Problem-Solution Essay Outline
*Label and underline the name of each section. You are doing a phrase/topic outline. Only write
out what it says. I prefer to have this typed, but you may handwrite it if it is: neatly done, in blue or
black ink only, on the front side of a clean piece of paper. Be sure to include the internal citations
for the information from your sources. If you have no internal citations, I WILL TREAT THE
OUTLINE AS PLAGAIRIZED AND YOU WILL RECEIVE A ZERO WITH NO REVISION
OPTION!
Introduction
A. Attention Getter (write this out) – could be a startling statistic/fact, an anecdote, quote,
rhetorical question
B. Explanation of attention getter (write out)
C. Thesis statement (write this out)
Section 1 – Problem (3-4 paragraphs)
A. Topic Sentence – Define problem (write out)
1. Describe
2. Examples
3. Who affected
B. Topic Sentence – Causes/history of the problem (write out)
1. Where/how it originated
2. Causes
C. Topic Sentence – Seriousness/Consequences (write out)
1. Negative affects
2. How serious
3. Consequences
Transition sentence to lead into the solution.
Section 2 – Solution (3 -4 paragraphs)
D. Topic Sentence – Solution #1 (write out)
1. Good point
2. Negative
3. Rebuttal
E. Topic Sentence – Solution #2 (write out)
1. Good point
2. Negative
3. Rebuttal
F. Topic Sentence – Solution #3 (write out)
1. Good point
2. Negative
3. Rebuttal
D. Overview of Solution (Write out)
1. Step 1
2. Step 2
3. Step 3
E. Step 1 – Topic Sentence (Write out)
1. Details
2. Negative
3. Rebuttal
F. Step 2 – Topic Sentence (Write out)
1. Details
2. Negative
3. Rebuttal
Conclusion
A. Summary statement (write out)
B. Relate to the world today or future (write out)
C. Call to action/final thought (write out)