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Problem-Solution Essay Guide for DSE

The document provides guidance on writing a problem-solution essay, specifically for the DSE English Paper 2. It outlines how to identify the problem, analyze its implications, and propose realistic solutions, using a sample topic related to people occupying coffee shops and fast-food restaurants for extended periods. The document also includes structural tips for writing a letter to the editor, emphasizing the importance of clarity and persuasion in addressing the issue.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
192 views6 pages

Problem-Solution Essay Guide for DSE

The document provides guidance on writing a problem-solution essay, specifically for the DSE English Paper 2. It outlines how to identify the problem, analyze its implications, and propose realistic solutions, using a sample topic related to people occupying coffee shops and fast-food restaurants for extended periods. The document also includes structural tips for writing a letter to the editor, emphasizing the importance of clarity and persuasion in addressing the issue.

Uploaded by

netcan31
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

DSE English Paper 2 Writing

Writing a Problem-Solution Essay


How to spot a problem-solution essay?
When the topic requires you to suggest logical solutions to fix a problem.

Note: Many students struggle with this question type due to the challenge of crafting
solutions that are 1. realistic to implement and 2. directly address the root of the issue.

Sample Topic Analysis

2024 HKDSE Question 3:

You have noticed that an increasing number of people in Hong Kong stay in coffee shops and
fast-food restaurants for a long time for activities such as tutorial lessons.

Write a letter to the editor of Hong Kong Post giving your opinion on this issue.

To start off, break a topic down using this table.

Your role A concerned citizen observing a trend in Hong Kong coffee shops and fast-food
restaurants for activities like tutorial lessons
Situation/Task Focus on the problems caused by this situation and how to solve or improve them
Requirements
Sub-topics 1. Describe the problem: increasing number of people staying long in shops causing
possible issues
2. Explain why this is a problem: e.g. fewer seats for other customers, business
impact, noise.
3. Suggest solutions, e.g. time limits, special study areas, clearer policies.
4. Conclude with your overall opinion or recommendation.
Text-types Letter to the editor
Target Audience The general public and the editor
Purpose of Writing To explain the problem clearly and offer practical ways to address it, persuading the
reader to understand and support your view
Language and Tone • Semi-formal (keep in mind your audience have varied English levels)
• Use simple present tense for facts
Now that we have a clearer idea of what the task requires, use the W-H-W principle to
brainstorm your ideas.

This principle can be applied to any question type, this is the easiest way to remember it:
What (surface meaning / explanation) + How (example) + Why (big picture)

Let me show you how to apply the W-H-W principle to delve into a problem.

1. What: What is the problem or situation?

A growing number of people in Hong Kong spend extended periods in coffee shops and fast-
food restaurants, often using these spaces for activities like tutorial lessons rather than just
dining.

2. How: How does this happen? How does it affect people or places?

Because of this, many customers find it difficult to get a seat, and businesses may suffer
financially as these long-term visitors often order fewer food and drink items. For example, a
group might occupy a table for several hours but only purchase drinks, which reduces the
shop’s revenue.

3. Why: Why is this problem important? Why should people be concerned?

This problem is significant because if businesses lose income, some may be forced to close,
decreasing community spaces and frustrating short-term customers who cannot find seating.
Therefore, addressing this issue is important to maintain a fair and comfortable environment
for all patrons.
Now that we’ve got the problem, let us delve into a solution using the W-H-W principle.

1. What: What solutions can address this problem?

Coffee shops and fast-food restaurants can set time limits for customers who stay for
extended periods.

2. How: How would this solution be put into practice?

Shop staff can politely inform customers about the time limit when they arrive or after a
certain amount of time. They can also post clear signs near the entrance or seating areas to
remind customers of the policy.

3. Why: Why is this solution effective? Why should people support it?

Setting time limits will allow more customers to have access to seating, improving fairness
for everyone and helping businesses maintain steady revenue. This also creates a more
comfortable environment where both long-term users and short-term customers can coexist
peacefully.

Now that we know how to delve into problems and solutions, don’t forget about the
introduction and conclusion!

Essay Component Main Purpose Key Elements


Introduction State what you have observed / I have recently observed that an increasing
what the issue is & briefly number of people in Hong Kong…
mention why you are writing I would like to share my opinion on this matter
as it affects both businesses and customers…
Conclusion Summarise your opinion or In conclusion, I believe this issue needs attention
concern; Call to action (for letter to ensure a fair and comfortable environment for
to the editor format) all customers.
I urge the community and the editorial team to
join hands in addressing this issue.
Here are some useful sentence structures for each section.

Opening the Letter

Dear Editor,

I am writing to share my views on...

I would like to express my opinion about...

Introducing the Problem

I have noticed that...

It has come to my attention that...

Recently, many people have been...

The problem is that...

Explaining the Problem

Because of this,...

This causes...

For example,...

As a result,...

This is important because...

Many people are affected by...

This makes it difficult for...


Suggesting Solutions

One possible solution is...

To solve this problem,...

Shops could...

It would help if...

I suggest that...

Another way to improve the situation is...

Explaining Why Solutions Work

This will help because...

This can reduce...

It will make sure that...

This is better for everyone because...

Concluding the Letter

In conclusion,...

To sum up,...

I hope that...

I look forward to seeing positive changes.

Thank you for considering my opinion. (Express gratitude to the editor)


Other points to note:

Introduction (follow this order):

Lead-in: General statement about the topic's relevance

Topic repetition: Restate the question in your own words

Thesis statement: Preview both the problems and your approach to solutions

Easy to Remember for Content Required in Introduction:


Introduce the issue + Provide Background + Highlight the Importance

Solution Placement Strategy:

Few suggestions (1-2): Place them in conclusion paragraph

Multiple suggestions (3+): Create separate solution paragraph(s).

Common questions

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The introduction sets the stage by stating observations about the issue and briefly mentioning the reason for writing. It should clearly introduce the issue, provide some background, and highlight its importance. This establishes the context and previews both the problems and the approach to solutions, guiding the reader through the essay .

Topic repetition involves restating the question or issue in the writer's own words. This technique reinforces the central theme, ensuring that the reader is clear about the subject matter from the outset. It aids in aligning the reader's focus, paving the way for smooth transition into the thesis statement or main arguments of the essay .

Placing multiple solutions in separate paragraphs allows for detailed exploration of each suggestion, outlining implementation, effectiveness, and potential impact. This structure provides clarity and ensures that each solution is evaluated independently, enhancing the essay's persuasiveness by presenting well-thought-out options. It aids the reader in understanding and comparing different propositions, making it easier to grasp the complexity and breadth of proposed resolutions .

Polite communication in enforcing time limits fosters a respectful environment, reducing potential conflicts and ensuring that customers understand the policy's rationale. It helps maintain positive customer relations by demonstrating consideration and professionalism, thereby improving compliance and customer satisfaction, which is crucial for continued patronage and a harmonious atmosphere .

Setting time limits ensures that seating is rotated frequently, allowing both long-term users and short-term customers to have access to spaces. This policy helps in maintaining fairness and revenue flow for businesses, creating a more balanced and comfortable environment conducive to coexistence between different types of patrons .

A semi-formal tone is crucial as it bridges professional clarity and personal engagement, ensuring the message is accessible and respectful to a diverse audience with varying levels of English proficiency. It helps in articulating opinions while maintaining a persuasive tone without being overly casual or formal, thus enhancing the effectiveness of communication in public discourse .

The W-H-W principle aids in problem-solving by breaking down any issue into three components: 'What' identifies the problem or situation, 'How' describes the occurrence and its impacts, and 'Why' evaluates the problem's importance and the necessity for solutions. It also provides a structure for crafting effective responses and solutions by ensuring that each aspect of the problem is thoroughly examined and addressed with practical examples .

Addressing this issue is important because businesses may suffer financially from reduced revenue when customers occupy tables for long durations without sufficient purchases, potentially leading to closures. This would decrease community spaces and frustrate short-term customers who cannot find seating, aiming to maintain a fair and comfortable environment for all patrons .

Solutions include setting time limits for customers staying extended periods. This can be implemented by informing customers at arrival or after a certain time, and by posting clear signs regarding the policy. These measures would allow more customers access to seating and help businesses maintain steady revenue, ensuring a fair environment for short-term customers as well .

Businesses risk losing revenue as customers occupy tables for long durations with minimal purchases, potentially leading to closures. The loss of such establishments reduces available community spaces, consequently limiting social interaction areas and causing inconvenience for customers unable to find seating due to the occupancy issue .

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