Writing a problem and solution essay is a form of persuasive writing. In problem and solutions essays, you must describe a problem, convince the reader to care about the problem, propose a solution, and be prepared to dismantle any objections. These steps would help you to write a problem and solution essay, effectively.
A good problem and solution essay highlights the issue or problem with clarity. The next step is to provide a solution which is feasible and realistic, so that the problem can actually be solved. Furthermore, you must not deviate from the problem and explore other problems, but try to stick to a specific problem with specific, actionable steps.
Here are some tips to write a good problem and solution essay:
- Introduce the problem: In the introductory paragraph of the essay, it is essential that you mention the problem and briefly explain why this problem needs to be solved. For example, if you need to write an essay on "vehicular pollution in your city", then you must explain what is vehicular pollution, why the problem is of importance and the impact of the problem. This step needs to done carefully, because this will form the basis of the essay. Once, this is done, you need to state your stand in your thesis statement. In problem and solution essay, your thesis will be your solution to the problem. State it succinctly in one or two sentences.
- Getting the reader involved: For writing a successful essay, you need to convince your readers to care about the problem. For this it is important that the essay you write does not have extensive technical jargon or bland definition of the concepts. You need to explain the problem in a way that your readers are interested to know more. Some of the ways by which you can have your readers' attention is by providing shocking statistics about the problem, or explain how the problem was once a small issue, which has turned into a huge concern today. You can also share personal anecdotes about the issue so that it can become relatable to your reader.
- Outline the solution: Once your introductory paragraph is in place and have gained the readers' interest, it is now time to outline the solution. Depending on the length requirements, you need to aim for at least three strong body paragraphs discussing the solution. These body paragraphs need to provide feasible solutions with a lot of clarity. The solutions must be outlined in such a manner that it is understood by the readers. Try to provide details about the solutions and also cite examples where the suggested solutions have already worked. If you are proposing a solution which is fresh and has never been explored or adopted before, then it is necessary that you rely heavily on logical reasoning. This can be done by explaining logically, why this solution would work for the given problem.
- Summing it all up: When all the above steps are complete, it is time to close your essay and bring your essay together. In the closing paragraph, you can write how the solutions that you have offered can impact the world in a positive way. You should paint a vivid picture by describing how the world would look once it has adopted the solutions offered by you in the essay. Some of the best ways to close an essay are with rhetorical questions such as, “Isn’t this the type of world we all seek to live in?” Or, you can cite some sort of call to action. Ask others to join the cause, or direct them to some other source for more information.
