A work on problem solving focuses on a particular problem or set of problems. As the writer of the essay, you will have to think of a solution or several solutions to the stated problem. These types of work are common on exams, as they allow you to explore a problem and use critical reasoning to find a solution. To write a paper about solving a problem, start outlining the paper. Then, respect its structure and polish it so that you deliver it in the best possible way.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Start the job
Step 1. Identify the situation
The problem-solving situation you are going to address at work should be clearly stated in the job instructions. You may be assigned a situation to address or you may be allowed to choose one. Often times, the situation will address a social, cultural or historical problem in society.
- For example, you may have a prime situation like "obesity and poor fitness" or "trigger warnings on college campuses."
- If you can choose the situation, make a list of the groups you belong to, such as "school," "family," "race," "culture," or "local community." Then identify a situation or problem that you encountered as a member of one of these groups.
Step 2. Determine the key components of the job
A work on solving a problem will contain the following four main components: the situation, the problem, the solution, and the evaluation. You should structure your work so that it addresses these four components.
- In the situation, you will have to paraphrase the job instructions in your own words.
- In the problem, you will have to state the problem or problems, and explain which one (s) it is (are) in your own words.
- In the solution, you will have to establish the solution or solutions to the problem. You will also explain how you approach the problem.
- In the assessment, you will have to list the main ideas in the work and offer a prediction or recommendation based on the solution to the problem.
- You will only be presented with one situation in the job instructions. Then you can come up with various problems and various solutions that are related to the situation.
Step 3. Use the block structure for the schematic
One way that you can outline the work is to use the block structure, in which you will first include the problems of the work and then the solutions. You will have to use the following schematic for the block structure:
- introduction section (where the situation is discussed)
- problem 1
- problem 2
- transition sentence or paragraph
- solution 1
- solution 2
- conclusion section (where the evaluation is discussed)
Step 4. Test the chain structure for the schematic
Another possible structure that you can use for a work on solving a problem is the chain structure, in which you analyze a problem and then come up with a solution for it. The chain structure is most often used for work on solving a short problem. You will have to use the following scheme for the chain structure:
- introduction section (where the situation is discussed)
- problem 1 and solution to problem 1
- problem 2 and solution to problem 2
- problem 3 and solution to problem 3
- conclusion section (where the evaluation is discussed)
Part 2 of 3: Write the paper
Step 1. State the situation in your own words
Begin by writing the situation in your own words. You can do this in the introduction section of the essay. Focus on a specific perspective or angle of the situation, especially if it is general.
For example, if the situation in the job instructions is "obesity and poor physical condition," you can focus on specific aspects of the situation in the introduction. You can analyze how unhealthy food consumption and excessive car use contribute to obesity and poor physical condition in society
Step 2. Investigate the problem or problems
Read as much as you can about the problem (such as online journals, print books, and academic texts). Look for articles that look at the problem at the national or state level. Check local publications for analysis on the problem. The more you investigate, the stronger the solutions to the problem at work will be.
- If you can't find much outside material on the problem, you can collect your own data for the job. You can take a survey of people who are affected by the problem. You can also interview people who are related to the problem or possible solutions.
- For example, if you research the problem "trigger warnings on college campuses," you can interview representatives from the college where you study. You can also talk to students on campus.
- Most papers on problem solving on exams don't require you to cite any outside sources. However, you may need to cite your sources if you write an assignment like this for a class.
Step 3. Create a strong thesis statement
A paper on problem solving must have a thesis statement that appears in the introduction and conclusion section. The thesis statement will be like the touchstone or map of the job. You need to analyze the situation and problem that you focus on at work.
For example, if you write about the situation “obesity and poor physical condition”, you can include the following thesis statement: “Obesity and poor physical condition can lead to a decrease in life expectancy and it is essential that people and governments work together to tackle this problem in order to improve the diet and physical condition of citizens”
Step 4. Identify the solutions
The best solutions to a problem will be easy to implement, address the problem effectively, and cost-effective for everyone involved. Think about the problem and find a solution or two. Then you will have to explore these solutions at work.
For example, you can think of a solution that solves the lack of resources by adding support, money or more staff, or one that solves the problem by changing an existing practice or habit
Step 5. Support the solutions with specific examples
Avoid simply listing problems and solutions in the essay in a general way. Use specific examples that allow you to expand on the solutions. Don't use general or vague language when discussing solutions.
For example, if one of the solutions to the problem of obesity and poor physical condition is to encourage people to cook at home, you can list specific ways that people can do it. You can suggest creating a national healthy eating at home campaign, offering recipes online that take less than 30 minutes to prepare at home
Step 6. Finish the job with an evaluation
Once you have exposed the solutions in the body of the work, you should finish with the evaluation in the conclusion section. The evaluation should analyze the solutions briefly and summarize the purpose of the solutions. You can also include a call to action, in which you indicate the value of the solution.
For example, you can end with a call to action such as "With obesity levels rising in our country, it is essential that we do something now to address this serious problem."
Part 3 of 3: Polish the Job
Step 1. Confirm that the work has a clear structure or outline
Review the assignment and confirm that it includes all four components of a problem-solving assignment. Make sure they address the problem and solution thoroughly. Check that the thesis statement appears in the introduction and conclusion section of the work.
You can create a reverse schematic using the work as a guide to review each section and confirm that it respects the schematic you started with
Step 2. Check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Read the paper aloud to check for misspelled words or grammatical errors. Try to read the document backwards, starting at the end, to check for spelling mistakes. Circle the punctuation marks at work and confirm that you use all the punctuation marks correctly.
You can also show your work to a colleague, friend, or family member and have them review it
Step 3. Check the work to fit the word limit
If you write a paper about solving a problem for a test, you will often have a certain word limit. This is usually very short, about 250 to 500 words. Make sure the job fits this amount. If not, you may need to correct it by shortening sentences, restricting language, and making ideas more concise.