Writing Problem-Solution Essays guides your students step by step through the process of generating an essay that analyzes a problem and argues for a specific solution. Instructions, activities, examples, interactives, and downloads help students study a problem that concerns them and convincingly present a solution that addresses the causes and effects of the problem. Students use logic, facts, statistics, examples, definitions, and other key details to argue for their solutions. You can present this unit right from your interactive whiteboard.
First students warm up by thinking about "pain points" in their lives. They explore the causes and effects of these pain points and imagine solutions, practical or otherwise. Then students read a sample essay showing how one student analyzed a problem and argued for a specific solution. After responding to the sample essay, students work step by step through the process of writing their own.
- Prewriting activities help students think about specific problems that affect their lives. They select a problem and conduct research to understand its history, causes, and effects. Students then brainstorm possible solutions, choose one, and build an argument in support of the solution.
- Writing activities teach students how to capture readers' interest, introduce the problem, and present a solution. They then help students write middle paragraphs that analyze the problem and argue for the solution, combining explanatory and persuasive techniques. Finally, students write an ending paragraph that summarizes the argument and enlists the reader in enacting the solution.
- Revising activities help students elaborate their ideas, providing details that answer the readers' chief questions about the problem and solution. Students then add transitions and key words to guide the reader. They also get a peer review and use a checklist to improve their problem-solution essays.
- Editing activities help students use MLA citation of sources and correctly use semicolons, colons, and dashes. An editing checklist guides students in correcting punctuation, capitalization, spelling, usage, and grammar.
- Publishing activities encourage students to share their clean, final copies with others and reflect on what they have learned.