Development in

Writing:
Problem-Solution
Group 7
12 C
December 8, 2016

Introduction
Analyze a problem and propose a method
for solving it.
The problem you choose to analyze should
be one that offers some challenges but is
still possible to resolve.

http://www.phschool.com/atschool/ahon09/pdfs/AHON_WW_un

Definition
Divides information into two main sections
Problem
Solution
Typically used in persuasive writing, where
the writer's general purpose is to convince
the reader to support a certain course of
action.

http://faculty.washington.edu/ezent/impo.htm

Definition
The pattern is designed to compel the reader to
make some kind of change in opinion or behavior
by establishing that a problem exists, then
providing a solution.
In the problem section, the writer identifies
different aspects of the problem being discussed
and offers evidence of these problems.
In the solution section, the writer identifies a
potential solution and supports the effectiveness
of this solution over others.

http://faculty.washington.edu/ezent/impo.htm

Characteristics
A problem that needs to be solved
A thesis statement that identifies the
problem and points toward the solution
Identification of several possible solutions
Specific facts, details, examples, and
reasons indicating why one solution is best
An analytical tone
http://www.phschool.com/atschool/ahon09/pdfs/AHON_WW_un

How to Write?
Pre-writing
Define the problem to be solved.
Brainstorm to identify several solutions.
Write a thesis statement.
Gather supporting information.

http://www.phschool.com/atschool/ahon09/pdfs/AHON_WW_uni

How to Write?
Drafting
Decide how to organize your writing.
Support your thesis with examples and
details.
Use an analytical tone.
Write a strong conclusion.

http://www.phschool.com/atschool/ahon09/pdfs/AHON_WW_uni

How to Write?
Revising
Revise to strengthen your thesis and support
Do the introduction and thesis statement identify
the problem?
Do the body paragraphs explain the problem
thoroughly? Do they examine several solutions
and describe the most effective solution clearly?
Is your proposal supported by convincing
reasons, facts, and examples?
http://www.phschool.com/atschool/ahon09/pdfs/AHON_WW_uni

How to Write?
Revising
Revise to meet written English-language
conventions
Are all sentences complete, with a subject and
a verb?
Are all the words spelled correctly? Use a spellchecker or a dictionary to make sure.
Are all proper nouns capitalized, including
names of people and places?
Did you use proper punctuation? Check

http://www.phschool.com/atschool/ahon09/pdfs/AHON_WW_uni

Pattern

http://www.sponsoravillage.ca/level-i-writing/reading-problemsolution-

Sample Essay

http://www.phschool.com/atschool/ahon09/pdfs/AHON_WW_uni

Example
Silk
Legends record that about 2640 BC a Chinese Empress, Si-Ling-Chi
watched the little silk worms spin cocoons in the mulberry trees. She
unwound one of the threads from a cocoon. It was one very long
strand of shiny thread. Silk has the longest strand of any natural plant
or animal fibre. The challenge was to develop some kind of winding
devise so that the silk thread could be made into cloth. No one knows
for sure when the Chinese first developed silk winding machines.
However, there is mention of such devices in Chinese dictionariesin
the 2nd century AD. Actual spinning wheels, however, came much
later, perhaps the 11th century AD. Even today, China is the worlds
leading producer of quality silk cloth.
http://www.sponsoravillage.ca/level-i-writing/reading-problemsolution-

Example
Cyprus
Since Cyprus has been at the crossroads of European, Asian and
African trade since 2500BC, its culture has been challenged. It has
been ruled by many foreign powers who forced cultural changes on
the people of Cyprus. This created problems for them because they
could not maintain their native culture. Gradually, they adopted a
creative solution. They blended the modern European culture
brought by the traders with their ancient culture. Today, this
cultural blend combined with the mountains and sunny beaches
along the coast of the Mediterranean attracts many visitors. Cyprus
has become one of Europes major holiday destinations.
http://www.sponsoravillage.ca/level-i-writing/reading-problemsolution-

Guide Questions
What is the problem?
Why is it a problem?
How can the problem be solved?

http://www.sponsoravillage.ca/level-i-writing/reading-problemsolution-

Activity: Give possible solutions to the

following problems

How
How
How
How
How
How
How
How
How

to prevent the spread of disease?

to get good grades?
would your crush notice you?
to move on from a past relationship?
to lessen poverty?
to avoid being rejected?
to lessen the impact of global warming?
to prevent cancer?
to be fit?

References
http://faculty.washington.edu/ezent/impo.ht
m
http://www.sponsoravillage.ca/level-iwriting/reading-problemsolution-pattern/
http://www.phschool.com/atschool/ahon09/
pdfs/AHON_WW_unit_2.pdf

Presented by

Wylie Thomas Pe
Vincent Joshua Go

Nathaniel Yu
Jacques del Pozo