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Writing handout 7. ProblemSolutionParagraph

The document provides guidance on writing problem-solution paragraphs, defining their structure and types. It outlines three question types related to problems and solutions, detailing the organization of paragraphs for each type. Additionally, it includes sample paragraphs and language suggestions for effectively discussing problems and proposing solutions.

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Juzo Suzuya
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
1 views

Writing handout 7. ProblemSolutionParagraph

The document provides guidance on writing problem-solution paragraphs, defining their structure and types. It outlines three question types related to problems and solutions, detailing the organization of paragraphs for each type. Additionally, it includes sample paragraphs and language suggestions for effectively discussing problems and proposing solutions.

Uploaded by

Juzo Suzuya
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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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 in 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 solutions to the problem. It is called “Solution
paragraph”, which consists of:
✔ Topic Sentence
✔ Supporting sentences about solutions to the problem.
✔ Concluding sentence

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Writing Handouts for TAB1

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
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/measures.
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

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Writing Handouts for TAB1

Concluding implemented these solutions, parents will be able to alleviate their concerns about
sentence 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 get involved
Supporting in sedentary activities such as watching TV or sitting in front of the computer for
sentences 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, this health issue is concerning
Concluding and needs dealing with for the sake of people’s health.
sentence => 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 traffic
Supporting jams seem unavoidable. Additionally, lack of awareness to obey traffic rules
sentences among vehicle owners is one of the factors that compound traffic congestion. For
example, many people are found passing red traffic lights, which may cause traffic
accidents, and therefore lead to traffic jams for a few hours. In short, traffic
Concluding congestion is one of the most concerning issues in big cities and it needs dealing
sentence 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

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Writing Handouts for TAB1

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.
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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