1. PROBLEM/SOLUTION ESSAYS
As a student writer, you’ll encounter different kinds of writing assignments, each
with its own requirements and skills. One common type of essay is the
PROBLEM/SOLUTION ESSAY, in which you will identify and discuss a situation or
problem and then propose and defend one or more solutions.
Below are nine steps you should follow for writing a PROBLEM/SOLUTION
ESSAY. They are not in order. Number them from 1 (first) to 9 (last).
#___ In the last paragraph, evaluate your possible solution(s) and make a final, overall
comment or a call to action. For example, remind your reader what the problem
is, how you propose to solve it, how your solution will work, or how others (like
your reader) can help.
#___ Study the question or situation carefully; take a few minutes to brainstorm all the
problems and solutions that you can think of. If it would be helpful, do some
preliminary reading or research or discuss your ideas with others.
#___ Start a new paragraph for the solutions. Introduce it with a topic sentence such as:
Although _______ is a _____ problem, there are also some_______ solutions.
For your main points, use transition expressions to take your reader from one
main point to your next main point: One solution is (that)…… or Another
alternative is (that)…… For each main point, include and discuss specific
examples or details to further explain or illustrate to make sure the reader really
understands your point.
#___ Choose strong main points that you will address: (1) what (three) characteristics
of the problem will you discuss and what solution(s) do you have for each
characteristic? Or (2) what (three) causes of the problem will you discuss and

2. PROBLEM/SOLUTION ESSAYS -- Page Two
what solution(s) do you have for each cause? Make sure that each solution is
logically connected to its problem.
#___ For each of your main points, brainstorm and write down supporting details that
you will use to develop that point. You might list details such as specific
examples, facts, or reasons.
#___ Check your essay again for conventions such as spelling, grammar, and sentence
sense. Have you written at least four paragraphs? Does each paragraph have a
topic sentence? In each paragraph do your main points stand out? Does each
main point have at least one or two supporting details?
#___ Start a new paragraph to discuss the problem(s). Introduce it/them in a topic
sentence. For your main points, use transition expressions to take your reader
from one main point to your next main point: One problem/issue n is (that)……
or Another concern is (that)…… For each main point, include and discuss specific
examples or details to further explain or illustrate to make sure the reader really
understands your point. For example, how, when, where, why, for whom is it a
problem?
#___ Start your essay with a general introduction; this can be done in two or three
sentences that lead to the problem itself. Identify the problem. Finish the
introductory paragraph with your thesis statement.
#___ Make sure that you have properly cited any sources you used to discuss the
problem(s) and your points, supporting details, and solution(s).
Now it’s time to work with some of these steps
by checking out a model PROBLEM/SOLUTION ESSAY.

3. ANALYZING A SAMPLE PROBLEM/SOLUTION ESSAY
TOPIC:
Drugs are becoming more and more common in many countries.
What are some of the problems associated with drug abuse, and what are
some of the possible solutions?
Student’s Essay:
Drug abuse is rife in many countries. Every society, every age and ethnic group,
every social class, and every family has been touched by the devastating effects of drug
addiction. Billions of dollars are spent regulating drug use, treating addicts and their
families, and fighting drug-related crime. Although drugs threaten many homes and
societies, their effects can be combated more effectively.
Drug abuse causes multiple problems for families and communities. Addicts are
often too sick, physically and mentally, to function as normal, responsible members of a
family or of society. For example, they often neglect or abuse their families and strain
these relationships and resources, especially if they eventually require expensive
treatment or hospitalization. Adult addicts may lose their jobs and, therefore, their means
of supporting themselves and any dependents. Children and teens who abuse drugs
become more rebellious and distant from their families, who despair over coping with
their loved ones’ drug problems. A second problematic effect of drug abuse is the crimes
committed by those profiting from selling illegal drugs and by the addicts who look for
more and more desperate ways to support their habits. Increased police resources are
needed to fight smuggling and dealing illicit drugs and the criminals who profit from
them. Communities continue to struggle to find ways to deter drug abuse and to
rehabilitate addicts. Combating drug problems strains the police departments as well as
the communties’ resources. Since many cities and communities are financially strapped,
adding more police protection, mainly through taxes, puts a strain on the citizens.

4. ANALYZING A SAMPLE PROBLEM/SOLUTION ESSAY
Page Two
Despite these problems, the menace of drugs can be fought. Education is the first
line of attack. Children need to be taught at home and in school about the dangers of
drug abuse. For example, discussions around the dinner table and during family outings
and school programs and activities in health classes can give children information to help
them deal with temptations and questions about drug use. Families and counselors need
to talk to those at risk and help them resist experimenting with illicit drugs. Another
approach to the problem of drug abuse is to increase police manpower and resources to
stop dealers and to enforce the law. Statistics show the bigger the drug problem in a
community, the bigger its crime rate and the bigger its need for police protection. Even
though the cost of adding more police may strain a community and its citizens
financially, protecting its children from the dangers of drug abuse and cutting down on
drug-related crimes are worth the price.
In conclusion, although the problems of drug abuse may seem impossible to
eliminate or to even control, there are concrete steps that can be taken to weaken the hold
of drugs on families and on society. Parents, teachers, and communities must take steps
to educate children about the dangers of drug abuse and must offer safe, appealing
alternative for restless, inquisitive young people and programs and for those who are at-
risk. In addition, police departments must be provided with more manpower, resources,
and community support to combat drug-related crimes. If the war on drugs is to be won,
everyone must realize that he or she has a stake in the battle and in its outcome.
Now answer the following questions about the essay
on the problem of drug abuse.

5. ANALYZING A SAMPLE PROBLEM/SOLUTION ESSAY
Page Three
1. What is the writer’s purpose?
2. How does the writer give the reader a general overview of the problem?
Why should the reader care about this problem?
3. What is the thesis statement? What key words present the writer’s thesis and main
points?
4. What is the topic sentence of the “problems” paragraph?
Fill in the chart below.
What kinds of effects serve as the writer’s main points in this paragraph?
What are the supporting details for each main point?
_______________________________________
First Main Point Examples/ Supporting Details
_______________________________________
Second Main Point Examples/Supporting Details
_______________________________________

6. ANALYZING A SAMPLE PROBLEM/SOLUTION ESSAY
Page Four
5. What transition expression lets the reader know that the writer has moved on to the
second main point? Find another transition expression in this paragraph.
6. What is the topic sentence of the “solutions” paragraph?
Fill in the chart below.
What proposals serve as the writer’s main points in this paragraph?
What are the supporting details for each main point?
_______________________________________
First Main Point Examples/ Supporting Details
_______________________________________
Second Main Point Examples/Supporting Details
_______________________________________
7. What transition expression lets the reader know that the writer has moved on to the
second main point? Find another transition expression in this paragraph.

7. ANALYZING A SAMPLE PROBLEM/SOLUTION ESSAY
Page Five
8. How does the topic sentence of the conclusion refer back to the thesis statement in the
introduction?
9. How does the writer wrap up his first solution?
How does he wrap up his second solution?
10. What is the writer’s final comment or call to action?
Can you list the steps of writing a PROBLEM/SOLUTION ESSAY?
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