Writing a Problem-solution Essay

This is your essay question for Long Writing. What kind of essay is this?

You and your classmates have discovered many environmental problems in Hong Kong. Write an essay for the school magazine describing ONE environmental problem that you are most concerned with, what you think the causes are and the possible solutions to the problems. Write at least 200 words.

• An argumentative essay

• A problem-solution essay

• An opinion essay

• An advantages and disadvantages essay

Who is your audience for this essay? e.g. the reader of your essay

You and your classmates have discovered many environmental problems in Hong Kong. Write an essay for the school magazine describing ONE environmental problem that you are most concerned with, what you think the causes are and the possible solutions to the problems. Write at least 200 words.

What is the purpose/reason for writing an essay like this? Tick TWO answers.

You and your classmates have discovered many environmental problems in Hong Kong. Write an essay for the school magazine describing ONE environmental problem that you are most concerned with, what you think the causes are and the possible solutions to the problems. Write at least 200 words.

• to entertain the audience / readers

• to explain how to recycle

• to give information about a environmental problem

• to suggest solutions to a environmental problem

What style of writing is required for this essay type?

You and your classmates have discovered many environmental problems in Hong Kong. Write an essay for the school magazine describing ONE environmental problem that you are most concerned with, what you think the causes are and the possible solutions to the problems. Write at least 200 words.

• Informal

• Semi-formal

• Formal

In a problem-solution essay, the writer usually wants the reader to help solve the problem. The tone of the essay is, therefore ...

• friendly and humourous

• informative and unemotional

• persuasive and serious

• relaxed and entertaining

Click FIVE topic sentences, one for each paragraph.

A clear topic sentence introduces the main idea (e.g. a problem or a solution) in each paragraph.

Answer explanation

A topic sentence is a sentence that tells you the main idea of a paragraph. It’s like a sign that shows you what the paragraph will be about. To find the topic sentence, look for a sentence that explains the main point. It can be at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of the paragraph. It’s the sentence that all the other sentences in the paragraph connect to or talk about.

Circle SlX linking words in the text.

e.g. However (line 2)

The title show catch the reader's attention and ... ​ ​ (a)   ​ ​ ​ ​

• refer to the main topic
• a summary
• facts, reasons or examples
• give more information
• introduce a problem
• persuade the reader
• suggest a solution

The opening paragraph should ​ (a)   in a way that can interest the reader. Then it can ​ (b)   about the problem.

• a summary
• facts, reasons or examples
• give more information
• persuade the reader
• suggest a solution
• refer to the main topic
• introduce a problem

​ In the body, each paragraph should ​ (a)   to the problem. Each solution should be supported by ​ (b)   .

• a summary
• facts, reasons or examples
• persuade the reader
• suggest a solution
• refer to the main topic
• introduce the problem
• give more information