1. Problem  Solution Problem  Solution texts describe a problem and suggest one or more solutions. The author may also offer possible outcomes to the “solved” problem. Time is an element in problem  solution texts. First the problem is explained, solutions to the problem are considered, and over time, the problem is either solved, partially solved, or it is not solved. The time it takes to solve a problem can be a matter of minutes, hours, days, or even years. And it is possible that the problem may never be fully solved.

2. Organizing the Information There are several ways of diagramming problem  solution text structures, depending on the way the author structured the content.

3. Example 1: This represents a text that begins by identifying a problem. Next the author explains the sequence involved in solving the problem. This diagram just shows two steps, but there will often be more than two steps in the sequence. Finally the solution to the problem is given. This explores one solution to the problem. ProblemSolution

4. Example 2: The following two diagrams enable the reader to represent articles that have multiple problems and solutions ProblemsSolutions ProblemsSolutions 1. 2. 3. 1. 2. 3.

5. Cause – Effect? Problem  Solution? PROBLEM AND SOLUTION  When he could no longer get along with his parents, he moved to his own apartment.  The hurricane knocked out power lines so people resorted to using candles.  Riots erupted in many cities after the news of Martin Luther King’s death.

6. PROBLEM AND SOLUTION When a raptor species declines and becomes endangered, scientists take wild bird eggs to raise in captivity and increase the number of birds.