©2015 Paul Read Writing Problem and Solution Essays in Part Two /sizes/z/in/photostream/

©2015 Paul Read Writing Problem and Solution Essays in Part Two You will see a statement about a problem affecting society. You will be asked two questions: what do you think are the causes, and what can be done to solve the problem Divide the essay into an introduction, 2 main body sections and a conclusion

Introduction Explain to the reader what the issue is, but use different words from the question. Imagine that the reader can’t see the question. Explain to the reader how you will discuss the topic: what the body section will include. ©2015 Paul Read

Body Section The original question asked you two things: this is your plan for the body section Discuss the problem or its causes first: make sure to give some examples of it In a new paragraph, discuss the solutions to some of these problems. Try to connect the solutions to the issues in the earlier paragraph Why might some people not agree with you? Why are they wrong? Try to explain and give examples ©2015 Paul Read

Conclusion You need to remind the reader of what the problem was, and then show them why your suggestions will help to solve this problem. Try not to repeat too much vocabulary, if you can help it. ©2015 Paul Read

Worked Example ©2015 Paul Read Write about the following topic: Many cities these days are overcrowded, and this causes a number of problems. What are some of the most serious issues caused by overcrowding, and what can governments and individuals do to minimize these problems? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.

Worked Example ©2015 Paul Read Many cities these days are overcrowded, and this causes a number of problems. What are some of the most serious issues caused by overcrowding, and what can governments and individuals do to minimize these problems? Issues – overcrowding – 1) not enough houses, makes houses expensive, shanty towns like Rio Issues – overcrowding – 2) traffic congestion, pollution, smog, not enough public transport Solutions – better planning of space, make sure there is room to expand public transport and infrastructure. Make it expensive to buy 2 nd homes and encourage cheaper houses (e.g. by government tax incentives). Encourage public transport / car sharing. Not much individuals can do, but try not to be selfish.

Worked Example - Introduction ©2015 Paul Read Many cities these days are overcrowded, and this causes a number of problems. What are some of the most serious issues caused by overcrowding, and what can governments and individuals do to minimize these problems? The problem of overpopulation is a concern in many cities, because it has a number of negative impacts on life for the citizens. We shall consider some of these issues, and how these can be controlled by individual behaviour and laws.

Worked Example – Main Body 1 ©2015 Paul Read Many cities these days are overcrowded, and this causes a number of problems. What are some of the most serious issues caused by overcrowding, and what can governments and individuals do to minimize these problems? The first and most obvious negative result of overpopulation in cities is the availability of housing. With more and more people moving to the city, there are fewer and fewer places to live which makes the cost of buying or renting a place to stay more expensive. When land is not available to build more houses, houses become more difficult to find. This can lead to the problems we see in cities like Rio de Janeiro where large shanty towns are built up, without proper infrastructure for people.

Worked Example – Main Body 2 ©2015 Paul Read Many cities these days are overcrowded, and this causes a number of problems. What are some of the most serious issues caused by overcrowding, and what can governments and individuals do to minimize these problems? A second issue that overpopulated cities face is congestion. Large conurbations like London and Moscow face traffic problems almost every day, as large numbers of people try to get to and from work on roads and metros that were designed and built fifty years ago. This can lead to pollution and other, worse, problems such as the smog which affects Paris, Beijing or Los Angeles.

Worked Example – Main Body 3 ©2015 Paul Read Many cities these days are overcrowded, and this causes a number of problems. What are some of the most serious issues caused by overcrowding, and what can governments and individuals do to minimize these problems? What can be done about these problems? Clearly, a lot depends on efficient planning of space. Cities need to ensure that their transport and other infrastructure has space to grow together with the population size. Taxing second homes and providing incentives to build new, cheaper, housing can help people find suitable places to live. There needs to be sufficient investment to ensure that metros, park-and-ride schemes and other mass transit systems keep people moving quickly. People themselves can help by car-pooling and using the public transport that is available.

Worked Example – Conclusion ©2015 Paul Read Many cities these days are overcrowded, and this causes a number of problems. What are some of the most serious issues caused by overcrowding, and what can governments and individuals do to minimize these problems? In summary, large modern cities face a number of challenges as a result of increasing population, but cities can learn from each other and develop ways to overcome these difficulties.

Extra Practice Go to The English Site website to find another table writing practice exercise Look at some student answers to the exercise and read my comments on these answers ©2015 Paul Read