Writing a Problem-Solution Essay
Once you have explored a problem and its solution, you are ready to write a first draft of your essay. These writing activities will help you create a strong beginning, middle, and ending. You'll also read another student's problem-solution essay to see how all of the parts came together.
Writing the Beginning Paragraph
The first sentence is called the lead. This sentence is meant to capture your reader’s attention. In a problem-solution essay, the lead introduces the topic or problem in an interesting way.
Write a lead.
Review the lead-writing strategies. Write examples of your own. Make a copy of this Google doc or download a Word template.
- Ask a question about the topic.
Have you noticed all the trash at Rosemont Park?
(Answers will vary.)
- Start with a surprising fact or detail about the topic.
Last week, my brother cut his hand on a piece of broken glass at Rosemont Park. There’s glass everywhere.
(Answers will vary.)
- Tell a little story about the topic.
My family used to go to Rosemont Park every Sunday. . . .
(Answers will vary.)