Problem and Solution Essay, Argumentative Essay

problem solution essays are important tools for raising awareness among the public about a certain problem and encouraging people and the authorities to take the necessary course of action.

In this type of essay, the author has to follow the steps below:

1. Identify a problem.

2. Explain the problem in detail and convince the reader that it must be resolved.

3. Provide solutions for the problem which are effective in terms of cost and convenience.

4. Convince the readers that the solutions offered will solve the problem efficiently.

As is the case in a typical essay, problem-solution essay comprises introduction, body and conclusion sections.

As in any other essay type, the introduction section of a problem-solution essay is where the author introduces the topic at hand to the audience. In the case of a problem-solution essay, the topic to be addressed is a problem that, the author thinks, needs to be resolved. Therefore, the introduction section of a problem-solution essay must at least briefly explain the problem at hand and the solution the author offers.

In a problem-solution essay, you can either focus on a specific solution and elaborate it comprehensively or offer multiple solutions at the same time briefly explaining each one of them. Most of the time focusing on one solution and explaining why it is the best remedy for a given problem is preferred.

The body paragraphs of a problem and solution essay covers the details of the problem at hand and how the solutions will work to solve the problem. Therefore, the body of a problem-solution essay consists of at least two paragraphs, one of which is spared for explaining the problem in detail how it affects our lives and the other for describing how the suggested course of action will solve the problem. 

The conclusion section of the problem-solution essay includes a restatement of the thesis and summary of the key points addressed. It must be underlined that the conclusion section does not introduce new ideas but rather links the ideas introduced in the body paragraphs together.

An argumentative essay is a piece of writing that aims to persuade readers of a particular position on a controversial topic using logical arguments and empirical data.

An argumentative essay supports a particular viewpoint on a given issue by making use of facts, figures, and logical reasoning. Typically, they are set up to “construct an argument,” with a specific thesis statement, a clear conclusion, and as much supporting evidence as possible thus leading the reader to favour the author’s point of view on the given topic. 

Argumentative essays resemble the other types of essays in that they follow the standard introduction, body, and conclusion pattern. On the other hand, argumentative essays frequently require additional complexity to accommodate all the elements of a strong argument. 

There are three options or argument structure to choose from:

• Classical (Aristotelian)

• Rogerian

• Toulmin

This type is the most commonly encountered option for writing argumentative essays. It is employed when the author wants to make straightforward and direct arguments.

A general procedure for structuring an argumentative essay within this option is as follows:

• Explain your point of view in detail.

• Explain the opposition’s point of view in detail.

• Present the evidential support (factual, empirical, statistical, logical or anecdotal) you plan to use as evidence to convince the reader of the credibility of your arguments.

This type of argumentative essay is employed in situations where both sides put forward valid arguments for their point of view and readers are generally in favour of the opposing side to that of the author. In this type of argumentative essay, the author highly respects the opposing position and gives credit to their stances, which grants this argumentation type a middle-ground approach feature.

The most distinctive feature of the Rogerian approach is that the thesis statement is a compromise between the opposing views. Put differently, the author tries to acknowledge the positive sides of each point of view and reach a solution that will be beneficial for both sides.

The Rogerian approach foresees that the opposing view should receive great credit, and be handled respectfully by the author in their effort to reach a middleground and to combine the appealing points from both sides together. Unlike in the classical method in which the author attacks the opposing points of view with all the resources available, the Rogerian method requires acknowledging the strengths of the opposing side as well. 

This method of argumentative essay is adopted when the author tries to emphasise their point of view as the best choice without covering the opposing side’s arguments but rather focusing on providing facts and evidential support that are difficult to disagree with.

Unlike the two other argumentative essay types, this essay type does not follow a regular order of paragraphs, but rather focuses on the concepts of claims, grounds, warrant, backing, qualifier, and rebuttal.

Claim: This is the author’s stance towards a certain issue at hand they want the audience to believe to be true. Put differently, this is the thesis statement of the entire essay.

All the evidence including facts, statistics, anecdotes, references, personal experiences that serve the claim and can be used for convincing the reader that the claim is indeed a valid one. 

Warrant: Warrant is what connects the grounds to the claim. This helps the audience comprehend how the grounds relate to substantiating the claim. The warrant may occasionally be implicit (i.e., not overtly expressed), but it may also be overtly stated.

Backing: Any further evidence in favour of the warrant can be accepted as backing. In many instances, the warrant is implicit, thus the backing supports the implied warrant by providing a concrete illustration that supports the implied warrant.

Rebuttal: The author responds to the opposing viewpoints in the rebuttal. A rebuttal can be used by the author to anticipate objections and strengthen the initial claim.