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Problem-Solution Paragraph Guide

The document provides guidance on writing problem-solution paragraphs. It defines the structure of problem-solution paragraphs as having an introductory topic sentence, supporting sentences discussing the problem and proposing solutions, and a concluding sentence. It also provides language for discussing problems and solutions, and sample problem-solution paragraphs addressing issues like children's screen time, obesity, and traffic congestion.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
91 views4 pages

Problem-Solution Paragraph Guide

The document provides guidance on writing problem-solution paragraphs. It defines the structure of problem-solution paragraphs as having an introductory topic sentence, supporting sentences discussing the problem and proposing solutions, and a concluding sentence. It also provides language for discussing problems and solutions, and sample problem-solution paragraphs addressing issues like children's screen time, obesity, and traffic congestion.
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Structure of a Problem-Solution Paragraph
  • Problem-Solution Paragraph Definition
  • Sample Problem-Solution Paragraphs
  • Language of Problem-Solution Paragraph
  • Writing Practice

Writing Handouts for TAB1

PROBLEM- SOLUTION PARAGRAPH


I. Definition
A problem-solution paragraph identifies a problem or an issue, and/or suggest a plausible
solution(s) to solve it.
There are 3 question types:
Question type 1
In many countries, parents are concerned about the amount of time their children spend with
electronic devices.
Write a paragraph to discuss this problem.
Question type 2
Obesity has become a major health issue of many countries.
Write a paragraph to suggest solutions to this issue.
Question type 3
Traffic jam is one of the biggest traffic problems in big cities.
Write a paragraph to discuss this problem and solutions to it.
II. Structure for a problem-solution paragraph
a. Question type 1: simply asks us to discuss the problem, either causes or negative effects of
children’s spending too much time with electronic devices. “Problem paragraph” may differ from
“cause- effect paragraph” in the way that the former mainly focuses on negative impacts whereas
the latter can discuss both positive and negative impacts of an issue. Therefore, this kind of
paragraph can be called “Problem paragraph”, whose structure is as follows:
 Topic Sentence
 Supporting sentences about negative effects of an issue. (Refer to « Cause and Effect
paragraph » ) 
 Concluding sentence
b. Question type 2: simply asks us to suggest solution to the problem. It is called “Solution
paragraph”, which consists of:
 Topic Sentence
 Supporting sentences about solutions to the problem. 
 Concluding sentence
c. Question type 3: asks us to both discuss the problem and suggest solutions as well. It is called
“Problem- Solution paragraph”. The structure of this paragraph can be developed as follows:
 Topic Sentence
 Supporting sentences 1 : discuss the problem
 Supporting sentences 2 : suggest solutions
 Concluding sentence

Page 1
Writing Handouts for TAB1

III. Language of “problem and solution” paragraph


1. Topic sentence
 Type 1: The issue of…..has led to several consequences.
 Type 2: There are several measures to address (combat/ tackle/ overcome) this problem
 Type 3: The issue of……….has brought about negative impacts and it can be solved by
several solutions/measure.
2. Discussing the problem: either causes or consequences (refer to cause and effect paragraph)
3. Suggesting solutions
 The first solution is that…../ The first solution is for sb to do…..
 A further step (solution) is that people should ……/Another measure is that…..
 It is highly recommended/suggested that….
4. Concluding sentence
 In my opinion, this issue is………..and the solutions are……….

IV. Sample Problem- Solution paragraphs


Task 1: Read the following sample paragraphs and state the type.
Topic Sentence Many parents are increasingly concerned about the fact that their children
are spending a great deal of time watching TV, which can be tackled by a
number of following measures. First, it is the parents themselves who must take
Supporting action to reduce the amount of time their children spend in front of the television.
sentences The most obvious way is to have parents and their children agree on a ‘screen
limit’, for instance one or two hours a day. Another solution is for children to
have their free time arranged in a useful way, including a variety of physical and
social activities. This would mean children would play more outside and become
healthier, as well as interact with other children. In conclusion, having
Concluding implemented these solutions, parents will be able to alleviate their concerns
sentence about their growing children.
=> Paragraph type: ………………….
Topic Sentence Obesity, one of the main health issues among young people, has been caused
by several factors and can be solved by some following measures. The
problem of obesity is attributed by lack of physical activities since they seem to
Supporting get involved in sedentary activities such as watching TV or sitting in front of the
sentences computer for too long. Another factor causing obesity is unhealthy diets which
involve too much fatty and sugary food. One solution to this health issue is for
young people to do exercise on a regular basis. It is also suggested that the
consumption of fast food and sweetened one should be limited. In conclusion,

Page 2
Writing Handouts for TAB1

Concluding this health issue is concerning and needs dealing with for the sake of people’s
sentence health.
=> Paragraph type: ………………….
Topic Sentence One problem faced by almost every large city is traffic congestion, which
has been caused by several factors. First, during rush hours, too many cars in
use for roads to accommodate would probably cause heavy volume of traffic and
Supporting traffic jams seem unavoidable. Additionally, lack of awareness to obey traffic
sentences rules among vehicle owners is one of the factors that compound traffic
congestion. For example, many people are found passing red traffic light, which
may cause traffic accidents, and therefore lead to traffic jam for a few hours. In
Concluding short, traffic congestion is one of the most concerning issues in big cities and it
sentence needs dealing with as soon as possible.
=> Paragraph type: ………………….

Task 2. Language of giving solutions


Another tackle More importantly need such as
should urgent first suggested so that
To (1)…………………..the problem of traffic accidents, several timely actions must be taken. The
(2)……………………….solution is that the government (3)…………………..to reduce the number
of private vehicles by encouraging people to use public transport (4)……………….bus, metro,
train, etc. It is also highly (5)………………………..that this number could be limited with high
taxes on private cars as well as on energy. (6)……………………….., those who break traffic rules
must be strictly punished. (7)………………………..measure to reduce traffic accidents is that
campaigns of propagandizing (8)………………………be advertised widely on mass media (9)
………………….. people are more aware of traffic safety. In short, it is (10)…………………..that
these measures should be taken to improve the current situation of traffic accidents.

Page 3
Writing Handouts for TAB1

WRITING PRACTICE
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In our society, the rate of divorce is getting higher and higher due to lack of partner communication
and financial pressure.
Write a paragraph to suggest some solutions to this issue.
YOUR ANSWER
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Common questions

Powered by AI

The problem paragraph primarily focuses on the negative impacts of an issue, without necessarily linking it to its causes, whereas a cause-effect paragraph discusses both the positive and negative impacts of an issue by looking at its causes and effects. Structurally, the problem paragraph tends to emphasize the problematic aspects, while the cause-effect paragraph balances a causative perspective with resultant effects .

Obesity among young people is primarily caused by a lack of physical activity and unhealthy diets rich in fatty and sugary foods. Solutions include encouraging regular exercise and limiting the consumption of fast and sweetened foods. By addressing both physical inactivity and poor dietary choices, these measures target the main contributors to obesity, promoting a healthier lifestyle .

Effective problem-solution paragraphs use specific linguistic features like clear topic sentences that define the issue, supporting sentences that detail causes, effects, and solutions, and concluding sentences that summarize or suggest actions. Phrases such as 'The first solution is for...' or 'It is highly recommended that...' provide clarity and suggestiveness in proposing solutions .

Public awareness campaigns are effective in reducing traffic accidents and congestion because they increase public knowledge about traffic safety, encouraging behavior change. Through widespread media dissemination, these campaigns can alter public perceptions and practices, leading to better compliance with traffic rules and safer driving habits, ultimately reducing congestion and accidents .

Addressing traffic congestion is crucial due to its negative impacts on city life, including wasted time and increased pollution. To solve this, governments can encourage public transport use by reducing private vehicle numbers, enforce high taxes on cars and energy, and implement strict penalties for traffic rule violators. Raising awareness through media campaigns also aims to improve traffic safety and reduce congestion .

Parents can effectively limit their children's screen time by establishing a 'screen limit' agreement, where they set specific hours for TV watching, such as one or two hours a day. Additionally, organizing children's free time to include various physical and social activities encourages them to engage in healthier behaviors outside, thus naturally limiting screen time .

The concluding sentence in a problem-solution paragraph is significant because it provides closure by summarizing the key points discussed and reinforcing the proposed solutions or actions. It acts as a final thought that leaves a lasting impact on the reader, ensuring the paragraph's argument is firmly communicated .

A problem-solution paragraph typically includes a topic sentence, which states the problem; supporting sentences, which discuss the problem's causes or effects and suggest solutions; and a concluding sentence, which wraps up the discussion. The topic sentence helps focus the paragraph, the supporting sentences provide necessary details and possible solutions, and the concluding sentence offers a summary or call to action, ensuring that the issue is communicated clearly and potential resolutions are considered .

Governments can balance transportation management by implementing policies that incentivize public transportation, such as subsidizing fares or enhancing services, while simultaneously imposing higher taxes or restrictions on private vehicle ownership and usage. Additionally, promoting infrastructural improvements like expanding metro lines or bus services can enhance the appeal of public transport, reducing reliance on personal cars .

To address rising divorce rates, solutions focusing on improving partner communication include counseling services that enhance interpersonal skills and encourage open dialogue. Financial pressures can be alleviated through financial planning workshops that teach budgeting and financial goal setting, helping couples manage stressors more effectively and maintain healthier relationships .

Writing Handouts for TAB1
PROBLEM- SOLUTION PARAGRAPH
I. Definition
A  problem-solution  paragraph  identifies  a  problem  o
Writing Handouts for TAB1
III. Language of “problem and solution” paragraph
1. Topic sentence
Type 1: The issue of…..has led
Writing Handouts for TAB1
Concluding
sentence
this health issue is concerning and needs dealing with for the sake of people’s
Writing Handouts for TAB1
WRITING PRACTICE
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. 
Write about the following topic:

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