Writing a Problem-Solution Essay
Once you have explored a problem and its solution, you are ready to write a first draft of your essay. These writing activities will help you create a strong beginning, middle, and ending. You'll also read another student's problem-solution essay to see how all of the parts came together.
Writing the Beginning Paragraph
The first sentence is called the lead. This sentence is meant to capture your reader’s attention. In a problem-solution essay, the lead introduces the topic or problem in an interesting way.
Write a lead.
Review the lead-writing strategies. Write examples of your own.
- Ask a question about the topic.
Have you noticed all the trash at Rosemont Park?
- Start with a surprising fact or detail about the topic.
Last week, my brother cut his hand on a piece of broken glass at Rosemont Park. There’s glass everywhere.
- Tell a little story about the topic.
My family used to go to Rosemont Park every Sunday. . . .
Write your opinion statement.
Read about opinion statements. Then write an opinion statement that uses the word should for your problem-solution essay.
An opinion statement gives your opinion about the solution. This sentence tells what you believe should happen to solve a problem.
Our school should organize an event to clean up Rosemont Park.
Write your beginning paragraph.
Write your lead and then provide details that lead up to your opinion statement. Write the opinion statement as the last sentence in the beginning paragraph.
Lead Sentence
Detail Sentences
Opinion Statement
Writing the Middle Paragraphs
Write topic sentences.
For each middle paragraph, write a topic sentence that introduces a new part of the essay.
- Write a topic sentence that clearly states the problem:
Rosemont Park used to be a great place for play, but now it’s dirty and dangerous.
- Write a topic sentence that offers a solution:
A school service project could solve the park problem.
- Write a topic sentence that explains why or how the solution will work:
This solution will work for three reasons.
- Write topic sentences for any other middle paragraphs:
Write middle paragraphs.
Write your topic sentences. Add reasons, examples, facts, or observations to support your ideas. Use transition words or phrases to signal new information.
Transitions to Add Information
again
along with
also
another
for example
and
next
finally
as well
along with
in addition
then
Middle Paragraph 1
Topic Sentence
Detail Sentences
Middle Paragraph 2
Topic Sentence
Detail Sentences
Middle Paragraph 3
Topic Sentence
Detail Sentences
Middle Paragraph 4
Topic Sentence
Detail Sentences
Middle Paragraph 5
Topic Sentence
Detail Sentences
Writing the Ending Paragraph
Write your ending paragraph.
Try these ending strategies. Then combine some into an ending paragraph.
- Share a strong personal feeling about the problem.
I’m not ready to give up on Rosemont Park.
- Remind readers why your solution will work.
A school service project will make the park cleaner and safer for the whole community.
- Call readers to action.
Let’s make Rosemont a safer place to play.
Topic Sentence
Detail Sentences
Ending Sentence
Reading a Problem-Solution Draft
Read a sample.
Note how the writer put the parts together.
Listen to "Restoring Rosemont Park"
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Restoring Rosemont Park
LeadMy family used to go to Rosemont Park every Sunday. Mom would set up a picnic while my brother and I played football in the big green field. Last month my brother cut his hand on some broken glass that was hidden from view. We haven’t returned since. I miss the park and want to make it safer for my family and community. Opinion StatementOur school should organize an event to clean up Rosemont Park.
Topic Sentences Rosemont Park used to be a great place to play, but now it’s dirty and dangerous. There’s trash in the open fields and play areas. Graffiti fills the pavilion. Picnic tables are covered in dirt and pigeon droppings. Parks are supposed to be gathering places for family and friends. Instead, Rosemont Park has turned into a giant trash can.
A school service project could solve the park problem. Detail SentencesWith the help of our teachers, my classmates and I will clean up Rosemont Park. We will pick up trash, wipe down picnic tables, and paint a mural over the graffiti. We will even plant flowers and put wood chips around the play area.
This solution will work for three reasons. TransitionsFirst, it will make the park cleaner and more beautiful. Second, it will make Rosemont safer for play. Finally, it will teach us the importance of teamwork, volunteering, and community.
I’m not ready to give up on Rosemont Park. A school service project will make the park cleaner and safer for the whole community. It will also teach teamwork and volunteering. Call to ActionLet’s make Rosemont a safer place to play.
Teaching Tip
Students will recognize many parts of this essay, such as the lead and topic sentences. Help them see the choices the writer has made in drafting.