How do you connect your problem-solution paragraph to the rest of your essay?

1 Identify the main problem

The first step to connect your problem-solution paragraph to the rest of your essay is to identify the main problem that you want to solve. This problem should be related to the topic, purpose, and audience of your essay. You should also explain why this problem is important, significant, or urgent. For example, if you are writing an essay about environmental pollution, you could state the main problem as the negative impact of plastic waste on marine ecosystems and human health.

2 Provide supporting evidence

The second step to connect your problem-solution paragraph to the rest of your essay is to provide supporting evidence for your problem statement. This evidence can be factual, statistical, anecdotal, or logical. It should demonstrate the extent, severity, or consequences of the problem. You should also cite credible sources to back up your claims and avoid plagiarism. For example, if you are writing an essay about environmental pollution, you could provide evidence such as the amount of plastic waste generated per year, the percentage of plastic waste that ends up in the oceans, or the effects of plastic ingestion on marine animals and humans.

3 Propose one or more solutions

The third step to connect your problem-solution paragraph to the rest of your essay is to propose one or more solutions to the problem. These solutions should be feasible, practical, and effective. They should also address the root causes or the main aspects of the problem. You should also explain how your solutions would benefit the situation, the stakeholders, or the society. For example, if you are writing an essay about environmental pollution, you could propose solutions such as reducing plastic consumption, recycling plastic waste, or developing biodegradable alternatives.

4 Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages

The fourth step to connect your problem-solution paragraph to the rest of your essay is to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of your proposed solutions. This evaluation should be objective, balanced, and realistic. It should consider the costs, benefits, risks, and challenges of implementing your solutions. You should also compare and contrast your solutions with other possible or existing solutions. For example, if you are writing an essay about environmental pollution, you could evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of reducing plastic consumption, recycling plastic waste, or developing biodegradable alternatives.

5 Recommend the best solution

The fifth step to connect your problem-solution paragraph to the rest of your essay is to recommend the best solution among your proposed solutions. This recommendation should be based on your evaluation and supported by evidence and logic. It should also be clear, concise, and convincing. You should also state what actions or steps are needed to implement your solution and who is responsible for them. For example, if you are writing an essay about environmental pollution, you could recommend developing biodegradable alternatives as the best solution and suggest what policies, regulations, or incentives are needed to encourage their production and use.

6 Link to the thesis and the conclusion

The sixth and final step to connect your problem-solution paragraph to the rest of your essay is to link it to the thesis and the conclusion of your essay. The thesis is the main argument or claim of your essay that guides your writing and your reader's understanding. The conclusion is the final paragraph of your essay that summarizes your main points and restates your thesis. You should link your problem-solution paragraph to the thesis and the conclusion by using transitional words or phrases, such as therefore, thus, in conclusion, or as a result. You should also restate or rephrase your problem statement and your recommendation in the conclusion. For example, if you are writing an essay about environmental pollution, you could link your problem-solution paragraph to the thesis and the conclusion by saying something like: Therefore, plastic waste is a serious problem that affects marine ecosystems and human health. Developing biodegradable alternatives is the best solution to this problem, as it would reduce the amount of plastic waste in the oceans and improve the quality of life for both animals and humans. In conclusion, environmental pollution is a global challenge that requires collective action and innovation. By adopting biodegradable alternatives, we can protect our environment and our health for the future.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?