Writing Process: Problem-Solution Essays
Content Standards
Multiliteracies and Communicative Competence
The learners demonstrate their multiliteracies and communicative competence in evaluating informational texts (academic text: expository essays) and transactional texts (letter of request) for clarity of meaning, purpose, and target audience as a foundation for publishing original informational and transactional texts.
Analysis and Evaluation
The learners analyze the style, form, and features of informational texts (expository essays) and transactional texts (letter of request); evaluate informational and transactional texts for clarity of meaning, purpose, and target audience.
Composition and Publication
The learners compose and publish original multimodal informational texts (expository essays) and transactional texts (letter of request) using appropriate forms and structures that represent their meaning, purpose, and target audience.
Learning Competency
1
Primary Competency
Publish a multimodal informational text for one's purpose and target audience: Expository Essay
2
Focus
Environmental awareness and preservation through problem-solution essays
3
Output
A published multimodal problem-solution text addressing environmental issues
Lesson Objectives: Prewriting
Identify Environmental Problems
Identify a specific problem related to environmental awareness and preservation and brainstorm possible solutions.
Define Context and Audience
Describe the specific situations where the problem exists, the target readers of the problem solution essay, and the purpose for writing it.
Lesson Objectives: Drafting
Determine Thesis
Determine one's thesis as the central idea of the essay.
Gather Supporting Evidence
Gather facts and informed opinions (texts and images) to support the central idea.
Write Draft
Write a problem-solution essay based on the central idea and supporting details.
Propose Solutions
Draw a convincing solution to the identified problem.
Lesson Objectives: Revising
Review Content
Analyze the draft for overall structure and flow
Check Main Ideas
Ensure clarity of main idea throughout the essay
Verify Details
Confirm validity and verifiability of supporting details
Lesson Objectives: Editing
1
Grammar Check
Review and correct grammatical errors in the essay
2
Word Choice Refinement
Improve vocabulary and terminology for precision and impact
3
Mechanics Correction
Fix punctuation, spelling, and formatting issues
Lesson Objectives: Publishing
Digital or Printed Brochure
Create a folded informational document with sections highlighting problem and solutions
Digital or Printed Pamphlet
Develop a brief booklet focusing on key environmental issues and actions
Digital or Printed Posters
Design visual displays with impactful messages about environmental problems
Social Media Posts
Create content for platforms like Facebook or Instagram to reach wider audiences
Content Overview
Prewriting
Identifying problems and planning solutions
1
Drafting
Creating the initial essay structure
2
Revising
Improving content and organization
3
Editing
Refining grammar and mechanics
4
Publishing
Presenting the final multimodal text
5
Learning Resources
Resources include materials from National Geographic, Philippine Normal University, Purdue University, Brigham Young University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and other academic institutions that provide comprehensive guides on the writing process.
Activating Prior Knowledge: Recall
1
Previous Lesson
Recall the last topic discussed
2
Key Concepts
Remember important terms and ideas
3
Application
Connect previous learning to new material
Picture Analysis
1
Observation
Students analyze the image showing environmental problems facing the Philippines
2
Identification
Students identify specific environmental issues visible in the image
3
Discussion
Class shares observations and begins thinking about potential solutions
Roll It Up Activity
1
Definition
The purposeful cleaning of forest land
2
Definition
The activity of cutting trees in order to sell the woods
3
Definition
A gradual process that occurs when the impact of water or wind detaches and removes soil particles, causing the soil to deteriorate
4
Definition
All the plant life present in a particular region or time, generally occurring native plants
Students roll a dice to select a number, then match the definition to the correct environmental term. The fifth definition (not shown in the numbers above) is: "All the animal life present in a particular region or time"
Environmental Vocabulary
Term
Definition
Deforestation
The purposeful cleaning of forest land
Logging
The activity of cutting trees in order to sell the woods
Erosion
A gradual process that occurs when the impact of water or wind detaches and removes soil particles, causing the soil to deteriorate
Flora
All the plant life present in a particular region or time, generally occurring native plants
Fauna
All the animal life present in a particular region or time
Problem-Solution Text Structure
1
Purpose
Convince readers to support a course of action
2
Structure
Problem section + Solution section
3
Applications
Essays, articles, reports, speeches
4
Fields
Persuasive, argumentative, technical writing
A problem-solution pattern divides information into two main sections, one that describes a problem and one that describes a solution. This pattern is typically used in persuasive writing, where the writer's general purpose is to convince the reader to support a certain course of action.
Discipline-Specific Words
Definition
A discipline-specific word refers to a term or vocabulary that is unique to a particular field of study or discipline. These words are often technical or specialized in nature and are used by professionals, researchers, and practitioners within that specific field.
Examples in Environmental Science
Importance in Problem-Solution Texts
Using appropriate discipline-specific terminology demonstrates expertise, precision, and credibility when addressing specialized topics in problem-solution essays.
Tone in Problem-Solution Texts
Objective
Presents facts and evidence without personal bias
1
Persuasive
Convinces readers of the importance of the problem and viability of solutions
2
Authoritative
Demonstrates expertise and credibility on the subject matter
3
The tone used in problem-solution texts is typically objective, persuasive, and authoritative. This combination helps establish credibility while effectively convincing readers of both the problem's significance and the proposed solution's value.
Target Audience for Problem-Solution Texts
Stakeholders
Individuals or groups directly affected by the problem or who have a vested interest in its solution
Decision-Makers
People with authority to implement solutions, such as government officials, business leaders, or community organizers
General Public
Broader audience who may benefit from awareness of the issue and proposed solutions
Experts and Professionals
Specialists in the field who can evaluate and potentially support the proposed solutions
Educators and Students
Academic audience who may use the text for educational purposes or further research
The language, tone, and level of technical detail may be tailored to meet the needs and expectations of the intended audience.
It's Your Turn Activity
1
Group Formation
The teacher will divide the class into 5 groups to fill the concept map and will present it in the class.
2
Collaborative Work
Each group will identify environmental problems and potential solutions to complete their concept map.
3
Presentation
Groups will present their completed concept maps to the class, explaining their problem-solution relationships.
Concept Map Structure
A well-structured concept map for environmental problem-solution essays should include the central problem, its causes, effects, potential solutions, and key stakeholders. The central problem and proposed solutions are the most critical elements to develop thoroughly.
Let Me Ask Activity
Reflection Question 1
What importance of knowing problem-solution in reading expository text?
Reflection Question 2
Can you now identify a problem-solution text when you read a text?
Evaluation Activity
1
Question 1
It is a pattern divides information in two main section, one describes the problem and one describes the solution.
2
Question 2
It is a way of organizing information in written text where a problem is presented and followed by one or more potential solution to address the problem.
3
Question 3
This refers to a term or vocabulary that is unique to a particular field of study or discipline.
4
Question 4
The ____ used in problem-solution texts is typically objective, persuasive, and authoritative.
5
Questions 5-10
Give 6 transition words that indicates problem to a text.
Evaluation Answer Key
Question
Answer
1
Problem-solution pattern
2
Problem-solution text structure
3
Discipline-specific word
4
Tone
5-10
Examples: however, unfortunately, a major issue, the problem is, this leads to, as a result
Prewriting Strategies
Brainstorming
Generate ideas freely without judgment or organization
Mind Mapping
Create visual connections between ideas and concepts
Freewriting
Write continuously without stopping to edit or revise
Questioning
Ask who, what, when, where, why, and how about your topic
Research
Gather information from reliable sources to support your ideas
Drafting Techniques
1
Create an Outline
Organize your ideas into a logical structure before writing the full draft
2
Write the Introduction
Begin with an attention-grabbing opening and clear thesis statement
3
Develop Body Paragraphs
Present the problem with evidence, then propose solutions with supporting details
4
Craft the Conclusion
Summarize key points and emphasize the importance of addressing the problem
Thesis Statement Development
Definition
A thesis statement is the central claim or main idea of your essay that presents your position on the environmental issue and previews your proposed solution.
Characteristics of Strong Thesis Statements
Example
"The increasing plastic pollution in Philippine coastal areas requires immediate action through community-based cleanup initiatives, stricter waste management policies, and educational campaigns to preserve marine ecosystems."
Revising vs. Editing
Revising
Editing
23 Ways to Improve Your Draft
The Writing Center at George Mason University provides "23 Ways to Improve Your Draft," including strategies for strengthening thesis statements, improving organization, adding transitions, incorporating stronger evidence, enhancing conclusions, and seeking feedback from peers.
Publishing Options for Problem-Solution Essays
Digital or Printed Brochure
Create a folded document with sections for problem description, evidence, and proposed solutions with visual elements
Digital or Printed Pamphlet
Develop a brief booklet that presents the environmental issue and actionable solutions in an accessible format
Digital or Printed Posters
Design visual displays with compelling images, key statistics, and clear calls to action addressing the environmental problem
Social Media Posts
Create engaging content for platforms like Facebook or Instagram with shareable graphics and concise messaging
Bringing Environmental Awareness to Action
Identify Local Environmental Issues
Research and document specific environmental problems affecting your community
Develop Informed Solutions
Create practical, evidence-based approaches to address these environmental challenges
Craft Compelling Problem-Solution Essays
Apply the writing process to create persuasive, well-structured multimodal texts
Share Your Work
Publish and distribute your essays through appropriate channels to reach your target audience
Inspire Action
Motivate readers to participate in implementing solutions to create positive environmental change