Write Problem-Solution-Evaluation Texts

The key idea

Choose solutions by comparing their likely results, costs, and practical limits against clear criteria.

What is it for?

Write a clear text that explains a problem, compares possible solutions, and recommends the most suitable option.

What you need to know

A short description of the situation and its main problem.
An explanation of the main causes and likely effects.
At least two realistic solutions with clear details.
An evaluation of each solution against the same criteria.
A final recommendation supported by the comparison.

1. Present the situation and analyse the problem

Begin with the situation. Then identify the main problem and explain why it matters. Do not describe every small detail. Focus on the cause and its effects. This helps readers understand what needs to change.

Give enough background for readers to understand the situation.
Identify the main cause, not just the visible result.
Explain who or what the problem affects.
Use careful words when the evidence is incomplete.

Several families miss the school bus because it arrives too early.

This sentence connects the cause with a clear result.

The delay appears to result from poor planning rather than heavy traffic.

The phrase appears to shows that the claim is not certain.

2. Propose realistic solutions

Give at least two possible solutions. Explain what each one involves and how it could help. A solution must address the cause of the problem. Avoid suggestions that sound attractive but cannot work in practice.

Introduce each option with a clear proposing phrase.
Explain who would act and what they would do.
Connect the action to the problem.
Mention practical limits when they matter.

One possible solution would be to adjust the bus timetable.

This phrase introduces one clear action.

An alternative would be to add a second bus at peak times.

This phrase introduces a different way to address the problem.

3. Evaluate each solution against clear criteria

Do not assume that every solution will work. Compare options using the same criteria. These may include cost, speed, fairness, and long-term results. Explain both benefits and limits. This makes your judgment more convincing.

Use the same criteria for every option.
Explain how strong or limited each result may be.
Show the cost or disadvantage of each option.
Use hedging when the final result is uncertain.

This would be effective insofar as most delays occur before school.

Insofar as limits the claim to one clear condition.

The change could reduce waiting time, at a cost of higher fuel use.

This sentence presents a benefit and a cost.

4. Recommend an option and connect the sections

Choose the option that best meets your criteria. Explain why it offers the strongest balance. Your recommendation must follow from your evaluation. Do not introduce a new reason at the end.

Compare the options before making your final choice.
Use a linking phrase to show the result of your comparison.
Mention any important limit to your recommendation.
Keep the final paragraph focused on the decision.

On balance, changing the timetable is the more practical option.

On balance signals a decision after comparing several points.

Given its lower cost, this option is more suitable for small schools.

Given its lower cost connects the reason to the recommendation.

How to do it, step by step

Situation: introduce the setting and explain why the issue matters.
Problem: identify the main cause and describe its effects.
Solutions: propose at least two practical ways forward.
Evaluation: compare costs, benefits, risks, and likely results.
Recommendation: choose an option and justify your decision.

Formulas and key language

Use it for	Example	Another example
The main difficulty arises from + noun or -ing form.	The main difficulty arises from poor timetable planning.	The main difficulty arises from storing food incorrectly.
This tends to result in + noun.	This tends to result in longer waiting times.	This tends to result in higher food costs.
One possible solution would be to + base verb.	One possible solution would be to extend the opening hours.	One possible solution would be to provide extra bus services.
An alternative would be to + base verb.	An alternative would be to install more water-saving taps.	An alternative would be to offer flexible work hours.
This would be effective insofar as + clause.	This would be effective insofar as most families arrive early.	This would be effective insofar as staff use the new system.
The main advantage is + noun phrase, while the main drawback is + noun phrase.	The main advantage is lower cost, while the main drawback is slower delivery.	The main advantage is greater access, while the main drawback is extra staff time.
This could improve + noun, at a cost of + noun phrase.	This could improve access, at a cost of longer opening hours.	This could improve comfort, at a cost of higher energy use.
On balance, + subject + appears to be the most suitable option.	On balance, the earlier bus appears to be the most suitable option.	On balance, shared delivery appears to be the most suitable option.
Given + noun phrase, + subject + is likely to + base verb.	Given the limited budget, this plan is likely to succeed.	Given the short distance, walking is likely to save time.

UK / US: British English often uses 'timetable'; American English often uses 'schedule'. Both are correct.

Level up: Replace basic words (good, very, nice) with stronger ones. See our A2 to C1 upgrades page.

Model text

Reducing Food Waste at a Community Centre

Situation

The community centre prepares lunch for about eighty people each weekday. Recently, staff have noticed that large amounts of food remain after lunch. This creates unnecessary costs and sends usable food to waste. The centre therefore needs a practical way to reduce leftovers without leaving visitors hungry.

The opening explains the setting, the problem, and its importance.

Problem

The main difficulty appears to arise from fixed portion sizes and uncertain attendance. Staff prepare similar amounts each day, even when fewer visitors arrive. As a result, some meals remain untouched. Simply preparing less food could reduce waste, but it might also leave late visitors without enough to eat.

This section links likely causes with effects and identifies a risk.

Possible solutions

One possible solution would be to record daily attendance and adjust preparation accordingly. An alternative would be to offer smaller initial portions, with extra servings available on request. The first option improves planning, while the second gives visitors more control over how much they take.

Two realistic options are presented, with their main benefits.

Evaluation

Recording attendance could reduce waste over time, although its success would depend on accurate records. It would also require staff training. Smaller initial portions would be cheaper to introduce and might reduce untouched food immediately. However, some visitors could find extra trips inconvenient, especially during busy periods. Both options therefore have practical limits.

The options are compared using cost, likely results, and convenience.

Recommendation

On balance, the centre should begin with smaller portions and monitor the results for four weeks. This approach requires little extra spending and allows quick changes. If waste remains high, attendance records could then improve planning. This combined approach offers a reasonable balance between cost, flexibility, and reliable results.

The final choice follows from the comparison and includes a clear next step.

Common mistakes

✗ The problem is food waste. We should do something.

✓ The problem is food waste. Staff should record daily leftovers.

The corrected sentence gives a specific action.

✗ One possible solution would be reducing the opening hours.

✓ One possible solution would be to reduce the opening hours.

Use to before the base verb after this phrase.

✗ This solution is effective because it is effective.

✓ This solution is effective because it reduces waiting time.

Give a clear reason instead of repeating the claim.

✗ The cheaper option is automatically the most suitable.

✓ The cheaper option may be the most suitable.

Cost matters, but other criteria can also affect the decision.

✗ The plan would reduce waste, at a cost higher staff time.

✓ The plan would reduce waste, at a cost of higher staff time.

Use of before the cost that the plan creates.

✗ The second option costs more, on balance it is more practical.

✓ The second option costs more. On balance, it is more practical.

A full stop separates two complete sentences.

Plan it, then check it

Plan

Name the situation and state the main problem.
List the likely causes and effects.
Write two solutions and explain how each would work.
Compare both options using the same criteria.
Choose the stronger option and explain why.

Check

Does the opening explain the problem clearly?
Does each solution address a cause of the problem?
Have I compared benefits, costs, and limits?
Does my recommendation follow from the comparison?
Do linking words show how my ideas connect?

Practice

EXERCISE:

Choose the strongest sentence

Choose the sentence that best fits the stated purpose.

1.Which sentence identifies a likely cause?

The second sentence names a likely cause of the crowd.

2.Which sentence proposes a practical solution?

The first sentence gives a clear action to try.

3.Which sentence evaluates a benefit and a cost?

The third sentence states both a likely benefit and a cost.

4.Which sentence shows careful judgment?

May shows that the result is possible, not certain.

5.Which sentence best justifies a recommendation?

The first sentence gives a clear choice and supporting reason.

6.Which sentence connects an option to its limit?

The third sentence presents a benefit and a practical limit.

Now write

Your task

Write a problem-solution-evaluation text about plastic waste in a city. Use this fictional starting information: Brookfield produces about 500 bags of plastic waste each day. Many bags come from takeaway meals and small shops. The city has a limited budget. Write 160-210 words. Explain the problem and its causes. Propose two solutions, then evaluate both using cost, convenience, and likely results. Finish with a justified recommendation. You may change the fictional details, but keep the problem clear. Do not write a list. Write connected paragraphs.

Target: 160-210 words

Word bank

plastic wastesingle-use packagingcollection pointsreusable containerslocal businessescollection costspublic awarenesslong-term reductionpractical limitslikely outcomeaffordable optionwaste collectionon balanceat a cost ofin the long term

Sentence starters

The main problem appears to arise from...
One possible solution would be to...
An alternative would be to...
This option could be effective because...
Its main limitation is...
On balance, the city should...

Use made-up city details. Do not include your address or private information.

Instant feedback on your own text is part of Premium.

Check your writing

Have I explained the situation and the main problem?
Have I identified likely causes and effects?
Have I proposed at least two realistic solutions?
Have I compared both solutions using clear criteria?
Does my recommendation follow from my evaluation?

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