A PROBLEM/SOLUTON ESSAY

I. ABOUT THE TASK

- The Problem/Solution task tests your ability to write about a problem and suggest ways to
solve it.
- Here are the basic rules for writing Problem/Solution Essays:
ü Read and analyse the problem and the questions carefully.
ü Write about the causes of the problem and propose possible solutions.
ü Write a brief, well-organised introduction, at least two main paragraphs and a short
conclusion.
ü Support your answer by giving reasons from your own knowledge or experience.
ü Use an academic register or style.
ü Write at least 250 words.
ü Complete the task in about 60 minutes.

Be sure to answer BOTH questions. You need to give the causes of the problem and you need to
propose possible solutions.

II. SAMPLE QUESTION:

Write about the following topic.

You should spend about 60 minutes on this task.

In many parts of the world, the frequency of forest fires is on the rise. What are the main
causes of this trend, and what steps can be taken to enhance fire prevention education?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and
experience.

Write at least 250 words.

III. SKILLS-BUILDING EXERCISES

A. WRITING THE INTRODUCTION:

Introducing the theme and the issue

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 ü Talking about (Broader Theme), one cannot avoid a look through (This Topic).
ü Over the past few years, (Broad Theme) has/have become a cause of concern for many
societies/ communities, with (This Topic) increasing at an alarming rate/ rising
alarmingly.

Introducing the writing purposes

ü Within the scope of this writing, a number of reasons/effects/problems will be discussed

and from then solutions will be mentioned.
ü This essay will discuss some reasons why this has occurred and examine the
consequences of this worrying trend.

Ex: Over the past few years, forest fires have become a significant cause of concern for many
communities, with their frequency rising alarmingly in various parts of the world. Within the scope
of this writing, the main causes contributing to this trend will be discussed, and solutions to
enhance fire prevention education will be proposed.

B. WRITING BODY PARAGRAPHS:

1. LEAD-IN PHRASES:

BLOCK PATTERN EXAMPLE

Body para. 1
- As the beginning part of the As the beginning part of the discussion, problems
discussion, problems/ are worth mentioning initially. In this way we can see
reasons/effects are worth that one of the main causes of the rising number of
mentioning initially. In this forest fires is climate change, which has led to
way we can see that …. prolonged droughts and extreme temperatures in
- In addition, let us look further many regions. These conditions create a perfect
into other environment for fires to ignite and spread
causes/effects/problems to uncontrollably. For instance, in recent years,
this issue. This is to say, …/ In heatwaves in countries like Australia and the United
a different angle, the second States have dried out vegetation, making forests
cause(s)/effect(s) to this highly flammable. Additionally, another cause to this
question is/are …/ matter can be found in the fact that human activities
Additionally, such as illegal logging and slash-and-burn agriculture

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 cause(s)/effect(s) to this significantly contribute to the problem. These
matter can be found in the fact practices not only destroy natural ecosystems but also
that …/Furthermore, the leave behind dry and combustible materials that
additional cause(s) /effect(s) increase the risk of fires. Furthermore, poor land
to this question is/are … management and insufficient monitoring systems in
fire-prone areas exacerbate the problem, as early
signs of potential fires often go unnoticed.

Body para. 2
- Effects/causes to this issue, Problems to this issue, lastly, are normally
lastly, are normally accompanied by a number of solutions. This is to
accompanied by a number of say, to address these challenges, enhancing fire
solutions/Effects. This is to prevention education is crucial. Governments and
say, … environmental organizations should implement
- Finally, to come up with public awareness campaigns that educate
solutions/ /mentioning communities about the causes and consequences of
effects for this issue, we can forest fires. For example, using social media platforms
see that … and television advertisements to spread preventive
measures can reach a wide audience. Moreover,
including fire prevention education in school
curricula can teach young people how to act
responsibly and avoid behaviors that may lead to
fires. Additionally, training programs for local
residents in fire-prone areas can equip them with
knowledge and tools to respond to fire hazards
effectively. By combining education with practical
strategies, such as community drills and workshops,
people can become more proactive in reducing the
risks of forest fires.

PARALLEL PATTERN EXAMPLE

Body para. 1

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 - As the beginning part of the This discussion should be started by a glance at
discussion, reasons/effects are the reasons of the issue. In this way, we can see that
worth mentioning initially. In this one significant cause of the increasing number of
way, we can see that …(side 1 of forest fires is climate change, which has led to longer
the pair) ….Accordingly, …(side 2 drought periods and higher temperatures in many
of the pair) … parts of the world. These extreme weather
- This discussion should be started conditions dry out vegetation, making it more
by a glance at the reasons/effects susceptible to catching fire. For example, prolonged
of the issue. In this way, we can heatwaves in countries like Australia have left vast
see that …(side 1 of the pair) areas of forest vulnerable to wildfires. Apart from it,
….Apart from it, there are some there are some solutions accordingly. To combat
effects/solutions accordingly. this, public awareness campaigns can play a critical
role in educating communities about the link
between climate change and forest fires. By using
social media platforms and television
advertisements, governments can inform people
about preventive actions they can take, such as
reducing outdoor fires during hot, dry conditions.
Body para. 2
- In addition to it, let us consider In a different angle, another significant
the additional cause and effect/ contributor to forest fires is human activity, such as
cause and solution/ effect and illegal logging and slash-and-burn agriculture. These
solution to this matter. In this way, practices not only destroy ecosystems but also leave
it can be seen that, … behind dry, flammable materials that significantly
-In a different angle, another increase the risk of fires. To address this issue, fire
significant cause and effect/ cause prevention education should be incorporated into
and solution/ effect and solution school curricula to teach young people about the
to this matter is that … dangers of these practices and the importance of
- Furthermore, the additional protecting natural habitats. Additionally,
cause and effect/ cause and governments can organize community workshops to
solution/ effect and solution to educate residents in high-risk areas on how to safely
this matter is that... manage agricultural activities without increasing
fire risks.

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 Body para. 3
- Finally, the additional cause and It would not be complete if we neglected the
solution/ effect and solution to this additional cause and solution to this matter. More
matter is that… specifically, poor land management and inadequate
- It would not be complete if we monitoring systems in fire-prone regions are also
neglected the additional cause and significant factors. Without proper land care, dry
solution/ effect and solution to this vegetation and debris accumulate, creating ideal
matter. More specifically… conditions for fires to ignite. Early detection and
response are often hindered by the lack of efficient
monitoring systems. To counter this, local
governments should implement training programs for
residents in vulnerable areas, equipping them with
skills to detect and respond to potential fire hazards.
These programs can include community drills, fire
safety workshops, and training on using fire
suppression tools effectively.

2. GIVING REASONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

2.1. REASONS

These words and phrases can be used to explain why a problem exists.

CAUSE -> EFFECT

therefore/consequently Many drivers lack proper training; therefore, they do not know what
to do in an emergency

so Sometimes drivers use their cell phones, so they are too distracted to
avoid dangerous situations.

as a result/consequent Sometimes drivers use their cell phones; as a result, they are too
distracted to avoid dangerous situations.

results in/ leads to I accounts for Equipment failure also plays a role. For example, a loss
of brakes results in accidents.

causes / leads to/ gives rise to/ is responsible for

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 Bad weather conditions in winter leads to an increase in the number
of accidents on the roads.

EFFECT <- CAUSE

because I since The most important cause of traffic accidents is excessive

speed. Because they are travelling so fast, drivers do not have time to
react.

due to/because of/owing to

Tiredness is a common cause of traffic accidents. Last year, 50 per

cent of accidents were due to drivers not taking frequent breaks
whilst driving.

is/are caused by Poor weather conditions, such as icy roads, may also play a role. In
the winter, many accidents are caused by icy roads.

a. Complete the sentences with words or phrases from the language box above. (More
than one answer may be possible.)
1. In my country, a fairly large proportion of the population is illiterate ________________they
are poor.
2. Some teachers are unable to teach students to read and write ________________ a lack of
proper training.
3. Many families barely earn enough to pay for food; ________________, education is a luxury
they cannot afford.
4. Illiteracy in one generation often ________________ illiteracy in the next generation.
5. In some cases, the problem ________________ by geographical factors ________________ some
people live in isolated communities in the mountains or the desert, their children cannot
attend regular schools.

2.2. INTRODUCING SOLUTIONS

• "A possible solution to this issue is..."

Example: "A possible solution to this issue is implementing stricter environmental

regulations."

• "One way to address this problem is to..."

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 Example: "One way to address this problem is to invest in renewable energy sources."

• "To tackle this issue, [stakeholder] should consider..."

Example: "To tackle this issue, governments should consider launching public awareness
campaigns."

• "An effective measure would be to..."

Example: "An effective measure would be to promote the use of public transport."

• "To combat this problem, it is crucial to..."

Example: "To combat this problem, it is crucial to educate communities about fire
prevention."

2. Explaining the Solution

• "This would involve..."

Example: "This would involve setting up monitoring systems to detect early signs of forest
fires."

• "By doing this, [stakeholder] can ensure..."

Example: "By doing this, policymakers can ensure better compliance with safety
regulations."

• "The aim of this solution is to..."

Example: "The aim of this solution is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly."

• "Such a measure would help to..."

Example: "Such a measure would help to decrease the dependency on fossil fuels."

• "This approach works by..."

Example: "This approach works by encouraging individuals to recycle more effectively."

3. Giving Examples

• "For instance, [specific example]..."

Example: "For instance, Sweden has successfully reduced air pollution through strict
industrial regulations."

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 • "An example of this can be seen in..."

Example: "An example of this can be seen in community fire drills implemented in
California."

• "A case in point is..."

Example: "A case in point is Singapore's efficient waste management system."

• "This has been effectively implemented in [place], where..."

Example: "This has been effectively implemented in Japan, where recycling rates have
drastically increased."

4. Emphasizing the Effectiveness of Solutions

• "If implemented effectively, this solution could..."

Example: "If implemented effectively, this solution could significantly reduce the risk of
forest fires."

• "Such measures are likely to..."

Example: "Such measures are likely to improve public awareness about environmental
protection."

• "This would not only [result 1] but also [result 2]..."

Example: "This would not only lower CO2 emissions but also encourage sustainable
development."

• "By addressing this issue, [stakeholder] can..."

Example: "By addressing this issue, governments can create safer and cleaner communities."

• "This solution ensures that..."

Example: "This solution ensures that deforestation is minimized while agricultural needs are
met."

5. Concluding the Solutions

• "By implementing these measures, it is possible to..."

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Example: "By implementing these measures, it is possible to mitigate the adverse effects of
forest fires."

• "In the long term, this approach will..."

Example: "In the long term, this approach will lead to more sustainable land management
practices."

• "Overall, these solutions aim to..."

Example: "Overall, these solutions aim to balance economic needs with environmental
conservation."

3. WRITING THE CONCLUSION

1. Restating the Key Points

• "In conclusion, [topic] has become a pressing issue due to [main problems].
However, [solutions] can play a crucial role in mitigating its effects."

• Example: "In conclusion, the rise in forest fires has become a pressing issue due to climate
change and human activities. However, public awareness campaigns and fire prevention
education can play a crucial role in mitigating its effects."

• "To sum up, this essay has identified [problem 1] and [problem 2] as major
challenges, while [solution 1] and [solution 2] were proposed as viable solutions."

• Example: "To sum up, this essay has identified climate change and poor land management
as major challenges, while awareness campaigns and local training programs were
proposed as viable solutions."

2. Final Recommendations

• "It is essential for [stakeholders] to take immediate action to address [problem].

This can ensure [benefit/result]."

• Example: "It is essential for governments and environmental organizations to take

immediate action to address the causes of forest fires. This can ensure the safety of
forests and reduce the risks to human life."

• "Only by [solution 1] and [solution 2] can we [positive outcome]."

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• Example: "Only by implementing stricter regulations and enhancing public education can
we effectively combat the rising number of forest fires."

3. Broader Implications

• "Addressing [problem] not only solves the immediate issue but also contributes to
[broader impact]."

• Example: "Addressing forest fires not only solves the immediate issue of environmental
destruction but also contributes to a more sustainable future."

• "Taking these steps will not only [specific outcome] but also help [larger goal]."

• Example: "Taking these steps will not only reduce the occurrence of forest fires but also
help preserve biodiversity and promote ecological balance."

4. Encouraging Collective Effort

• "Tackling this issue requires a collective effort from [stakeholders], as only

through collaboration can we achieve [desired outcome]."

• Example: "Tackling this issue requires a collective effort from governments, local
communities, and environmental organizations, as only through collaboration can we
achieve effective fire prevention."

• "By combining [solution 1] with [solution 2], [positive result] can be achieved."

• Example: "By combining public awareness campaigns with practical training programs,
a significant reduction in forest fire incidents can be achieved."

PRACTICE

1. What are the main challenges associated with the use of biometric technology, and what
solutions could address these issues?
2. Identify the problems faced by institutions when implementing virtual and augmented reality
in English language learning and propose effective solutions.

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