Structuring a Problem-Solution Paper

The following presentation will show you how to properly structure a problem solution essay.

You should follow along and we will do it together for the first time. You will then continue to use this process for all Problem-Solution Essays that we write.

What goes in each paragraph?

-Paragraph 1- Introduction to Problem

-Paragraph 2- Solution and Steps

-Paragraph 3- One Advantage

-Paragraph 4- Second Advantage

-Paragraph 5- Conclusion

Problem-Solution

Prompt: As a citizen of Bidgoodland, you have noticed that the King has not been effectively running the Kingdom due to the extensive amount of time he has been spending in the bathtub. Being such a valued citizen, the Queen has come to you for your advice on how to solve this problem.

Write an essay that develops an effective solution to this problem and lists steps to implement it.

Audience and Purpose

What is audience?- The audience is who the paper is

intended for. Who is going to read it?

What is purpose?- The purpose is the reason that you

are writing. What am I writing this for?

Audience: the Queen of Bidgoodland Purpose: suggest a way to get King

Bidgood out of the tub

Brainstorm Cause and Effects

Make a Multi Flow map with the problem in the middle box.

In the boxes on the left, list causes of the problem.

In the boxes on the right, list effects of the problem.

Stop, take a deep breath and relax. This is easy and fun!!!!

Multi-flow map

King Bidgood

won’t get out of the

tub

Causes Effects

Write the opening Paragraph

The opening paragraph MAY include:-TOPIC SENTENCE!!!!-What is the problem-Where is the problem-How long has it been a problem

The opening paragraph SHOULD include:- Causes and effects of problem (Multi-Flow map)-DO NOT PUT YOUR SOLUTION IN THE OPENING PARAGRAPH!

Possible Opening Sentences

One problem which needs to be solved is…

One of the greatest problems in Bidgoodland is…

The quality of life in Bidgoodland would improve if…

Example of an opening paragraph

One of the biggest problems in Bidgoodland is the fact that no one is running the kingdom because King Bidgood will not get out of the tub. The king has constantly been in the tub due to the fact that he has been really stressed out. Additionally, he is very self conscious about the way he smells and he just really enjoys the time to himself. If the King does not get out soon, the Kingdom may be at risk of being taken over by a neighboring Kingdom. If that’s not bad enough, the citizens may starve because King Bidgood is not running things like he should, and the people may lose faith in their fearless leader. Due to all of these things and more, this is a problem that needs to be solved immediately.

SPONGEBOB SAYS…

Write your opening paragraph!!!

Brainstorm Solutions

Use a circle map to brainstorm solutions to the problem.

The problem goes in the center. The solutions go in the outer circle.

Don’t worry, Spongebob still thinks this is super fun!

Circle Map

The King is in the tub

4-5 possible

solutions

Choose the best solution

Look at your possible solutions to the problem and answer these questions:

1. Is the solution effective? 2. Are there steps that can be taken

to complete the solution? 3. Does the solution have

advantages?

Paragraph 2- your solution and steps

The second paragraph is when you introduce your solution. In addition to your solution, you have to tell the reader how to implement it, or the steps you have to take to make it happen. In order to come up with these, you need to use a flow map.

Steps of ImplementationFlow Map

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3

__________

__________

__________

__________

__________

__________

__________

__________

__________

Write your solution here

Lets have a Luau, we are almost done!!!!

Now, back to the cool thing called writing!

Paragraph 3 and 4- Your advantages

The next two paragraphs are intended to convince the reader that your solution is better than any other possible solution. In order to do this, you need to come up with two things about your solution that make it a good choice.

Use the following map to organize your thoughts

Star Wars Spaceship Map

First Advantage

Put your solution here

Second Advantage

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How can I start paragraph 3 and 4?

Remember, the opening sentence should tell what the paragraph is about. Here is an example of an opening sentence for this paragraph:

If this solution were implemented to get the King out of the bathtub, one advantage would be…

WHEW!!! THIS IS TOUGH

I like writing!

GET BACK TO WORK, ONE MORE PARAGRAPH TO GO!!!!!!!!!

Conclusion Tell them what you told ‘em! Restate the following things:

-Problem-Solution-First Advantage-Second Advantage