Essays suggesting solutions to problems

Essays suggesting solutions to problems are essays in

which the problem(s) associated with a particular issue or
situation are analysed and possible solutions are put forward,
together with any expected results/consequences. The
writer's opinion may be mentioned, directly or indirectly, in
the introduction and/or conclusion.
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:
a) an introductory paragraph in which you clearly state
the problem, what has caused it, and the consequences.
b) a main body in which you present several suggested
solutions, each in a separate paragraph together with its
consequences/results and
c) a conclusion in which you summarise your opinion.

Introduction
Paragraph 1
state the problem and its
cause(s)/consequence(s)
Main Body
Paragraph 2
suggestion 1 & result
Paragraph 3
suggestion 2 & result
Paragraph 4
suggestion 3 & result
Paragraph 5
suggestion 4 & result*
Conclusion
Final Paragraph
summarise your opinion
* You may include more
suggestions, and thus more
paragraphs in the main body

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.

Useful Language
To make/ introduce suggestions: To begin/ start with, One way to, Another solution would
be.., Another way to... would be..., A useful suggestion would be, ... could be solved by...,
Steps/ Measures should be taken in order to solve/ deal with... , The situation could be
improved if/ by..., It would be a good idea if/ to..., It would help if you/we/etc...
To express reality: in fact, as a matter of fact, actually, in practice.
To express cause: since/because, 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
To emphasise what you say: obviously, clearly, needless to say, in particular.
To conclude: All in all, To sum up, All things considered.

Compiled by: Cristina Blajin, M.Ed., Moldova State University

Works consulted: "Successful Writing" Intermediate, Upperintermediate, Proficiency Class by
Virginia Evans

Essays suggesting solutions to problems

Compiled by: Cristina Blajin, M.Ed., Moldova State University

Works consulted: "Successful Writing" Intermediate, Upperintermediate, Proficiency Class by
Virginia Evans