SFL/METU
DBE
WHO 2
Problem-Solution Paragraphs
March 2017
UPPER-INTERMEDIATE GROUP
In most disciplines and professions, problem solving is a basic way of thinking. For example, scientists use a
systematic form of problem solving known as the scientific method to test, verify, and talk about hypotheses, while
political scientists and sociologists spend much of their time studying troubling political and social problems and
then proposing solutions to them. The problem-solution pattern, which is used to some degree in all these types of
communication, is also very useful in academic writing.
A problem-solution paragraph presents a problem and describes two or more possible solutions to that problem.
Since such paragraphs are considered to be both explanatory and persuasive, you must carefully plan and supply
sufficient evidence to prove to your reader that you understand what the problem is and that your suggested solutions
to it are valid, and therefore should be considered.
Though there are many possible ways to write a problem-solution paragraph, this is the pattern we suggest at DBE:
Introduction (Presenting the problem)
Topic Sentence
Solution #1
Solution #2
Solution #3
Conclusion
SUGGESTING SOLUTIONS
TASK 1: Below are some serious problems that need immediate attention. Think of two solutions for each problem
and then compare them with those of your classmates.
1. Many people have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep for an adequate amount of time. This problem is
known as insomnia. What suggestions would you give to people who cannot seem to get a good night’s sleep?
PROBLEM: Insomnia
SOLUTIONS: a. ______________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________
2. Stress at work or school can be a serious problem. A person suffering from too much stress usually finds it
difficult to be productive or happy. What are some ways to reduce the amount of stress in someone’s life?
PROBLEM: Stress at work or school
SOLUTIONS: a. ______________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________
3. Crime is a serious problem in many large cities in Turkey. What solutions can you think of to reduce crime?
PROBLEM: Crime in large cities in Turkey
SOLUTIONS: a. ______________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________
4. Many of Earth’s resources will eventually run out. What solutions can you think of to the future energy crisis?
PROBLEM: Energy Crisis
SOLUTIONS: a. ______________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________
1
TASK 2. Read the following paragraph and complete the following analysis.
In most of the world, energy is created by burning fossil fuels-coal, natural gas, and oil,-and the problem is that
these resources are finite, and in the coming decades, they will be almost gone. Three commonly proposed
solutions to this problem are improving conservation efforts, increasing the efficiency of home appliances, and
changing to renewable sources of energy. The first solution is enhancing our conservation efforts. It would work
if people agreed to use public transportation more and drive their cars less. Preventing heat loss by using proper
insulation methods in homes and office buildings could also be helpful. The second solution, increasing the
efficiency of the appliances people use every day, is a simple action most people can do to produce greater energy
efficiency. Energy-star certified appliances, like refrigerators and washing machines, consume less energy. They
will help reduce the amount of energy used as well as save consumers money over time. The third and the best
solution is the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable sources of energy, such as solar, wave, and wind power,
all of which provide a sustainable and ecologically friendly method for meeting society’s energy needs. Unlike
fossil fuels, these sources have a very low negative impact on the environment. In fact, most of them don’t harm
the environment at all, which is totally the opposite of fossil-fuel production activities. In conclusion, in order to
have sufficient energy resources in the future, it will be necessary to pursue the development and encourage the
use of renewable energy worldwide.
Introductory sentence: In most of the world, energy is created by burning fossil fuels-coal, natural gas, and oil,and the problem is that these resources are finite, and in the coming decades, they will be almost gone.
Topic Sentence: ___________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Solution #1: _______________________________________
using public transportation more and driving less
preventing heat loss through insulation
Solution #2: _______________________________________
Purchasing energy efficient products (e.g.: refrigerators and washing machines) → reduces the
amount of energy used → saves money
Solution #3: _______________________________________ (e.g.: __________, __________, and
__________): sustainable and ecologically friendly
Concluding Sentence: In conclusion, in order to have sufficient energy resources in the future, it will be necessary
to pursue the development and encourage the use of renewable energy worldwide.
2
INTRODUCING THE TOPIC
A. THE INTRODUCTORY SENTENCE(S)
A problem-solution paragraph aims to persuade the reader that a certain issue should be treated as a problem.
Therefore, before the topic sentence, start the paragraph by stating or explaining the problem in one or two
introductory sentences. You may provide a definition (especially when the concept seems to be new or specific) or
the negative effects of an action or concept.
e.g.:
Studying in a foreign country can be fun and exciting, but it can also be problematic. One of the most serious
problems that young people living in a foreign country face is culture shock.
B. THE TOPIC SENTENCE
In the topic sentence, you should refer to the problem and present your solutions. In this sentence, the topic is the
problem itself and the controlling idea is the solutions. Sometimes, the writer mentions “who” can implement the
solution as it may be important to understand why the author mentions certain solutions only.
e.g.: Two of the most commonly proposed solutions to the problem of culture shock for foreign students are
making new friends and connecting with other students who have similar problems and getting help from a
faculty member.
e.g.:
There are two main solutions to the problem of culture shock for foreign students (, namely, making new
friends and connecting with other students who have similar problems and getting help from a faculty member.)
e.g.:
The government / school / students could / may / might solve this problem by implementing two solutions.
TASK 3: Go back to Task 1 and write topic sentences in which you will state the problems given and the solutions
you have proposed.
1. PROBLEM:
Insomnia
Topic Sentence: _________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________.
2. PROBLEM:
Stress at work or school
Topic Sentence: _________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________.
3. PROBLEM:
Crime in large cities in Turkey
Topic Sentence: _________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________.
C. MAJOR SUPPORTING SENTENCES
You need to state your solution first. Then, say “how” this solution will work in order to reach the desirable result
– elimination of the problem. Solutions should be realistic, practical, legal, ethical, and appropriate. People
should be able to implement the solution.
SUBJECT DEVELOPMENT
A. ORGANIZATIONAL METHODS
1. Importance method
First solution = least important
Last solution = most important (or vice versa)
This method is used if the writer believes that the solutions vary in importance.
3
2. Logical method
First solution = first in natural sequence
Last solution = last in natural sequence
This method is used when some natural sequence, such as time or space, presents itself to the writer.
B. BRIDGING THE MAJORS
In order to achieve a smooth transition between the major supports, you should use enumeration, i.e. the use of
sequence markers, to signal the connection between solutions.
The first
The second
The third / The last / The final
noun / noun phrase.
One
Another
Yet another
The last / The final
solution
is
to + V1.
First, / Firstly, / First of all,
Second, / Secondly,
Third, / Thirdly, / Finally,
+ sentence.
C. USEFUL LANGUAGE
EXPRESSING CERTAINTY
When describing consequences, you can use these expressions to show how certain you are.
will
At our current rate of use, we
may
might
could
certainly
probably
possibly
be out of fossil fuels in 30 to 40 years.
likely
It is probable that fossil fuels will run out in 30 to 40 years.
possible
will not
Fusion may not
might not
be available for at least 20 years.
impossible
unlikely
improbable
that fusion will be available soon.
It is
4
CONDITIONAL SENTENCES
If-clauses are used to predict the consequences of actions.
It would help if people biked, walked, carpooled, or used public transportation more and used their cars less.
If people want to prevent heat loss in their homes, they should use proper insulation methods.
THE CONCLUDING SENTENCE
Writing a concluding sentence by either:
1. Recommending the best solution to the problem if one solution is better than the other(s). (conclusion)
e.g.: In conclusion, in order to overcome culture shock, it is necessary for students who experience this problemto make new friends and connect with other students who have similar problems.
OR
2. Recommending that all of the solutions be implemented if they are of equal importance or should be applied all
together. (conclusion)
e.g.: To conclude, it is important that students make new friends and connect with other students who have similar
problems and get help from a faculty member.
5