The Writing Process
STEP #1: Pre-writing
Define the problem to be solved. In order to write a problem-solution essay, you need to start with a clear vision of the problem itself. Once you have broken your problem down and looked at it from different angles, sit back and look at the big picture. Think about your ultimate goal in solving the problem.
Brainstorm to identify several solutions. Look for as many solutions as you can, even if they solve only part of the problem. List each solution and evaluate it. One good technique is to ask questions. Create a chart like this one to help you evaluate your various solutions. Write a thesis statement. Write a thesis statement briefly identifying the problem. Your thesis statement may also indicate 3 possible solutions, but you may also save that information for later in your essay. Gather supporting information. Look for facts, details, and reasons to support your solutions to the problem.
STEP #2: Drafting
Decide how to organize your writing. The simplest way to organize a problem-solution essay is to begin by identifying the problem in the first paragraph, leading up to your thesis statement.A lot of times your thesis statement will end up being the last sentence or the next to last sentence in your introductory paragraph. Present the solutions that you think works best, explaining why they are the most promising ones. Support your thesis with examples and details. Use your lists of supporting information to back up your ideas about the best solution to the problem. Use an analytical tone. As you write your draft, remember that you are appealing to people’s ability to reason, not to their emotions. Describe the problem and the various possible solutions objectively. Write a strong conclusion. In your final paragraph, restate your ideas about the problem and its solution.
STEP #3: Revising
After completing your draft, read it again carefully to find ways to make your writing better. This is often where we peer edit - get a classmate or an adult to edit your paper for you.
Here are some questions to ask yourself when editing:
• Do the introduction and thesis statement identify the problem?
• Do the 3 body paragraphs explain your solutions thoroughly?
• Are your proposed solutions supported by convincing reasons, facts, and examples? (Did you use statistics,examples, case studies?)
Revise to meet written English-language conventions:
• Are all sentences complete, with a subject and a verb?
• Are all the words spelled correctly? - Use a spell-checker or a dictionary to make sure.
• Are all proper nouns capitalized, including names of people and places?
• Did you use proper punctuation? - Check punctuation within sentences as well as at the ends of sentences.
STEP #4 Rewriting
After the editing process you should have lots of good feedback so now it is time to fix your mistakes. Use the rubric as a check list and make sure there isn't anything that your teacher can make points off for.
STEP #5 Publishing or create the final draft
The final step is to publish. Either neatly hand write the improved and final draft in blue or black ink or type it in a 12 point font.
Define the problem to be solved. In order to write a problem-solution essay, you need to start with a clear vision of the problem itself. Once you have broken your problem down and looked at it from different angles, sit back and look at the big picture. Think about your ultimate goal in solving the problem.
Brainstorm to identify several solutions. Look for as many solutions as you can, even if they solve only part of the problem. List each solution and evaluate it. One good technique is to ask questions. Create a chart like this one to help you evaluate your various solutions. Write a thesis statement. Write a thesis statement briefly identifying the problem. Your thesis statement may also indicate 3 possible solutions, but you may also save that information for later in your essay. Gather supporting information. Look for facts, details, and reasons to support your solutions to the problem.
STEP #2: Drafting
Decide how to organize your writing. The simplest way to organize a problem-solution essay is to begin by identifying the problem in the first paragraph, leading up to your thesis statement.A lot of times your thesis statement will end up being the last sentence or the next to last sentence in your introductory paragraph. Present the solutions that you think works best, explaining why they are the most promising ones. Support your thesis with examples and details. Use your lists of supporting information to back up your ideas about the best solution to the problem. Use an analytical tone. As you write your draft, remember that you are appealing to people’s ability to reason, not to their emotions. Describe the problem and the various possible solutions objectively. Write a strong conclusion. In your final paragraph, restate your ideas about the problem and its solution.
STEP #3: Revising
After completing your draft, read it again carefully to find ways to make your writing better. This is often where we peer edit - get a classmate or an adult to edit your paper for you.
Here are some questions to ask yourself when editing:
• Do the introduction and thesis statement identify the problem?
• Do the 3 body paragraphs explain your solutions thoroughly?
• Are your proposed solutions supported by convincing reasons, facts, and examples? (Did you use statistics,examples, case studies?)
Revise to meet written English-language conventions:
• Are all sentences complete, with a subject and a verb?
• Are all the words spelled correctly? - Use a spell-checker or a dictionary to make sure.
• Are all proper nouns capitalized, including names of people and places?
• Did you use proper punctuation? - Check punctuation within sentences as well as at the ends of sentences.
STEP #4 Rewriting
After the editing process you should have lots of good feedback so now it is time to fix your mistakes. Use the rubric as a check list and make sure there isn't anything that your teacher can make points off for.
STEP #5 Publishing or create the final draft
The final step is to publish. Either neatly hand write the improved and final draft in blue or black ink or type it in a 12 point font.
