the chain arrangement, each problem is immediately followed by its
solution. Both the structures have their own advantages. The former is a better
choice for writing shorter essays, whereas the latter allows you to present
solutions related directly to the given problems.

Let us start
writing a problem solution essay with the basic four-section structure in mind:

Section 1-
Introduction

This section
has two sentences – the question and the outline statement. You can paraphrase
and state the question in the first sentence. Paraphrasing can be done by
simply expressing the question again in different words that retain the same
meaning. Use synonyms or adjust the order of the words. The second sentence is
the outline statement that says what you will talk about in the essay.

Section 2-
Problem

The problem
section will state the problem in the first sentence. The next sentence
explains the problem followed by the impact of this problem. Conclude this
section by citing examples of the problem.

Section 3-
Solution

Start the
solution section by stating your solution to the problem. In the next sentence,
explain how this solution will resolve your problem. Give some examples of the
solution resolving the problem.

Section 4-
Conclusion

The conclusion
summarizes the key points of sections 2 and 3. There is no need to introduce
new ideas in this section, but instead simply sum up the key points from the
previous sections. Use synonyms to avoid repetition in this section. The last
sentence of this section can be used to make recommendations or predictions.

This essay writing structure works for any problem solution essay. Note that this
structure considers only one problem and offers one solution. In reality, one
problem-one solution essays are more effective and easier to write. But, if you
feel that this structure is not enough to write 250 words, you can include one
more problem and provide the corresponding solution. However, having two
problems and their solutions might prevent you from elaborating on and
explaining your thoughts sufficiently or consume a lot of time.

Some common
mistakes in problem solution essays

Despite being a
common writing task, lots of students are not able to structure their essays
properly. Here are some common mistakes for problem solution essays:

·        
The most common error is not elaborating on your facts and just
listing the problems and solutions. It would be better if you choose one or two
problems and provide their solutions and explain them with examples.

·        
Some students write about problems that are not related to the
question directly. You need to stick to specific ideas by identifying the
keywords rather than presenting an overall picture.

·        
Lots of students come up with good thoughts for problems but fail
to relate their answers to these problems. Each solution should be directly
related to the problem and resolve it completely.

·        
There are some students who come up with good ideas and solutions
and even elaborate on their answers brilliantly, but their explanation is too
general. Instead, they should provide clear explanations with specific
examples.

Source essay
provides essay writing templates to write flawless problem solution
essays. Practice different templates to write essays comfortably.

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