Problem Solution
Essays

You may not be familiar with the problem-solution essay, but you probably aware of the broader genre in which it exists: the persuasive essay.  If you wonder how a problem-solution essay fits under the persuasive umbrella, the explanation is a simple one.  First, you have to convince your readers that the issue you are describing is, in fact, a problem.  Second, you need to persuade your readers that the solution you are suggesting is the best solution.  Therefore, we suggest you approach a problem/solution essay in much the same way as you would a persuasive essay. 

In the introduction of your problem/solution essay, you are going to focus on telling the reader why the issue is a problem.  This introduction may be an introductory paragraph in a shorter essay, but could also be several paragraphs or pages of introductory material in a more complex essay.  The most important part of the introduction is letting your readers know why you have chosen to write about this particular problem.  The second part of your introduction is to give the reader a brief description of your solution.   

The body of your problem-solution essay is going to focus on describing your solution.  Your solution may be theoretical or it may be a very involved step-by-step solution.  How involved your solution is may depend on the length of your essay, the complexity of the problem described, and the level of writing for your essay.  Just keep in mind that if you are asked to write the essay for a higher-level class, you will be expected to write an appropriately-detailed solution.  Furthermore, you want to consider whether or not the solution requires a chronological approach.  

Finally, the conclusion of your essay will serve to remind your readers why you chose the particular problem and give a thumbnail version of your solution.  Depending on the efficacy of your solution, you may want to end with a call for further suggestions for solutions.