Writing a Problem-Solution essay

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Township in South Africa. CCO Public domain
We had a writing class last Tuesday. The text you discussed and analysed in class involved problems caused by cycling in Beijing. The writer of the text proposed some solutions to the identified problems.

This was an opportunity for you to think of possible solutions to problems that either matter to you or you are interested in.



Essay titles that you suggested in class included the following:
1. Eating disorders
2. The spread of AIDS
3. Political corruption in Spain
4. Plastic waste and its impact on the environment
5. Lack of funding for cultural events
6. Youth unemployment in Spain
7. School dropouts
8. Pollution in the world
9. Malnutrition in the world
10. Gender inequality

Task 1. Researching the topic: shanty towns
The photo I have chosen for this post is about Soweto shanty towns. Did you know that Soweto is the most populous black urban residential area in South Africa?

What is the original meaning of Soweto?
What is a township?
Why is Soweto a place of contrasts?

Click on this link and check your answers in this page about Soweto.

Task 2. Reading a problem-solution essay about shanty towns
a) Click on the link and read an essay about shanty towns.

b) Choose one of the essay titles from above. Follow the instructions on how to plan your own problem-solution essay.

Tip
Do not forget to research your topic before you write about it. Go to the BBC News and search for an article on the topic you want to write about.

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