Writing Process: Problem-Solution Essays
Content Standards
Multiliteracies
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.
Performance Standards
1
Analysis
The learners analyze the style, form, and features of informational texts (expository essays) and transactional texts (letter of request).
2
Evaluation
The learners evaluate informational and transactional texts for clarity of meaning, purpose, and target audience.
3
Composition
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 Area
Problem-solution essays related to environmental awareness and preservation
3
Output Format
Digital or printed brochure, pamphlet, poster, or social media posts
Prewriting Objectives
Problem Identification
Identify a specific problem related to environmental awareness and preservation and brainstorm possible solutions.
Audience Analysis
Describe the specific situations where the problem exists, the target readers of the problem solution essay, and the purpose for writing it.
Drafting Objectives
Thesis Development
Determine one's thesis as the central idea of the essay.
Research
Gather facts and informed opinions (texts and images) to support the central idea.
Essay Writing
Write a problem-solution essay based on the central idea and supporting details.
Solution Formulation
Draw a convincing solution to the identified problem.
Revising, Editing, and Publishing Objectives
Revising
Revise the draft for clarity of main idea and validity/verifiability of supporting details.
Editing
Edit the grammar, word choice, and writing mechanics of the problem-solution essay.
Publishing
Publish a multimodal problem-solution text for one's purpose and audience in digital or printed format.
Publication Formats
Students can publish their problem-solution essays in various formats including digital or printed brochures, pamphlets, posters, or social media posts (Facebook, Instagram, etc.).
Learning Resources
Academic Sources
Writing Centers
The Writing Process Overview
Prewriting
Generating ideas and planning
1
Drafting
Creating the initial text
2
Revising
Improving content and organization
3
Editing
Correcting grammar and mechanics
4
Publishing
Sharing the final product
5
The writing process is cyclical and recursive, allowing writers to move back and forth between stages as needed to improve their work.
Activating Prior Knowledge
Activity No. 1: "Recall"
The teacher will randomly call students to share or recall previous lesson.
Guiding Question
"What was the last topic discussed?"
Purpose
This activity helps students connect new information to existing knowledge, creating stronger neural pathways for learning.
Lesson Purpose/Intention
1
Activity No. 2: "Picture Analysis"
The teacher will present a picture about the problems that the Philippines is facing.
2
Guiding Question
What have you observed in the image?
3
Purpose
This activity helps students identify environmental problems visually before they begin writing about solutions.
Environmental Vocabulary Definitions
1
Deforestation
The purposeful clearing of forest land
2
Logging
The activity of cutting trees in order to sell the woods
3
Erosion
A gradual process that occurs when the impact of water or wind detaches and removes soil particles
4
Flora & Fauna
Plant and animal life in a particular region or time
Problem-Solution Text Structure
Definition
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.
Applications
Problem-solution text structure is a way of organizing information in written text where a problem is presented and followed by one or more potential solutions to address that problem. This structure is commonly used in various types of writing, including essays, articles, reports, and speeches, particularly in fields like persuasive writing, argumentative writing, and technical writing.
Discipline-Specific Words
1
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.
2
Importance
Using appropriate discipline-specific vocabulary demonstrates expertise and precision in problem-solution texts, particularly when addressing environmental issues.
3
Examples
Environmental terms might include biodiversity, ecosystem, sustainability, carbon footprint, and conservation.
Tone in Problem-Solution Texts
Objective
Presents facts and evidence without personal bias
1
Persuasive
Convinces readers of the importance of the problem and the effectiveness of the solution
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 motivating readers to take action.
Target Audience for Problem-Solution Texts
Stakeholders & Decision-Makers
Those with the power to implement solutions
General Public
Broader audience who may be affected by the problem
Experts & Professionals
Specialists in the field related to the problem
Educators & Students
Those learning about or teaching the subject
Tailoring Content to Audience
1
Audience-Specific Language
Adjust terminology for comprehension
2
Appropriate Tone
Formal or conversational as needed
3
Technical Detail Level
Depth based on audience expertise
4
Relevant Examples
Relatable to audience experience
The language, tone, and level of technical detail may be tailored to meet the needs and expectations of the intended audience. This ensures that your problem-solution text effectively communicates with readers and achieves its purpose.
Developing Mastery Activity
1
Group Formation
Divide class into 5 groups
2
Concept Mapping
Fill in the concept map
3
Presentation
Present findings to class
Activity No. 4 "It's Ur Turn" - The teacher will divide the class into 5 groups to fill the concept map and will present it in the class.
Problem-Solution Concept Map
Students will work in groups to complete a concept map similar to this one, identifying environmental problems, their causes and effects, potential solutions, and appropriate audiences for their problem-solution essays.
Making Generalizations and Abstractions
1
Activity No. 5: "Let Me Ask"
Students will reflect on their learning through guided questions.
2
Question 1
What importance of knowing problem-solution in reading expository text?
3
Question 2
Can you now identify a problem-solution text when you read a text?
Evaluating Learning
Activity No. 6
Direction: Write the correct answer in a ΒΌ sheet of paper.
Assessment Format
Short answer questions testing understanding of problem-solution text structure, terminology, and transition words.
Purpose
To evaluate students' comprehension of key concepts related to problem-solution texts.
Assessment Questions
1
Problem-Solution Pattern
It is a pattern divides information in two main section, one describes the problem and one describes the solution.
2
Text Structure
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
Discipline-Specific Words
This refers to a term or vocabulary that is unique to a particular field of study or discipline.
4
Tone
The ____ used in problem-solution texts is typically objective, persuasive, and authoritative.
Transition Words in Problem-Solution Texts
Questions 5-10 on the assessment ask students to identify transition words that indicate problems in a text. Common problem indicators include: unfortunately, a serious issue is, the problem is, a major concern, challenges include, and one difficulty is.
Common Problem Indicators
Unfortunately
Signals a negative situation or problem about to be described
A serious issue is
Directly identifies and emphasizes the importance of a problem
The problem is
Explicitly states that a problem will be described
A major concern
Indicates a significant issue requiring attention
More Problem Indicators
Challenges include
Introduces a list of problems or difficulties
One difficulty is
Highlights a specific obstacle or problem
A critical issue
Emphasizes the severity of a problem
A significant obstacle
Points to something preventing progress
Solution Transition Words
1
To solve this
Directly introduces a solution to a previously stated problem
2
One answer is
Presents a single solution among possible alternatives
3
A possible solution
Suggests a tentative or potential way to address the problem
4
Therefore
Indicates a logical conclusion or solution based on previous information
5
As a result
Shows the outcome or solution that follows from actions taken
The Writing Process in Action
Prewriting: Environmental Problem Identification
Students identify specific environmental issues in the Philippines such as deforestation, water pollution, or waste management problems.
Drafting: Developing Solutions
Students research and develop practical, evidence-based solutions to their chosen environmental problem.
Revising: Strengthening Arguments
Students ensure their problem description is clear and their proposed solutions are logical and well-supported.
Editing: Polishing Language
Students refine their use of discipline-specific vocabulary and appropriate transition words.
Publishing: Creating Impact
Students transform their essays into effective multimodal formats that will reach their target audience.
Final Project Guidelines
Digital Brochure
Create a folded informational piece with sections clearly identifying an environmental problem and proposing solutions.
Printed Pamphlet
Develop a multi-page document that thoroughly explains an environmental issue and presents researched solutions.
Poster
Design a visually striking single-page presentation that quickly communicates both a problem and its solutions.
Social Media Posts
Create a series of connected posts that work together to present an environmental problem and proposed solutions.