LAW UNIVERSITY OF HCMC
FACULTY OF LEGAL FOREIGN LANGUAGES
ACADEMIC WRITING – AVPL331
Lecturer: Lê Cảnh Huy
06/13/2025
LESSON 4 – PROBLEM – SOLUTION ESSAY 02/17/2025
1
CONTENTS
Knowledge:
• Problem - Solution essay
• Writing procedures
• Writing practice
Skills:
• Brainstorming
• Arranging ideas
• Assessing and selecting sources
2
DISCUSSION
In 2 minutes, discuss with your partner
about this topic.
• The influence of human beings on
the world's ecosystem is leading to
the extinction of species and loss of
bio-diversity. What are the primary
issues related to the loss of bio-
diversity? What solutions can you
suggest?
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WRITING REVIEW.
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VOCABULARY GAME (KEEP OR GIVE)
Two tables form a team.
The teams will play in turn.
If you answer correctly, you can choose to keep the box or give it away. If you
answer incorrectly, the other team will have a chance to earn the box.
+1 point if you volunteer to provide more information.
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1 2 3
4 5 6
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QUESTION 1
1. To reduce the harmful effects of air pollution in major cities, governments
should implement stricter environmental regulations to _______ its impact
on public health.
A) Exacerbate
B) Mitigate
C) Ignore
D) Reinforce
Mitigate (v): /ˈmɪt.ɪ.ɡeɪt/ to make something less harmful, unpleasant, or bad.
Exacerbate
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(v): /ɪɡˈzæs.ə.beɪt/ to make something that is already bad even worse
7
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KEEP OR GIVE 8
+ 500
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QUESTION 2
2. To address traffic congestion in urban areas, investing in an efficient public
transportation system is considered a _______ that can reduce reliance on
private vehicles.
A) viable solution
B) temporary fix
C) unavoidable consequence
D) controversial decision
Viable (adj): /ˈvaɪ.ə.bəl/ able to work as intended or able to succeed
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KEEP OR GIVE 11
- 1000
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QUESTION 3
3. To combat climate change effectively, governments must take _______ such as
investing in renewable energy and enforcing stricter environmental laws.
A) passive actions
B) short-term solutions
C) reactive decisions
D) proactive measures
proactive (adj): /ˌprəʊˈæk.tɪv/ taking action by causing change
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and not only reacting to change when it happens. 13
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KEEP OR GIVE 14
Challenge
Sing a song (+500)
Or lose (-1000)
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QUESTION 4
4. Many health problems in urban areas _______ poor air quality caused by
industrial emissions and heavy traffic.
A) stem from
B) lead to
C) result in
D) contribute to
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Stem from (v): /stem/to start or develop as the result of something.
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KEEP OR GIVE 17
+
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QUESTION 5
5. The lack of access to quality education can _______ the cycle of poverty,
making it harder for future generations to improve their living conditions.
A) alleviate
B) resolve
C) eliminate
D) perpetuate
perpetuate (v): /pəˈpetʃ.u.eɪt/ to cause something to continue
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KEEP OR GIVE 20
X2
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QUESTION 6
6. The impact of social media on mental health remains a _______ with strong
arguments on both sides of the debate.
A) resolved matter
B) minor concern
C) contentious issue
D) simple topic
contentious (adj): /kənˈten.ʃəs/causing , involving, or likely to cause
disagreement and argument
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KEEP OR GIVE 23
÷2
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PROBLEM - SOLUTION ESSAY
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WRITING
TOPIC
Definition: This type of essay requires the writer to present the causes and
solutions to a particular issue. You only need to dedicate one body paragraph to
discussing the causes and the other to outlining possible solutions.
Ex 1: Nowadays many people have access to computers on a wide basis and a
large number of children play computer games. What are the primary problems
of playing computer games and what can be done to minimize the bad effects?
Ex 2: The internet has transformed the way information is shared and
consumed, but it has also created problems that did not exist before. What are
the most serious problems associated with the internet and what solutions can
you suggest?
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Writing Topic
In many countries, the number of animals and plants is
declining. Why are the possible consequences? How to
solve these issues? 27
WRITING
A. Introduction:
FORMAT
Hook
Background information
Thesis statement
B. Body:
Body 1: Topic sentence 1 (problem 1-2-3) + explanation + example +
related effects.
Body 2: Topic sentence 2 (solution 1-2-3) + explanation + example
C. Conclusion:
Restatement of thesis.
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Recommendation/insight/prediction 28
WRITING
FORMAT
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WRITING
STEPS
1. Brainstorming: generating ideas for the topic.
2. Outlining: forming simple sentences in bullet points.
3. Writing: writing the complete essay.
4. Proofreading: reading your own writing to check for errors.
5. Peer-reviewing: reading your friends works and giving feedback on their
work
6. Editing + Finalizing: revising your work based on the feedback and
submitting to the teacher.
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BRAINSTORMI
NG
How can we perform “Brainstorming” for a topic?
3. Bullet Point Listing: Create a list of any thoughts, facts, or opinions related to
the topic. Organize the list afterward to see which ideas are strongest or
most relevant.
Potential Causes: Potential Effects: Potential Solutions:
• Deforestation • Ecosystem imbalance • Reforestation
• Climate change • Reduced biodiversity • Stronger environmental
• Pollution • Food shortages policies
• Overexploitation • Increased climate change • Pollution reduction
• Sustainable agriculture
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BRAINSTORMI
NG
In 5 minutes, work individually and brainstorm
ideas for the topic about “In many countries, the
number of animals and plants is declining. Why
do you think it is happening? How to solve this
issue?”. Then, share your idea with your partner
close to you.
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BRAINSTORMI
NG
In 5 minutes, work individually and brainstorm
ideas for the topic about “There is a growing
tendency among young people to fear falling in
love. Why do you think this trend has increased
among the younger generation? How can this
issue be addressed?”. Then, share your idea with
your partner close to you.
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WRITING
INTRODUCTION
Work with your friend and complete the Hook + Background information in 10
minutes.
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WRITING
A. Introduction:
INTRODUCTION
Thesis Statement:
[Main issue] has become a growing concern lead to [Problem 1], [Problem 2], and
[Problem 3]. However, this issue can be addressed through [Solution 1], [Solution 2],
and [Solution 3].
The rise of [Main Issue] results [Problem 1], [Problem 2], and [Problem 3]. To mitigate
these challenges, it is essential to implement [Solution 1], [Solution 2], and [Solution
3].
Addressing [Main Issue] requires urgent action, as it is exert [Problem 1], [Problem
2], and [Problem 3]. Governments, communities, and individuals can combat this
issue by implementing [Solution 1], [Solution 2], and [Solution 3].
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WRITING
A. Introduction:
INTRODUCTION
Thesis Statement:
What are the key factors contributing to [Main Issue], and how can they be resolved?
The main issues include [Problem 1], [Problem 2], and [Problem 3], but solutions such
as [Solution 1], [Solution 2], and [Solution 3] offer hope for improvement.
Addressing [Main Issue] requires urgent action, as it is driven by [Problem 1],
[Problem 2], and [Problem 3]. Governments, communities, and individuals can
combat this issue by implementing [Solution 1], [Solution 2], and [Solution 3].
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WRITING
A. Introduction:
INTRODUCTION
Thesis Statement:
What are the key factors contributing to [Main Issue], and how can they be resolved?
The main causes include [Problem 1], [Problem 2], and [Problem 3], but solutions
such as [Solution 1], [Solution 2], and [Solution 3] offer hope for improvement.
Addressing [Main Issue] requires urgent action, as it is lead to [Problem 1], [Problem
2], and [Problem 3]. Governments, communities, and individuals can combat this
issue by implementing [Solution 1], [Solution 2], and [Solution 3].
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WRITING
PRACTICE
In 5 minutes, work individually and complete your Introduction.
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WRITING BODY
B. What are the compulsory component within a body paragraph?
Now, create a complete topic sentence.
Then, move-on to the explanation sentences.
Lastly, give out an example.
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WRITING
PRACTICE
In 5 minutes, work individually and complete your Body Paragraph 1.
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WRITING
B. Body:
INTRODUCTION
Topic Sentence: (presenting problems)
The issue of [main topic] is serious because it leads to [Problem 1], [Problem 2], and
[Problem 3].
Not only does [main topic] cause [Problem 1], but it also leads to [Problem 2] and
contributes to [Problem 3].
Due to [main topic], many people experience [Problem 1], [Problem 2], and [Problem
3], making it a critical issue that must be addressed.
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WRITING
B. Body:
INTRODUCTION
Topic Sentence: (presenting solutions)
To effectively address [main problem], solutions such as [Solution 1], [Solution 2], and
[Solution 3] must be implemented.
To combat [main problem], it is essential to implement [Solution 1], [Solution 2], and
[Solution 3].
By enforcing [Solution 1], promoting [Solution 2], and encouraging [Solution 3], we
can significantly reduce the impact of [main problem].
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WRITING
C. Conclusion:
CONCLUSION
Restatement of thesis:
In conclusion, it is clear that...
To summarize, the evidence strongly supports the idea that...
Overall, it is evident that...
In light of the arguments presented, it is clear that...
Taking all factors into account, it is clear that...
Thus, it can be concluded that...
In closing, the reasons for [your stance] are compelling and...
To wrap up, it is clear that...
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WRITING
C. Conclusion: CONCLUSION
Recommendation/insight/prediction:
Based on the arguments presented, I strongly recommend that...
In light of the evidence, I believe it is advisable to...
Considering all factors, my recommendation is that...
After careful consideration, I would encourage...
My recommendation, based on the facts, is that...
Taking all things into account, I would suggest...
Therefore, I believe that the best approach would be to...
It seems clear that the most practical option is to...
Given the advantages, it is highly recommended that...
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WRITING
PRACTICE
In 5 minutes, work individually and complete your Conclusion.
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PROOFREADIN
G
Steps to conduct proofreading:
Check for Spelling and Grammar
Look for Consistency
Verify Numbers and Dates
Check for Repetition
Ensure Formatting Accuracy
Use Tools: Grammarly, Quillbot, etc.
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PEER
REVIEWING
Questions to answer while reading your friend’s work:
1. Is the main idea or thesis clear and well-defined?
2. Are there any ideas that are underdeveloped or unclear?
3. Is there a logical flow between paragraphs and ideas?
4. Does the writer use clear transitions to guide the reader from one idea to the
next?
5. Is the writing clear and easy to follow?
6. Is the tone of the paper appropriate for the purpose (e.g., formal or
informal)?
7. Are there any noticeable grammar or punctuation errors?
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What is the strongest or weakess part of the paper, and why? 47
WRAP-UP
Exit Tickets: Write down
one thing you have
learned, one question
they still have, or one
word that summarizes
today’s speaking -
listening session.
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