The essential components of a problem-solution paragraph are a topic sentence, a description of the problem, a description of the solution, and a conclusion sentence.
Anatomy of a Problem-Solution Paragraph
A well-constructed problem-solution paragraph follows a clear pattern to present an issue and its potential fix effectively. According to the provided reference, this structure consists of four primary sections:
- Topic Sentence: Introduces the main idea of the paragraph, often hinting at the problem or the transition to discussing it.
- Problem Description: Details the issue, explaining its nature, impact, or context. This section elaborates on why the problem is significant or requires attention.
- Solution Description: Presents the proposed answer or method to address the problem. This part explains how the solution works or what steps are involved.
- Conclusion Sentence: Wraps up the paragraph, often summarizing the main point, emphasizing the solution's benefit, or transitioning to the next paragraph.
This pattern provides a logical flow, guiding the reader from identifying an issue to understanding how it can be resolved. Within this structure, other organizational patterns, such as the CECC pattern (Claim, Evidence, Commentary, Conclusion), may also emerge, further developing the ideas within each section, particularly in the problem and solution descriptions.
Breakdown of Parts
To visualize the function of each part:
| Part | Function |
|---|---|
| Topic Sentence | Sets the stage; introduces the subject. |
| Problem | Explains the issue in detail. |
| Solution | Describes how to fix the issue. |
| Conclusion | Summarizes, reinforces, or transitions. |
Understanding these parts helps in both writing and identifying problem-solution text structures. By clearly defining the problem before offering a solution, the paragraph makes a compelling case for the proposed fix.
