This lesson teaches the skills needed to write essays about topics such as “How should we address the problem of ...?” and “How can we improve ...?”
Basic Rules
Structure of a problem-solving essay:
1. Introduction: Raise the problem + explain its importance
2. Body 1: Analyze the causes of the problem
3. Body 2: Propose a specific solution
4. Conclusion: Explain the significance of the solution + call for action
Structure of a proposal essay:
1. Introduction: Recognize the current situation + explain the need for improvement
2. Body: Make 2〜3 specific proposals + explain how to implement each one
3. Conclusion: Summarize the proposals + explain their effects
Common expressions:
- Raising a problem: “One of the biggest problems is X. / There is a serious issue concerning X.”
- Analyzing causes: “This problem stems from Y. / The root cause is Z.”
- Making proposals: “To solve this, we should W. / I suggest that we V.”
- Explaining implementation: “Specifically, ... / In practice, this means ...”
- Explaining effects: “This would result in ... / As a consequence, ...”
Introduction: Bullying is a serious problem in many schools. It can damage students' mental health for years.
Cause Analysis: The root cause is often a lack of communication. Students who feel isolated may turn to aggression to gain attention.
Solution: To solve this, schools should create regular discussion groups where students can share their feelings. Teachers should be trained to notice early warning signs.
Conclusion: Although bullying is complex, building stronger communication can reduce it significantly.
Points to Note
① Write specific solutions: “We should be kind to each other” is vague. Write at an actionable level, such as “Schools should hold weekly discussion sessions.”
② Match causes and solutions: Present solutions that address the causes, such as “lack of communication” → “increase communication.”
③ Predict the effects: After presenting a solution, explaining its effects with “This would ...” makes your argument more persuasive.
④ Feasibility: Write solutions that can actually be carried out, rather than ideals. Instead of wishing that “Everyone should be happy,” make a feasible proposal such as “Schools can implement ...”
⑤ Identify the people involved: Clearly state who will carry out the solution (schools / governments / students / parents).
- Structure: Raise the problem → Analyze causes → Propose solutions → Conclusion
- Specific solutions at an actionable level
- Correspondence between causes and solutions
- Predict effects (This would result in ...)
- Clearly identify who will act (schools/governments/students)
Practice
- Write one sentence proposing a specific solution to environmental pollution (who will do what).
- Write one sentence beginning “The root cause is ...” (Topic: declining motivation to study).
- Write one sentence describing the effect of a proposal using “This would result in ...”