PROBLEM-SOLUTION PARAGRAPH

Lecturer : Arsita Dheka Mahesti S.S, S.Hum

Arranged by :

1. Hafiza Alifa Ardhani (D1619010)

2. Khalifah Alifaisyah Baydilla (D1619017)
3. Lena Oktavionica (D1619018)
4. Mirawati (D1619019)
5. Nabila Febi Cahyasyani (D1619020)
6. Wika Surya Darma (D1619034)

D3 PUBLIC RELATIONS

FACULTY OF SOCIAL AND POLITICAL SCIENCE

UNIVERSITY OF SEBELAS MARET

 2019/2020

Table of Contents
A. DEFINITION...........................................................................................................................2
What are problem-solution essays?..........................................................................................2
B. STRUCTURE...........................................................................................................................2
C. LANGUAGE FEATURES.......................................................................................................3
1. Conditional Clause................................................................................................................3
D. HOW TO WRITE A PROBLEM SOLUTION........................................................................4
1. Choosing a Problem Solution Topic.....................................................................................4
2. Finding a Solution.................................................................................................................5
3. Writing Your Essay..............................................................................................................5
4. Introduction...........................................................................................................................5
5. Creative Introduction Ideas :................................................................................................6
6. Thesis....................................................................................................................................6
7. Body of Paper.......................................................................................................................6
8. Writing the Conclusion.........................................................................................................7
E. TOPIC IDEAS..........................................................................................................................7
F. EXAMPLE TEXT....................................................................................................................8
Bibliography..................................................................................................................................10
A. DEFINITION

What are problem-solution essays?

The problem-solution paragraph has three main points. First, the topic sentence
introduces the solution to a problem. Second, the body sentence that explains the problem
and the solution of the problem. Third, the closing sentence which contains the invitation
of the writer to the reader to take action or preventive solutions provided. The problem-
solution paragraph describes the problems that are around us by providing various
solutions that we can do for those problems. Problem-solution paragraphs have
similarities with causal essays, especially in their structural parts. The problem-solution
paragraph is a prayer of one sub-type of essay, which has the following structure:
 Situation
 Problem
 Solution
 Evaluation
The situation parts can be included in the essay prompt, where they are usually
not included in the main section because they are not needed. If needed, this part will be
included in the introduction, especially in the short essay. The evaluation part is usually
presented in the form of conclusions or omitted in short essays. Therefore, problem-
solutions are essay more often used than situational-problem-evaluation essays (or SPSE
essays).

B. STRUCTURE
There are two ways that are most often used in compiling problem-solution
paragraphs. Both of these methods are similar to how to arrange cause and effect essays,
namely by using block structure and chain structure. Both of these methods have their
respective advantages.
For block structures, the problems to be discussed are placed in one paragraph.
Whereas the solutions are placed in the next paragraph. So, the problems and the
 solutions are in different paragraphs. The advantages of this method are clearer,
especially for short essays.
For the chain structure, every problem discussed is always followed by a solution
that can be done. So, the problems and the solutions are in one paragraph. The advantage
is that the writer can ensure that the solution provided is directly related to the problem at
hand.

C. LANGUAGE FEATURES

1. Conditional Clause
Use conditional type 1 for writing problem solution paragraph. Type 1 conditional
sentences are used to talk about real and possible situations.
 Formula : use a simple present tense in the if-clause and modals (will, may,
shall, etc) + infinitive in the result clause.

If you study hard, you will get good scores on the test

Modal + main verb Simple present

 Punctuation note : comma is not needed when if clause comes in the second
you will get good scores on the test if you study hard

Now, let’s look at the way “could,” “should,” and “would” are used in
conditionals :
 Could be used to express possibilities. Something that could happen doesn't
necessarily that must to happen. Could not be used to express wishes or
opinions. This is only used to state things that might or might not happen.
 First conditional example: If it rains enough tomorrow, it could flood; we
should be prepared in case that happens.
 Second conditional example: If I had lunch with my favorite actress, I
could ask for her autograph, or I could ask her to make a movie with me.
  Third conditional example: If I had known you were going to the football
game yesterday, I could have gone with you, because I had the day off
from work.
 Should is used to express opinions about the best course of action or choice.
When describing cause and effect, this is also used to state that a cause is very
likely to occur in the future or very likely to occur in the past.
 First conditional example: If it continues to rain this hard for another
hour, it should start flooding. Start preparing for the flood right now.
 Third conditional examples (suggestion; event that was likely in the
past): If you were going to the football game yesterday, you should have
invited me to go with you. You should have known I had the day off,
because I emailed you to tell you I was free.
 Would is used to describe something that might not happen, but could happen
if the situation changes in a certain way. In addition, it can describe past
events that did not occur, but only because the situation was not right.
 Second conditional example: If you had lunch with your favorite actress,
you would ask her for her autograph and you would ask her to make a
movie with you. You wouldn’t feel like you needed to choose just one of
those.
 Third conditional example: If I had known you had the day off yesterday, I
would have asked you to join me. I wanted you to join me, but I didn’t
know you were free.

D. HOW TO WRITE A PROBLEM SOLUTION

1. Choosing a Problem Solution Topic

Start thinking about things that disturb your mind or problems that are around
you.

Step One: Think about groups that you belong to and problems that those groups
have. Make a list of groups you belong to, for example:
 School
  Hometown community
 Clubs
 Sports teams
 Hobby groups
 People groups (teenagers, high school students, college students, family,
males, females, race, culture, or language group)

Step Two: Make a list of problems that you encounter with these groups.
Sometimes, there are solutions that are not reached. The problem faced does not have
to be a big problem, but it can also be a problem that can convince others, a problem
that can be solved, or at least makes it better.
2. Finding a Solution

Great solutions are:

 Implemented easily
 Effective at solving the problem
 Cost-effective
 Feasible

3. Writing Your Essay

To write a persuasive solution essay, you need to organize carefully. Your main
goals are:

a. Interest your reader in the problem

b. Convince your reader that the problem is important and needs to be solved
c. Explain your solution clearly
d. Convince the reader that your solution is cost-effective and feasible
e. Convince your reader that your solution is better than other solutions

4. Introduction

In the introduction, you need to describe the problem and explain why it needs to
be solved and then give your thesis solution. Remember:
  If it is an unknown problem, you will need to explain in detail.
 If it is a familiar problem, then you need to paint a vivid picture.
 In both situations, you will need to convince the reader that it is an important
problem.

5. Creative Introduction Ideas

a. Tell a true-life story about the problem.
b. Give a personal experience story.
c. Use a scenario or imagined story illustrating why this needs to be solved.
d. Give statistics and facts about the problem which make it vivid for the reader.
e. Do a detailed explanation of the problem with facts that show why it needs to
be dealt with.
f. Give the history of the situation and explain how this problem developed.
g. Use a frame story which gives an example of the problem in the introduction
and then a return to the problem being solved in the conclusion.
h. Use a vivid description with sensory details that makes the reader see the
situation.
i. Use a movie, book, T.V. story or news story to show the problem and why it
is important.
6. Thesis

At the end of your introduction, you can ask your thesis question and then give
your solution idea as the thesis statement. Here are some tips:

a. State your solution clearly in one sentence.

b. Usually, your thesis sentence will come after your description of the problem.

c. Sometimes, you may not want to state this thesis until after you have shown
that the present solutions aren't working, especially if your thesis is something
simple.

7. Body of Paper

The body of your paper will be three or more paragraphs and must:

a. Explain your solution clearly

b. Give details about how this solution will solve the problem

c. Explain who will be in charge and how it will be funded

d. Give evidence that your solution will work (expert opinion, examples of
when it has worked before, statistics, studies, or logical argument)

The body of your paper will also seek to argue that your solution:

a. Will solve the problem.

b. Is cost-effective.

c. Is feasible to implement.

d. Is a reasonable solution to the problem.

e. Can stand up to possible objections.

f. Is better than other solutions.

 In order to make a convincing argument, you will need to consider objections to
your plan carefully and refute them logically with argument and/or evidence.

8. Writing the Conclusion

Your conclusion will be one or more paragraphs. For an excellent ending, you
want to clinch your argument and convince your reader that your solution is the best.
Here are some effective ideas:

a. Tell the reader what should happen.

b. Give a description of how the situation will change if your plan is adopted.

c. Use the end of the frame story to show how the solution is needed or how it
will work.

d. Give a real-life example or scenario showing adoption of your plan and how
it works.

e. Cite convincing facts, statistics, or expert testimony on the solution or the

problem.

E. TOPIC IDEAS
We need to choose the right topic if we want to write a problem solution paragraph.
Here are some topics that might get the wheels turning:

 Alcohol addiction
 Bullying in school
 Cyberbullying
 Dangers of procrastination
 Endangered species
 Fractures in family relationships
 Obesity
 Social media addiction
  Pollution
 Teen suicide
 Work-life balance
 Game addiction, etc.

F. EXAMPLE TEXT

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 people can
be numbered to one third of the population. This is significant as obesity and poor fitness
leads 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.
 Bibliography

Hicks, T. (n.d.). Seven Steps for Effective Problem Solving. Retrieved November 29, 2019, from
Mediate.com: https://www.mediate.com/articles/thicks.cfm

Kearney, V. (2019, July 29). How to Write a Problem Solution Essay: Step-by-Step Instructions .
Retrieved November 29, 2019, from Owlcation: https://owlcation.com/academia/How-to-
Write-a-Propose-a-Solution-Essay

Recine, D. (2015, February 9). Using "Would", "Could", and "Should" in Conditionals.
Retrieved November 29, 2019, from Magoosh TOEFL Blog:
https://magoosh.com/toefl/2015/using-would-could-and-should-in-conditionals/

Smith, S. (2019, October 30). Problem-solution essays. Retrieved November 27, 2019, from
EAPFOUNDATION.COM:
https://www.eapfoundation.com/writing/essays/problemsolution/