Writing a problem-solution essay

Below are seven essay questions. Read the questions. Then, put a tick () beside the questions that require you to use a problem-solution structure. Put a cross () beside those that do not. The underlined words may help you to reach your decision.

1. Discuss why sex education is neglected in Hong Kong. Then, point out some of the dangers of ignoring sex education and suggest how sex education can best be provided for young people. (1995)

2. It is common in Hong Kong secondary schools for older students to tutor younger students in schemes organized by schools. Discuss the tutor system and mention its difficulties, but emphasise the benefits of the scheme for both the tutors and the younger students. (1996)

3. Explain why new towns in Hong Kong such as Tuen Mun and Ma On Shan have not been successful in terms of their provision of facilities, and suggest what the government should do to improve the situation. (1996)

4. Give at least one reason for the decline of tourism since the latter half of 1997, and suggest three possible ways to combat this decline and to help promote tourism in Hong Kong in the future. (1998)

5. Explain why English first names have become so popular in Hong Kong. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using English first names. (1997)

6. Give reasons why overseas holidays are popular among Hong Kong people, and compare the benefits of travelling abroad to the benefits of staying in Hong Kong during holidays. (1997)

7. Write an article entitled “Let’s make all public facilities accessible to wheelchairs” Justify your view.

When you are asked to discuss or analyse a problem and suggest ways to solve the problem, you can use a problem-solution essay format.

In a problem-solution essay, the number of problems and solutions can vary. However, you must be sure to present at least one solution for each problem you raise. There are TWO ways of handling the ideas. In the first arrangement, all the problems are listed before the solutions given. In the other arrangement, one problem is followed by several solutions to the problem.

If you need to cover several related problems in your essay, you should use one of the following essay outlines.

Situation

Problems 1, 2 and 3

Solutions to problems 1, 2 and 3

Evaluation of the solutions

Situation

Problem 1, Solution 1

Problem 2, Solution 2

Problem 3, solution 3

Evaluation of the solutions

Outline 1 Outline 2

In both of these outlines, it is normal to begin a new paragraph for each problem or solution. In addition, you need to begin the essay with a situation and end with an evaluation of the solution. (SPSE pattern)

Below are some steps that you can follow when you are discussing problems.

1. Identify the problem and the history or background of the problem. To identify the problem, you can use expressions

e.g.

As far as I can see, the main problem is …

The problem seems to be that …

To discuss the background of the problem, you can use expressions such as

The problem has been caused mainly by …

2. Discuss who is affected by the problem and who is responsible for the problem. You can use expressions such as

The people who seem most affected by the situation are …

The source of the problem seems to be …

In my opinion, the problem originated from …

3. Discuss the extent of the problem and what will happen if it is not solved. You can use expressions such as

The problem is quite serious because …

If the problem is not dealt with …

Below are some steps that you can follow when you are discussing solutions.

1. Introduce the solution. You can use expressions such as

One way to solve the problem is to …

Perhaps one solution is to …

2. Discuss who can get involved in solving the problem. You can use expressions such as

For this solution to work, different people need to get involved …

3. Discuss the cost and practicality of the solution. You can use expressions such as

The cost of this solution is reasonable/too expensive …

The cost to the Government will not be great…

This solution is practical/impractical…

This is a good way to solve the problem because it is easy to carry out.

4. Discuss how effective the solution will be and how long it will take to solve the problem using the solution. You can use expressions such as

This solution will definitely get results, but it may take a long time to solve the problem.

This solution is effective and it can put an end to the problem quite quickly.