Problem-Solution Patterns
Got problems? Writers love talking about them - and more importantly, how to fix them! Problem-solution patterns first explain what's wrong, then offer ways to make things better.
The problem section usually covers the basics: what's happening, who's affected, when and where it occurs, and why it matters. Think of it as the "complaint" part where writers lay out all the messy details.
Then comes the fun part - solutions! Writers might suggest preventive measures (stopping problems before they start), step-by-step fixes, helpful advice, or even multiple options to choose from. It's like having a troubleshooting guide for real-world issues.
Signal words like "the problem," "one solution is," "first, second," and "one way is" help you identify this pattern quickly. When you see "but," "nonetheless," or "however," get ready - the solutions are probably coming next!
Study hack: Create a problem-solution map by drawing two columns - problems on the left, solutions on the right. This format works great for organizing your own essays too.