Problem Solution Essay

Nova A.

Problem-Solution Essay - Writing Guide, Topics, & Examples!

10 min read

Published on: Dec 7, 2019

Last updated on: Nov 21, 2023

Problem-Solution Essay

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Feeling stuck when it comes to writing a solid problem-solution essay?

You're not alone—many students find it challenging. This essay type requires careful consideration and skillful execution, which isn’t always easy.

But fret not! This guide is your go-to solution. We've got all the crucial steps, structures, and examples to make essay writing a breeze for you.

So, keep reading!

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What is a Problem-Solution Essay?

A problem-solution essay is a form of persuasive writing that delves into a specific issue, providing a detailed examination of the problem and proposing effective solutions. 

Unlike other essay types, it places a strong emphasis on presenting practical remedies to real-world problems. 

The main aim is not just to explain the problem but to get readers interested in practical solutions. This makes it a unique and impactful type of academic writing.

Why Write a Problem Solution Essay 

There are significant reasons to write a problem solution essay. First and foremost, this type of writing encourages the practical application of knowledge . You are required to address real-world issues and propose practical solutions. This helps develop a deeper sense of the problems around you.

Additionally, this process refines analytical skills , encourages you to approach problems with a solution-oriented mindset.

Also, working on a problem-solution essay helps you become better at communicating . You have to explain complicated problems and solutions in a way that's clear and easy to understand.

Writing problem solution essays is more than just an academic essay exercise. It serves as a platform for intellectual growth, developing a practical and impactful approach to societal challenges.

Problem Solution Essay Structure

In crafting a problem-solution essay, the structure plays a pivotal role in presenting ideas coherently and persuasively. 

Two commonly used structures for this type of essay are the block structure and the chain structure. Each has its unique approach to organizing information, offering writers flexibility in presenting their analysis and proposed solutions.

Block Structure

The block structure, also known as the whole-to-whole or one-side-at-a-time structure, is a straightforward organizational method. 

In this type of structure, the writer dedicates separate blocks of text to first presenting the problem comprehensively. The solutions to the problems are presented in the next sections subsequently. 

This structure allows for a clear separation between the problem and solution sections, providing a systematic and easy-to-follow presentation.

Here is an outline for block structure problem-solution essay:

Chain Structure

Contrasting the block structure, the chain structure takes an interconnected approach. 

In this format, the essay addresses a specific problem and promptly proposes a solution. 

The pattern repeats as each problem is introduced, followed immediately by its corresponding solution. This structure aims to maintain a continuous and engaging flow, presenting a transition between problems and solutions. 

Here is a chain structure template:

How to Write a Problem-Solution Essay?

A problem solution essay requires taking a systematic approach. Here are the basic steps for writing this type of essay:

Step 1 - Topic Selection

Choosing the right topic is the first crucial step in writing a problem-solution essay. Pick a real-world issue that genuinely interests you. 

Consider problems that have personal significance or affect your community. The goal is to engage with a problem that allows for meaningful discussion and exploration.

Step 2 - Understanding the Problem

Before diving into solutions, take the time to fully grasp the intricacies of the problem at hand. 

Research the issue thoroughly, aiming to comprehend its various aspects and implications. This step is essential for presenting a well-informed analysis in your essay, ensuring a solid foundation for proposing solutions.

Step 3 - Explore Viable Solutions

Once you've identified and understood the problem, brainstorm possible solutions. 

Think about practical, achievable, and effective ways to address the issue. Consider different angles and perspectives, aiming for solutions that are not only feasible but also have the potential to make a positive impact in real-world scenarios.

Step 4 - Create an Outline

Organize your thoughts and structure your essay by creating a clear outline. 

Allocate specific sections for introducing the problem, proposing solutions, and crafting a conclusion. A well-organized outline serves as a roadmap, guiding you through each step of the writing process.

Step 5 - Write the Introduction

Begin your essay with a captivating introduction . Start with an attention-grabbing hook that draws your reader in. 

Clearly state the problem, emphasizing its significance. Conclude the introduction with a concise thesis statement that outlines the solutions you will explore in the essay.

Step 6 - Craft Body Paragraph

Dedicate individual paragraphs to each problem and its corresponding solution. Elaborate on the details of the problem and present practical solutions. 

Support your ideas with examples, evidence, or real-life scenarios. This section forms the core of your essay, providing a comprehensive exploration of the issues at hand.

Step 7 - Address Possible Objections

Acknowledge and address potential counterarguments to your proposed solutions. 

Anticipating objections adds depth to your essay, showcasing a thorough consideration of alternative viewpoints. By addressing possible objections, you strengthen the overall persuasiveness of your solutions.

Step 8 - Conclude The Essay

Conclude your essay by summarizing the main points without introducing new information. Reinforce the importance of the proposed solutions and leave a lasting impression. 

Consider ending with a call to action or a thought-provoking statement that resonates with your reader. The conclusion should provide a sense of closure to your essay.

Problem-Solution Essay Example 

We know that writing this kind of essay could be a challenge. Here are some problem solution essay samples:

Problem Solution Essay Sample PDF

Financial Problem Solution Essay

Garbage Problem Solution Essay

Problem Solution Essay IELTS

Problem Solution Essay Topics

When picking a topic for your problem-solution essay, think about a few important things. 

Choose something that matters to your audience and is important in society right now. Pick issues that really affect people or communities and need attention. 

Make sure the problem can be realistically solved with practical solutions. Here is a list of problem solution essay topics you can use:

  • Tobacco should be banned to control lung cancer. Discuss.
  • Obesity is caused by genetically modified and processed food. Discuss the solution.
  • Movie scripts should be censored to control violence in youth. Discuss.
  • How to tackle the lack of resources in urban homeless shelters?
  • Government should propose some policies to deal with illegal immigration. Discuss.
  • How can we use social media to improve awareness?
  • Propose some ways to keep your friends and family safe.
  • College students in the United States are overburdened with homework.
  • How to improve the quality of education in high school?
  • Providing equal opportunities to under-privileged children is important. Discuss.

These are some good problem-solution topics that you can tweak to use as your own. 

Problem Solution Essay Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure your problem solution essay is well-crafted and effective:

So, wrapping up, with this guide and checklist, you can now write a problem-solution essay that fulfills its purpose. Just remember to be clear, practical, and interesting. 

But if you still feel unsure or want extra help, our essay writing service is here for you. 

Our experts know how to handle any type of essay, making sure it's top-notch. If you need that extra boost, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We're here to make sure your essay shines and gets the job done.

So, why wait? Place your order today!

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Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

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The Definitive Guide to Writing a Problem Solution Essay

06 February, 2021

13 minutes read

Author:  Josh Carlyle

In this article, we cover the basics of problem solution essay writing. We will explain what a problem and solution essay is in academic and straightforward terms. We shall also cover the four essential components that make this essay coherent. With these four components in mind, we will offer guidance on the outline structure and provide some general writing tips on research and problem solving, as well as some topics and essay samples.

Problem Solution Essay

What is a Problem Solution Essay?

A problem solution essay is a staple of humanities and social science subjects. These essays cover a pressing issue, examine how it causes problems, and offer solutions to these problems. The topic for problem solution essay papers can be incredibly diverse. The problem could be local, regional, or global. It could affect a wide range of people or be part of the discourse on an arcane and obscure aspect of computing.

problem solution essay

If you are wondering how to write a problem solution essay, look no further than its name. The core of a problem solution essay is in the title. In this type of essay, a problem is presented, and a solution is offered. Doing this well requires presenting the issue in an audience-appropriate way and then offering solutions that thoroughly negate any critiques of those solutions. 

4 Components of a Problem Solution Essay

In a problem and solution essay, the following aspects must be included:  

  • The Situation: this opening part is where the foundation of the problem lies. It is not an introduction in the sense that you may be familiar with or an abstract that covers the entirety of your thesis. Rather, it is a short and straightforward briefing that will make a layperson familiar with the situation at hand.
  • The Problem: this part provides specifics of the problem. Detailed dissections of evidence take place here; we’ll summarise those later in the evaluation section. 
  • The Solution: this component covers push-back specific solutions you may encounter. Part of a correct answer is thinking of your opponents’ perspectives and ensuring that they address their assumptions and points.
  • The Evaluation: in this section, it is crucial to write with brevity and wit; this will make your position memorable. Readers will often remember the last part of essays they read, so make sure it represents a microcosm of your essay as a whole. 

These components are the essence of the structure required in a problem solution essay. The actual structure you will work with will require a finer granulation of sections. For instance, in the solution section, the critiques will also need to have a review applied, demonstrating their lack of applicability or irrelevance. 

Problem Solution Essay Outline

The best guide for a problem solution essay outline is the four components mentioned above. Cover the situation, the problem, the solution, and then evaluate both or all sides of the story. 

To drill down further into the outline, you should have an introduction that will set out your paper’s structure. Then you should present the situation. Keep this section free from emotive language. Use it to ensure the reader has all the facts, and imagine that you want everyone reading the paper to be on a level playing field in terms of knowledge and framing of the problem.

In the problem section, you must explain why there is a particular issue. At this point in your essay, ensure that you do not leave the door open to other causes of the problem. Find ways to make the problem something that the reader cares about and wants to solve, but beware of assuming the reader is on your side simply because you’ve said some things and made some points. 

Once the situation has been explained, and the problem elucidated, present your solution. It  should use evidence, and you should be able to explain how it directly relates to the question.  Don’t use ad hominem attacks or go polemic. Unravel the problem with your solution. Take it to step by step and keep your writing composed.

In the evaluation section, you should find your argument’s weaknesses and the views that find fault with your solution.

How To Find Solutions to Your Problems

You can find solutions to your problems by researching them; someone will have asked the question before, or one very similar to it. You can talk to your peers and even conduct polls on social media to gauge the public’s position on various solutions. 

Another way of finding solutions include flipping your perspective. Take the position of the other side and see the world through their gaze. By putting yourself in the opponent’s shoes, you can see weaknesses in your ideas and perhaps adjust them to take on more relevance to more people or factor in an aspect that you had overlooked.

Ultimately, the best way to find solutions is to read and read some more. Try looking in your library if you prefer books to the internet, but don’t leave Google out of it. Using the search engine correctly, you can dig up all kinds of books, papers, and presentations that will be very useful in your studies.

Problem Solution Essay Topics

The list of problem solution essay topics is very long. As mentioned earlier, the problem can be a local issue, affecting a specific demographic or being universal. Regardless of the topic you choose, there are another million waiting for an answer.

To start you off, the climate crisis is an excellent area for debate. 

  • How do we deal with stranded assets in the fossil fuel industry and financial sector? 
  • What should the laws be surrounding new cars run on petrol and diesel? 
  • How should electrification be carried out in developing nations? Is a carbon tax a viable way to reduce emissions? 

Other problem solution essay ideas might include social media’s effect on dopamine levels, gerrymandering in electoral districts, or the working week’s length. 

Problem Solution Essay Examples

Reading previous papers is a fantastic method to improve your grades. Study essays that get top marks and some of the ones which get lower marks. The difference will be apparent in their vocabulary, logic, and evidence. Read a few problem solution essay sample papers but don’t plagiarize them; always cite your sources. Here are a few examples to help you get started: 

https://www.eapfoundation.com/writing/essays/problemsolution/  

https://www.ieltsbuddy.com/problem-solution-essays.html  

Writing Tips for a Problem Solution Essay

An essay is a complex task to complete. That’s why it’s useful to break down the whole into several steps. 

Step one is to conduct some thorough research and planning. If you have free choice over the problem at hand, then start by brainstorming some groups you belong to and decide whether they’re officially mandated ones like a sports team or a club, or broader, like your sex, gender, nationality, or language grouping.

After this, jot down some issues in the groups. Are you struggling to manage the payment plan for your sports hall? Has there been an instance of bullying or shaming in your school? With the topic in mind, move onto research. 

When researching your topic, it’s always useful to remember that there is nothing new under the sun. It is almost definite that similar problems have arisen before, and most solutions already exist.

Then, conduct and compose a literature review on the topic. A literature review is an excellent addition to your essay as a standalone section. It helps to situate your issue within the world and builds relations to other similar problems. 

You may think you have nothing to say about the problem or find it hard to justify your opinion. Well, in the problem solution essay, your voice matters. Always try to back up what you’re saying through evidence and try not to stray into writing a polemic. Yet, passion and emotion are useful tools for framing the problem. Just try not to make these responses the whole essay.

As far as solving problems goes, you can use some general mechanics to come up with solutions. The following paragraphs will present some of these logical mechanics; feel free to use them in your writing:

  • Add something new: this solution works when something is lacking. The problem may be a lack of funding, equipment, or motivation. The assumed problem when using this angle of attack is that there is a lack of resources available. Concrete examples of this could include more teaching assistants in education, longer opening hours at a library, or more significant legislation to protect the environment.
  • Remove something: this is the inverse of the previous point. Inversing is a useful strategy for thinking about problems in general. If something is too crowded or too busy, it might be a solution to limit exposure to something and devise a solution. 
  • Education: learning is a more specific aspect of ‘adding something’; it presupposes that a lack of information and awareness is the cause of the problem. If people had this knowledge, the theory goes that the issue would disappear or reduce because people could make informed decisions and correct their behavior.
  • Enforcement: if something like school rules, or even the law, is being ignored, proper enforcement might be a solution. Enforcement has its own sets of problems. This angle is an excellent way to write an unfolding and varied essay as it requires lots of discussion around proper enforcement. Making people do things they don’t want to do is a tricky situation and is riddled with structural and psychological issues.
  • Compromising: proposing compromise through mediation or bi-partisan effort is another complex solution. To work effectively, it has to involve people who possess robust negotiation techniques. But settlements happen all the time, so they’re a powerful solution to many problems. It may be useful to learn about zero-sum and relative issues to argue this case correctly.
  • A change in leadership: leaders can become stale and cumbersome; they may get weighed down by responsibility and have a low tolerance for change. Although, many problems require systemic changes, such as the climate crisis. With an established leader in charge, progress could be slow as they may be blinkered by their position. In this case, they are proposing an election or vote of confidence as a solution that can break the deadlock and offer people a chance to voice their concerns through voting.

One could surmise that the problem and solution essay is an incredibly relevant style of writing. By dissecting an issue and coming up with solutions, you learn a skill that is useful in many careers and practices. But writing one effectively requires both passion and perseverance; writing about topics that move us, though letting the fire burn too brightly, can put readers off or lead them to ignore their blind spots. 

Follow the structures set out above and make sure to proofread your essays before submission. Finding a good editor is always a positive step; they can help to rephrase your words so that your argument comes across more fluently. 

Writing drafts is good practice, although not always possible due to time constraints. Ideally, you should work through two drafts before submitting a final piece; if the essay makes up a small part of your overall grade, adjust the drafting process accordingly. 

Write a Problem Solution Essay with HandmadeWriting

Problem solution writing has been speaking truth to power for millennia. HandmadeWriting loves seeking solutions as much as it loves a simple academic essay or lab report. It’s hard to become a good essay writer without getting critical at times. That’s why we pride ourselves on producing some of the most compelling content around. So be the next one to enjoy our writing and get an A+ for it.

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Problem-solution essays Situation-problem-solution-evaluation

Problem-solution essays are a common essay type, especially for short essays such as subject exams or IELTS . The page gives information on what they are , how to structure this type of essay, and gives an example problem-solution essay on the topic of obesity and fitness levels.

What are problem-solution essays?

Problem-solution

Problem-solution essays consider the problems of a particular situation, and give solutions to those problems. They are in some ways similar to cause and effect essays , especially in terms of structure (see below). Problem-solution essays are actually a sub-type of another type of essay, which has the following four components:

The 'situation' may be included in the essay prompt, in which case it will not be needed in the main body. If it is needed, it can often be included in the introduction, especially for short essays, as with the example essay below . The 'evaluation' may be included as part of the conclusion (also as in the example below), or omitted altogether, especially for short essays. For these reasons, problem-solution essays are more common than situation-problem-solution-evaluation essays (or SPSE essays).

There are two main ways to structure a problem-solution essay. These are similar to the ways to structure cause and effect essays , namely using a block or a chain structure. For the block structure, all of the problems are listed first, and all of the solutions are listed afterwards. For the chain structure, each problem is followed immediately by the solution to that problem. Both types of structure have their merits. The former is generally clearer, especially for shorter essays, while the latter ensures that any solutions you present relate directly to the problems you have given.

The two types of structure, block and chain , are shown in the diagram below. This is for a short essay, which includes the 'situation' in the introduction and 'evaluation' in the conclusion. A longer essay, for example one of around 1,000 words, with citations , would probably have these two sections as separate paragraphs in the main body.

Example essay

Below is a problem-solution essay on the topic of obesity and poor fitness . It uses the block structure . Click on the different areas (in the shaded boxes) to highlight the different structural aspects in this essay, i.e. Situation, Problem, Solution, Evaluation. This will highlight not simply the paragraphs, but also (for problems and solutions) the thesis statement and summary , as these repeat the problems and solutions contained in the main body.

Consumption of processed and convenience foods and our dependence on the car have led to an increase in obesity and reduction in the fitness level of the adult population. In some countries, especially industrialized ones, the number of obese people can amount to one third of the population. This is significant as obesity and poor fitness lead to a decrease in life expectancy , and it is therefore important for individuals and governments to work together to tackle this issue and improve their citizens' diet and fitness. Obesity and poor fitness decrease life expectancy. Overweight people are more likely to have serious illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease, which can result in premature death. It is well known that regular exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, which means that those with poor fitness levels are at an increased risk of suffering from those problems. Changes by individuals to their diet and their physical activity can increase life expectancy. There is a reliance today on the consumption of processed foods, which have a high fat and sugar content. By preparing their own foods, and consuming more fruit and vegetables, people could ensure that their diets are healthier and more balanced, which could lead to a reduction in obesity levels. In order to improve fitness levels, people could choose to walk or cycle to work or to the shops rather than taking the car. They could also choose to walk up stairs instead of taking the lift. These simple changes could lead to a significant improvement in fitness levels. Governments could also implement initiatives to improve their citizens' eating and exercise habits. This could be done through education, for example by adding classes to the curriculum about healthy diet and lifestyles. Governments could also do more to encourage their citizens to walk or cycle instead of taking the car, for instance by building more cycle lanes or increasing vehicle taxes. While some might argue that increased taxes are a negative way to solve the problem, it is no different from the high taxes imposed on cigarettes to reduce cigarette consumption. In short, obesity and poor fitness are a significant problem in modern life, leading to lower life expectancy . Individuals and governments can work together to tackle this problem and so improve diet and fitness . Of the solutions suggested, those made by individuals themselves are likely to have more impact, though it is clear that a concerted effort with the government is essential for success. With obesity levels in industrialized and industrializing countries continuing to rise, it is essential that we take action now to deal with this problem.

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Author: Sheldon Smith    ‖    Last modified: 22 January 2022.

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Transition signals are useful in achieving good cohesion and coherence in your writing.

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Problem Solution Essay

Caleb S.

Learn How to Write a Problem Solution Essay in No Time

16 min read

Published on: Feb 1, 2022

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

Problem Solution Essay

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Are you facing difficulties when it comes to writing problem solution essays? 

You're not alone!                          It's a critical skill to master, as these essays provide opportunities to address real-world issues and propose practical solutions.

Well, CollegeEssay.org is here to save the day!

In this blog, we will provide you with invaluable insights, expert tips, and a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the challenges of problem solution essays.

With our comprehensive strategies and examples, you'll learn to craft powerful essays that propose innovative solutions and captivate your readers.

Get ready to conquer the essay-writing battlefield and make a difference with your words.

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What is a Problem Solution Essay?

A problem-solution essay is a type of academic writing that requires the writer to analyze a problem, propose a viable solution, and support their ideas with relevant evidence. 

The primary objective of this essay is to address real-world issues and provide practical solutions to those problems.

In a problem-solution essay, the writer typically begins by describing the problem, highlighting its severity and impact. The writer then proposes a solution to the problem, providing a detailed explanation of how the solution will work. 

The essay may also include a discussion of the potential challenges or limitations associated with the proposed solution.

Importance Of Problem Solution Essays

Problem-solution essays play a crucial role in academia and beyond. Here are some reasons why these essays hold significant importance:

  • Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills

Writing a problem-solution essay enhances critical thinking abilities by requiring the writer to deeply analyze and understand complex problems. It encourages the development of analytical skills to assess the root causes, consequences, and potential solutions to a given problem.

  • Practical Application of Knowledge

Problem-solution essays provide an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world issues. By researching and proposing solutions, students bridge the gap between theory and practice, making their education relevant and meaningful.

  • Problem-Solving Mindset

Engaging in problem-solution essays cultivates a problem-solving mindset. It encourages individuals to identify problems, think creatively, and propose effective solutions. This mindset is highly valuable in various academic disciplines, professional settings, and everyday life.

  • Awareness And Social Impact

Problem-solution essays promote awareness of social, environmental, or political issues. By addressing pressing problems and proposing solutions, these essays contribute to raising consciousness and fostering positive change within society.

  • Persuasive Communication

Crafting a compelling problem-solution essay hones persuasive communication skills. Writers must effectively communicate their ideas, present logical arguments, and convince readers of the feasibility and effectiveness of their proposed solutions.

  • Empowerment and Personal Growth

Successfully tackling problem-solution essays instills a sense of empowerment and personal growth. As students overcome challenges and present innovative solutions, they gain confidence, expand their knowledge base, and develop essential skills for future endeavors.

Features of Problem Solution Essay

A problem-solution essay possesses distinct features that set it apart from other essay types. Let's explore some key features of a problem-solution essay:

Problem Identification

The essay begins by clearly identifying and defining the problem . It is essential to provide a comprehensive understanding of the problem, its scope, and its impact on individuals or society. 

The writer should establish the urgency and significance of the problem to capture the reader's attention.

Solution Proposal

The heart of a problem-solution essay lies in proposing a feasible solution.

The writer must present a well-reasoned and practical solution that directly addresses the identified problem. The proposed solution should be logical, realistic, and supported by evidence or expert opinions.

Evidence-Based Approach

A strong problem-solution essay relies on evidence to support the proposed solution. This may include statistical data, research findings, case studies, or expert testimonies. 

The writer should provide convincing evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness and viability of the proposed solution.

Consideration of Limitations

Acknowledging and addressing any potential limitations or challenges associated with the proposed solution is crucial. This demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the problem and a realistic approach to solving it. 

By acknowledging limitations, the writer shows a balanced perspective and invites further discussion or alternative solutions.

Call to Action

A problem-solution essay often concludes with a call to action, urging readers to take steps toward implementing the proposed solution or supporting related initiatives. This call to action encourages readers to reflect on the problem and motivates them to contribute to positive change.

Problem Solution Essay Format

Like other essays, problem-solution essays also follow a format. Creating a problem-solution essay outline will make the essay writing process smoother. 

Have a look at the problem-solution essay structure:

H3- Introduction

An introduction is important because you will not be able to write a good essay without one. You need to describe the problem and then show why it is important. If it is a new or uncommon problem, you will need to explain how it works and its consequences. 

If it is a common problem, you will need to tell us about what happens when the problem isn't solved and how people feel about that. Whatever the case may be, you want to convince readers of its importance.

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  • Brief Thesis Statement

The thesis statement serves as a concise and informative sentence that outlines the main focus of your essay. It provides the readers with an understanding of the knowledge they will gain by reading it.

For example, if you're writing an essay about how to solve a problem, your thesis statement should be: 

"This essay explores the impact of social media on mental health and proposes strategies to promote a healthier digital environment, enabling readers to understand the potential risks and empowering them with effective solutions for maintaining their well-being in the digital age."

You can also add other solutions that did not work before explaining your solution in detail.

An essay usually has three paragraphs, one for each problem and solution. When working on each solution, it is important to review these things:

  • Explain the problem in detail
  • Propose your solution and explain it properly
  • Explain how this will help solve that problem
  • If you want to show why your solution is best, use an expert or personal experience, statistics, other people's work, or examples.

Conclusion 

The last part of an essay is as important as the first. It is often the strongest part, and many people think it doesn't matter because it comes at the end. But that's wrong! 

If you don't do a good job on your conclusion, you might fail to earn a good grade. Here are some tips for writing a strong conclusion for your essay: 

  • Make sure that you summarize what was said in your introduction 
  • List the main points of your argument 
  • Give advice to someone who has similar problems

This was all for the Problem solution essay format. Now it’s time to get started to write an essay. 

How to Write a Problem Solution Essay? 5 Easy Steps

A good problem-solution essay should propose a solution that is easy to implement, reasonable, and solves the problem. Make sure your essay stays focused on the main topic. 

Below are steps for writing a good and impressive problem-solution essay.

1. Choose the Topic

Think about the issues that are bothering you. These could be anything, but they need to be big enough for them to affect people. Make a list of these issues or problems that are facing some groups or your community.

2. Think How to Implement Solution

To make a great solution, it needs to be easy to understand and do. Good solutions can be done easily, solve the problem well, and are not expensive.

One of the common ways people try to solve problems is by getting rid of what is causing the problem. 

For example, if someone does drugs, they may stop doing them. It can also help if you educate people about how it works or use advertising to motivate them. 

Final ly, you might be able to change something that is not working, like an old law, or introduce new ones. Of course, there are other solutions too, so think about all of them!

3. Create an Outline

An outline is important in writing. It helps you to remember what you were going to say, and it also tells your readers what they will learn from the essay. When you write an outline, divide the information into sections or paragraphs.

Pick a topic and then add all of your points in order to make the essay easier for the reader.

Here’s a generic outline for a problem solution essay.

4. Start Writing Your Essay

Now the outline is created, it’s time to fit in the extensive detail. A problem-solving essay follows the structur e of having an introd uction paragraph, three supporting body paragraphs, and a concluding one. 

Start adding the details as discussed in the outline section. 

5. Revise Your Essay

The last step in the process of writing an essay is to proofread it. Proofreading means that you go through it a lot of time to ensure there are no mistakes or errors in your essay. 

Ensure that the vocabulary, grammar, spelling, citation, facts, syntax, and format are accurate and appropriate. If you find any errors during this step, then correct them before submitting your essay to your instructor.

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Problem Solution Essay Examples

We know that it can be hard to write this kind of essay. We have a sample essay below to help you understand.

Below are additional examples of problem solution essays that can serve as sources of inspiration for your writing.

Problem Solution Essay Sample pdf

Garbage Problem Solution Essay

Problem Solution Essay Topics

When you write about a problem solution topic, make sure it is something important to you. Usually, people write about things that are happening around them or in the world.

Below are some topics to choose from when writing your essay.

  • What can be done to stop body positivity from going too far?
  • How can we encourage people to adopt children in real life?
  • How can we reduce domestic violence in our society?
  • How to prevent people from drinking alcohol while driving?
  • What are ways to reduce racial violence? 
  • What is the best way to solve cybercrime? 
  • What are the best ways to reduce fraud in real estate deals?
  • How can the government solve the problem of immigrant assimilation in the United States?
  • What steps should the government take to increase voter turnout?
  • What legislation can be used to limit sources of campaign financing for political candidates?

If you're still having trouble writing this type of essay, check out this informative video below.

In conclusion , a problem-solution essay is an effective way to address and propose solutions to issues that affect individuals or society. 

By identifying a problem and presenting supporting evidence, you can inspire readers to take action and contribute to positive change. 

However, if you still think that you could benefit more from professional essay writing aid, we've got your back!

Our team of experienced writers provides a reliable problem solution essay writing service . They will ensure to deliver you a well-written and compelling essay that effectively addresses the identified problem. 

For deadlines that are too close for comfort, consider seeking assistance from our AI essay writing tool . 

So, what are you waiting for? Hire our online essay services  today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to start the solution paragraph in an essay.

The best way to start a solution paragraph in an essay is by explaining the problem and then suggesting people to try it. 

How should I start the first paragraph of a problem-solution essay?

Start your first paragraph by following the below steps: 

  • Telling a story about the problem 
  • Then, describe what happened or your experience with it 
  • End with how you solved it. 

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problem solution essay tips

Composition Type: Problem-Solution Essays

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In composition , using a problem-solution format is a method for analyzing and writing about a topic by identifying a problem and proposing one or more solutions. A problem-solution essay is a type of argument. "This sort of essay involves argumentation in that the writer seeks to convince the reader to take a particular course of action. In explaining the problem, it may also need to persuade the reader concerning specific causes" (Dave Kemper et al., "Fusion: Integrated Reading and Writing," 2016).

The Thesis Statement

In many types of report writing, the thesis statement is posed front and center, in one sentence. Author Derek Soles writes about how the thesis statement in a problem-solution paper differs from a straight "report of findings" type of text:

"[One]  expository  mode is the problem-solution essay, topics for which are typically framed in the form of questions. Why did fourth-graders from poor families score low on a nationwide math test, and how can educators improve math education for this group? Why is Iran a threat to our national security, and how can we reduce this threat? Why did it take the Democratic Party so long to select a candidate for the 2008 presidential election, and what can the party do to make the process more efficient in the future? These essays have two parts: a full explanation of the nature of the problem, followed by an analysis of solutions and their likelihood of success."
("The Essentials of Academic Writing," 2nd ed. Wadsworth, Cengage, 2010)

Readers need additional context before you get to your thesis, but that is not to say that the thesis has to be posed as a question in the introduction:  

"In a problem-solution essay, the thesis statement usually proposes the solution. Because readers must first understand the problem, the thesis statement usually comes after a description of the problem. The thesis statement does not have to give details about the solution. Instead, it summarizes the solution. It should also lead naturally to the body of the essay, preparing your reader for a discussion of how your solution would work."
(Dorothy Zemach and Lynn Stafford-Yilmaz, "Writers at Work: The Essay." Cambridge University Press, 2008)

Sample Introductions

It can be helpful to see completed examples before writing in order to examine what makes for an effective piece. See how these introductions give some context before posing the topic and lead naturally into the body paragraphs, where the evidence will be listed. You can imagine how the author has organized the rest of the piece.

"We buried my cousin last summer. He was 32 when he hanged himself from a closet coat rack in the throes of alcoholism, the fourth of my blood relatives to die prematurely from this deadly disease. If America issued drinking licenses, those four men—including my father, who died at 54 of liver failure—might be alive today."
(Mike Brake, "Needed: A License to Drink."  Newsweek , March 13, 1994)
"America is suffering from overwork. Too many of us are too busy, trying to squeeze more into each day while having less to show for it. Although our growing time crunch is often portrayed as a personal dilemma, it is, in fact, a major social problem that has reached crisis proportions over the past twenty years."
(Barbara Brandt, "Whole Life Economics: Revaluing Daily Life." New Society, 1995)
"The modern-day apartment dweller is faced with a most annoying problem: paper-thin walls and sound-amplifying ceilings. To live with this problem is to live with the invasion of privacy. There is nothing more distracting than to hear your neighbors' every function. Although the source of the noise cannot be eliminated, the problem can be solved."
(Maria B. Dunn, "One Man's Ceiling Is Another Man's Floor: The Problem of Noise")

Organization

In "Passages: A Writer's Guide, " how to organize a problem-solution paper is explained:  

"Though to some extent [your organization of the paper] depends on your topic, do make sure that you include the following information:
Introduction: Identify the problem in a nutshell. Explain why this is a problem, and mention who should be concerned about it.
Problem Paragraph(s): Explain the problem clearly and specifically. Demonstrate that this is not just a personal complaint, but a genuine problem that affects many people.
"Solution Paragraph(s): Offer a concrete solution to the problem, and explain why this is the best one available. You may want to point out why other possible solutions are inferior to yours. If your solution calls for a series of steps or actions to be followed, present these steps in a logical order.
"Conclusion: Reemphasize the importance of the problem and the value of your solution. Choose a problem that you have experienced and thought about—one that you have solved or are in the process of solving. Then, in the essay itself, you may use your own experience to illustrate the problem. However, don't focus all the attention on yourself and on your troubles. Instead, direct the essay at others who are experiencing a similar problem. In other words, don't write an I essay ('How I Cure the Blues'); write a you essay ('How You Can Cure the Blues')."
(Richard Nordquist, Passages: A Writer's Guide , 3rd ed. St. Martin's Press, 1995)
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Problem solution essay

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A problem-solution essay is a type of academic essay that explores a particular issue or challenge, and presents a potential course of action to address it. The purpose of a problem-and-solution essay is to identify a problem or issue, and to provide a practical solution or strategy for resolving it.

With so many unsolved issues, it’s easy to find some good questions for consideration. All you need is to look around or read the news.  Writing a problem and solution essay won’t take much time and effort if you know what details to cover and what order you should follow. By using our ultimate guide, you will be able to compose an excellent and convincing essay with minimal effort. Close social networks and YouTube, spend 5 minutes reading our article to take to any problem solution essay topics like a duck to water. Have a tough deadline? Consider paying someone to write your essay . StudyCrumb experts will deliver a perfect problem and solution essay tailored to your requirements.

What Is a Problem Solution Essay: Definition

A problem and solution essay is a type of academic writing that defines some specific issue and provides steps to solve it. This kind of essay is aimed at assessing a student's ability to find some controversial problem and offer a clear problem-solving strategy.  Your topic should be relatively simple to write about. It’s good if it meets the general public's interests. Some popular topics for this essay include such issues:

  • Environmental pollution
  • Internet addiction
  • Infrastructure
  • Religious issues
  • Social movements.

No matter what topic you choose, it should motivate you to think and look for ways of solving the problem. You should analyze it, study various strategies, and choose which one fits best.  In a problem and solution essay, you can write about more than one problem. However, your solution is only efficient when several subjects in question fall into the same field. Otherwise, it will be difficult to focus on the right solution.

Problem Solution Essay Outline

One of the most important steps of your writing process is creating a problem solution essay outline . Without it, your paper will be unstructured and poorly organized. This is not the case when there is an efficient well-thought-out plan. Writing an outline is crucial on the way to composing a brilliant essay. It will help you stay on point without deviating from the issue. This way, you can save time and effort.  Unlike any other type of writing, a problem and solution essay provides some room for flexibility. You can create an outline using two different methods:

  • Block method
  • Chain method.

Each of these methods have their advantages and can be applied depending on the situation that will be covered. Let’s look at each of these approaches more in detail.  The block outline has the following structure:

Introduction – presents the topic and contains 4-5 short sentences. 

Main body – contains 2-3 paragraphs, each of them beginning with a topic sentence.

Body paragraph  

Body paragraph 

Conclusion – sums up all main points. 

Block method allows you to look at multiple problems or solutions using separate paragraphs. However, mastering this approach at first may be somewhat difficult.    The chain method is more appropriate if you want to focus on some unified idea within one body paragraph. Here’s an example of chain outline:

Introduction

Body paragraph 1

Body paragraph 2

This approach helps you explore an issue step-by-step. For this reason, it may be easier for beginners. 

How to Write a Problem Solution Essay

Now, it’s time that we learn how to write a problem and solution essay. Further, we will tell you about the best way of doing it. Below, you will find detailed information on perfecting each section of your essay. We will specifically shed more light on:

  • Acquaintance with the problem’s background
  • Description of the issue’s specifics
  • Explanation why it should be solved
  • Suggested solution and assessment
  • Call to action .

Let’s learn the secrets of writing a successful essay firsthand! 

How to Start a Problem Solution Essay: Introduction

The first section is a problem solution essay introduction. It should include such components:

  • Thesis statement.

Your opening paragraph should specify an issue, as well as provide some background information. Think over the first sentence that will captivate your readers. Everything must be clear from the very first lines. If one gets your idea at once, it’s almost in the bag. It may take some time to come up with a catchy hook, but you will be rewarded with an A+. Consider rare statistics, any little-known fact, or some hype information.  Remember that your second and third sentences should naturally flow into further discussion. Develop your idea by introducing some context. By the way, you can write an introduction after the rest of your essay is complete. Just make sure you have a thesis statement. After all, it’s the ground of your essay. All main points should be related to your thesis.

How to Write an Outstanding Problem Solution Essay Body

The next part in the problem and solution essay is the main body. Here, you should suggest ways of solving the issue. It would be great if you analyzed probable consequences of problem-solving actions. You should support why you think the specific measures are necessary and what they will result in.  Usually, the main body of a problem and solution essay includes 3 paragraphs. Every body paragraph focuses on different aspects:

  • Discuss an issue and offer your solution
  • Explain why your strategy will work
  • Provide some counter argument and refute it.

Argumentation is essential. By using it, you can convince readers that your strategy is correct. There is a good way to make powerful arguments. You should start with a statement, followed by an explanation. Back up your point of view with supportive examples. Then comes your final judgment. You can create transitions between paragraphs to make it easier for readers to follow a train of thought.

How to Write a Conclusion for a Problem Solution Essay

Congratulations! You’ve reached the last stage – a problem and solution essay conclusion. It usually contains 4-5 sentences summarizing your reasoning. In this part, you can make a general conclusion. It should include strong statements about what has been written.  You can rephrase your thesis statement and share your final thoughts. The goal of the last part is to draw a complete picture and make readers think. Your last paragraph shouldn’t contain any fundamentally new facts – only a general summary of points mentioned above. Try StudyCrumb’s summarizer tool if you have challenges ending your problem and solution writing. Your writing style in conclusion must always correspond to the style of your entire essay. Don’t try to stay on the safe side by using such phrases as “in my humble opinion”, “I am not an expert, but”. Readers will see them as excuses and uncertainty, which you definitely don’t want. What they should understand is that your essay is over and there is a logical conclusion.

Problem Solution Essays Examples

It is important to study a problem solution essay example before writing your own work. This way, you will be able to assess all the aspects and see how other authors coped with a similar task. You can borrow an exact structure or method of handling the situation.  Our examples won’t replace your essay. You shouldn’t copy or assign them to yourself. Focus on creating unique and useful content.

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Problem and Solution Essay: Writing and Proofreading Tips

You will be able to become a master of writing a problem and solution essay by following these great tips:

  • After finishing your work, leave your paper for a while. Later, you will be able to return to it and assess it with a fresh approach.
  • Check whether you’ve used all the above-mentioned components.
  • Make sure that your thesis clearly states your paper’s topic.
  • Perform in-depth research on your issue and explore existing resolutions.
  • Ensure that your solutions are realistic and can be implemented.
  • Use special tools to “grade my essay” and check whether your spelling and punctuation are correct.
  • Ask your relative, family member, or friend to proofread your work. A couple of extra eyes will ensure that there are no logical and grammatical errors.

You should also pay attention to the paper formatting style. Use the same font and text style throughout your essay.

Problem/ Solution Essay: Bottom Line

As you can see, there is nothing super hard about writing a problems and solution essay. Hopefully, our detailed guide will help you complete your assignment. Of course, you should be ready to test which approach works best for you. After all, you should strive for continuous improvement. 

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IELTS Problem Solution Essays

Problem solution essays are a type of essay question sometimes given to you in the test. 

In this type of essay you need to discuss the problems with regards to a particular topic and then suggest possible solutions to these problems.

One of the first things you want to make sure that you are able to do is identfy one of these questions when it arises. 

Here are some examples of this type of question.

Examples of Problem Solution Essay Questions:

Overpopulation of urban areas has led to numerous problems.

Identify one or two serious ones and suggest ways that governments and individuals can tackle these problems.

Nowadays many people have access to computers on a wide basis and a large number of children play computer games.

What are the negative impacts of playing computer games and what can be done to minimize the bad effects?

The internet has transformed the way information is shared and consumed, but it has also created problems that did not exist before.

What are the most serious problems associated with the internet and what solutions can you suggest?

In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing.

What problems will this cause for individuals and society?

Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce the impact of ageing populations.

An important note. Some essays ask for  reasons  and solutions, not problems and solutions. Writing about a reason (or cause) is not the same as writing about a problem.

Check these  model essays  to see the difference.

IELTS Problem Solution Essay Example 

In order to understand these types of problem solution essays further and how to organize your writing, we'll look at a problem solution example essay:

Model Answer

The enormous growth in the use of the internet over the last decade has led to radical changes to the way that people consume and share information. Although serious problems have arisen as a result of this, there are solutions.

One of the first problems of the internet is the ease with which children can access potentially dangerous sites. For example, pornography sites are easily accessible to them because they can register with a site and claim to be an adult. There is no doubt that this affects their thoughts and development, which is a negative impact for the children and for society. Another major problem is the growth of online fraud and hacking. These days, there are constant news stories about government and company websites that have been hacked, resulting in sensitive information falling into the hands of criminals.

It is important that action is taken to combat these problems. Governments should ensure that adequate legislation and controls are in place that will prevent young people from accessing dangerous sites, such as requiring more than simply confirming that you are an adult to view a site. Parents also have a part to play. They need to closely monitor the activities of their children and restrict their access to certain sites, which can now be done through various computer programs. Companies must also improve their onsite IT security systems to make fraud and hacking much more difficult by undertaking thorough reviews of their current systems for weaknesses.

To conclude, the internet is an amazing technological innovation that has transformed people’s lives, but not without negative impacts. However, with the right action by individuals, governments and businesses, it can be made a safe place for everyone.

(285 words)

Writing about Problems

From the problem solution essay, look at the problems paragraph, and answer the following questions (then click on the link below to see the answers):

  • How many problems are discussed?
  • What are they?
  • What expressions are used to introduce the problems?
  • How are the problems illustrated further?
  • What results are discussed for each problem?

Show / hide answers

1) How many problems are discussed?

2) What are they?

children can access potentially dangerous sites growth of online fraud and hacking

3) What expressions are used to introduce the problems?

One of the first problems of the internet is... Another major problem is...

4) How are the problems illustrated further?

For example, pornography sites are easily accessible to them because they can register with a site and claim to be an adult. These days, there are constant news stories about government and company websites that have been hacked.

5) What results are discussed for each problem?

There is no doubt that this affects their thoughts and development, which is a negative impact for the children and for society.
...resulting in sensitive information falling into the hands of criminals.

Your answers to these questions should tell you a lot about how to plan and organize a problem paragraph.

You only need two or three problems as remember you do not have much time and you need to explain the problems.

When you brainstorm your ideas for problem solution essays, think about  (a)   what the problem is   (b)   how you will explain it   (c)   and what the effect is . Your paragraph will then follow this pattern.

Here is an example of the brainstorming for this paragraph:

Problem 1:   children can access potentially dangerous sites

  • Explanation / Example:   Pornography sites
  • Result:  Affects thought & development - negative for children & society

Problem 2:  growth of online fraud and hacking

  • Explanation / Example:   Evident from the constant news stories
  • Result:  Criminals get sensitive information

Here they are illustrated in the paragraph, with the introductory expressions underlined:

One of the first problems of the internet is the ease with which children can access potentially dangerous sites . For example, pornography sites are easily accessible to them because they can register with a site and claim to be an adult . There is no doubt that this affects their thoughts and development, which is a negative impact for the children and for society . Another major problem is the growth of online fraud and hacking . These days, there are constant news stories about government and company websites that have been hacked , resulting in sensitive information falling into the hands of criminals.

Writing about Solutions

Answer the following questions about the solutions paragraph:

  • How many solutions are given?
  • What three different groups of people does the writer say are responsble for these solutions?
  • How would the solutions be implemented?
  • What three modal verb structures are used to make the suggestions?

1) How many solutions are given?

adequate legislation and controls monitor the activities of children / restrict access improve company IT security systems

3) What three different groups of people does the writer say are responsble for these solutions?

Governments Parents Companies
Stricter criteria for accessing sites Using computer programs Reviewing current IT systems for weaknesses

5) What three modal verb structures are used to make the suggestions?

should need to must

Your answers to these questions provide you with some key tips on writing a solutions paragraph. Some of these points are now explained further.

The people involved

When you come to brainstorm your solutions, think of the key 'actors' who are involved. It is usually governments and individuals in some way or another.

There may be another group specifically realted to the topic. For example, in this case it is companies and parents. If you are discussing crime it could be the police. If it is violence on TV it could be TV and film producers.

You can then brainstorm your ideas under each 'group' and organize them in the same way.

Developing your solutions

Also, try to make sure your solutions are not too simplistic. It's all too easy to make sweeping generalizations about what people can do. For example, look at this idea:

The government should introduce stricter laws.

It it common to see such statements in IELTS problem solution essays with no further explantion. Give more detail about how or why this would work. For example:

Governments should ensure that adequate legislation and controls are in place that will prevent young people from accessing dangerous sites, such as requiring more than simply confirming that you are an adult to view a site.

Some specific detail has now been given on how this solution could work.

Modal Verbs

Modal verbs can be used to make suggestions in problem solution essays. These are usually found in solutions paragraphs.

Check out this grammar lesson if you are unsure how to use modal verbs .

Here again is a plan for the problem solution essay for the solutions paragraph:

Solution 1:   Governments

  • Idea:   Adequate legislation and controls  for young people
  • How:  More complex website access criteria

Solution 2:  Parents

  • Idea:   Monitor children and restrict access
  • How:  Use a computer program

Solution 3:   Companies

  • Idea:   Improve IT security systems
  • How:  Review current systems in place

Here is the paragraph again. Note how it follows the plan and the clear topic sentence that tells the reader the essay is moving on to discuss solutions (modals verbs are underlined):

It is important that action is taken to combat these problems. Governments should ensure that adequate legislation and controls are in place that will prevent young people from accessing dangerous sites , such as requiring more than simply confirming that you are an adult to view a site . Parents also have a part to play. They need to closely monitor the activities of their children and restrict their access to certain sites , which can now be done through various computer programs. Companies must also improve their onsite IT security systems to make fraud and hacking much more difficult by undertaking thorough reviews of their current systems for weaknesses.

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How to Plan & Write IELTS Problem Solution Essays

IELTS problem solution essays are the most challenging essay type for many people. The way they are worded can vary hugely which can make it difficult to understand how you should answer the question.

Generally, you’ll be asked to write about both the problem, or cause, and the solution to a specific issue. Sometimes, however, you will only be required to write about possible solutions.

The 3 essay types:

  • Problem and solution
  • Cause and solution
  • Just the solution

Hence, it’s essential that you analyse the question carefully, which I’ll show you how to do in this lesson. I’m also going to demonstrate step-by-step how to plan and write IELTS problem solution essays.

Here’s what we’ll be covering:

  • Identifying IELTS problem solution essays 
  • 6 Common mistakes
  • Essay structure
  • How to plan
  • How to write an introduction
  • How to write main body paragraphs
  • How to write a conclusion

Want  to watch and listen to this lesson?

Click on this video.

Click the links to see lessons on each of these Task 2 essay writing topics. 

Once you understand the process, practice on past questions. Take your time at first and gradually speed up until you can plan and write an essay of at least 250 words in the 40 minutes allowed in the exam.

The Question

Here are two typical IELTS problem solution essay questions. They consist of a statement followed by the question or instruction.

1. One problem faced by almost every large city is traffic congestion.

What do you think the causes are? What solutions can you suggest?

2. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the number of endangered species has increased significantly and we have witnessed more mass extinctions in this period than in any other period of time.

State some reasons for this and provide possible solutions.

These are some examples of different ways in which questions can be phrased. The first half of the questions relate to the problem or cause, the second half to the solution.

What issues does this cause and how can they be addressed?

What are some resulting social problems and how can we deal with them?

What problems arise from this and how can they be tackled?

Why is this? How might it be remedied?

What are the reasons for this, and how can the situation be improved?

Why is this happening, and what measures can be taken to tackle this problem?

And here are a few questions where you only have to write about the solution.

How can this situation be improved?

What solutions can you suggest to deal with this problem?

How can this problem be solved?

What measures could be taken to prevent this?

It’s important that you are able to recognise the common synonyms, words and phrases used in problem solution questions. Here are the key words and their synonyms used in the questions above.

  • Problem  – issues, resulting, situation
  • Cause  – reasons, why
  • Solution  – deal with, addressed, tackled, remedied, improved, measures taken, solved, prevent

Before we move on to some common mistakes, I want to quickly explain the difference between a problem and a cause. Read the following examples.

Problem – I've missed the last bus home after visiting my friend for the evening.

Cause – I misread the timetable and thought the bus left at 22.45 when it actually left at 22.35.

The ‘cause’ is the reason for the ‘problem’.  We’ll be looking at question analysis in more detail in a minute.

6 Common Mistakes

These six errors are common in IELTS problem solution essays.

  • Confusing problem and causes questions.
  • Having too many ideas.
  • Not developing your ideas.
  • Not developing both sides of the argument equally.
  • Not linking the problems and solutions.
  • Not being specific enough.

It is common for an essay to consist of a list of problems and solutions without any of them being expanded on or linked to each other. Sometimes, a student will focus on just the problem or only the solution which leads to an unbalanced essay. Both these issues will result in a low score for task achievement.

You must choose just one or two problems and pick solutions directly linked to them. Explain them and give examples.

Another serious error is to write generally about the topic. You need to be very specific with your ideas. Analysing the question properly is essential to avoiding this mistake. I’ll show you how to do this.

Essay Structure

Now let’s look at a simple structure you can use to write IELTS problem solution essays. It’s not the only possible structure but it’s the one I recommend because it’s easy to learn and will enable you to quickly plan and write a high-level essay.

1)  Introduction

  • Paraphrase the question
  • State 1 key problem/cause and related solution

2)  Main body paragraph 1 – Problem or Cause

  • Topic sentence – state the problem or cause
  • Explanation – give detail explaining the problem or cause
  • Example – give an example

3)  Main body paragraph 2 – Solution

  • Topic sentence – state the solution
  • Explanation – give detail explaining the solution

4)  Conclusion

  • Summarise the key points 

This structure will give us a well-balanced essay with 4 paragraphs.

One Problem/Cause & Solution or Two?

Most questions will state problems, causes and solutions in the plural, that is, more than one. However, it is acceptable to write about just one.

This will give you an essay of just over the minimum 250 words. To write about two problems/causes and solutions will require you to write between 350 and 400 words which are a lot to plan and write in the 40 minutes allowed.

It is better to fully develop one problem/cause and solution than ending up with one idea missing an explanation or an example because you run out of time.

The step-by-step essay structure I’m going to show you includes one problem and solution but you can write about two if you feel able to or more comfortable doing so.

How To Plan IELTS Problem Solution Essays

Here’s the question we’re going to be answering in our model essay followed by the 3 steps of the planning process.

One problem faced by almost every large city is traffic congestion.

What do you think the causes are? What solutions can you sugge st?

  • Analyse the question
  • Generate ideas
  • Identify vocabulary

# 1  Analyse the question

This is an essential step in the planning process and will ensure that you answer the question fully. It’s quick and easy to do. You just need to identify 3 different types of words:

1. Topic words

2.  Other keywords

3.  Instruction words

Topics words are the ones that identify the general subject of the question and will be found in the statement part of the question.

One problem faced by almost every large city is traffic congestion .

So, this question is about ‘ traffic congestion’ .

Many people will do this first step of the process and then write about the topic in general. This is a serious mistake and leads to low marks for task achievement.

What we need to do now that we know the general topic, is to understand exactly what aspect of traffic congestion we're being asked to write about.

The  other keywords  in the question tell you the specific topic you must write about. 

By highlighting these words, it’s easy to see that you are being asked to write about the problem of traffic congestion in large cities. Your essay must only include ideas relevant to these ideas.

The instruction words are the question itself. These tell you the type of IELTS problem solution essay you must write. This is a ‘causes and solutions’ question.

# 2  Generate ideas

The next task is to generate some ideas to write about.

There are several different ways to think up ideas. I cover them fully on the  IELTS Essay Planning  page.

We’re going to use the ‘friends technique’. This is the method I prefer as it allows you to take a step back from the stress of the exam situation and think more calmly.

Here’s how it works. Imagine that you are chatting with a friend over a cup of coffee and they ask you this question. What are the first thoughts to come into your head? Plan your essay around these ideas.

Doing this will help you to come up with simple answers in everyday language rather than straining your brain to think of amazing ideas using high-level language, which isn’t necessary.

You might want to try this yourself before reading on for my ideas.

Here are my ideas:

  • Too many cars on the roads – increasing numbers of people own cars, more convenient than buses & trains
  • Inadequate public transport – crowded, old & dirty
  • Poor road layout
  • Rush hour traffic – most people travel to & from work at the same times each day
  • Car sharing, park-and-ride scheme, congestion charge
  • Improve public transport – more frequent and better quality
  • Improve infrastructure – bus lanes, cycle lanes will make it safer for people to cycle
  • Flexible working hours

For each cause you think of, immediately write down a possible solution. This you will ensure that the problems and solutions you think of are linked.

You don’t need to spend long on this as you only need one or two ideas.

I’ve got more far more ideas here than I need as I spent more time thinking about it that I would in the real exam. I’m going to pick just one cause to develop in the essay and one or two solutions.

My advice on making your selection is to choose ideas you can quickly think of an example to illustrate.

Here are my choices:

Cause  – Too many cars on the roads.  Why? – increasing numbers of people own cars, more convenient than buses & trains

Solution  – Park-and-ride schemes

We’re almost ready to start writing our IELTS problem solution essay but first, we have one more task to do.

# 3  Vocabulary

During the planning stage, quickly jot down some vocabulary that comes to mind as you decide which cause and solution you are going to write about, especially synonyms of key words. This will save you having to stop and think of the right language while you’re writing. For example:

  • traffic jam
  • heavy traffic
  • private transport
  • infrastructure

With that done, we can focus on the first paragraph of the essay – the introduction.

How To Write an Introduction

Good  introductions to IELTS problem solution essays have a simple 2 part structure:

  • State 1 key problem/cause and related solution/s (outline sentence)
  • Have 2-3 sentences
  • Be 40-60 words long
  • Take 5 minutes to write

1)  Paraphrase the question

Start your introduction by paraphrasing the question.

Question: One problem faced by almost every large city is traffic congestion.

                  What do you think the causes are? What solutions can you suggest?

Paraphrased question:  

O ne of the most serious issues facing the majority of large urban areas is traffic jams.  

Note my use of synonyms to replace key words in the question statement. You don’t have to replace every key word but do so where possible whilst ensuring that your language sounds natural.

2)  Outline statement

Now we need to add an  outline statement  where we outline the two main points that we’ll cover in the rest of the essay, that is, the cause and the solution I chose earlier. Here they are again.

Cause  – Too many cars on the roads.  Why? – increasing numbers of people own cars, more convenient than buses & trains

And, this is one way to develop them into an outline sentence.

Outline statement:

The main reason for this is that there are too many private cars on the roads these days and a viable solution is to introduce more park-and-ride schemes.

So, let’s bring the two elements of our introduction together.

     Introduction

problem solution essay tips

This introduction achieves three important functions:

  • It shows the examiner that you understand the question.
  • It acts as a guide to the examiner as to what your essay is about.
  • It also helps to keep you focused and on track as you write.

The two ideas in your introduction will become your two main body paragraphs.

Main body paragraph 1  –  Too many cars on the roads  

Main body paragraph 2  –  Park-and-ride schemes

How To Write Main Body Paragraphs

Main body paragraphs in IELTS problem solution essays should contain 3 things:

  • Topic sentence – outline the main idea
  • Explanation – explain it and g ive more detail

Main Body Paragraph 1

The  topic sentence  summarises the main idea of the paragraph. That’s all it needs to do so it doesn’t have to be complicated.

It plays an important role in ensuring that your ideas flow logically from one to another. It does this by acting as a signpost for what is to come next, that is, what the paragraph will be about.

If you maintain a clear development of ideas throughout your essay, you will get high marks for task achievement and cohesion and coherence.

We’ll now take the idea for our first main body paragraph and create our topic sentence.

Obviously, we’re going to write about the cause of the problem first.

Main body paragraph 1  –  Too many cars on the roads 

Topic sentence:  

The number of people owning cars increases year on year, with most families now having more than one car. 

Next, we must write an  explanation sentence  that develops the idea.

Explanation sentence: 

Most people like the convenience of travelling at the time they want to rather than being restricted to public transport timetables, so they prefer to drive themselves around rather than taking the bus or train. This is despite the fact that they frequently have to sit in long traffic queues as they near the city centre.

Finally, we add an  example  to support our main point. If you can’t think of a real example, it’s fine to make one up, as long as it’s believable. The examiner isn’t going to check your facts. Alternative, you could add another piece of information to support your idea.

Example sentence:

Whenever I have to attend a meeting in the city, I always drive because it means that I can leave home when I want to rather than getting stressed about getting to the station in time to catch the train.

That’s the 3 parts of our first main body paragraph complete. Here’s the finished paragraph.

problem solution essay tips

We now follow the same process for our second main body paragraph.

Main Body Paragraph 2

Main idea 2  –   Park-and-ride schemes

First, we write the  topic sentence  to summarise the main idea. 

Topic sentence:

A solution that is proving successful in many areas is park-and-ride schemes.

Now for the  explanation sentence  where we expand on this idea.

Explanation sentence:

This is where you park your car for free in a large car park on the outskirts of the city and take a bus for the final part of your journey. The fee you have to pay for the bus trip is usually very small and this public transport system is generally very regular, running every ten minutes or so.

Finally, an  example  to support this point.

A survey carried out in the city of Exeter showed that the rush hour congestion decreased by 10% when the council set up a park-and-ride scheme to the north of the city. There was an additional drop of another 10% in traffic volume when a second scheme began operating to the south.

That’s the 3 parts of our second main body paragraph complete. Here’s the finished paragraph.

problem solution essay tips

Now we need a conclusion and our IELTS problem solution essay is done.

How To Write a Conclusion

The conclusion is a summary of the main points in your essay and can generally be done in a single sentence. It should never introduce new ideas.

If you're below the minimum 250 words after you’ve written your conclusion, you can add a prediction or recommendation statement.

Our essay is already over the minimum word limit so we don’t need this extra sentence  but you can learn more about how to write a prediction or recommendation statement for IELTS problem solution essays on the Task 2 Conclusions page.

The conclusion is the easiest sentence in the essay to write but one of the most important.

A good conclusion will:

  • Neatly end the essay
  • Link all your ideas together
  • Sum up your argument or opinion
  • Answer the question

If you achieve this, you’ll improve your score for both task achievement and cohesion and coherence which together make up 50% of the overall marks. Without a conclusion, you’ll score below band 6 for task achievement.

You can start almost any final paragraph of an IELTS problem solution essay with the words:

  • In conclusion

        or

  • To conclude

Now all you need to do is briefly summarise the main ideas into one sentence.

Here’s a top tip . Go back and read the introduction to the essay because this is also a summary of the essay. It outlines what you are going to write about.

To create a good conclusion, you simply have to paraphrase the introduction. 

Introduction:

Here is the same information formed into a conclusion.  I’ve also added a personal statement at the end to link back to one of my example sentences. You don’t have to do this but in this case, I think that it rounds the essay off better.

problem solution essay tips

That’s it. We’ve completed our essay. Here it is with the 4 paragraphs put together.

Finished IELTS problem solution essay.

problem solution essay tips

Go through this lesson as many times as you need to in order to fully understand it and put in lots of practice writing IELTS problem solution essays from past exam questions. Practice is the only way to improve your skills.

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More help with ielts problem solution essays & other task 2 essays.

IELTS Writing Task 2  – T he format, the 5 question types, the 5 step essay writing strategy & sample questions. All the key information you need to know.

The 5 Types of Task 2 Essay   – How to recognise the 5 different types of Task 2 essays. 15 sample questions to study and a simple planning structure for each essay type.

Understanding Task 2 Questions  – How to quickly and easily analyse and understand IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.

How To Plan a Task 2 Essay  – Discover why essay planning is essential & learn a simple 4 step strategy, the 4 part essay structure & 4 methods of generating ideas.

How To Write a Task 2 Introduction  – Find out why a good introduction is essential. Learn how to write one using a simple 3 part strategy & discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

How To Write Task 2 Main Body Paragraphs  – Learn the simple 3 part structure for writing great main body paragraphs and also, 3 common mistakes to avoid. 

How To Write Task 2 Conclusions  – Learn the easy way to write the perfect conclusion for a Task 2 essay. Also discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

Task 2 Marking Criteria  – Find out how to meet the marking criteria in Task 2. See examples of good and poor answers & learn some common mistakes to avoid.

The 5 Task 2 Essay Types:

Step-by-step instructions on how to plan & write high-level essays. Model answers & common mistakes to avoid.

   Opinion Essays

   Discussion Essays

  Problem Solution Essays

  Advantages & Disadvantages Essays

  Double Question Essays

Other Related Pages

IELTS Writing Test  – Understand the format & marking criteria, know what skills are assessed & learn the difference between the Academic & General writing tests.

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How to Write a “Problem and Solution” Essay for IELTS Task 2

In this tutorial, we look at an example of a problem and solution essay for IELTS writing.

What is a “problem and solution” essay?

A “problem and solution” essay, as its name suggests, proposes a problem to you and asks you to suggest a solution or solutions to it. It may also ask about the causes of the problem or the effects which the problem has.

As with an opinion essay in task 2 , there is no right or wrong answer. What is being tested is your competence in writing English, not your skills as a policy-maker!

Basic Elements of a Problem-Solution Essay

A problem-solution essay has some key elements.

  • First, it must identify a problem.
  • Second, it must propose one or more solutions to that problem.
  • Third, it must explain why the proposed solution is the best option.

Before you start writing a problem-solution essay, it's important to first understand the problem. What are the causes of the problem? What are its effects? Once you have a clear understanding of the problem, you can begin to brainstorm solutions.

The Introduction

The introduction to a problem and solution essay should briefly state:

  • The problem
  • Explain why it needs to be solved.
  • A brief summary of the proposed solution.
  • A strong statement that sets out the purpose of the essay.

Body paragraphs

Body paragraphs are where you develop the solution to your problem. In a problem and solution essay, your body paragraphs will need to discuss

  • The feasibility of your solution
  • Its potential benefits and drawbacks.
  • How your solution will impact different groups of people.

When writing your body paragraphs, it is important to keep your argument clear and concise. Be sure to support your claims with evidence, and always keep your reader in mind. Remember, the goal of a problem and solution essay is to offer a practical solution to a real-world problem.

The conclusion

The conclusion of a problem and solution essay should be concise and to the point. It should restate the main points of the essay and leave the reader with a sense of closure.

Examples of “problem and solution” essay questions

  • “Loneliness is an increasing problem in many societies, especially among the elderly. Why is this? How might it be remedied?”
  • “The world’s oceans are filling up with waste plastic. What are the reasons for this, and how can the situation be improved?"
  • “Many of the world’s rarest plants and animals are on the verge of becoming extinct. Why is this? What, if anything, can be done to slow this process or arrest it altogether?”

How are “problem and solution” essay questions structured?

Each of the questions above has something in common.

Each of them begins by stating a problem, asks about the causes (or sometimes about the effects) of the problem, and then asks you to propose the solution. As the name of this essay type suggests, they fall essentially into two parts:

  • the problem
  • the solution

How to structure your answer

There are many different ways to structure a problem-solution essay. But no matter how you choose to organize your essay, it will need to have three essential elements:

  • An introduction that clearly states the problem and your proposed solution.
  • A body that discusses the various causes of the problem and the merits of your proposed solution.
  • A conclusion that summarizes the main points of your argument and reiterates your solution.

As usual, the structure of the question should give you your cue for how to structure your answer.

Problem-and-solution essays fall naturally into two parts, the first describing and exploring the problem, the second setting out the solution or solutions.

For these purposes, treat questions about the causes or effects of problems as part of the description of the problem itself.

Let’s take a concrete example from the series of examples which I gave earlier. “Loneliness is an increasing problem in many societies, especially among the elderly. Why is this? How might it be remedied?”

Here there are in fact two questions, a question about the cause of the problem (“Why is this?”) and a question about possible solutions to it.

This indicates how the essay should be structured.

  • First describe the problem, including its causes. (Remember, questions about the causes or effects of the problem should be included as part of its description.)
  • Then, in a second paragraph, offer your account of its solution.

How to describe the problem in your essay (with examples)

The first thing to do is simply to state the problem, with examples or illustrative descriptions, if possible. One can begin simply by restating the problem. A good opening sentence, for example, might run as follows:

“Loneliness is an increasingly acute problem in most societies. The problem affects all age groups and social classes, but especially the poor and the elderly.”

With this opening sentence, you have not only restated the problem.

  • You have also added to it, giving a qualitatively richer description.
  • You have made it clear that the problem is not confined to the elderly, but also affects other age groups too.
  • You have also introduced the question of social class.

Try to develop your description of the problem a little bit more. For example, what is the problem (in this case, loneliness) like for those who experience it? What are its consequences?

“Not only is loneliness in and of itself an unhappy state, but it also weakens the ties between family and friends which hold society together.” “Loneliness is not only a social problem, but, potentially, a medical one: it can lead to poor physical and mental health.”

You now have a fuller, qualitatively richer description of the problem. Good! This could be expanded further, but the approach to take is clear. Now it is time to move on to the question of causes, which you should treat as part of the description of the problem. Single-cause or “monocausal” explanations are sometimes less persuasive than explanations which take into account a variety of factors.

Here is an example of an attempt to address the question of the causes of loneliness in modern societies.

“The causes of increased loneliness in modern societies are not completely certain. Amongst them might be included: the disappearance of many traditional occupations; the decline of public transport links; and the rise of modern cultural technologies.”

The answer starts by admitting uncertainty. It is an indicator of strength to be able to concede limitations to one’s knowledge.

How to suggest solutions in your essay

There is more that could be said here, but it is time to move on to proposing solutions. Remember that you are not limited to any single solution. It is quite in order for you to suggest a number of solutions. This is possible even if the suggested solutions seem to conflict with each other. You are simply being asked to canvass one or more possible solutions.

Let’s consider how this might work in this particular case, with the problem of loneliness. You might begin with a general statement like this:

“Because there are a number of causes at work in the problem of loneliness, it is unlikely that any single solution will by itself be sufficient.”

This sentence does two things:

  • it connects the first part of your essay to the second part, and
  • it prepares the reader for the fact that you will offer a number of solutions to the problem.
“One immediate practical solution is to improve public transport links. This would enable family members and friends in different cities to visit each other more easily.” “But if, as we have seen, the causes of the problem are more deeply-rooted, we may need to consider structural solutions.” “For example, can we change the way in which work is organized in our society so that people more often work together and face-to-face?”

Here you have done something quite important: you have made a qualitative, rather than a merely episodic, distinction between your different points. In other words, the structure of your argument now appears logically motivated rather than merely accidental. You have begun with an immediately achievable practical solution, and have gone on to discuss a more ambitious and more general one.

VIDEO: Model Answers to recent "Problem/Solution" essay questions

In this tutorial, we have begun to learn how to

  • write a “problem-and-solution” essay.
  • structure the essay clearly into two complementary parts, as well as how to link those parts.
  • structure the argument internally so that it appears logical rather than merely episodic.

Take a look at some task 2 sample essay questions to help you prepare all kinds of topics for the IELTS exam .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many paragraphs are in a problem-solution essay.

A problem-solution essay is are usually written in five paragraphs, with each paragraph addressing a different aspect of the problem or solution.

How do you start a problem-solution essay?

To start a problem-solution essay, you need to first understand the problem. What are some of the main causes of the problem? Once you have a good understanding of the problem, you can start brainstorming solutions. After you have brainstormed some solutions, you can start writing your essay.

How do you end a problem solution essay?

Your conclusion should briefly summarize the main points of the essay and emphasize the importance of solving the problem.

Audio tutorial

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An Ultimate Guide to Writing IELTS Problem Solution Essays

Janice Thompson

Updated On Nov 08, 2023

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An Ultimate Guide to Writing IELTS Problem Solution Essays

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Introduction

The IELTS problem solution essays are a type of IELTS writing task 2 essay that asks you to discuss a problem and propose possible solutions. These problem solution essays are designed to assess your ability to identify, analyze, and evaluate problems, as well as your ability to develop and articulate effective solutions.

The IELTS problem solution essay topics can be drawn from a variety of sources and are based on real-world situations and issues. Therefore, to do well in writing task 2, it is important to be familiar with the range of IELTS problem solution essay topics.

Identifying IELTS Problem Solution Essays

Each essay type has a unique structure, so it’s important to identify the type of essay you’re writing before you start. Problem solution essays in IELTS are often worded as follows:

It is important to be able to identify the common synonyms, words, and phrases used in problem solution questions. Here are the key words and their synonyms used in the examples above:

  • Problem : issues, resulting, situation
  • Cause : reasons, why
  • Solution : deal with, addressed, tackled, remedied, improved, measures taken, solved, prevent

However, you will mostly be asked to write about both the problem and its solution. The first part of the question will state the problem or cause, and the second part will ask you to identify solutions.

How to Write a Problem Solution Essay IELTS?

To plan and write a problem solution essay IELTS, you can follow these steps:

  • Understand the question

The first step is to carefully read the question and understand what is being asked. You should identify the problem, the cause(s) of the problem, and the required solution(s).

  • Brainstorm your ideas

Once you understand the question, take some time to brainstorm your ideas. What are the different aspects of the problem? What are the possible causes? What are the different solutions that could be implemented?

  • Organize your ideas

Once you have a good understanding of the problem and its possible solutions, it is time to organize your ideas into a logical structure.

  • Write your essay

When writing your essay, be sure to use clear and concise language. Avoid using complex sentences and jargon. You should also support your claims with evidence from credible sources.

  • Proofread your essay

Once you have finished writing your essay, be sure to proofread it carefully for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation.

Now that we have understood how to write a problem solution essay, let’s have a look at the structure of a problem solution essay.

Enroll in our free  IELTS online coaching  today and learn how to identify and write problem solution essays like a champ!

Structure of Problem Solution Essay

Let’s do an example problem solution essay to understand the above mentioned structure.

Problem Solution Essay Example with Structure

Introduction:.

  • Before you begin writing your problem solution essay,  read  the question and  identify  the problem/ solution.
  • Note down the ideas that come to your mind naturally. For example, look at the table below.
  • Choose one of the  problems  and discuss it in detail. Here’s an example:
  • Problem : Dumping of industrial wastes into the nearby water bodies.
  • Solution : They must be treated, purified and recycled.
  • Wastewater treatment
  • Biodegradable products
  • Water bodies such as lakes, rivers etc

You should paraphrase the question and outline the problem and solution in your introduction as mentioned below:

Body Paragraph 1:

The body paragraph 1 must be organised as follows:

  • Main body paragraph 1:  Letting out of industrial wastes in nearby water bodies
  • Central idea:  Industries are increasing in number.
  • Explanation : There are no strict rules in place regarding the environment. So industries let out their wastes into the nearby water bodies such as lakes, rivers, etc which affects the respective eco-system and thereby leading to more serious issues.
  • Example : As installing a wastewater treatment plant is an additional burden and is costly, it is easier to let the waste water into the nearby water bodies as nobody questions this.

The completed main body paragraph 1 will look like this :

Body Paragraph 2:

The body paragraph 2 must be organised as follows:

  • Main body paragraph 2:  Industrial wastewater treatment
  • Central idea:  Installing Industrial waste water treatment plants could be beneficial to the environment.
  • Explanation : Industrial wastewater treatment illustrates the processes used for treating wastewater that is produced by industries into a by-product. The treated industrial wastewater may be reused or released to a sanitary sewer.
  • Examples:  There are proven records for reducing water pollution after wastewater treatment.

The completed main body paragraph 2 will look like this :

Conclusion:

  • Make sure to sum up all that has been in the previous paragraphs.
  • Use words like in summary, to summarise, to conclude, or as a conclusion, etc.

The final conclusion will look like this:

Therefore, the finished essay will have the following structure:

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Common Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS Problem Solution Essays

Following are some of the Common mistakes that should be avoided in IELTS problem solution essays

  • Not understanding the difference between a problem and its causes.
  • Trying to include too many ideas in the essay, without developing them fully.
  • Not considering both sides of the argument equally.
  • Not linking the problems to the solutions.
  • Not being specific enough in the discussion of the problems and solutions.

Read:  All Useful IELTS Writing Lessons & Websites

Tips for IELTS Problem Solution Essays

Here are some of the tips to follow while practicing or writing an IELTS Problem Solution Essays:

  • Read and understand the instructions given in the question (sometimes the question might ask to write about the cause of the issue as well).
  • Follow the word count (no less than 250 words)
  • Plan the problems and solutions you wish to write about, before starting to write.
  • Start the essay with an introduction paragraph and conclude it with a conclusion paragraph, with the body paragraph between the two.
  • If you’re asked to write about both, cause and the solution, then you can write the cause in one body paragraph and the solution in the next body paragraph.

Pro tip:  To avoid a low score in IELTS problem solution essays, focus on one or two problems and identify specific solutions. Explain the problems and solutions in detail, with examples.

Check out some of the  Recent Writing Task 2 Essay Topics for IELTS 2023

Problem Solution Essay IELTS Topics:

Here are some sample IELTS problem solution essay topics:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I write cause and solution in the same paragraph?

How to write a solution paragraph?

What is the difference between a Problem solution essay and a cause solution essay?

How do you analyze a problem solution essay?

How to identify a problem solution essay?

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Janice Thompson

Janice Thompson

Soon after graduating with a Master’s in Literature from Southern Arkansas University, she joined an institute as an English language trainer. She has had innumerous student interactions and has produced a couple of research papers on English language teaching. She soon found that non-native speakers struggled to meet the English language requirements set by foreign universities. It was when she decided to jump ship into IELTS training. From then on, she has been mentoring IELTS aspirants. She joined IELTSMaterial about a year ago, and her contributions have been exceptional. Her essay ideas and vocabulary have taken many students to a band 9.

Explore other Problem Solution Essays

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How to Write a Problem Solution Paper

How to Write a Problem Solution Paper

Problem Solution Paper: How to Write

In adult life, every day people face various problems and conflicts at work or in the lives of their friends, relatives, or their own. It’s crucial to learn and be able to solve problems and to have troubleshooting skills to ease situations. Tutors in universities or colleges try to teach students how to do that by asking them to complete problem-solution research papers as a great way to boost their problem-solving and writing skills. Proposing a solution essay as a type of paper is common on exams to check student’s critical thinking and ability to respond with a solution. To reach a solution you need to learn to work through details and find ways to solve problems quickly and effectively. To make the writing of problem-solving papers simple follow the next steps.

Step One: Defining the Problem and Choosing a Problem Solution Research Topic

When asked to write a problem and solution essay you might be assigned to a situation to write about or be allowed to choose one. If the second happens – try to think about someone or something that bothers, annoys, or irritates you, and in case you thought about a solution for that before it could be a topic for your essay; as an alternative – make a list of groups you think you belong to (such as family, school, sports teams, hobby buddies, etc.) and identify issues you have faced as a member, choose one that needs to be and can be solved practically and create a community problem-solving paper. You can also choose the topic for your essay from this list.

Step Two: Brainstorming and Research

Think about the problem or the issue you have chosen and ask yourself: why it matters, why it’s a problem, and how it can be solved. Try to understand and clarify what you know about the problem and what a potential solution could be. To ease your research or writing create questions. Try to find answers by looking for some information in scholarly journals online, academic texts, or, perhaps, in your own library, ask for help from people that you think might help you with the answers to your questions. Try to spot facts and statistics to make the problem more vivid to the readers. You can make a survey and interview the people that you think faced similar problems. In this type of paper, the point of view of the second person is efficient to be used. Read as much as possible about the topic you are going to write. In case of using outside sources, you may need to cite them. Good research will benefit you with a solid solution to the problem.

Step Three: Understanding the Complexity and Deciding on the Best Solution

If a problem is simple a solution is obvious. In case of a difficult problem, it takes some work to find a solution. It’s a good idea to create a sort of mind map or outline to understand all possible causes of the problem. Describe the factors that may be a part of the problem as many as possible. Study all potential causes of the problem that may be relevant to the factors. Create a diagram of the factors and causes, how they are connected and analyze it. Depending on the complexity of the problem you can do an investigation by analyzing causes and also surveys you’ve done before. Use specific examples and facts to support your solution and mention that you have taken to concerns the solutions of others if it happens to find them while you do your research. Try to convince your target audience that your solution is cost-effective doable, and the most effective.

Step Four: Writing an Essay

Being able to organize yourself is a very important part when writing a problem and solution essay. The structure of a problem-solving essay is the same as the structure of an ordinary academic paper.

  • Introduction

Develop a strong thesis for your paper, that will appear in the introduction and the conclusion of your essay, the statement that will outline the problem and problem solution paper ideas that your essay will cover in one or two sentences. When the thesis is ready it’s time to start an introduction. The paragraph that includes a reader’s attention grabber. Interest your reader in the problem by giving a frame of the story and explaining how the problem developed and why it’s important and needs to be solved. The tone of your paper should be reasonable, rational, logical, and thoughtful.

Contain at least two or three paragraphs in the body of your paper proposing possible solutions and explaining those that wouldn’t work. Offer the solution that you think is the best. Explain your solution clearly with details. Use evidence that your solution will work by providing supporting details: statistics, studies, arguments, and all the notes you have from your previous research. Show your troubleshooting skills and why your solution is reasonable. Describe how you will implement your solution.

The conclusion should briefly emphasize the importance of the problem and sum up the proposed solution in one or more paragraphs. Explain how the situation will change if your solution is adopted. An effective way to convince your audience is to talk about the results of the problem if it remains unresolved. End your essay with a strong call to action, agitate, and motivate the reader to become involved.

Finally, write your first draft, leave your paper for some time, and get back to it later, review your work and make sure it has all the components of a problem-solution paper and follows the structure. It should identify the problem and the solution, a thesis shall appear in the introduction and the conclusion. Check for spelling, punctuation, and grammar mistakes by reading aloud to yourself or it’s a good idea to ask a friend to proofread it for you to avoid missing out on anything that needs editing. Stay focused, creative, and original, follow the steps above, and your writing process will be smooth, simple, and flow freely.

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IELTS Problem Solution Essay: Overview, Structure And Tips

1. ielts problem solution essay overview.

As its name, IELTS problem solution essay asks you to write about the problem, cause, effect, or solution to an issue stated. The requirement varies depending on each IELTS problem solution essay question. 

There are a variety of ways to word the IELTS problem solution essay questions such as:

  • What do you think are the causes of this? What solutions can you suggest?
  • What should schools do to prepare students for the world of work?
  • Why do you think this is and what can be done about it?
  • What could be the reasons behind this? What measures can be taken to resolve this problem?
  • State some reasons for this and provide possible solutions.

ielts problem solution essay overview

An IELTS problem solution essay question includes typically 3 parts:

  • 1st part: a specific issue (e.g. Despite a large number of gyms, a sedentary lifestyle is gaining popularity in the contemporary world.)
  • 2nd part: requirement to state a problem, cause, effect or solution to the issue given (e.g. What problems are associated with this? What solutions can you suggest?)
  • 3rd part: requirement for the time and word limit (e.g. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.)

>>> Practice now: IELTS Writing Practice Test

2. IELTS Problem Solution Essay Structure

The three-part structure is also applied for IELTS problem solution essay. In specific, there should be 3 parts with 4 distinctive paragraphs: 

2.1. Introduction

– Paraphrase the question: 

(e.g. These days a sedentary lifestyle is becoming more and more popular despite a big number of sport facilities.)

– Thesis statement / Outline sentence: (e.g. This essay will discuss the main problems associated with this epidemic and propose some possible solutions to avoid them.)

– Body paragraph 1: Problem

  • Topic sentence: state the main problems (e.g. The main problems caused by inactive lifestyle are obesity and various spine disorders.)
  • State and explain the first problem: give the first problem of the issue and elaborate the first problem (e.g. A growing number of body research shows that long periods of physical inactivity raise a risk of becoming overweight. This is because people burn fewer calories and easily gain weight.)
  • Example: support the first problem with an example (optional)
  • State and explain the second problem: give the second problem of the issue and elaborate the second problem (e.g. What’s more, a lot of studies show that so-called ‘sitting disease’ often results in posture and backbone problems. Due to constant sitting, person loses muscle tissue and curves spine, developing numerous spinal diseases.)
  • Example: support the second problem with an example (optional) (e.g. For example, it has been proven that about 80% of people experience backache at least once a week.)

– Body paragraph 2: Solution

  • Topic sentence: state the main solutions (e.g. In my opinion, the best solution to this problem is promoting active lifestyle.)
  • State and explain the first solution: give the first solution of the issue and elaborate the first solution (e.g. Firstly, millions of people stay less active because they use cars instead of walking. Therefore, an effective way to make people more active is to advertise walking and cycling as safe and attractive alternatives to motorized transport.)
  • Example: support the first solution with an example (optional)
  • State and explain the second solution: give the second solution of the issue and elaborate the second solution (e.g. Moreover, inactive lifestyle is gaining popularity because nowadays a lot of people prefer passive rest to workouts in the gym. And the best way to avoid the hazards of unhealthy living is to obtain a regular dose of physical activity. Thus, promoting gyms and regular exercising would increase the level of activity.)
  • Example: support the second solution with an example (optional)

*** Note: The number of paragraphs in the body part of IELTS problem and solution essay depends on the requirement of the question. e.g. If the question asks you to give causes and solutions, there will be two paragraphs including the Causes and Solutions. In some cases, you are required to give the solutions only, then you can separate each solution into different paragraphs for the Body part.

2.3. Conclusion

– Summarize problems and solutions:

(e.g. In conclusion, leading a sedentary lifestyle causes a lot of health problems, including obesity and spinal diseases. The most effective solution is to increase the level of fitness among the society by advertising physical activity.)

– Give recommendations (optional)

>>> Read more: IELTS Double Question Essay

3. IELTS Writing Task 2 Problem Solution Essay Strategy

3.1.  analyse ielts problem solution essay questions.

This step seems to be unnecessary at first but it significantly counts your final result because it mentions all the requirements for a task. You had better take these criteria into consideration and highlight or underline keywords:

  • Main topic (e.g. Despite a large number of gyms, a sedentary lifestyle is gaining popularity in the contemporary world. What problems are associated with this? What solutions can you suggest?)
  • Instructions (e.g. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. 

Write at least 250 words.)

problem solution essay strategy

3.2. Make an outline

You should organize your IELTS Problem Solution essay coherently and cohesively at the same time. In order to do so, prepare an outline in advance should be prioritized. You can create your own outline in the form of a table, a mindmap or simply a list of bullet points for easier tracking during the writing process. 

3.3. Write a complete IELTS problem solution essay

Once you’ve had your own outline and know well how to organize your writing, it’s time to write your IELTS problem solution essay using your grammar and vocabulary range related to the topic given.

3.4. Double-check your IELTS problem solution essay

You need to check your writing at least once after finishing so as to ascertain that all the grammatical or spelling mistakes will not be occurred. 

4. IELTS Writing Task 2  Problem Solution Essay Tips

  • Follow the world limit you have to write since it may affect your time of writing. You should write about 250-290 words for your IELTS Problem Solution essay within approximately 40 minutes.
  • Make use of the outline to best organize your IELTS Problem Solution essay.
  • Enhance your vocabulary range in different topics and try to practice with different IELTS Problem Solution essays in order to improve your critical thinking towards any issue.
  • Try to elaborate each of your problem, cause, effect, or solution with detailed explanations and examples.
  • Use linking words in your IELTS Problem Solution essay to make the grade.

IELTS Problem Solution Essay is one of the most common question types in IELTS Writing Task 2, so it is essential for you to have a deep insight into this type of question. Don’t forget to practice with us on IELTS Test Online website or mobile application.

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IELTS Writing: problem and solution essay

In this lesson you’ll learn how to answer problems/solutions questions in IELTS Writing . This type of questions gives you an issue and asks you to describe some common problems associated with it and propose some possible solutions.

  • See problem-solution question sample
  • Learn how to generate ideas
  • Learn band 9 answering strategies
  • See full band 9 answer

Question sample

This is an example of problem-solution question in IELTS Writing:

Despite a large number of gyms, a sedentary lifestyle is gaining popularity in the contemporary world.

What problems are associated with this?

What solutions can you suggest?

How to answer the question?

Before starting to write your answer, you should think of 1-2 problems and 1-2 solutions, so you know what to write about. In our case:

Problems associated with sedentary lifestyle :

problem solution essay tips

  • problems with backbone (osteoporosis, scoliosis)

Solutions :

  • promote walking and cycling as safe and attractive alternatives to motorized transport
  • promote visiting gyms and doing exercises

Now, after we’ve generated some ideas for our essay, it’s time to use them in our writing .

Remember : it’s not enough to simply state these facts, you should also extend the ideas in your writing.

Band 9 answer structure

Although there are many possible ways to structure your essay, we’ll use this band 9 answer structure that has been approved by many IELTS examiners:

Band-9 essay structure:

  • Introduction
  • Body paragraph 1 - problems
  • Body paragraph 2 - effects

Let’s take a look at each of these sections in detail:

Introduction Write your introduction in two sentences:

  • Sentence 1 - paraphrase the statement (you can use ‘nowadays/today/these days’ to start):

These days a sedentary lifestyle is becoming more and more popular despite a big number of sport facilities.

  • Sentence 2 - say what you’ll write about in your essay:

This essay will discuss the main problems associated with this epidemic and propose some possible solutions to avoid them.

Body paragraph 1- problems

  • Sentence 1 - summarise the main problems of inactive lifestyle:

The main problems caused by inactive lifestyle are obesity and various spine disorders.

  • Sentences 2-3 - state and explain the first problem (you can also give an example). It’s very important to expand your opinion! Imagine that your examiner doesn’t know this subject at all and you have to explain everything in detail:

A growing number of body research shows that long periods of physical inactivity raise a risk of becoming overweight. This is because people burn fewer calories and easily gain weight.

  • Sentences 4-5 - describe the second problem (as usual, expand your opinion). You can give an example and use linking words ‘ moreover’ , ’ what’s more’ or ‘ also ’ to start:

What’s more, a lot of studies show that so-called ‘sitting disease’ often results in posture and backbone problems. Due to constant sitting, person loses muscle tissue and curves spine, developing numerous spinal diseases. For example, it has been proven that about 80% of people experience backache at least once a week.

Body paragraph 2 - solutions

  • Sentence 1 - briefly state the main solutions:

In my opinion, the best solution to this problem is promoting active lifestyle.

  • Sentences 2-3 - write the first solution and explain it:

Firstly, millions of people stay less active because they use cars instead of walking. Therefore, an effective way to make people more active is to advertise walking and cycling as safe and attractive alternatives to motorized transport.

Moreover, inactive lifestyle is gaining popularity because nowadays a lot of people prefer passive rest to workouts in the gym. And the best way to avoid the hazards of unhealthy living is to obtain a regular dose of physical activity. Thus, promoting gyms and regular exercising would increase the level of activity.

Write your conclusion in 2 sentences by summing up the problems and solutions you’ve written in your body paragraphs:

In conclusion, leading a sedentary lifestyle causes a lot of health problems, including obesity and spinal diseases. The most effective solution is to increase the level of fitness among the society by advertising physical activity.

Band 9 answer sample

These days a sedentary lifestyle is becoming more and more popular despite a big number of sport facilities. This essay will discuss the main problems associated with this epidemic and propose some possible solutions to avoid them.

The main problems caused by inactive lifestyle are obesity and various spine disorders. A growing number of body research shows that long periods of physical inactivity raise a risk of becoming overweight. This is because people burn fewer calories and easily gain weight. What’s more, a lot of studies show that so-called ‘sitting disease’ often results in posture and backbone problems. Due to constant sitting, person loses muscle tissue and curves spine, developing numerous spinal diseases. For example, it has been proven that about 80% of people experience backache at least once a week.

In my opinion, the best solution to these problems is promoting active lifestyle. Firstly, millions of people stay less active because they use cars instead of walking. Therefore, an effective way to make people more active is to advertise walking and cycling as safe and attractive alternatives to motorized transport. Moreover, inactive lifestyle is gaining popularity because nowadays a lot of people prefer passive rest to workouts in the gym. And the best way to avoid the hazards of unhealthy living is to obtain a regular dose of physical activity. Thus, promoting gyms and regular exercising would increase the level of activity.

(268 words)

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Tips for Problem Solution Essay in IELTS: Guide to Achieve IELTS Band 9 in Essays

IELTS writing explores a variety of essay topics. Ranging from topics that deal with your personal opinions to ones where you analyse various social issues. It is the only section where you get to write down your ideas and opinions in an organised manner. Needless to say this section is very minutely judged and you need to be absolutely focused in order to do well.

One topic that is quite recurrent in writing section is the problem-solution type essay in IELTS. Here you are given a troubling scenario and are asked to suggest suitable solutions to that particular problem.

Types of IELTS Essay Writing

Years of observation revealed that there are 5 main types of essay questions in IELTS writing task 2; opinion, discussion, advantage/ disadvantage, problem-solution essays and direct question.

Each of these has its own demands and therefore needs to be structured accordingly. This article deals with problem solution essays IELTS in particular. Let us find out more!

All About Problem- Solution Essays in IELTS

One of the first things you have to make sure you are able to do is, figure out which type of IELTS essay topics is given. To do that skilfully, you need to know what a problem-solution type question looks like.

Here are some examples of problem-solution type of questions:

Problem Solution Essay IELTS Sample

  • Overpopulation of urban areas has led to numerous problems. Identify one or two serious ones and suggest ways that governments and individuals can tackle these problems.
  • Nowadays many people have access to computers on a wide basis and a large number of children play computer games. What are the negative impacts of playing computer games and what can be done to minimize the bad effects? The internet has transformed the way information is shared and consumed, but it has also created problems that did not exist before. What are the most serious problems associated with the internet and what solutions can you suggest?
  • In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing. What problems will this cause for individuals and society? Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce the impact of ageing populations.

Also Read: Describe a Person Who is Very Open: IELTS Speaking Cue Card Sample Answers

Tips to Approach Problem Solution Essay IELTS

While you work on such types of essays you must remember that some essays ask for reasons and solutions, not problems and solutions. Writing about a reason (or cause) is not the same as writing about a problem.

When you writing about Problems, here are some things you must keep in mind:

Tips to Remember

  • Ask yourself the following questions. Their answers should tell you a lot regarding how you can plan and organise a paragraph that deals with the given “problem”.
  • How many problems are discussed?
  • What are they?
  • What expressions are used to introduce the problems?
  • How are the problems illustrated further?
  • What results are discussed for each problem?
  • You only need two or three problems because you do not have too much time and you need to explain the problems in a stipulated time.
  • When you brainstorm your ideas for problem solution essays, think about (a) what the problem is (b) how you will explain it (c) and what the effect is. Your paragraph should follow this pattern.

Here’s How to Brainstorm

Problem 1: children can access potentially dangerous sites

  • Explanation/ example: Pornography sites
  • Result: Affects thought & development – negative for children & society.

Problem 2: the growth of online fraud and hacking

  • Explanation/ example: Evident from the constant news stories
  • Result: Criminals get sensitive information

Ask These Questions

Let us now look at what writing about solutions should look like:

You must ask the following questions and use their answers to form your response to get IELTS band 9 in essays.

  • How many solutions are given?
  • What three different groups of people does the writer say are responsible for these solutions?
  • How would the solutions be implemented?
  • What three modal verb structures are used to make the suggestions?

Also Read :  10 Must Follow IELTS Reading Tips and Tricks to Boost Your Band Score

When You Brainstorm Focus on the Following Three Units of the IELTS Essay topic:

Think of the key ‘people’ who are involved.

It is usually governments and individuals in some way or another. Sometimes it is also companies and parents. If you are to discuss crime it could be the police. If it is violence on TV it could be TV and film producers.

Develop Your Solutions

Your solutions should not too simplistic. It’s all too easy to generalise about what people can do.

Modal Verbs

Modal verbs can be used to make suggestions in problem-solution essays in IELTS. These are usually found in solutions paragraphs.

Plan for the Problem Solution Essay for the Solutions Paragraph

Solution 1: Governments

  • Idea: Adequate legislation and controls for young people
  • How: More complex website access criteria

Solution 2: Parents

  • Idea: Monitor children and restrict access
  • How: Use a computer program

Format of a Problem-Solution Essay in IELTS Writing

The format of this kind of essay is quite straightforward. Here is a rough sketch that you can follow for a good response:

Introduction

  • Sentence 1- Paraphrase Question
  • Sentence 2- Outline Sentence

Main Body Paragraph 1

  • Sentence 1- State Problem
  • Sentence 2- Explain the problem
  • Sentence 3- Result
  • Sentence 4- Example

Main Body Paragraph 2

  • Sentence 1- State Solution
  • Sentence 2- Explain Solution
  • Sentence 3- Example
  • Sentence 1- Summary
  • Sentence 2- Recommendation or prediction

IELTS Sample Essay on Problem Solution Type

IELTS band 9 essay-Solution essay has a good plan, a clear execution of the plan with relevant vocabulary and zero grammatical or spelling errors.

Take a look at your model essay for better understanding:

Sample IELTS Essay Topics

Global warming is one of the biggest threats humans face in the 21st Century and sea levels are continuing to rise at alarming rates. What problems are associated with this and what are some possible solutions.

Climate change is among the principal dangers facing people this century and ocean levels are increasing dramatically. This essay will first suggest that the biggest problem caused by this phenomenon is the flooding of homes and then submit building flood protection as the most viable solution.

The foremost problem caused by sea levels creeping up is the flooding of peoples’ residences. Millions of people all over the world live in coastal areas and if the sea rises by even a few feet, they will be inundated with water and lose their property. The shelter is one of the most basic of human needs and widespread flooding would cause millions of people to become homeless, not to mention losing all of their possessions. The devastation brought about by this was clear for all to see during the 2011 Tsunami in Japan, in which millions of people were displaced.

Break the Paragraph

A possible solution to this problem would be to build flood barriers. Flood defences, such as dikes, dams and floodgates,  could be built along coasts and waterways, thereby stopping the water reaching populated areas. The Netherlands is one of the most populated areas in the world and also one of the most vulnerable to flooding and they have successfully employed various flood defence systems.

To conclude, stemming the rising tides caused by increasing global temperatures is one of the foremost challenges we face and it will ultimately lead to many of the worlds’ cities being left underwater, but a possible solution could be to utilise the flood prevention techniques already used by countries like Holland. It is predicted that more and more countries will be forced to take such measures to avoid a watery catastrophe.

Writing a full essay for the IELTS Writing Task 2 can seem daunting to. However, if you are armed with the right kind of ideas and stylistic elements, your essay can easily fetch a band 8 or 9.

Also Read :  IELTS Writing Task Evaluation with Sample Answer: A Guide To Better Band Score

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A List of 339 Problem Solution Essay Topics & Questions

A problem solution essay is a type of persuasive essay. It’s a piece of writing that presents a particular problem and provides different options for solving it. It is commonly used for subject exams or IELTS writing tasks.

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In this article, we’ll take a look at how to write this type of essay. We will also provide ideas of good problem and solution essay topics to ease students’ writing process. But first: check out our custom writing service in case you need academic assistance!

  • 🔝 Top 10 Topics

✅ How to Write a Problem Solution Essay

⭐ top 10 problem and solution essay topics for 2024.

  • 🧑🤝🧑 Topics about Society
  • 🏫 Topics on Education
  • 💵 Business & Finance Topics
  • 🍎 Health & Psychology Topics
  • 🌎 Environment Topics
  • 🐶 Topics about Animals
  • 🔬 Science & Technology Topics
  • 🏠 Local Problem Solution Topics
  • 😄 Funny & Easy Topics
  • 🤔 Other Problem Solution Topics

🔍 References

🔝 top 10 problem solution essay topics.

  • The best way to improve logistics
  • How to prevent drunk driving
  • How can we prevent stroke?
  • Ways to promote independent music
  • How to prevent teen pregnancy
  • Can schools help with childhood obesity?
  • Ways to teach children financial literacy
  • What can we do to stop human trafficking?
  • Can teaching self-defense reduce violence?
  • Building dams to fight the flooding problem

When starting to write an essay, think about a problem in the community that needs to be resolved. Sometimes, you will get a ready topic, like at an IELTS exam.

The topics might vary, but the outline of an essay will remain the same. First, write a list of actions that can help to solve the problem. Then, pick the three that you like best and evaluate them.

Once you get your solutions, start writing.

Any essay, whether it’s for high school or college, should be well-structured. Problem solution essays consist of two paragraphs: problem description and solution . The first section is generally divided into several parts:

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  • Introduction. Provide the definition of the problem, some general background, and thesis statement with possible solutions.
  • Situation. Give clear examples on the issue so that readers can understand it better.
  • Problem. Describe the issue and its effect on people.

In the solution section, you need to identify several potential solutions and evaluate their effectiveness. It should include:

  • Two or more possible solutions .
  • Evaluation and critical assessment of the solutions.
  • Conclusion with a summary of the main points of the text.

Now, you have a general idea about the writing process. To help facilitate your writing, take a look at the topic ideas below.

  • Is group therapy effective against BPD?
  • Can smart fridges prevent binge eating?
  • Can having remote workers decrease costs?
  • Sustainable homes as a way to save energy
  • How nature reserves prevent wildlife extinction
  • Reducing education costs with online education
  • Is gun control a way to stop mass shootings?
  • Can class discussions help fight youth violence?
  • One-child policy as a way to stop overpopulation
  • Is car sharing effective for decreasing CO2 emissions?

🧑🤝🧑 Problem and Solution Topics about Society

Social issues are problems of every level that influence the members of our society. They may refer to various factors, such as racial inequality or bullying, that affect the well-being of people or the community as a whole. Here are some problem-solving topics that will help you start writing.

  • A part of the world’s population lives in conditions that don’t meet their basic needs. What are the ways to alleviate or prevent poverty ?
  • There were several instances when social media websites were accused of gathering people’s private information . What are the ways to ensure privacy in the digital age?
  • A vast number of girls get pregnant and give birth before the age of 20. What are some ways to reduce the teenage pregnancy rate in your country?
  • Body shaming is one of the biggest problems of today’s society. What are the ways to solve this issue?
  • Despite an increase in public awareness about the adverse effects of racism , the issue persists. How can we eliminate it?
  • Unemployment negatively affects the living conditions of many people. It also facilitates such issues as domestic violence and depression. How can unemployment rates be improved in your country?

John Dewey quote.

  • Education is a fundamental human right, yet many people in some developing countries remain illiterate. How can we solve this issue?
  • Habits such as smoking and overeating negatively affect people’s health. How can we better promote healthy lifestyles ?
  • Victims of domestic violence often develop physical disabilities, chronic health problems, and stress. In what ways can we reduce domestic violence in our society?
  • Inequality in payment, sexual harassment, and difficulty getting promoted are some of the issues women face at workplaces. What can our society do to increase equality ?
  • Celebrities often appear to look flawless, which affects people’s body image . How can we promote healthier beauty standards ?
  • When children observe violent behaviors , they become more aggressive. In what ways can we prevent them from witnessing violence?
  • Health care is a major social issue, as many people don’t have access to high-quality services. How can we improve this situation?
  • The ownership of guns increases the chances of unintentional shootings, which can result in casualties. How can gun control policies be improved?
  • The consumption of illegal drugs often leads to overdosing. In what ways can people be persuaded not to do drugs?
  • Drunk driving is the leading cause of vehicle accidents. What is the best way to restrict people from doing it?
  • Human trafficking is a grave problem that affects countries all over the world. How can it be prevented?
  • Women often report being sexually assaulted while in college. What can we do to reduce this problem?
  • Homeless people are more likely to engage in abuse or violent behavior. What can be done to solve the issue?
  • Parental divorce is a traumatic experience for a child. How can its adverse effects be eliminated?

🏫 Problem Solution Essay Topics on Education

The educational system is riddled with issues. You can think of numerous drawbacks that need to be addressed to make education better. Below are several examples of problem solution essay topics that will inspire you to write.

  • In the pandemic environment, many students had to resort to online education , often with questionable quality. What are the ways to make e-learning effective?
  • Many schools fail to provide adequate sex education programs. How can we reduce the stigma around this topic?
  • Numerous students get bad grades due to reasons other than laziness. How can we help struggling learners?
  • For many students, a strict schedule remains a big issue. Should students be offered the possibility of flexibility?
  • Many private and public schools require a strict uniform . Are there ways to express one’s individuality without violating the dress code?
  • A majority of students in schools and colleges admit to cheating . What are the ways to put an end to this behavior?
  • Technology usage in education can be beneficial, as it might improve engagement and individual learning. How can schools become more adaptable to digitalization?
  • Learning a foreign language can help students develop additional mental abilities. Should it be mandatory in all schools?
  • Students often find themselves delaying or postponing tasks. It leads to lower grades and health issues, such as headaches or insomnia . How can we reduce the levels of student procrastination ?
  • Obesity is associated with the leading causes of death in the US. Should the educational system include more physical education classes to build a fitter community?
  • Students with learning disorders may have a feeling of frustration when mastering a subject. In what ways can colleges adapt to their needs?
  • There are many subjects in school, and not all of them are equally useful for everyone. How can we make sure that students are learning what is best for them?
  • Schools often put more funding into science, mathematics, and humanities. Should they also fund physical education (PE)?
  • Gifted education allows talented students to learn more and move ahead at their pace. At the same time, it creates inequality. How can these programs be improved?
  • Disruptive children usually prevent themselves and other students in class from working. What are the ways to deal with these students to make the work effective?
  • The core curriculum for all schools allows all children to be taught all subjects but can be a bit strict. Should all schools have the same curriculum?
  • Students are often provided with college preparation classes that don’t prepare them for work. Should schools focus more on getting students job-ready?
  • Bullying and violence are the major issues at school that affect mental and physical health. What can teachers do to prevent these behaviors at school?
  • The majority of students don’t perform equally well in all subjects. Instead, they excel in certain ones and fail in others. Should learners be allowed to choose their courses?
  • Printed books are not easy to update, as new editions are often costly. Should schools move to digital textbooks ?

💵 Business & Finance Problem Solutions Topics

A significant number of issues can arise while managing a business or creating a startup. It can be related to anything from cybersecurity to marketing strategies. If you are into entrepreneurship, consider choosing a problem solutions topic from the list below.

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  • Raising minimum wages might result in the loss of jobs. What are the alternatives?
  • Job dissatisfaction often stems from issues related to wages, career progression, and leadership approach. How can we increase job satisfaction?
  • The high unemployment rate brings an economic loss to the government, as well as causes individual sufferings. What are the possible methods to reduce it?

Suggesting solutions.

  • A large number of startups fail in the first year of functioning. How can governments ensure their sustainability?
  • Low employee productivity can create serious setbacks for businesses. What are the ways to increase productivity?
  • Bad customer service damages the company’s reputation and leads to the loss of clients. What are the steps to fix this issue?
  • The lack of teamwork might result in efficiency and productivity drop. How can we improve team cooperation in the company?
  • Inflation negatively affects people with fixed wages and large amounts of cash savings. How can it be avoided?
  • Carrying a student loan debt and failure to repay one may result in serious financial troubles. How can we solve the problems associated with student credit?
  • The lack of performance monitoring might lead to unintended behaviors within the organization. How can we persuade people to start using a set of performance indicators?
  • A significantly high number of people live from payday to payday, failing to accumulate savings. What is the best way to save money monthly?
  • Bad investments rarely bring any profit. How can people avoid poor investments?
  • Financial crisis can lead to mass job losses and businesses shutting down. How can we overcome recessions effectively?
  • The biggest challenge for small businesses during a pandemic is staying open and making a profit. How can governments support small businesses in case of another epidemic?
  • Poor marketing might result in financial problems and low customer volumes. How can you improve an average marketing strategy ?
  • Imagine a company whose cash flow is adequate, yet there aren’t enough financial resources for it to grow. What are the ways to manage a strapped budget?
  • Employee turnover has immediate consequences for a company. How can we reduce it?
  • Business competition can harm small businesses through price factors and labor costs. How can they handle the competition?
  • Poor workflow directly affects the revenue of the company. How can companies manage it effectively?
  • Unsatisfied customers might spread the word about the ineffectiveness of the company. How can organizations increase customer satisfaction ?

🍎 Health & Psychology Problem Solving Topics

Problems related to health and mental well-being are common in the modern world. It’s not surprising, considering the influence of consumerist culture and environmental factors. You can address any issue you’re particularly concerned about. The following problem solution essay topics will give you an idea of where to start.

  • There are several reasons for poor mental health among older people in the US. What are the ways to improve it?
  • Substance addiction affects individuals because of the stigma associated with it. In what ways can we help people in recovery?
  • A significant number of people suffer from eating disorders , which affects their mental and physical states. How can society prevent it?
  • Depression is a common disorder among teenagers. How can teachers and parents help them manage it?
  • Birth order can impact the way parents treat their children and children’s behavior. Can we, as a society, raise more awareness about the effects of birth order ?
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder is experienced by people who suffered from trauma. How can society help those who have it?
  • Peer pressure forces people to do things that they might not want to do. How can we reduce its influence?
  • Romantic relationships often fail due to misunderstandings. How do we raise awareness about the possible difference in love styles?
  • Schizophrenia is a complicated mental illness that has a severe impact on one’s life. How can society help people seek treatment for this disorder?
  • Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) might isolate themselves from peers. How can teachers and parents help kids with social skills impairments?
  • Alzheimer’s disease affects intellectual and physical abilities, memory, and personality. How can people prevent its development?
  • Somatization disorder is a tendency to feel psychological pain in the form of physical. What is the best treatment for its symptoms?
  • Prolonged use of defense mechanisms makes people feel as if they aren’t in control of their own emotions. How can we help people overcome these feelings?
  • A significant percentage of children have ADHD . How can we help children with this disorder?
  • Nowadays, many people have sleep disorders. How can insomnia be prevented?
  • The coronavirus pandemic of 2020 caused many children to feel lonely and detached. What can parents do to help their kids in case of another pandemic?
  • Suicide is a growing problem among people of all ages. What can we do to prevent it?
  • Constant stress negatively affects sleep quality. What techniques can help improve it?
  • It’s natural for parents to help their children as much as possible. But because of this, they often put them under too much pressure. How can we help parents find the right balance?
  • Constant stress increases the chances of stroke . What are the ways to reduce the risk?

🌎 Problem Solving Topic Ideas about Environment

Today’s most significant environmental issue is climate change, but it’s not the only one. There are more global problems that need to be resolved. If you’re concerned about the environment, here are some problem-cause-solution topics for you.

  • Drinking water has become an uncommon thing in many countries due to pollution. What can people do to help with this problem?
  • Climate change has numerous adverse effects, such as shifting seasons and new sicknesses. How can this issue be effectively addressed?
  • Vehicles release a significant amount of greenhouse gases , which contributes to global warming. Should there be a rule about reducing car usage to facilitate the solution to the environmental problem?
  • Woodlands produce oxygen and help regulate the temperature. Unfortunately, a vast amount of wooded areas is lost due to deforestation . What are the possible ways to solve this problem?
  • Marine life is suffering because of the amount of carbon in the water. How can people protect it?
  • Air pollution poses a serious danger to people’s health . How can we reduce its adverse effects?
  • Overpopulation results in a deficiency of assets like water, food, and fuel. How can we control it?
  • Ozone depletion leads to an increase in the amount of ultraviolet. It results in cancer and other skin diseases. How can we solve this problem?
  • Due to overpopulation , people use natural resources faster than nature can replenish them. How can we prevent its depletion?
  • Leftover food is a massive problem, as it wastes water and farmland. How can we reduce it?
  • Pesticides used to grow fruits and vegetables might cause health problems. How can we promote organic farming ?

Modal verbs.

  • Polluted soil contains chemicals dangerous to humans, animals, and plants. Is there something that can help to avoid soil pollution ?
  • Using bicycles reduces the amount of greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. How can governments promote the usage of bicycles to reduce air pollution ?
  • Natural disasters result from Earth’s processes and negatively affect people’s lives. What can we do to prepare for natural hazards?
  • Fluorinated gases used in refrigerators and hair sprays significantly contribute to climate change. How can we minimize their impact on the environment?
  • Oil spills harm wildlife and marine life, as well as contribute to climate change. How can major companies prevent that from happening?
  • Marine life is drowning in plastic, which creates major environmental issues. How can we stop plastic pollution in the ocean?
  • The rapid loss of biodiversity threatens our health and economic stability. What can we, as consumers, do to solve this issue?
  • A significant amount of money is spent on cleaning garbage. Still, it’s not enough to get rid of it completely. What are the solutions to the problem of littering ?
  • Noise pollution creates discomfort and lowers the quality of people’s lives. What are the practical ways to reduce it?

🐶 Problem Solution Essay Topics about Animals

Animals have existed on our planet way before the emergence of humans. As time went by, many species vanished or became endangered due to people’s activities. Factory farms, fur industry, poaching— all of these issues require a solution. If you’re passionate about this topic, try exploring one of the following prompts.

  • Circus animals are often violently forced to jump through rings of fire, ride bicycles, and do other activities. How can we stop the use of wild animals in circuses?
  • Experiments on animals lead to reduced quality of their life and are often ineffective. How can we help stop this practice?
  • Hunting causes pain and suffering to animals and disrupts the patterns created in the animal communities, such as wolf packs. How can people reduce hunting?
  • The animals in zoos are deprived of natural habitat and are forced to be near people. How can we make zoos as comfortable as possible for them?
  • The fur industry takes millions of animals’ lives away. How can people stop it?
  • One of the issues animal shelters face is the lack of public awareness. What are the strategies to improve their work?
  • Many animals live in abusive environments, where they’re neglected or physically hurt. What are the solutions to this problem?
  • Dog Hunters Association argues for the right to use dogs in hunting. How can we change their attitude towards animals?
  • Dogs from puppy mills are often poorly treated and suffer from a variety of diseases. How can this practice be stopped?
  • Due to human activities, many animals are on the brink of extinction. How can we protect endangered species ?
  • Dog meat is still used for human consumption in some parts of Asia. What are the ways to stop the inhumane trade?
  • Some animal species are sold, either alive or dead, to various countries. What are the ways to stop the wildlife trade and keep animals safe in their natural environment?
  • One of the primary reasons for animal extinction is poaching . What are the solutions to this issue?
  • After adopting animals, some people decide that they no longer want them and send them to shelters. How can we prevent this from happening?
  • Killing horses for meat is inhumane, and horse meat consumption is dangerous. How can we stop these practices?
  • With more forests being cleared for farming and building, wild animals lose their natural habitats. How can people make safer environments for them?
  • Ring fighting leaves animals with severe wounds that might lead to death. What can we do to stop it?
  • Some countries continue to kill whales for commercial purposes, which threatens their existence. How can we stop whaling?
  • The continuation of the ivory trade results in thousands of elephants being killed annually. What actions should be taken to stop it?
  • Factory farms work to maximize profit, which is why animals are kept in inhumane conditions. What are the ways to reduce this cruelty?

🔬 Science & Technology Problem Solutions Topics

Scientific and technological processes are complicated and riddled with issues. Advances in these fields increase as well as worsen the quality of human life. In case you’re interested in science or technology, have a look at these problem solution essay topics.

  • With the widespread use of technology, students can find everything online, which affects their critical thinking . What are the most effective ways to preserve this ability?
  • There’s a price we have to pay for living in a digital age . It includes the loss of online data privacy. What is the best way to maintain it?
  • To run research, scientists need large amounts of money, which often becomes an issue. How can they get more funding?
  • A significant percentage of research papers contain wrong results due to poor study design . What is the best way to improve it?
  • Scientists rarely want to replicate existing research. The results might turn out insignificant, and some studies are too hard to replicate. How can scientists be encouraged to do it nevertheless?
  • Peer review is meant to prevent poor-quality works from being published. Yet, it doesn’t always work. How can the peer review system be fixed?
  • Often, not everyone can access a published study due to journals being expensive. How can we make knowledge more accessible?
  • Many people are unaware of scientific research in crucial areas such as nutrition . What is the best way to communicate scientific facts to a larger population?
  • Cyber attacks are a significant threat to many businesses, as they involve the theft of large amounts of information. What are the ways to prevent them from happening?
  • Artificial intelligence implementation creates new challenges, such as the risk of unemployment. How can we solve emerging technological problems?
  • Technological advances allowed some countries to transition to cashless societies . While it has many advantages, it also creates some security concerns. What is the best solution for these issues?
  • With technology advancing at a quicker pace, it is harder to find talented personnel to work with it. How can you help the employees to adapt to new technologies?
  • While many researchers have ideas for studies, only a few get financial support for them. How can the government support scientists more effectively?

Albert Einstein quote.

  • Mobile apps, social media, and games distract people from the real world. How can we stop smartphone addiction ?
  • Many graduating Ph.D. students have limited training for jobs outside of academic research. What can universities do to change the situation for the better?
  • Wearable computers, such as Apple Watch , have become very convenient. Yet, they create additional privacy and security issues. How can we overcome the challenges of body-borne computers?
  • Cyberbullying victims might experience psychological issues, such as depression, anxiety, and social exclusion. What is the best way to prevent it?
  • Environmental issues, such as air and water pollution , negatively affect the quality of life. How can technology help us save the environment?
  • Scientists are often obligated to publish research only with statistically significant results. How can bias towards certain studies be eliminated?
  • The constant stress and underpayment cause talented people to quit their careers in science. How can they be encouraged to continue working in their field?

🏠 Local Problem Solution Essay Topics

Another excellent idea for your essay is to write about the problems in your community. Think about the issues that need to be resolved, and start your writing. These topics will facilitate your creativity.

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  • A significant number of people view affordability of healthcare as a pressing problem, as it is quite expensive. How can healthcare costs be reduced in your community?
  • Children may be exposed to hazardous labor, which can harm their health. What can be done to stop child labor in your country?
  • Youth violence increases the possibility of future behavior and mental health problems. How can people stop this type of violent behavior in your community?
  • The rise in rent prices makes housing hard to afford. How can housing in your country be improved?
  • People who leave school or college often feel unprepared for work. This makes them feel anxious about getting a job. How can school leavers in your country be helped to get employed?
  • When they get older, many young adults struggle to manage their finances. What is the best way to improve financial literacy in your community?
  • A good internet connection has become a necessity for many people. This also made access to high-speed internet a major issue. How can you solve this problem in your local community?
  • Drug addiction is a public health problem that affects many people, especially youth. What are the solutions to the drug abuse problem in your country?
  • Traffic congestion causes environmental issues, as well as vehicle breakdowns. What is the best way to stop this in your country?
  • Poverty leads to a lack of education, malnutrition, social exclusion, and limited access to other essential services. How can this problem be solved in your country?
  • Crime can cause short-term problems, like an injury , and long-term ones, such as depression or PTSD . How can illegal behavior be reduced in your community?
  • After graduating from college, many students face difficulties in finding a job. How can educational institutions in your country help graduates get employed?
  • Public transportation can be frustrating with its inflexibility and delays. How can it be improved in your country?
  • Lack of car parking areas is a common problem in urban areas. How can people solve this issue in your city?
  • Junk food advertisements target children, which later leads to an increase in childhood obesity. How can we protect young people in your country from being affected by these advertisements?
  • Hate crime affects the security of individuals and societies as a whole. How can such crimes be prevented in your community?
  • Corruption is a global issue that negatively affects the economic and political systems of the country. What are the measures to resolve this issue in your state?
  • Low fertility rates reduce the population size of a country. If your country has low birth rates, how can it be improved?
  • Media propaganda has the potential of promoting violent behavior and reducing trust in the government. How should this problem be dealt with in your country?
  • The number of acts of domestic violence against women, men, and children continues to grow drastically in many societies. How should these cases be handled in your country?

😄 Funny & Easy Problem Solution Essay Topics

Problems are not always serious and yet require a solution. Whether it’s a choice of cereal or a friend zone, it’s an issue that has to be dealt with. Take a look at the funny problem solution essay topics list, and choose the one you like the most.

  • We often buy items that we never use afterward. How can we prevent ourselves from buying unnecessary stuff ?
  • Your favorite soccer team keeps losing, and it’s affecting your mood. What’s the best way to cope with this continuous disappointment?
  • You’ve invented a cool, new nickname for yourself. How do you get people to use it?
  • You love playing League of Legends with your friend. They’re the worst support, but they insist on having this role. What should you do about it?
  • Santa Claus is a beloved figure for many children. But they can’t believe in him forever. How should parents tell their kids that Santa isn’t real?
  • Water is crucial to human survival. Still, some people don’t like its bland taste. How can you stay hydrated without resorting to unhealthy, sugary drinks?
  • Happiness matters, as it makes people feel at ease. What can you do to make your community happier?
  • Your partner loves jazz while you prefer death metal. How do you overcome this musical discrepancy?

The two main types of problems.

  • A sturdy case can ruin the appearance even of the most beautiful phone. How can one compromise effectively on this issue?
  • House parties are fun, but your neighbors probably disagree. How can you throw a noisy party without upsetting those who live close by?
  • It’s hard to keep up the spark in long-distance relationships. Conversations via Zoom quickly get boring. What are fun things a couple can do together on the internet?
  • Many people believe that legalizing marijuana will reduce its consumption levels and solve social and economic issues. What are the other solutions to cannabis use?
  • Taking a perfect selfie requires much patience. How can you make creating a fantastic picture of yourself easier?
  • Pizza is great, but it’s not particularly healthy. How can you upgrade your favorite junk food to make it more nourishing?
  • Studies have shown that growing houseplants is good for the mood. But what do you do if you simply don’t have a green thumb?
  • Exercising is important, but it’s not fun for everyone. What can unathletic people do to stay fit without suffering?
  • Being the funny one among friends often prevents people from taking you seriously. What can change people’s attitude towards you?
  • Some people face the issue of “having a lot of clothes, but nothing to wear.” How can we fix this problem?
  • Your friends want to go on a trip soon, but you’re broke. What are the best strategies for students to save $100 in four weeks?

🤔 Other Problem Solution Essay Topics

  • What can we do about the problem of smoking in teenagers?
  • Obesity as a global problem of modern society
  • Reading problems and how to help students with reading disabilities
  • The solutions to environmental effects of e-waste
  • Potential solutions to noise pollution
  • The migration issue and how to solve it
  • The discussion and solution of COVID-19 ethical dilemma
  • The problem of lack of parking in big cities and how to help it
  • Nursing shortage as a national healthcare issue
  • Agriculture in Honduras: existing challenges and possible solutions
  • The issue of patient safety
  • The problem of safety and efficiency amidst staff deficiency
  • The problem of substance abuse and mental health issues within the homeless African American community
  • The issue of medically assisted suicide
  • The problem of obesity in India
  • Medicare challenges and issues facing America
  • The problem of institutional racism: effects and possible solutions
  • Contemporary issues in health care delivery
  • Solution of every-day problems: scientific method
  • The issue of genetically modified crops
  • Librarian management consultancy: challenges and solutions
  • The software patent issues in China
  • The solution to compassion fatigue and related issues in nursing
  • Is e-cigarettes smoking a solution?
  • Problems in a contemporary health environment and how to overcome them
  • American government contemporary issues
  • Can obesity problem be solved by proper nutrition and exercise?
  • Diversity and cross-cultural issues in the global workplace
  • Ethical issues and dilemmas in business
  • Finding solutions for ethical dilemma
  • Translating Emirati proverbs: problems and solutions
  • How to solve traffic congestion in my school district
  • The Rock Blocks company’s recruiting issues and solutions
  • Staffing problem solution: HR metrics and workforce analytics
  • Solving the health problems of the United States
  • Possible solutions to health disparities
  • Problems of sitting for long and their solutions
  • Will banning plastic bags not solve pollution problem?
  • Problem of predicting fluid responsiveness and its solution
  • Escalating drug prices: the ways to avoid the problem
  • The best way to address obesity in the United States
  • Solution to the world poverty problem
  • Gun violence: the ways to overcome the issue
  • Design solutions for improving website quality and effectiveness
  • Is simplification the best way to express ideas?
  • Fairtrade: better solution to underdevelopment
  • The problem of drug addiction in America and the solutions to it
  • Can charging children as adults solve juvenile criminal problems?
  • Stress in law: reasons and solutions
  • The ways to solve the increasing incidence of criminals reverting
  • Communication solutions for atmospheric scientist
  • Are financial rewards the best way to increase work motivation?
  • The environmental effects of the deforestation problem and how to solve it
  • Recycling: finding the solution
  • The use of the Internet to solve crimes
  • The solution to social inequality and discrimination
  • Encryption as a corporate security technological solution
  • Principal threats to a building efficiency research and ways to overcome them
  • Lack of social tolerance as the cause of discriminatory behavior problem and its solutions
  • Environmental problems and their potential solutions
  • Why technostress is harmful to psychological well-being and ways to reduce it
  • Infant’s health: growth problems and solutions
  • Community policing: the alternative solution to youth crime
  • Strategies to overcome the organization’s problem due to community losses
  • Metropolitan police service: identity management solution
  • The problem of sexual harassment in the army and the ways to eliminate it
  • Reasons of anti-Asian crimes and ways to deal with the problem
  • Green logistics: implementation issues and solutions
  • Technological solutions for effective communication
  • Ways to defend against cyber terrorism
  • Workplace conflict problem and its solutions
  • Doha negotiations: possible solutions and outcomes
  • Handling difficult conversations and ways to avoid conflict escalation
  • Healthcare in Canada: problems and solutions
  • Problem of verbal orders in medicine and how to overcome it
  • Law contracts and ways to break the contract
  • Cinemark USA, Inc.: problems and solutions
  • Air pollution solutions: how to improve air quality
  • The problem of homelessness in Los Angeles and the ways to reduce it
  • Jamaica’s economy: problems and solutions
  • Solutions to poverty in urban areas
  • Australian economy: economic problems and ways of its solving
  • Decrease the disparity between rich and poor solution
  • Lebanon’s environmental problems and solutions
  • Ways of treating obesity in older patients
  • The global water crisis: issues and the ways to avoid them
  • The Bauer school’s parking problem and solution
  • Ways of reducing human trafficking of children
  • Heartland payment system data breach problem solution
  • Immigration policy in US. problem and how to solve it
  • The ways to overcome the investment problem
  • The problem of dysfunctional companies and its solution
  • Du Bois vs. Washington: racist problem solution
  • Fad diets’ impact on human health: problem solution
  • Environmental challenges for NAFTA and how to solve them
  • Three solutions to the problem of pollution externalities
  • Buying things to solve personal problems
  • Remington Peckinpah Davis Inc.’s problem solution
  • Problem solution: best snacks INC.
  • Solutions to the problem of steroids in sports and athletics
  • Problem solution: global communications
  • The problem of global warming and ways of its solution
  • Cyber-bullying and ways to solve the problem
  • Losses of personal data: problem and solution
  • Obamacare: the solution to the healthcare problem
  • The problem of Palestinian-Israeli conflict and viable solution
  • The problem of coral reef depletion and how to address it
  • Social security long-term solvency problems
  • Economic crisis: bailout plan as solution
  • The problem of anterior spacing in dentistry female patients and possible solutions
  • Rising sea levels: how to reduce the global concern
  • Organ trafficking problem and policy solution
  • Cultural issues and their solutions in project management
  • Transforming the Texas plant: possible solutions to the problems
  • Nursing understaffing and evidence-based solution
  • Critical thinking to solve hard problems
  • Healthcare disparities and the ways to overcome them
  • Pressure injury prevention: evidence-based solution
  • Nursing stress solutions: benefits and support
  • The problem of violence in nursing and its solutions
  • What is the best way to stimulate economic growth?
  • Decision making process in management: problem solving
  • Pressure ulcers issue and defense of solution
  • Land pollution and ways to minimize pollution in the US
  • Vancouver’s housing crisis and solution
  • The problem of stress and solutions for working students
  • Seven ways to find help in starting a business
  • Courtelaney Pass police department: potential problem solutions
  • The problem of plagiarism, its reasons and solutions
  • Ways of managing conflict
  • Political corruption and how to address it
  • Low wages and inequality problem and its solutions in the USA
  • Child abuse and ways for its elimination
  • The problem of infant mortality issue in India: possible solutions
  • Domestic violence problem and the ways to overcome them
  • Ways of avoiding cross-cultural miscommunication
  • Risk incidence solution to the problem of substance use disorder
  • Is assisted suicide a humane solution?
  • Successful ways of preventing crime by Blundell
  • Iron seeding oceans: global warming solution

Thank you for reading this article! Hopefully, these topics will help you write your problem-solution essay. Also, don’t forget to send this article to your friends, who might find it useful!

Further reading:

  • 182 Free Ideas for Argumentative or Persuasive Essay Topics
  • 200 Creative Topics for Opinion Essays
  • 180 Excellent Evaluation Essay Topics
  • 140 Classification Essay Topics and Ideas
  • 150+ Excellent Narrative Essay Topics
  • 260 Good Descriptive Essay Topics and Writing Tips
  • 135 Creative Definition Essay Topics and Writing Tips
  • Prewriting for Problem Solution Essays: Thoughtful Learning
  • Structuring Your Essay: Solent University
  • Analyzing Community Problems and Solutions: The University of Kansas
  • 10 Major Challenges Facing Public Schools: Public School Review
  • Major Issues in Education: 20 Hot Topics: Trade Schools
  • The 10 Biggest Challenges Businesses Face Today (and Need Consultants for): Hiscox UK
  • How to Overcome Financial Stress and Improve Finances: Bank of America
  • The Most Important Health Problems (and Why They Matter): Harvard
  • 5 Health Problems You’re Actually Not Too Young For: John Hopkins Medicine
  • 10 Health Problems Related to Stress that You Can Actually Fix: WebMD
  • Top 25 Environmental Concerns: Conserve Energy Future
  • All Our Fights: The Humane Society of the United States
  • The 7 Biggest Problems Facing Science, According to 270 Scientists: Vox
  • Problems that Face Urban, Suburban, and Rural Communities in America: Pew Research Center
  • 14 Major Tech Issues & What Can Solve Them: Built In
  • Five of the World′s Biggest Environmental Problems: DW.com
  • Top 10 Most Common Health Issues: University of Rochester
  • Against the Environment. Problems in Society/Nature Relations: Frontiers
  • Business Financing Problems: Chron.com
  • Social Issues and Community Interactions: The National Academies Press
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How to Write a Problem and Solution Essay With Tips and Examples

22 December 2023

last updated

When students face issues on how to write a problem and solution essay, they need clear guidelines. The key insights in the text include a definition of a problem and solution essay, its unique structure, and organizational pattern. Other essential details include the possible easy topics students can choose when writing their paper, the technical steps, and tips for creating a high-standard document. A sample outline and example of a problem and solution essay give readers a practical paper of how the text should appear after its completion. Therefore, this guideline is a must-read for every student who hopes to write a good problem and solution essay that meets the instructor’s quality expectations.

General Aspects of How to Write an Outstanding Problem and Solution Essay & Examples

Academic texts are an excellent place to build critical writing skills and develop the intellectual capacity to create different types of essays that others can use as sources of ideas. Since most types of papers are technical, students must continuously expose themselves to ideas and knowledge about how to write good essays. This guideline on how to write a problem and solution essay includes vital insights for students and anyone interested in writing this kind of text for academic or intellectual reasons. By reading this article, people can learn the meaning of a problem and solution essay, its unique structure, distinctive features, tips for a high-standard piece, and possible topics, among other essential details. A sample outline and practical example of a problem and solution essay offer readers a good paper of this type of text.

How to Write a Problem and Solution Essay With Tips and Examples

Definition of What Is a Problem and Solution Essay and Its Meaning

As the name suggests, this kind of academic essay addresses a specific problem and its solution. In other words, someone writing this paper should identify a particular problem and explain how to solve it. This text mainly applies where instructors want to assess students’ writing skills and ability to investigate matters and find relevant information that enhances one’s understanding of them. In this respect, a problem and solution essay differs from other types of scholarly texts, including a research paper or a research proposal , and some essays, like an argumentative essay , a cause and effect essay , or a compare and contrast essay . While these texts require writers to examine issues and use evidence to construct and defend arguments and observations, a problem and solution essay means that one must state a problem and explain its solution.

Unique Structure of a Problem and Solution Essay

Like other academic texts, a problem and solution essay has a unique essay structure that writers should adopt to ensure their work meets the instructor’s expectations. The design features certain elements, including a description of the problem in a way that attracts the reader’s interest, an explanation of the solution, a plan for implementing the answer, and a procedure for evaluating the outcome. In short, students should approach the task more carefully when writing a problem and solution essay. For example, a mistake writers make is to assume expectations and rely on their knowledge of other papers in writing assignments. While there are areas of similarities, most types of academic texts have distinct features that form part of expectations. An essay structure is one of these features and determines whether writers score highly or poorly in the eyes of readers.

🔹 Problem Description

Defining a specific problem is a writer’s first task when generating ideas about a problem and solution essay. This definition should form part of a thesis statement to inform readers early about the paper’s aim. While using many words to describe the problem in a college essay introduction is not advisable, writers should use the paper’s body to comprehensively address the issue, including its causes and who or what is affected. Essentially, the description part of an essay should make readers care about the situation and be curious about the solution.

After describing a defined problem, writers should explain a logical solution in the body of a problem and solution essay. Typically, they should tell readers something about the solution in the thesis statement because it mentions the problem. Ideally, a good thesis statement should focus on the most critical aspects of the paper, in this case, the problem and the solution. However, the body paragraphs should tell readers more about the solution, including who or what provides it and how it will impact the situation. A problem and solution essay should be rich with information that enables readers to understand everything without outside input. In this respect, all solutions should not leave readers confused or unimpressed because of simplicity or unreasonableness.

🔹 Implementation Plan

A good solution for writing an essay should have an implementation plan because it takes time to happen. Since most problems are complex and multifaceted, solutions take time to develop because of the dynamics involved, including the need to consult and budget-making. Therefore, writers should discuss implementation by addressing who or what would provide the solution, how, and the time it will take to get results. These details are essential to readers because they provide a roadmap for dealing with the problem when going through an essay. The most critical element of an implementation plan is the timeline, meaning when the solution will be available to when expected outcomes will manifest.

🔹 Evaluation of Outcome

The most effective strategy for assessing whether a particular solution described in an essay has solved a specific problem is to evaluate the outcome. Some solutions may be futile if they do not address the issue. Therefore, when writing a problem and solution essay, students should explain who or what would evaluate the outcome and the features they would assess to determine whether it is the right outcome.

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Organizing a Problem and Solution Essay

The most notable feature of scholarly documents is the content organization from the introduction to the conclusion . For example, students can adopt block or chain structures when writing a problem and solution essay depending on whether the instructor has specified the pattern. Ideally, different patterns determine how writers describe the problem and the solution.

🔸 Block Structure

The block structure is where writers divide the body of a problem and solution essay into two sections. The first element of an essay addresses the problem(s) and all the crucial details, like the causes and effects. The second section outlines the solution(s) to the problem and essential elements, like who or what would provide and the expected outcome. Therefore, when adopting the block structure in an essay, students should deal with the issue entirely before proceeding to the solution. Then, they should have another section in an essay for the implementation plan and another for evaluating outcomes. The format should be as follows:

  • Section 1: problem 1, problem 2;
  • Section 2: solution to problem 1, solution to problem 2;
  • Section 3: implementation plan;
  • Section 4: evaluation of outcomes.

🔸 Chain Structure

The chain structure divides the body of a problem and solution essay into several sections depending on the number of problems. In this case, students use each section to describe a problem, addressing the cause and effects and its solution, and essential details, like who or what would offer it and how long it would take to solve. Depending on essay instructions, students can use subheadings to identify the sections or use body paragraphs, each for one problem and its solution. Then, writers should have another section in an essay for the implementation plan and another for evaluating outcomes. As a result, the format should appear as follows:

  • Section 1: problem 1, solution 1;
  • Section 2: problem 2, solution 2;

Table Representing 12 Types of a Problem

Examples of 12 Problems, Their Solution(s), Implementation, and Evaluation for Writing an Essay

Topic Examples for Writing a Problem and Solution Essay

Choosing good essay topics is the first task when writing an academic paper, and it determines whether students have an easy or hard time generating ideas and putting them together coherently. Therefore, they should know that selecting problem and solution essay topics can mean the difference between a below-average and an excellent document. Before deciding on the topic, one should read widely to seek knowledge on what topics are easy and which can complicate producing a high-standard paper. The following list comprises easy topics that students can choose from when writing a problem and solution essay because they require writers to describe a problem, state a solution and how to implement it, and evaluate the outcomes.

  • Reducing Plastic Waste in the Ocean: An Innovative Approach
  • Discussing the Effects of Internet Addiction on Students and What Parents and School Administrators Can Do to Protect Learners
  • What Are the Side Effects of Prolonged Use of Painkillers, and How Can Governments Intervene?
  • Discussing Student Loan Debt as a Burden to Graduates and How the Government Can Lighten It
  • Exploring How Illegal Immigration Affects Natural Citizens and the Solutions to the Problem
  • Evaluating the Impact of Substance Abuse on Pregnant Women and What Health Professionals Can Do to Protect Mothers and the Unborn From Harm
  • What Causes Teen Pregnancy, and How Can Communities Prevent It?

Sample Outline Template for Writing a Good Problem and Solution Essay

I. Introduction

  • Hook : A statement starting with a quotation , striking example, or brief anecdote to capture the reader’s attention and stir their interest to know more about the topic.
  • Context: State the background of the problem and its development, including when and how it started, the cause, and who or what it affects.
  • Thesis : State the idea(s) that guide the rest of the paper, pointing to the problem and the possible solution for an essay.

II. Body of an Essay

A. The problem:

  • Describe the problem in depth, focusing on the causes and statistical evidence.
  • Explain the effects of the problem, including the people or other entities it affects and how.

B. Solution(s):

  • Explore the possible logical solution(s) that exist and their weaknesses.
  • State an ideal solution(s) to the problem.

III. Conclusion

  • Make deductions about the problem and solution(s).
  • Summarize the main points of a problem and solution essay.
  • Reinforce the thesis.
  • Make a call to action that enlightens readers about the problem and possible solution(s).

Example of a Problem and Solution Essay

Topic: Discuss Student Loan Debt as a Burden to Graduates and How the Government Can Lighten It

I. Example of an Introduction in a Problem and Solution Essay

The high cost of college education is historically out of reach for the majority. Officials in America enacted legislation to facilitate loans to individuals who see a college education as the pathway to economic mobility. Although student loan has helped millions to come closer to experiencing the American Dream, repaying it is burdensome to graduates, and some stakeholders believe loan forgiveness is the best solution.

II. Example of Body Paragraphs in a Problem and Solution Essay

A. problem sample paragraph.

Student loan debt results from the government’s effort to assist millions of Americans in attaining a college education despite their socioeconomic status. Any day of the week, a review of the mass media will reveal sentiments from various quarters about student loan debt and how it has made graduates’ lives a nightmare. For example, multiple reports show that most people graduating from higher education enter the job market yearly with a loan burden. These reports indicate the adverse effects of this condition, including sinking individuals into financial slavery and making a high standard of living a mirage. Arguably, people can conclude that a college education is no longer a pathway to the American Dream but one to economic slavery.

B. Solution Sample Paragraph

Since Joe Biden assumed the presidency, a section of congressional members has called for the federal government to adopt loan forgiveness to make life bearable for many graduates. Ideally, this intervention means the federal government owning up the student loans in the market to free graduates from loan repayment, which has proven to be a significant barrier to financial independence and a high living standard. While this solution is commendable, it has several weaknesses. Firstly, it does not solve the problem but transfers it from the individual to the government. Since the government gets money through taxation, student loan forgiveness will become a problem for taxpayers. Secondly, it does not address why people seek student loans, meaning the problem will continue manifesting. Another solution to the problem, which most people believe is ideal, is making the necessary arrangements, including legal, to make student loan repayment part of employment benefits. This solution recognizes that almost every graduate entering the job market has a student loan repayment obligation. Therefore, employers should make loan repayment an employment benefit and kill two birds with one stone, which means attracting the best candidates and retaining them because of improved life satisfaction. Companies are constantly losing their best employees because most skilled workers are always searching for an employer with the best compensation package. Making student loan repayment an employment benefit, like health insurance, will make an employer the dream workplace for most graduates because everyone wants the burden off their shoulders.

III. Example of a Conclusion in a Problem and Solution Essay

Student loan debt is a burden to most graduates that the federal government and employers can help lighten for millions of Americans. The media shows how loan repayment has sunk a majority of graduates into financial slavery and made the American Dream just that, a dream. Loan forgiveness by the federal government can help to lighten the burden. However, making loan repayment an employment benefit is the best solution because it does not transfer the obligation to the taxpayer. Therefore, legislators should refocus their efforts on loan forgiveness and consider how loan repayment can become part of employment benefits.

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4 Easy Steps for Writing a Problem and Solution Essay

Writing scholarly papers or essays is a technical process that requires an in-depth understanding of certain conventions. These conventions include following a prescribed essay outline ; formatting in APA , MLA , Harvard , or Chicago/Turabian ; using the active voice; adopting a formal tone; writing papers without grammar or format errors; and producing essays with a logical order of ideas and thought. Students should capture these details in various sections of their problem and solution essays. Ideally, the writing process happens in steps, each with its demands that form the instructor’s assessment criteria. Thus, the main steps for writing a great problem and solution essay are preparation, stage setup, document writing, and wrap-up.

Step 1: Preparation

Preparation is the first step of writing a problem and solution essay, requiring writers to focus on several details. The first aspect is defining the topic if the instructions do not specify it. The secret to a good topic is to identify a problem one cares about deeply that has practical solutions. Writing about a specific problem that cannot be solved would be frustrating because it would defeat the purpose of a problem and solution essay. Moreover, when defining the topic and generating ideas, writers should consider the audience to determine whether to use simple or technical language. The most effective strategy for writing essays is for students to incubate ideas during learning habitually. Course content is rich in ideas one can use to construct topics usable when professors issue instructions to write a paper for assessment.

Step 2: Stage Setup

Setting the stage is the second step of writing a problem and solution essay. The first task for students is to find credible sources . In this task, writers should research widely and identify materials relating to the topic to generate ideas for their essays. The best approach is to read several reliable sources while making notes. Besides, students should focus on materials that help them to construct a specific topic that addresses a problem with possible solutions. The next task is to create a clear outline according to the one above. However, someone may decide to follow block or chain structures in the paper’s body. The choice will depend on the number of problems and solutions, but a chain structure is best suited for an essay addressing several problems and solutions because it provides a logical flow.

Step 3: The Writing Process of Starting a Problem and Solution Essay

The third step in writing a problem and solution essay is to begin typing words, focusing on producing an initial draft. This first draft allows students to organize all ideas into a coherent paper. After completing the document, students should read it and confirm if the ideas are sufficient. If they are not, they should add more academic sources . However, if they are too many, one should delete some irrelevant sources. Writers should also alter their essay outlines after adding or deleting sources to fit the ideas. For example, people may switch from a block format to a chain structure in their essays if they find more problems and solutions and vice versa if the problems and solutions reduce significantly. The last task in this step is to create a well-organized thesis summarizing the paper’s objective, mentioning the problem(s) and solution(s).

Writing an Introduction for a Problem and Solution Essay

In the first paragraph, students should focus on a hook, background information, and a thesis when writing an introduction paragraph for a problem and solution essay. The hook is a statement that grabs the reader’s attention and stirs their interest in reading the entire text. Background information tells the context of the topic by stating why the problem is a matter of concern to a writer, a reader, and a broader society. The thesis tells the audience the reason for writing a problem and solution essay. As the last sentence in the introduction, the thesis gives readers a sneak peek into the argument that is the focus of body paragraphs.

Writing Body Paragraphs for a Problem and Solution Essay

The body is the most comprehensive section of a problem and solution essay because it comprehensively describes the problem(s) and solution(s). For example, students can adopt block or chain structures depending on the number of problems and solutions. An important detail for students to consider is ensuring each paragraph writing has a topic sentence that identifies an idea relating to a central thesis statement. The rest of the paragraph in an essay should focus on supporting the idea through evidence-based writing. In short, writers should use evidence from various sources, such as government websites and research materials. Moreover, one should cite such evidence in the applicable format: APA, MLA, Harvard, or Chicago/Turabian. The end of each paragraph should have a transition that allows for a logical flow to the next paragraph or section. Depending on the college essay length, writers can use headings and sub-headings to organize the body.

Writing a Conclusion for a Problem and Solution Essay

As the term suggests, the conclusion paragraph is the last part of a problem and solution essay. In this section, writers should end their papers by reminding readers of the thesis with a summary of the main points. Essentially, the conclusion of an essay should restate the problem(s) and solution(s) and make a call to action that allows readers to formulate ideas of what society should do to make the problem(s) less severe and the solution(s) sustainable.

Step 4: Wrap-Up

The wrap-up is the last step of writing a problem and solution essay, and it is all about perfecting an initial draft document to make it final. The first task for students is to read and reread a problem and solution essay to identify and revise mistakes. Revision of an essay should involve rearranging words and sentences to eliminate an illogical flow of ideas and thoughts. The next task is to edit essays by fixing grammatical and formatting errors, including missing punctuation or wrong citations. As for formatting, students should adopt one style, like APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago/Turabian, or others, in the whole essay since each one is unique.

For example, when citing a book, citations should read as follows for each type:

📕 APA Citation for a Book

  • References entry:

Author’s surname, initials of first and second names. Publication year in brackets. The title in the sentence case . The publisher’s name.

  • In-text citation:

(Author’s surname, publication year, page number)

📕 MLA Citation for a Book

  • Works Cited entry:

Author’s surname, complete first and second names. Title in the title case . The publisher’s name, the publication year.

(Author’s surname and page number).

📕 Harvard Citation for a Book

  • Reference List entry:

Author’s surname, initials of first and second names with date of publication. Title in the sentence case . The publisher, the publisher’s location.

(Author’s surname, publication year, page number).

📕 Chicago/Turabian Citation for a Book

  • Bibliography entry:

Author’s surname, complete first and second names. Title in the title case . The publisher’s location, the publisher.

  • Footnote entry:

Author’s first, second, and third names. The title in the title case . The publisher’s location, name, and publication year are in brackets. The page number from where writers got the information they are citing.

20 Tips for Writing a Problem and Solution Essay

A high-standard scholarly essay is a product of enough preparation and focused intellectual engagement. This condition makes it essential for writers to learn to accomplish their tasks flawlessly. The tips for students and anyone writing a problem and solution essay include identifying vulnerable groups in society; brainstorming about the problems they face; thinking about the possible solutions; generating ideas about the problems and solutions, creating an essay outline; considering whether to adopt the block or chain structure; writing the introduction with a hook, background information, and a thesis; describing the problems and the possible solutions comprehensively in the body; ensuring the body paragraphs have topic sentences, evidence, transitions, and citations; and writing a conclusion that restates the thesis, summarizes the main points, and makes call to action in an essay.

10 things to do when writing a problem and solution essay include:

  • identifying the situation to address in an essay, such as a political, economic, social, or cultural problem;
  • thinking about the solutions to the problem;
  • creating an outline that considers the paper’s content, including the problem, solution, implementation, and evaluation;
  • researching to find evidence about the problem for starting an essay;
  • evaluating the weaknesses of the existing interventions; adopting one formatting style for the entire paper;
  • creating a thesis that emphasizes the problem and possible solution;
  • constructing body paragraphs that satisfy all academic writing conventions, including topic sentences, transitions, and citations;
  • creating an initial essay draft;
  • reading and rereading a final draft essay to identify and fix mistakes;
  • proofreading a final version of a problem and solution essay.

10 things not to do:

  • defining an essay topic that does not address a problem or solution;
  • addressing a problem without a practical solution;
  • providing an introduction without a hook, context, or thesis statement;
  • adopting an essay outline that does not consider the four components of problem, solution, implementation, and evaluation;
  • using both block and chain structures;
  • failing to support arguments with evidence in an essay;
  • citing evidence wrongly;
  • mixing different formats (APA, MLA, Harvard, or Chicago/Turabian) in the same or different paragraphs;
  • writing a problem and solution essay with numerous grammatical and formatting errors;
  • failing to conclude a paper.

Summing Up on How to Write a Perfect Problem and Solution Essay

  • Define a problem afflicting vulnerable groups, like children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, for an essay.
  • Consider if there are existing solutions to the problem and their weaknesses.
  • Brainstorm to generate ideas about possible solutions to the problem.
  • Create an outline and populate each section with ideas, considering the hook, background information, topic sentences, transitions, evidence, citations, and a call to action.
  • Ensure a problem and solution essay adopts block or chain structures, not both.
  • Provide an in-depth description of the problem, its causes, and the people or other entities it affects.
  • Explain the possible solutions and who or what should provide them.
  • Make a call to action to leave readers with a lasting impression about the importance of the problem and why it is necessary to sustain the solution.

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Essay Writing Tips, Topics, and Examples

Problem-Solution Essay Topics

Problem-Solution Essay Topics

50 Problem-Solution Essay Topics and Ideas:

  • Reducing plastic pollution through innovative recycling methods
  • Combating climate change by transitioning to renewable energy sources
  • Tackling childhood obesity through school-based health initiatives
  • Addressing income inequality with progressive tax policies
  • Improving mental health awareness and access to resources
  • Reducing food waste through better storage and distribution methods
  • Enhancing cybersecurity to protect personal information and privacy
  • Ensuring equal access to quality education for all children
  • Combating the spread of misinformation and fake news
  • Promoting responsible use of social media to reduce negative impacts
  • Mitigating the effects of overpopulation through family planning initiatives
  • Preventing deforestation and habitat loss through sustainable land management
  • Encouraging responsible water usage to combat water scarcity
  • Reducing air pollution through cleaner transportation options
  • Ensuring workplace safety and preventing occupational hazards
  • Addressing gender pay gap and promoting equal opportunities
  • Improving disaster preparedness and response systems
  • Promoting sustainable tourism to protect cultural and natural heritage
  • Tackling substance abuse through prevention, education, and treatment programs
  • Encouraging community engagement to reduce crime rates
  • Promoting financial literacy to prevent personal debt crises
  • Addressing the digital divide and increasing access to technology
  • Supporting veterans’ reintegration into civilian life
  • Combating human trafficking through awareness and legal measures
  • Improving public transportation systems for better accessibility and efficiency
  • Encouraging healthy lifestyle choices to prevent chronic diseases
  • Strengthening the foster care system to improve outcomes for children
  • Addressing the issue of animal cruelty and promoting animal welfare
  • Tackling the student loan debt crisis through loan reform and financial education
  • Enhancing teacher training and professional development to improve educational outcomes
  • Combating racial and ethnic discrimination through education and policy reform
  • Strengthening gun control laws to reduce firearm-related violence
  • Reducing the impact of natural disasters through sustainable urban planning
  • Promoting body positivity and self-esteem to combat eating disorders
  • Supporting mental health in the workplace through employee wellness programs
  • Improving accessibility for people with disabilities in public spaces
  • Combating antibiotic resistance through better prescription practices and research
  • Addressing the issue of elder abuse and promoting senior care
  • Encouraging responsible pet ownership to reduce animal abandonment
  • Addressing bullying in schools through anti-bullying programs and policies
  • Reducing homelessness through affordable housing initiatives and social support
  • Strengthening healthcare systems to improve access and affordability
  • Promoting cultural diversity and inclusion in schools and communities
  • Combating the negative effects of screen time on children’s development
  • Encouraging responsible consumption to reduce waste and conserve resources
  • Addressing the challenges of immigration and promoting integration
  • Reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging open conversations
  • Encouraging ethical business practices through corporate social responsibility initiatives
  • Improving gender representation in media and entertainment industries
  • Supporting the mental health of first responders through targeted programs and policies

I. Introduction

A. definition of a problem-solution essay.

A problem-solution essay is a type of academic writing assignment that requires students to analyze a specific issue, identify its causes, and propose a feasible solution to address the problem effectively. This form of essay helps develop critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills, making it an essential aspect of academic learning.

B. Importance of choosing a good problem-solution essay topic

Choosing an engaging and relevant topic is crucial for a successful problem-solution essay, as it sets the stage for a well-reasoned argument and demonstrates the writer’s understanding of the subject matter. A well-chosen topic can make the essay more enjoyable to write and read, fostering a deeper understanding of the issue and potential solutions.

C. Purpose of the article

This article aims to provide guidance on selecting suitable problem-solution essay topics, offering examples of topics in various subject areas, and presenting practical tips for writing an effective essay. The goal is to empower students to tackle pressing issues and contribute meaningfully to the ongoing discourse around them.

II. Techniques for Choosing a Problem-Solution Essay Topic

A. brainstorming.

Begin by brainstorming a list of potential issues that you find interesting or have personal experience with. Consider problems that are currently relevant or have a significant impact on society. Create a mind map or list to organize your thoughts and encourage creative thinking.

B. Identifying personal experiences or observations

Draw on your own experiences or observations to identify problems that resonate with you. This personal connection can make your essay more engaging and persuasive. Additionally, a personal connection can provide unique insights and perspectives that enhance your argument.

C. Researching

Conduct research to gain a deeper understanding of the problem and to identify potential solutions. Make sure the topic is not too broad or narrow, as this can make it difficult to develop a well-structured essay. Explore various sources, such as academic journals, news articles, and books, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issue and the current discourse around it.

D. Choosing a topic that is relevant and feasible

Select a topic that is both relevant to current issues and has feasible solutions, ensuring that your essay contributes meaningfully to the discourse around the problem. Consider the scope of the problem, its impact on various stakeholders, and the practicality of implementing the proposed solutions.

III. Examples of Problem-Solution Essay Topics by Subject Area

A. Problem-Solution Essay Topics in Education

  • Addressing learning disabilities through inclusive teaching strategies
  • Reducing student stress and anxiety by improving school environments
  • Combating the effects of standardized testing on student motivation and creativity
  • Enhancing teacher training and professional development to improve classroom outcomes
  • Utilizing technology to bridge the gap in educational resources and opportunities

B. Problem-Solution Essay Topics in Health and Medicine

  • Combating the opioid crisis through education and prevention programs
  • Promoting mental health awareness to reduce stigma and improve access to treatment
  • Addressing health disparities through community-based interventions and policy changes
  • Implementing telemedicine to increase healthcare access in rural and underserved areas
  • Encouraging healthy lifestyle choices to combat chronic diseases and obesity

C. Problem-Solution Essay Topics in Environment

  • Reducing plastic waste by promoting sustainable alternatives
  • Mitigating the effects of climate change through renewable energy and conservation efforts
  • Addressing water scarcity through efficient resource management and innovative technologies
  • Protecting endangered species and habitats through conservation and legal measures
  • Promoting sustainable agriculture and food systems to reduce environmental impact

D. Problem-Solution Essay Topics in Social Issues

  • Preventing cyberbullying through digital literacy programs and stricter online regulations
  • Tackling income inequality by implementing progressive taxation and minimum wage policies
  • Combating gender discrimination and promoting equality through education and policy reform
  • Addressing the challenges faced by refugees and immigrants through community integration initiatives
  • Reducing the impact of substance abuse through prevention, treatment, and support programs

E. Problem-Solution Essay Topics in Technology

  • Ensuring online privacy and data protection through stronger legislation
  • Balancing the benefits and drawbacks of artificial intelligence in the workplace
  • Addressing the digital divide and promoting equitable access to technology
  • Evaluating the ethical implications of emerging technologies, such as genetic engineering and surveillance systems
  • Exploring the potential of virtual reality and augmented reality in various industries and their societal impact

F. Problem-Solution Essay Topics in Business

  • Supporting small businesses and local economies through community-focused policies
  • Navigating the challenges of globalization and its impact on local industries
  • Promoting sustainable business practices to minimize environmental and social harm
  • Addressing the issue of workplace burnout and promoting employee well-being

IV. Tips for Writing an Effective Problem-Solution Essay

A. clearly define the problem and its causes.

Begin your essay by providing a clear and concise definition of the problem, its causes, and its consequences. Use relevant statistics, facts, and examples to illustrate the severity of the issue and its impact on various stakeholders.

B. Propose a viable solution to the problem

Present a feasible solution to the problem, explaining how it addresses the underlying causes and potential benefits. Consider multiple solutions if possible, evaluating their merits and drawbacks before selecting the most effective option.

C. Support the solution with evidence and examples

Use evidence, research, and real-world examples to support your proposed solution and demonstrate its effectiveness. Draw on case studies, expert opinions, and empirical data to strengthen your argument and provide a solid foundation for your solution.

D. Address potential challenges and limitations of the solution

Acknowledge and address any potential challenges or limitations of your solution, offering possible counterarguments or adaptations. Demonstrating an awareness of potential drawbacks and challenges not only makes your essay more balanced but also showcases your critical thinking skills.

E. Edit and revise the essay for clarity and coherence

Ensure that your essay is well-organized, logically structured, and free from grammatical errors or inconsistencies. Revise your essay multiple times, focusing on content, organization, and language. Seek feedback from peers or instructors to refine your essay further and improve its overall quality.

V. Conclusion

The success of a problem-solution essay hinges on selecting a compelling and relevant topic that allows the writer to delve into a pressing issue and propose well-reasoned solutions. A carefully chosen topic can make the essay more enjoyable to write and read, fostering a deeper understanding of the problem and the potential solutions.

By employing the techniques and tips provided in this article, you can confidently embark on the journey of selecting an engaging problem-solution essay topic and crafting a compelling argument. Embrace the opportunity to contribute to the discourse around pressing issues and hone your critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills in the process.

VI. Additional Resources for Problem-Solution Essay Writing

A. online resources and tools.

  • Academic databases: Access databases such as JSTOR, Google Scholar, and PubMed to find relevant research articles and case studies that can support your argument.
  • Citation management tools: Utilize citation management tools like Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote to organize your sources and generate citations in the appropriate format.
  • Grammar and style checkers: Use platforms like Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, or ProWritingAid to proofread your essay and enhance your writing style.

B. Books on problem-solution essay writing and critical thinking

  • “The Art of Problem Solving” by Russell L. Ackoff: This book offers insights into problem-solving techniques and strategies that can be applied to various disciplines and situations.
  • “Critical Thinking: Your Guide to Effective Argument, Successful Analysis, and Independent Study” by Tom Chatfield: A comprehensive guide to critical thinking skills that can help you construct a well-reasoned problem-solution essay.
  • “Writing Arguments: A Rhetoric with Readings” by John D. Ramage, John C. Bean, and June Johnson: This book provides guidance on writing various types of argumentative essays, including problem-solution essays, with a focus on rhetoric and persuasion.

C. Workshops and courses

  • Writing centers: Many colleges and universities have writing centers that offer workshops and tutoring sessions on academic writing, including problem-solution essays.
  • Online courses: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer online courses on academic writing, critical thinking, and problem-solving that can help you hone your skills in crafting effective problem-solution essays.

VII. Final Thoughts

Problem-solution essays are an essential aspect of academic writing that help students develop their critical thinking, research, and problem-solving abilities. By choosing an engaging and relevant topic, conducting thorough research, and presenting a well-reasoned argument, you can contribute to the ongoing discourse around pressing issues and make a meaningful impact.

Remember, the key to a successful problem-solution essay lies in selecting a topic that resonates with you, allowing you to delve deep into the issue and propose viable solutions. Use the techniques, tips, and resources provided in this article to embark on your problem-solution essay writing journey with confidence and enthusiasm.

VIII. Custom Evaluation Essay on Any Topic

In today’s competitive academic environment, students often struggle with writing high-quality problem-solution essays on a wide range of topics. Balancing tight deadlines, demanding coursework, and extracurricular activities can be challenging, leaving little time for in-depth research and thoughtful analysis. UniversalEssays understands these challenges and is here to help. Our team of professional writers can craft custom problem-solution essays on any topic, ensuring that you receive a well-researched and well-written paper to impress your instructors.

At UniversalEssays, our diverse team of experienced writers possesses expertise across various disciplines, including education, health and medicine, environment, social issues, technology, and business. This vast pool of knowledge allows us to tackle any topic with confidence and precision, providing a custom problem-solution essay that meets your unique requirements. Our skilled writers have expertise in various fields, ensuring we can handle any topic with confidence. Our team conducts comprehensive research and applies critical thinking to provide a well-researched, custom essay. We guarantee high-quality, plagiarism-free essays tailored to your requirements. With UniversalEssays, you can trust that your essay will be delivered on time, every time.

UniversalEssays is the ideal choice for students seeking custom problem-solution essays. With our expert help, you can focus on other aspects of your academic life while receiving a top-notch, tailored essay on your desired topic.

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problem solution essay tips

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  1. How to Write a Problem Solution Essay

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  2. How to Write a Problem Solution Essay

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  3. Great Tips on How to Write a Problem Solution Essay: Excellent Guide!

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  4. How to Write a Problem Solution Essay

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  6. 10 Beautiful Ideas For Problem Solution Essay 2023

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VIDEO

  1. How to write Advantages/Disadvantages and Problem/solution Essay

  2. IELTS Writing Task 2, Problem and Solution essay, 'City Life'

  3. ‘Cause/Solution’ essay VS ‘Problem/Solution’ essay

  4. Problem-Solution Essay, Lesson #4

  5. 1 1b Introduction to Example Essay Question

  6. Project #3: A Problem-Solution Essay

COMMENTS

  1. Guide To Problem Solution Essay

    Offer detailed explanations, examples, and evidence to support the understanding of the problem. Solution 1: After presenting all problems, transition to the solutions. Propose practical and reasonable solutions for the first problem. Support each solution with evidence and rationale.

  2. How to Write a Problem-Solution Essay: Step-by-Step Instructions

    Make a list of groups you belong to, such as: People groups (teenagers, high school students, college students, family, males, females, race, culture, or language group) Step 2: Make a list of problems you have encountered in some of these groups. Sometimes there is a plan for a solution, but it isn't working, or maybe the plan isn't being ...

  3. All You Need to Know About Writing a Problem Solution Essay

    The best guide for a problem solution essay outline is the four components mentioned above. Cover the situation, the problem, the solution, and then evaluate both or all sides of the story. To drill down further into the outline, you should have an introduction that will set out your paper's structure. Then you should present the situation.

  4. Problem-solution essays

    Problem-solution essays consider the problems of a particular situation, and give solutions to those problems. They are in some ways similar to cause and effect essays, especially in terms of structure (see below). Problem-solution essays are actually a sub-type of another type of essay, which has the following four components: Situation. Problem.

  5. 40 Problem-Solution Essay Topics to Help You Get Started

    A problem-solution essay that addresses economic problems is compelling precisely because everyone is eager for answers—especially college graduates. Check out these six problem-solution essay topics about economics for essay ideas. 6. Problem: Student loan debts.

  6. Essay Lab How to Write a Problem-Solution Essay

    Solution: this handy, 16-step guide will help you successfully tackle the assignment. You may even change the world—or at least your own backyard! 1) Take a walk. A good problem-solution paper ...

  7. Ultimate Guide to Writing a Winning Problem Solution Essay

    A good problem-solution essay should propose a solution that is easy to implement, reasonable, and solves the problem. Make sure your essay stays focused on the main topic. Below are steps for writing a good and impressive problem-solution essay. 1. Choose the Topic.

  8. Problem-Solution Essays: Definition and Examples

    In composition, using a problem-solution format is a method for analyzing and writing about a topic by identifying a problem and proposing one or more solutions. A problem-solution essay is a type of argument. "This sort of essay involves argumentation in that the writer seeks to convince the reader to take a particular course of action.

  9. Problem-Solution Essay Tips from a Kibin Editor

    Problem-Solution Essay Tips: What Makes for a Bad Problem-Solution Essay. There are a few pitfalls to avoid when constructing your own problem-solution essay. The most common is to focus only on either the problem or the solution to the exclusion of the other half of the equation.

  10. Problem Solution Essay: 5-Minute Writing Guide & Examples

    A problem-solution essay is a type of academic essay that explores a particular issue or challenge, and presents a potential course of action to address it. The purpose of a problem-and-solution essay is to identify a problem or issue, and to provide a practical solution or strategy for resolving it.

  11. IELTS Problem Solution Essay Strategies and Tips

    Here is an example of the brainstorming for this paragraph: Problem 1: children can access potentially dangerous sites. Explanation / Example: Pornography sites. Result: Affects thought & development - negative for children & society. Problem 2: growth of online fraud and hacking.

  12. IELTS Problem Solution Essays

    Essay Structure. Now let's look at a simple structure you can use to write IELTS problem solution essays. It's not the only possible structure but it's the one I recommend because it's easy to learn and will enable you to quickly plan and write a high-level essay. 1) Introduction. Paraphrase the question.

  13. How to Write a "Problem and Solution" Essay for IELTS Task 2

    A problem-solution essay has some key elements. First, it must identify a problem. Second, it must propose one or more solutions to that problem. Third, it must explain why the proposed solution is the best option. Before you start writing a problem-solution essay, it's important to first understand the problem.

  14. IELTS Problem Solution Essay: tips, common mistakes, questions & essays

    Step 4: Structure Your Essay. The final step in the planning process is to structure your essay. This simply means deciding which main ideas to put in which paragraphs. Here's a simple structure for a problem / solution essay: Paragraph 1: introduction. Paragraph 2: discuss 2 problems. Paragraph 3: discuss 2 solutions.

  15. An Ultimate Guide to Writing IELTS Problem Solution Essays

    Tips for IELTS Problem Solution Essays. Here are some of the tips to follow while practicing or writing an IELTS Problem Solution Essays: Read and understand the instructions given in the question (sometimes the question might ask to write about the cause of the issue as well). Follow the word count (no less than 250 words)

  16. Step-by-step Guide on How to Write a Problem-Solution Essay

    Describe the factors that may be a part of the problem as many as possible. Study all potential causes of the problem that may be relevant to the factors. Create a diagram of the factors and causes, how they are connected and analyze it. Depending on the complexity of the problem you can do an investigation by analyzing causes and also surveys ...

  17. IELTS Problem Solution Essay: Overview, Structure And Tips

    An IELTS problem solution essay question includes typically 3 parts: 1st part: a specific issue. (e.g. Despite a large number of gyms, a sedentary lifestyle is gaining popularity in the contemporary world.) 2nd part: requirement to state a problem, cause, effect or solution to the issue given. (e.g.

  18. Problem/solution essay in IELTS writing

    Body paragraph 2 - solutions. Sentence 1 - briefly state the main solutions: In my opinion, the best solution to this problem is promoting active lifestyle. Sentences 2-3 - write the first solution and explain it: Firstly, millions of people stay less active because they use cars instead of walking.

  19. 100 Problem Solution Essay Topics with Sample Essays

    After you have chosen your topic, you can find instructions about how to develop your ideas, find a unique solution to the problem, and organize your essay in "How to Write Your Problem Solution Paper." 4 Parts of Problem Solution. Describe a problem vividly. Propose a solution. Argue that the solution is practical, feasible, cost-effective ...

  20. Tips for Problem Solution Essay in IELTS: Guide to ...

    Plan for the Problem Solution Essay for the Solutions Paragraph. Solution 1: Governments. Idea: Adequate legislation and controls for young people. How: More complex website access criteria. Solution 2: Parents. Idea: Monitor children and restrict access. How: Use a computer program.

  21. A List of 339 Problem Solution Essay Topics & Questions

    Solutions to the problem of steroids in sports and athletics. Problem solution: global communications. The problem of global warming and ways of its solution. Cyber-bullying and ways to solve the problem. Losses of personal data: problem and solution. Obamacare: the solution to the healthcare problem.

  22. How to Write a Problem and Solution Essay With Tips and Examples

    20 Tips for Writing a Problem and Solution Essay. A high-standard scholarly essay is a product of enough preparation and focused intellectual engagement. This condition makes it essential for writers to learn to accomplish their tasks flawlessly. The tips for students and anyone writing a problem and solution essay include identifying ...

  23. 50 Problem-Solution Essay Topics and Ideas

    Here is the list of 50 problem-solution essay topics and ideas, tips for choosing a topic and writing an effective problem-solution essay. This article provides a thorough overview of problem-solution essay writing, emphasizing the importance of selecting relevant and engaging topics. Beginning with an introduction to problem-solution essays ...