Upstr INTERM SS Unit 04_Upstr INTERM SS Unit 04 23/08/2013 12:38
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Writing an essay providing solutions to problems
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Essays providing solutions to problems are
pieces of writing in which we present a problem
and its causes, then discuss our suggestions as well as
their expected results.
Introduction
In the first paragraph, we present the problem and its
causes.
Main Body
In the second, third and fourth paragraphs, we write
our suggestions and their expected results. We write
each suggestion and its results in separate paragraphs.
We should link our ideas using appropriate linking
words.
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Who is going to read your piece of writing?
What problems do animals face nowadays? Think
about their habitats, who hunts them and why, the
effects of environmental problems such as various forms
of pollution etc.
Can you think of any ways to help animals?
Analysing a Model Text
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a. What words can you think of related to the title
of the article?
b. Read the article and put the paragraphs in the
correct order, then answer the questions.
Conclusion
In the last paragraph we summarise our opinion.
Such essays are normally written in semi-formal or formal
style, depending on who is going to read them and
where it is going to be published. They are usually found
as articles in magazines, newspapers, etc.
To make our piece of writing more interesting to the
reader, we can use certain techniques to start or end it
such as:
ñ addressing the reader directly. If you want to help
the environment, there are lots of things that you can do.
ñ using a quotation (a sentence/phrase from a book,
a play, etc). Don’t forget to mention the name of
the person who said / wrote it.
... as American anthropologist Margaret Mead said “We
have nowhere else to go ... this is all we have.”
ñ using a rhetorical question (a question that makes
a statement rather than expecting an answer).
Is it important to protect endangered species?
A
B
C
USEFUL VOCABULARY
To make suggestions:
It would help if / be a good idea if ...;
A / Another useful suggestion would be to ...;
The situation could be improved if / by ...;
Steps / Measures should be taken in order to solve / deal
with ...
D
To present results and consequences:
E
In this way ...; This would ...; Then ...; If ... , the result
would be ...; The effect / consequence / result of ... would
be ...
Analysing the Rubric
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Read the rubric and underline the key words. Then
answer the questions.
A local newspaper has asked its readers to write
articles entitled “How can we make our planet a
safer place for animals?” to be published in the
newspaper.
Another solution is to promote education about
endangered species. If people are aware of the
problem, then they will buy fewer products made of
materials such as ivory or fur.
In conclusion, there are many ways to make our world
a better place for animals. We all need to do whatever
we can. As Malcolm Bradbury said “If you’re not part
of the solution, you’re part of the problem.”
Is our planet a safe place for animals? Unfortunately, it
doesn’t seem like it. Thousands of species have become
extinct and many more are now endangered. We need
to do something fast before it is too late for them.
Firstly, measures need to be taken to protect our
wildlife. The destruction of threatened animals’
habitats should be illegal, with long prison sentences
for people who break these laws. This would protect
animals and the environments they live in.
Finally, we should create more national parks and
conservation areas. This would allow animals to live and
breed safely in their natural habitats. As a result, their
numbers would increase and species would not die out.
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Underline the topic sentences in each of the
paragraphs in the main body. What supporting
sentences does the writer give?
What are the writer’s suggestions? Which linking
words has he used to introduce each one? What
results does he expect?
How does the writer start and end the article: with
a rhetorical question? a quotation? addressing the
reader directly? Suggest another beginning or
ending to the article.