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Essay providing solutions to problems

Tip
Essays providing solutions to problems are pieces of writing in which we present a
problem and its causes, then discuss our suggestions as well as their expected results.

Introduction
In the first paragraph, we present the problem and its causes.
Main Body
In the second, third and fourth paragraphs, we write our suggestions and their
expected results. We write each suggestion and its results in separate paragraphs. We
should link our ideas using appropriate linking words.
Conclusion
In the last paragraph we summarise our opinion.
Other information
Such essays are normally written in semi-formal or formal style, depending on who is
going to read them and where it is going to be published. They are usually found as
articles in magazines, newspapers, etc.

To make our piece of writing more interesting to the reader, we can use certain
techniques to start or end it such as:

addressing the reader directly. If you want to help the environment,


there are lots of things that you can do.
using a quotation (a sentence/phrase from a book, a play, etc). Don't
forget to mention the name of the person who said / wrote it. as
American anthropologist Margaret Mead said We have nowhere else to go
.. this is all we have.
using a rhetorical question (a question that makes a statement rather
than expecting an answer). Is it important to protect endangered species?
Useful vocabulary

To make suggestions

It would help if / be a good idea if ;


A / Another useful suggestion would be to ;
The situation could be improved if / by ;
Steps / Measuer should be taken in order to solve / deal with
To present results and consequences

In this way ;
This would ;
Then ;
If , the result would be ;
The effect / consequence / result of would be

Problem Solution Example Essay


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:

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?

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
peoples 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)

2. 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.

Many countries of the world are currently experiencing problems caused by rapidly growing
populations in urban areas, and both governments and individuals have a duty to find ways to
overcome these problems.
Overpopulation can lead to overcrowding and poor quality housing in many large cities.
Poorly heated or damp housing could cause significant health problems, resulting in illness,
such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Another serious consequence of overcrowding is a rising
crime rate as poor living conditions may lead young people in particular to take desperate
measures and turn to crime or drugs.

In terms of solutions, I believe the government should be largely responsible. Firstly, it is vital
that the state provides essential housing and healthcare for all its citizens. Secondly, setting up
community projects to help foster more community spirit and help keep young people off the
street is a good idea. For example, youth clubs or evening classes for teenagers would keep
them occupied. Finally, more effective policing of inner city areas would also be beneficial.

Naturally, individuals should also act responsibly to address these problems, and the
motivation to do this would hopefully arise if the measures described above are put into place
by the government. This is because it will encourage people to have more pride in their own
community and improve the situation.

Therefore, it is clear that the problems caused by overpopulation in urban areas are very
serious. Yet if governments and individuals share a collective responsibility, then it may well
become possible to offer some solutions.

(254 words)

Problem and Solution: Drug Abuse Essay

Paragraph 1: Introduction
Drug abuse is rife in many countries. Billions of dollars are spent internationally preventing
drug use, treating addicts, and fighting drug-related crime. Although drugs threaten many
societies, their effects can also be combated successfully.This essay looks at some of the
effects of drug use on society, and suggests some solutions to the problem.
Paragraph 2: Problem

Drug abuse causes multiple problems for countries and communities.The medical and
psychological effects are very obvious.Addicts cannot function as normal members of society.
They neglect or abuse their families, and eventually require expensive treatment or
hospitalization. The second effect is on crime.Huge police resources are needed to fight
smuggling and dealing. Criminal gangs and mafia underworlds develop with the money from
drugs.
Paragraph 3: Solution

However, the menace of drugs can be fought.Education is the first battle.Children need to be
told at home and in school about drugs. People need to be aware of the effects so that they can
avoid

this problem
A second approach is to increase police manpower and create effective laws to stop
dealers.However the main target should be the user: Families and counselors need to talk to
children and people at risk. Parents need to look at their children and help them to become
responsible. Worthwhile jobs and housing are also needed to give people a role in society.
Paragraph 4: Conclusion

In conclusion, although the problem of drugs may seem impossible to eliminate, there are
concrete steps that can be taken to weaken the hold of drugs on society.The danger from drugs
is too great to ignore for us and our children.

3. Global Warming (Problem-Solution model essay)

One of the biggest problems facing the world today is global warming. Many
experts believe that our production of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases is
heating the atmosphere, and this could be very dangerous for human life. This essay
will examine the problem of global warming and suggest some solutions for it.
Many problems could result from global warming. One of the biggest is
rising sea level. This could result in the flooding of low lying coastal areas and
cities, such as Egypt, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh. Another problem is changes in
weather patterns. Many areas of the world are experiencing increased hurricanes,
floods, and other natural disasters. A final issue associated with this phenomenon is the
negative effect on animals. Fish populations could be effected, while some insects
which spread disease might become more common.
There are several things we can do to deal with global warming. One answer is to
stop making C02. We can do this by switching from oil, coal and gas to renewable
energy. A second solution is to plant more trees. Trees absorb C02 and produce
oxygen, which is not a greenhouse gas. A third idea is to use less energy and recycle
more products. If we use less energy and are more environmentally friendly, the
earths temperature may not rise too much.
In conclusion, making small changes now in the way we live means
avoiding huge changes in the future. Scientists, governments and individuals
must work together to overcome this serious
threat.
(Word count: 250)

Homework!!!!!!!!!!

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.

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