Problem Solution Essay Outline

The essay should have this general structure. This outline includes the
conventions of this genre that are considered rigid and constrain the genre.
These conventions are what constitute the problem solution essay. As the
writer, you have the liberty to be creative with some of these conventions, as
long as you are not dismantling the entire genre. This is what makes a genre
dynamic. Every student will be investigating a different problem and
justifying a different solution. This ties into the social aspect of genre writing,
as each students writing is in response to a certain situation/problem. The
writing you will be completing is socially influenced.

The essay should be approximately 5 pages in length. This essay does

require some research. A minimum of 2 sources must be used. You must
follow MLA guidelines. For more information about MLA, refer to OWL Purdue.

I. Introduction
a. Attention getter
b. Relevance of the problem
c. Thesis statement/claim
i. The problem
ii. The best solution to the problem
II. Body
a. The Problem
i. Overview of the problem
1. Description
2. Examples
3. Who is affected?
4. Validate your problem. Why is this a problem/why
should people be concerned? PERSUADE your
readers!
ii. History of the problem
1. How did it originate?
2. When did it originate?
3. Why did it originate?
iii. Causes/Effects of the problem
1. Causes (research)
2. Effects (research)
3. Long term consequences
b. The Solution
i. Overview of the solution
1. Description
ii. Justification of the solution
1. this is the claim you are making. (______ is the best
solution to the problem of _____ because.)
2. evidence to support your claim
 3. The pros of your solution. Why is your solution the
best one? Why is it better than other solutions?
PERSUADE your readers!
iii. Your solution in action
1. How will it be implemented?
2. How feasible is your solution?
3. Are there any potential drawbacks?
III. Conclusion
a. Summarize your problem and solution (restate thesis/claim)
b. Relate to the world
c. Call to action/final thought
d. Closing statement