Recommending a course of action . . .

From Reading to Writing The story “Lalla” is

about a young woman who solves a problem:

Which man should she marry, and what kind of

life should she lead? Fiction dealing with

problems compels interest because life also has

many problems and conflicts.

Problem- Solution

Essay

Recommending a course of action . . .

One way to deal with these difficulties is to

analyze the problem and explore possible

solutions. That is why problem-solution writing

can be found in places ranging from newspaper

editorials to personal letters.

Problem- Solution

Essay

B a s i c s i n a B o x

RUBRIC Standards for Writing

A successful problem-solution essay should

• clearly state a problem and explain its significance

• explore all aspects of the problem including its causes and effects

• offer one or more reasonable solutions and explain how to put them into effect

• use anecdotes, examples, facts, or statistics to support the proposed solutions

• use logical reasoning to persuade the audience

Writing Your Problem-Solution Essay 1 Prewriting

Man is a problem-solving animal . . .

Joyce Carol Oates, American writer

Man is a problem-solving animal . . .

Joyce Carol Oates, American writer

To find a meaningful topic to write about

Brainstorm problems that you have

discussed with your friends lately.

Writing Your Problem-Solution Essay 1 Prewriting

Man is a problem-solving animal . . .

Joyce Carol Oates, American writer

Man is a problem-solving animal . . .

Joyce Carol Oates, American writer

To find a meaningful topic to write about

Recall current school, community,

national, and international problems.

Planning Your Problem-Solution Essay

1. Think about the problem. Why do you think it is a serious problem? What are its causes and effects?

2. Brainstorm possible solutions. How might the problem be solved? Consider drawing a cluster map to display possible solutions.

3. Consider each solution and eliminate impractical ones. Does one solution stand out as the best solution? Will people support it? Will it inspire political backing?

Planning Your Problem-Solution Essay

4. Identify your audience. Who will read your essay? What do they already know about the problem? What objections might they have to the proposed solution? How can you address their concerns?

5. Research necessary supporting facts. What kinds of data will help support the solution to the problem? Do you need to do research, consult experts, or examine your own thoughts?

Writing Your Problem-Solution Essay 2 Drafting

As you begin drafting, don’t be too

concerned about form or completeness.

You can perfect your writing later. You

may want to try the following organization:

Identify the problem and explain why it is significant.

Writing Your Problem-Solution Essay 2 Drafting

Explain the causes and effects of the problem, giving facts, statistics, examples, or quotations to support your points.

Explain and support the proposed solutions. Address any concerns or objections your audience may have.

Conclude by describing how to achieve the solutions.

Writing Your Problem-Solution Essay3 Revising

Target Skill SENTENCE COMBINING

Using too many short sentences makes

your writing choppy and often doesn’t

show the logical relationship between

ideas.

Writing Your Problem-Solution Essay3 Revising

Target Skill SENTENCE COMBINING

In a problem-solution essay, you may

want to join sentences with words such

as because, therefore, although, and but.

Writing Your Problem-Solution Essay4 Editing and Proofreading

Target Skill RUN-ONS

Run-on sentences—two or more

sentences written as though they were one

—can confuse your readers.

Writing Your Problem-Solution Essay4 Editing and Proofreading

Target Skill RUN-ONS

Correct run-ons by rewriting long

sentences as two separate sentences, by

joining them with a semicolon or

coordinating conjunction, or by making one

of the sentences into a subordinate clause.