UNIVERSITY OF EL SALVADOR
ENGLISH III COURSE
FACULTY OF LAWS
CLASS GROUP:05
SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
TOPIC: PROBLEM SOLUTION
STUDENTS: DUE
CALLES JIMÉNEZ, LUIS ALONSO CJ16006
CANIZALEZ MENDOZA, GLADYS MARIA CM14118
GUARDADO ARIAS, KEREN ELIZABETH GA17032
PARADA ANDRADE, WILFREDO FRANCISCO PA16017
1) INTRODUCTION OF THE TOPIC
A problem-solution essay is an essay that describes a problem and discusses possible
solutions to the problem. This type of essay may be assigned in a high school or college
composition class, and it generally requires some research before the writing process can
begin. The primary thrust of a problem-solution essay is usually either an argument for a
specific solution to a problem, or a strong case for the urgent need to solve a problem. Like
most essays, the problem-solution essay must contain an introduction, a thesis, a body, and
a conclusion.
2) ESSAY OUTLINE
Introduction paragraph:
Opener: “The increase in temperature must be stopped if we want to avoid the worst
consequences of climate change. Global warming must be kept to 1.5°C by 2100.” (BBC,
2020).
Thesis statement: Climate change is everyone's problem, which is why actions must be
strengthened and taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and it is global cooperation
between all the countries of the world that must ensure the mitigation and adaptation of
climate change.
Body Paragraph 1:
Topic sentence: It is considered that the problem of Environmental Pollution is caused
principally by centering attention on economic growth
Supporting details:
a) Economy centered policies.
b) The burning of fossil fuels due to the use of coal, oil, and natural gas
c) The deforestation
d) The overproduction and waste
Concluding sentence: To summarize, it is obvious that the world is focusing on economic
growth rather than the impact of it on the environment and almost every cause that affects
the environment is related by the desire to have an advantageous position in economic
matters and to take advantage of natural resources.
Body Paragraph 2:
Topic sentence: Rising temperatures are altering weather patterns and disturbing nature's
natural equilibrium; humans and all other life forms on Earth are at risk as a result of this and
it generates direct effects on our day to day.
Supporting details:
a) Public policies
b) The neglect of the State in fulfilling its obligation to protect the environment
c) Pollution as a long-term problems
d) The impact of climate change on health
Concluding sentence: Everyday it is more evident that climate change is generating
different situations and effects on our day to day, which we have to concentrate on in order
to generate solutions and prevent the worsening of the current situation.
Body Paragraph 3:
Topic sentence: Although the situation is alarming, there are different solutions or measures
that can be implemented to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Supporting details:
a) Cooperation among States.
b) Promote severe laws, control compliance, and punish offenders
c) Green, clean and renewable energies
d) An appropriate regulation
Concluding sentence: It is discernible the fact that it is up to us to decide the future of the
world, without the respective actions our future is sealed so it is important to act to avoid
global destruction.
Concluding paragraph:
To summarize, the world faces a growing challenge: to turn planet earth into a suitable space
for the life of future generations, human beings have never had to worry about reproducing
their environment on a global level, as a planet the seriousness of depredation and pollution,
as well as the constant increase in the impoverished population, have forced the
development of specific policies to contain the process of environmental deterioration,
although not always with the desired success. Similarly, currently one of the major concerns
of society is the care and preservation of the environment, in order to remedy the damage
that man has caused and prevent it from deteriorating further, since it directly and indirectly
affects the health and well-being of human beings. and other organisms, in this sense,
environmental pollution is a cyclical process that involves all environments: air, water and
soil, and from any perspective, living beings both emitters and receptors of pollutants,
consequently, environmental pollution of all kinds causes harmful damage to human health,
as well as to biodiversity. On the other hand, it should be considered that one of the factors
that has influenced the development of environmental pollution has been industrial
processes, which generate greater long-term environmental wear and therefore generate the
need for collective environmental awareness.
3) THIS ESSAY ELEMENTS (PURPOSE, COMPONENTS, VARIETIONS IN STRUCTURE,
ETC)
The purpose is a method for analyzing and writing about a topic by identifying a problem and
proposing one or more solutions. A problem-solution essay is a type of argument.
Structure:
There are two main ways to structure a problem-solution essay. These are similar to the
ways to structure cause and effect essays, namely using a block or a chain structure1
Block structure, all of the problems are listed first, and all of the solutions are listed
afterwards.
Chain structure, each problem is followed immediately by the solution to that problem. Both
types of structure have their merits. The former is generally clearer, especially for shorter
essays, while the latter ensures that any solutions you present relate directly to the problems
you have given.
Organization:
Introduction: Identify the problem in a nutshell. Explain why this is a problem, and mention
who should be concerned about it. Also, the thesis must be written
Problem Paragraph(s): Explain the problem clearly and specifically. Demonstrate that this is
not just a personal complaint, but a genuine problem that affects many people.
Solution Paragraph(s): Offer a concrete solution to the problem, and explain why this is the
best one available. You may want to point out why other possible solutions are inferior to
yours. If your solution calls for a series of steps or actions to be followed, present these
steps in a logical order.
Conclusion: Reemphasize the importance of the problem and the value of your solution.
Choose a problem that you have experienced and thought about—one that you have solved
or are in the process of solving. Then, in the essay itself, you may use your own experience
to illustrate the problem. However, don't focus all the attention on yourself and on your
troubles. Instead, direct the essay at others who are experiencing a similar problem
4) THIS ESSAY FEATURES (HOW SIMILAR/DIFFERENT IT IS FROM OTHER TYPES)
1
Jacky, How to Plan & Write IELTS Problem Solution Essays,
[Link]
2
Sheldon Smith, Problem-solution essay, [Link]
Something similar that the problem-solution essay has with other types is the structure since
it obeys to the 1-3-1 structure most of the time3, but the difference is the content because the
thesis statement usually proposes the solution. Because readers must first understand the
problem, the thesis statement usually comes after a description of the problem. The thesis
statement does not have to give details about the solution. Instead, it summarizes the
solution. It should also lead naturally to the body of the essay, preparing your reader for a
discussion of how your solution would work.
5) THE PROCESS TO DEVELOPING YOUR ESSAY
1. Choose the Problem-Solution Essay Topic
This could be anything. To begin with, think of the issues and problems that bother you.
These issues could be anything, and you may be a part of some groups that are already
facing some issues. Make a list of the issues or problems these groups or your community
are facing. It is not important how big or small a problem is, but it must be significant enough
to affect the people.
2. Think about an Easy to Implement Solution
For a solution to be great, it should be easy to understand and implement. Good and fully
functional solutions could be implemented easily, solve the problem effectively, and are
cost-effective. Finding a solution could be tough. Think about all the possible solutions and
write them down. Below are some common ways to solve a problem.
○ Add something like money, new equipment, or resources
○ Get rid of things that are causing the problem
○ Educate the community about a problem like drugs or illiteracy
○ Use advertising to motivate the community about a cause
○ Revise old laws or introduce new ones to tackle the situation
○ Change the method of doing something
Besides, you can add other solutions or options also.
3. Create a Problem Solution Essay Outline
An outline is an important part of any writing process. It helps in maintaining the focus and
sticking to the main essay topic only. Many times, a student loses focus and has to work on
the essay all over again.
With a well-made outline, they can avoid it and stay focused throughout the entire writing
process.
When outlining, divide the researched details into paragraphs. Make an order in which you
will add and discuss those details and stick to it.
3
Ibid
4. Write a Strong Essay Introduction
The introduction is important, and without a strong and engaging introduction, you cannot
write a good and ‘A-worthy’ essay. Describe the problem, its impact, and the reason it needs
the solution.
In case of a new or uncommon problem, explain it in detail, and if it is a common problem,
then explain its consequences. No matter what, you will have to convince the readers about
the importance of the problem.
5. Add a Brief and Clear Thesis Statement
The thesis statement is added at the end of the introduction. It should be clear and inform
the readers about the main topic and theme of the essay. It should be brief, and instead of
giving away all the details, it should entice the readers to read the essay.
i will mention some tips for writing an engaging and convincing thesis statement.
○ Add the solution to the problem in a single sentence and clearly.
○ It is added after the description of the problem.
○ In case the thesis statement is overly simple, discuss the solutions that did
not work earlier before proposing your solution.
For a strong thesis statement, keep it brief and focused on the main theme or topic
6. Write the Body Paragraphs
This is the central part of an essay and takes up the major part of the work. Usually, an
essay includes three paragraphs. In the case of a problem-solution essay, the three
paragraphs will include three problems and their solutions.
When working on each solution, take care of the following things.
○ Explain each problem in detail.
○ Propose the solution and explain it properly.
○ Explain how the solution will be useful to solve the problem.
○ Give evidence about how your solution is the best; some ways of doing it are
using expert opinions, statistics, previous studies, and some examples.
When presenting the solution, make sure that your solution is;
○ Useful for solving the problem
○ Cost-effective and easy to implement
○ Reasonable
○ Able to withstand the objections
○ Better than other solutions and options
When discussing the solution, you must discuss the possible objections against it and ways
to counter them. Give arguments and evidence in your support and make your arguments
and solution convincing.
7. End the Essay with an Excellent Conclusion
The conclusion is the last part of an essay, but it is as important as an introduction.
Unfortunately, many students mistakenly think that since it is the last part, it is less important.
It is wrong, and they often fail to earn a good grade because the ending is lousy and
careless.
4
6) SUGGESTIONS, TIPS ON HOW TO WRITE THIS TYPE OF PAPER
1. Interest your reader in the problem
2. Convince your reader that the problem is important and needs to be solved
3. Explain your solution clearly
4. Convince the reader that your solution is cost-effective and feasible
5. Convince your reader that your solution is better than other solutions5
7) YOUR OWN ORIGINAL ESSAY FROM THE TYPE YOU PRESENTED
Climate Change or Climate Collapse
“The increase in temperature must be stopped if we want to avoid the worst consequences
of climate change. Global warming must be kept to 1.5°C by 2100.” (BBC, 2020)6. Climate
change refers to changes in temperature and long-term weather patterns. In 2022 people
are used to hearing about Climate Change, conferences about it are held every year, but
does that make a change? Do those conferences matter? What is the real function of these
meetings between the most important people in the world? These forums were born with the
objective of cooperating among all the countries of the world on the application of the articles
of the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement whose objective is to limit global warming to
4
[Link]
5
[Link]
6
Kelly Sikkema, “STATEMENT: New IPCC Report Is “Alarming,” Shows Narrow Path to Limit
Warming to 1.5°C By 2100”, World Resources Institute,
[Link]
gc-2100#:~:text=The%20world%20may%20reach%201.5,gas%20emissions%20by%20mid%2Dcentu
ry.
less than 2, preferably 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared with pre-industrial levels7. But apart
from the existence of these forums, the temperature is rising and 1.5 degrees Celsius seems
difficult to maintain and the world is suffering the consequences of that. Climate change is
everyone's problem, which is why actions must be strengthened and taken to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, and it is global cooperation between all the countries of the
world that must ensure the mitigation and adaptation of climate change.
First it is important to talk about the causes of Climate Change. It is considered that the
problem of Environmental Pollution is caused principally by centering attention on economic
growth. The problem in these economy-centered policies and globalization is that they focus
their efforts in growing their economical activities rather than worrying about the
environment, creating the optimal conditions for the deterioration of the environment.
Another cause is the burning of fossil fuels8 from the use of coal, oil and natural gas, brought
by industrial activity and urban centers on account of cost-effectiveness in the production
process. In addition, another reason for climate change is deforestation, understanding
deforestation as the destruction or depletion of the forest area, generally with the aim of
allocating the land to another activity. Finally, overproduction and waste also stimulate global
warming, the more waste we produce daily, the higher the levels of methane gas in the
environment. Furthermore, a huge consumption indicates an increase in demand, which
causes companies to increase their production levels and, as a result, increase the amounts
of greenhouse gasses that are discharged into the environment. To summarize, it is obvious
that the world is focusing on economic growth rather than the impact of it on the environment
and almost every cause that affects the environment is related by the desire to have an
advantageous position in economic matters and to take advantage of natural resources.
Rising temperatures are altering weather patterns and disturbing nature's natural equilibrium;
humans and all other life forms on Earth are at risk as a result of this and it generates direct
effects on our day to day. First, the public policies anticipate the economic and social design
of a community, but the devaluation of environmental problems allows poor and conjunctural
decisions to be made without generating true development dynamics. The neglect of the
State in fulfilling its obligation to protect the environment generates conflicts, consents to the
violation of human rights9, allows the deterioration of the habitat that systematically affects
the health of the population. In addition, the effects generated by environmental pollution are
long-term and therefore affect society in general since it produces the destruction of the
ozone layer, water pollution, carbon dioxide, acidification, soil erosion, chlorinated
hydrocarbons. , and other causes of pollution such as oil. spill, and those affected are,
respectively, human beings, fauna and flora. Subsequently, the evidence of the impact of
climate change on health is more consistent every day, at the same time the loss of
7
Kelsey Simpkins, “What is the COP26 climate conference and why does it matter?”, University of
Colorado,
[Link]
8
Christina Nunez, “Fossil fuels, explained”, National Geographic,
[Link]
9
Michelle Bachellet, “OHCHR and climate change”, United Nations,
[Link]
0lives%20of%20human%20dignity.
biodiversity, the increase in waste, desertification, as well as climate change, the
environment and biodiversity will be extraordinarily damaged, being capable of producing the
loss of ecosystems and the extinction of species. Everyday it is more evident that climate
change is generating different situations and effects on our day to day, which we have to
concentrate on in order to generate solutions and prevent the worsening of the current
situation.
Although the situation is alarming, there are different solutions or measures that can be
implemented to mitigate the effects of climate change. In the first place, the cooperation
should be the first way to reach real change they have to create a global legal framework
where every part does what should do, every actor does have to participate and be part of
the change and agents of development a its development should be worry about the
environment establishing it as a fundamental axis10. Hence, all the countries of the world
must promote severe laws, control compliance and punish offenders, since the pollution
problem affects the common good and the quality of life of all people. Third, regarding a
future solution, a technical solution is proposed such as green, clean technologies,
renewable energy, geoengineering technologies to reverse global warming, in this logic if the
environmental problems have been the result of wrong technologies, other technologies ,
now correct. , can solve the environmental crisis. The most important thing is that it is up to
the governments to elaborate in order to create adequate regulation in environmental
matters, everyone is aware of the need to have an international and binding regulatory
framework on such a complex issue for the future of the planet, not only from the point of
view of maintaining an environmental and socioeconomic balance, but also due to the need
to encourage the development of the different scientific disciplines that seek alternatives for
the well-being and progress of humanity. It is discernible the fact that it is up to us to decide
the future of the world, without the respective actions our future is sealed so it is important to
act to avoid global destruction.
To summarize, the world faces a growing challenge: to turn planet earth into a suitable space
for the life of future generations, human beings have never had to worry about reproducing
their environment on a global level, as a planet the seriousness of depredation and pollution,
as well as the constant increase in the impoverished population, have forced the
development of specific policies to contain the process of environmental deterioration,
although not always with the desired success. Similarly, currently one of the major concerns
of society is to generate the will of the parties to create global policies through a solid legal
framework where all the countries of the world should cooperate to reach an universal
agreement to protect the planet, to mitigate the effects of climate change and to achieve the
good common. There is no doubt that it is a hard work, consolidate a common agreement it
is not an easy work but should be one of the main concerns of the world rather than de
economic growth, sure it is easy to act when there are chances but those who can't
cooperate as the same way as an developed country should get help in order to get the
common good and the the main culprits or those that generate more pollution should be
responsible for their acts and to change those production patterns.
Bibliography
10
Emma Williams, David Steven, Nick Mabey, “The value of climate cooperation” United Nations
Fundatons, [Link]
Bachellet, Michelle. “OHCHR and climate change”, United Nations.
[Link]
20rights,enjoy%20lives%20of%20human%20dignity.
Emma Williams, David Steven, Nick Mabey. “The value of climate cooperation”.
United Nations Fundatons.
[Link]
Nunez, Cristina. “Fossil fuels, explained”. National Geographic,
[Link]
Sikema Kelly. “STATEMENT: New IPCC Report Is “Alarming,” Shows Narrow Path to
Limit Warming to 1.5°C By 2100”. World Resources Institute.
[Link]
it-warming-15degc-2100#:~:text=The%20world%20may%20reach%201.5,gas%20e
missions%20by%20mid%2Dcentury.
Simpkins, Kellsey. “What is the COP26 climate conference and why does it matter?”,
University of Colorado.
[Link]
-does-it-matter