Essays Suggesting Solutions to Problems

An essay discussing problems and suggesting solutions is a formal piece of writing. You should state the problem and its causes clearly, then present your suggestions and the expected results or consequences these might have.

A successful essay of this type should consist of:

1. An introductory paragraph in which you clearly state the problem, what has caused it, and the consequences;

2. A main body in which you present several suggested solutions, each in a separate paragraph together with its consequences/results; and

3. A conclusion in which you summarise your opinion.

Points to consider

• Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence which summarises what the paragraph is about.

• Appropriate linking words and phrases should be used to show the connection between paragraphs as well as to link sentences within a paragraph.

Structure

Introduction

Paragraph 1

State the problem and its cause(s)/consequence(s)

Main body

Paragraph 2

Suggestion 1 and result

Paragraph 3

Suggestion 2 and result

Paragraph 4

Suggestion 3 and result

Paragraph 5

Suggestion 4 and result (you may include more suggestions, and thus more paragraphs in the main body)

Conclusion

Final paragraph

Summarise your opinion

Useful language

• To express cause:

Since/ because, in view of/because of/owing to/due to (the fact that) …, The reason that …/why …/for … is that…

• To express effect:

Thus/therefore/so/consequently, as a result/consequence, the result of … would be …, …would result in …

• To express purpose:

So that …, so as/in order (not) to …, with the purpose of/intention of (+ ing)

• To express possibility/probability:

It can/could/may/might …,

It is possible/probable/(un)likely/foreseeable/certain that …, …is (un)likely to/bound to/certain to/possible/probable …,

The likelihood/possibility/probability of (-ing/noun) is …

Useful expressions: problems & solutions

Steps Measures

should must could

be taken

so as to in order to

solve/overcome/combat … deal with/eradicate …

Serious attempts to halt/prevent/solve … must be made.

One (possible) Another An alternative

way to

solve/overcome combat/deal with eradicate

this problem the problem (of)…

would be/ is …

People Governments We

should focus their/ our attention on ways

to solve/overcome the problem of … to improve the situation of … to reduce the impact of … on society …

If steps/measures were taken to … If … happened/were to happen, If attempts were made to address the problem

the effect/result/consequence would be …

By (+ing) …, we/ government/etc, can ensure that / prevent …

The … situation could be improved if …/It would be a good idea if …

The

effect/consequence outcome/result

of (+noun/-ing)

would might

be …