Problem-solving essay

Your aim is to
present a
200-word
piece of
formal
writing.

Formal piece of writing

State a problem and make
suggestions on how to deal with it.

Also, write the expected result of
each suggestion

State your opinion at the end of
the essay.

PLAN YOU NEED
TO STICK TO!

SB/WB 3f

INTRODUCTION – STATING THE
PROBLEM AND CAUSES

PLAN YOU NEED
TO STICK TO!

MAIN BODY – Paragraph 2 (Suggestion with
examples/explanations and possible results

We start each paragraph with a topic sentence (teemalause)
which

introduces

and

summarises

the

main

topic

of

the

paragraph. A topic sentence is followed by supporting sentences
which provide supporting details and their expected results.

PLAN YOU NEED
TO STICK TO!

3rdparagraph – suggestion 2

PLAN YOU NEED
TO STICK TO!

4thparagraph – suggestion 3

DO NOT USE SHORT FORMS!

ESSAY IS FORMAL!

PLAN YOU NEED
TO STICK TO!

CONCLUSION

Here you restate the problem, summarise with your opinion,
possible hopes for the future etc It could be more than one
sentence. This is a good sentence, but requires some more
information to be complete as a paragraph.

USEFUL LANGUAGE – linking words

▪
Formal language – impersonal (avoid using I or you forms)

▪
More advanced vocabulary and grammar (passive, modal
verbs, complex tenses etc)

▪
Formal linking words

▪
As already mentioned use full verb forms

▪
- There is no doubt NOT There’s….

SB pp 46-47

Checklist after writing the first draft

✓ Have you stated the problem in the first paragraph?

✓ Have you stated your opinion in the last paragraph?

✓ Are your paragraphs well-structured?

✓ Do the main body paragraphs each start with an appropriate

suggestion?

✓ Have you included supporting details for each suggestion?

✓ Have you presented the expected results?

✓ Have you used full verb forms?

✓ Is your essay within the word length? NO MORE THAN 250 w

✓ Have you checked your essay for punctuation, grammar and spelling?