A Problem/Solution assignment is quite similar to a persuasive argument paper.

First: What's the problem? Why is it a problem? Think about your topic very carefully. You shouldn't pick a topic so broad that you can't cover it in 500 words. (Example: World Peace); or so narrow that there aren't at least three solutions to the problem (Example: Student's can't wear hats at school). The statement of your problem and why it is a problem would be the "beginning" of your paper. Make sure you use an interesting lead sentence to draw your reader into the paper. Want ideas? Click here.

Second: What are the possible solutions to the problem? Make sure you use transitional words between solutions. This part is the "middle" of the paper. This should be 2-3 paragraphs long.

Third: What do you feel is the best possible solution and why; and why the other solutions just aren't as good. This is your "conclusion".

Assignment: Look around in your community. Think of at least three problems that you see every day. If you can't think of any, read your local paper, or ask a friend for ideas.  Using a web organizer, show the problems; why they are problems; and at least three solutions for each problem. Select one to be the topic of your paper.