GEAR UP FOR LIFE

WRITING MENTOR: Problem/Solution

Problem/Solution is a way of organizing ideas about a topic.  It has two parts: the problem and the solution.

The  Problem

A problem is something that causes difficulties.  A problem can be individual; for example, someone is allergic to bee stings.  That is a problem for that person, but not for everyone.  A problem can also be general; for example, pollution is a problem for everyone.

The problem part of this kind of composition must describe the problem and explain why it is a problem.  This can be an easy or a difficult thing to do depending on the topic.  Pollution, for example, is a very complicated problem because there are so many different kinds of pollution.  Even one kind of pollution can cause many difficulties.  For example, air pollution can be bad for people, for plants, for animals, and even for buildings. 

Explain the problem part of your composition as carefully and completely as possible.  Give examples to help make your ideas clear to the reader.  With a complicated problem, you may want to limit your discussion to one part of the problem.  For example, instead of pollution in general, you may want to write about water pollution in your town only.

The Solution

The solution is a way or ways to overcome the problem.  With the world's big problems, all you may be able to do is to give ways to lessen the problem.

In the solution part of your composition, you may again have to discuss a number of solutions that may all help the situation.  There may not be one solution that does away with your problem.

Give examples of your ideas here, too.  Remember, your reader needs help understanding your points.  They may be completely new ideas for him.

The Composition

You may be asked to write an explanation of a problem only.  Or  you may be asked to write a solution to a problem only.  At times, you may be asked to do both things in a composition.  The more complicated the composition, the more important keeping ideas in order will be.

Sample Problem/Solution Outline

Problem: Short introduction to the problem

  I.  First important description of the problem

a.  Example or explanation

b.  Example or explanation

 II.  Second important description of the problem

a.  Example or explanation

b.  Example or explanation

Solution:

III.  First important description of the solution

a.  Example or explanation

b.  Example or explanation

IV.  Second important description of the solution

a.  Example or explanation

b.  Example or explanation

  Short conclusion restating the problem and its solution