community problem solving paper

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How to Write a Problem Solution Paper

Last Updated: July 22, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Stephanie Wong Ken, MFA . Stephanie Wong Ken is a writer based in Canada. Stephanie's writing has appeared in Joyland, Catapult, Pithead Chapel, Cosmonaut's Avenue, and other publications. She holds an MFA in Fiction and Creative Writing from Portland State University. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 146,036 times.

A problem solution paper focuses on a particular problem or set of problems. As the essay writer, you will then need to come up with a solution or several solutions to the stated problem. Problem solution papers are common on exams, as they allow you to explore an issue and use critical thinking to respond with a solution. To write a problem solution paper, start by outlining the paper. Then, follow the structure of a problem solution paper and polish the paper so it is at its best when you turn it in.

Starting the Paper

• For example, you may have a main situation like, “obesity and poor fitness,” or “trigger warnings on college campuses.”
• If you get to choose the situation, make a list of groups you belong to, such as “school,” “family,” “race,” “culture”,” or “local community.” Then, identify a situation or issue you have encountered as a member of one of these groups.

• In the situation component, you will paraphrase the prompt of the paper in your own words.
• In the problem component, you will state the problem or problems and explain what they are in your own words.
• In the solution component, you will state your solution or solutions to the problem. You will also explain how it will address the problem.
• In the evaluation component, you will list the main ideas in the paper and offer a prediction or recommendation based on your solution to the problem.
• There will only be one situation presented to you in the prompt for the paper. You can then have multiple problems and multiple solutions that link back to the situation.

• Introduction section, where you discuss the situation
• Transition sentence or paragraph
• Conclusion section, where you discuss the evaluation

• Problem 1 and Solution to Problem 1
• Problem 2 and Solution to Problem 2
• Problem 3 and Solution to Problem 3

Writing the Paper

• For example, if the situation in the paper prompt is “obesity and poor fitness,” you may focus on specific aspects of the situation in the introduction. You may look at how the consumption of unhealthy food and the overuse of cars plays into obesity and poor fitness in society.

• If you cannot find a lot of outside material on the problem, you can collect your own data for the paper. Do this by making a survey that you give to people who are affected by the problem. You can also interview people associated with the problem, or with possible solutions.
• For example, if you were researching the problem “trigger warnings on college campuses,” you may interview college representatives at your university or college. You may also talk to students on campus.
• Most problem solution papers written for exams do not require you to cite any outside sources. You may need to cite your sources if you are writing the problem solution paper for a class.

• For example, if you were writing about the situation “obesity and poor fitness,” you may have the following thesis statement: “Obesity and poor fitness can lead to a decrease in life expectancy, and it is essential that individuals and governments work together to tackle this issue by improving their citizen's diet and fitness.”

• For example, you may come up with a solution that addresses a lack of resources by adding support, money, or more staff. Or you may come up with a solution that addresses the problem by changing an existing practice or habit.

• For example, if one of your solutions to the problem of obesity and poor fitness is to encourage people to cook at home, you may list a few specific ways people can do this. You may suggest that national eating healthy at home campaign is created, offering recipes online that take less than 30 minutes to prepare at home.

• For example, you may end up a call to action like, “With rising levels of obesity in our country, it is essential that we take action now to address this serious issue.”

Polishing the Paper

• You can create a reverse outline using your paper as a guide, where you go through each section and confirm it follows the outline you started with.

• You can also show the paper to a peer, friend, or family member and get them to proofread it for you.

• If you are writing the problem solution paper for a class assignment, you may still have a set word count. Check that your paper falls within this word count.
• ↑ https://www.jccc.edu/student-resources/academic-resource-center/writing-center/files/problem-solution-paper.pdf
• ↑ http://www.eapfoundation.com/writing/essays/problemsolution/
• ↑ https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/grammar/writing/how-to-write-a-problem-solution-essay.html
• ↑ https://www.shsu.edu/centers/academic-success-center/writing/handouts/modes/essays/9.-.Problem.Solution.Essay.pdf
• ↑ https://clt.library.jwu.edu/c.php?g=1028305&p=7459493
• ↑ https://clt.library.jwu.edu/c.php?g=1028305&p=7459493#s-lg-box-wrapper-27749528

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A problem solution paper focuses on a particular issue and should include one or more solutions to it. You’ll need to begin the paper by stating the situation in your own words. For example, the situation could be “obesity and core fitness.” Include a thesis statement at the end of your introduction, which could be something like, “Obesity can lead to decreased life expectancy, making it imperative for governments and people to tackle this issue by improving diet and fitness.” The following sections should deal with identifying all of the problems arising from the situation and proposing solutions to them. Try to give examples to explain each solution. For instance, if you say the growth of obesity can be stopped by improving people’s diets, you could propose a national healthy eating campaign. Finally, you should conclude by evaluating the whole paper and making recommendations about how to implement your solutions. For tips from our Writing co-author on how to plan an outline for your problem solving paper, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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10 Community Problems and 10 Solutions

We present here 10 community problems and 10 solutions. They cover food, energy, housing, social, education, economics, transportation, and more.

We all live and interact in communities of various sizes. Our towns and cities are the communities most people think of, but we also work in communities, go to school and/or take our kids to schools that have their own community structures, and we usually belong to various social and recreational communities too. As a person and parent living on this planet of finite resources, I’m very focused on solutions and approaches that make our communities more sustainable. As the Director of the One Community Global nonprofit , I’m also interested in community solutions that can be applied globally.

With this in mind, here are 10 common community problems and 10 solutions. If you’d like information on how One Community is integrating these into ultra-sustainable communities that will function as self-sufficient and self-replicating teacher/demonstration hubs , click the related icons.

FOOD SOLUTIONS

Large-scale applications for global change.

Duplicable food infrastructure designed to produce food that is grown on-site. Food grown this way will be fresher and can be produced without pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. In addition, it will be more diverse than what people find in the grocery store because it is grown as part of our open source botanical garden model .

ENERGY SOLUTIONS

Duplicable energy infrastructure including solar , wind , and hydro to help people eliminate their power bills and be a source of revenue for those still connected to the grid. Also, built to evolve and grow with the evolution and expansion of new technologies too.

HOUSING SOLUTIONS

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EDUCATION SOLUTIONS

Duplicable education models designed for all ages, built to exceed traditional educational standards, and modifiable for application in a homeschooling environment, a traditional schooling environment, or for use as a complete community-based private schooling program.

SOCIAL/RECREATIONAL SOLUTIONS

Duplicable social architecture and recreation models built within “ True Community ” and designed to provide a more enriching and fulfilling living experience . All on-site, freely available, and providing more activity diversity than most metropolitan areas.

SUSTAINABLE ECONOMICS

Duplicable for-profit and non-profit business infrastructure that prioritizes cooperation and collaboration over competition. Resource based economy application and a model for sharing it globally .

STEWARDSHIP SOLUTIONS

Duplicable “Highest Good” approaches to all aspects of life . This includes community and individually applicable lifestyle considerations and small and large-scale recycling, reuse, and repurposing options for all areas: paper , plastic , glass , polystyrene/styrofoam , clothing/cloth , food and other perishable items , and even non-recyclables .

TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS

Transportation is another common community challenge. It includes cost of ownership and maintenance, parking and other space needs, and vehicle contributions to the climate crisis. Co-ownership, ride sharing, alternative transportation (bike, scooter, moped, etc.), and public transportation are all common solutions to this. The larger the community participating, the more effective and convenient these solutions all are.

DIY duplicable housing infrastructure designed to demonstrate community and localized living with almost everything a person needs or would want within walking distance. Models like these will eliminate the need for regular car use, but everyone will still have access to a car anytime they need or want one.

VALUES DIFFERENCES

Values differences are arguably the most destructive community challenge. Religion, politics, lifestyle preferences, dietary preferences, how to raise kids, pets, etc. can all be areas where people passionately differ in their opinions and perspectives. If unresolvable conflicts are arising, your values differences may not be sustainable. One way to address this is to choose to focus on the areas you agree. A second way is to be more transparent with your values and primarily build community with others who share them.

Duplicable and adaptable values structures based on compassion, kindness, and what we call living and creating for “ The Highest Good of All .”

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Almost everyone can look at the list above and see something they would like to implement but find really challenging. Some would even like to implement all of these ideas, but how? Local, national, and global communities are the answer. Groups of people will find it easier to implement these solutions, even the individual ones. Find a group or start one, there are so many resources out there and every action makes a difference. The bigger the community, the bigger the difference.

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Police Support for Community Problem-Solving and Broken Windows Policing

• Published: 03 July 2015
• Volume 41 , pages 220–235, ( 2016 )

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• Michael J. Jenkins 1  

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This paper explores overall police officer acceptance of tactics and tenets of broken windows and community problem-solving policing. It assesses differential support for each by police officer characteristics (i.e., race/ethnicity, gender, rank, education level, years of service, and assignment). This study presents the findings of a survey of 227 sworn police personnel from two urban police departments. Univariate analyses reveal the levels of support that police have for certain police tactics and tenets of broken windows and community problem-solving policing. Regression analyses examine the relationship between key officer characteristics and support for these tactics and tenets as measured by respondents’ agreement with various items and indices. Findings include support for community problem-solving (and also a reliance on traditional policing methods); a lag in investigators’ acceptance of community problem-solving; and differences by officer race/ethnicity, education, rank, and assignment in indices related to broken windows and rapid response policing. The differential acceptance of broken windows and rapid response tactics by race/ethnicity suggests interesting implications for future studies of race/ethnicity and broken windows policing. The greater acceptance of certain tactics by patrol officers supports current moves toward innovating in police investigations’ bureaus.

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Acknowledgments

The author thanks Drs. Maria Tcherni, Bryn Herrschaft, and the reviewers for their helpful comments on an earlier version of this paper.

This research was funded in part by grant number 420276 from the Bodman Foundation.

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Jenkins, M.J. Police Support for Community Problem-Solving and Broken Windows Policing. Am J Crim Just 41 , 220–235 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12103-015-9302-x

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Received : 12 March 2015

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s12103-015-9302-x

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• Section 4. Analyzing Root Causes of Problems: The "But Why?" Technique

Chapter 17 Sections

• Section 1. An Introduction to the Problem-Solving Process
• Section 2. Thinking Critically
• Section 3. Defining and Analyzing the Problem
• Section 5. Addressing Social Determinants of Health and Development
• Section 6. Generating and Choosing Solutions
• Section 7. Putting Your Solution into Practice
• Main Section

What are "root causes?"

Root causes are the basic reasons behind the problem or issue you are seeing in the community. Trying to figure out why the problem has developed is an essential part of the "problem solving process" in order to guarantee the right responses and also to help citizens "own" the problems.

What is the "but why?" technique?

The "But why?" technique is one method used to identify underlying causes of a community issue. These underlying factors are called "root causes."

The "But why?" technique examines a problem by asking questions to find out what caused it. Each time an answer is given, a follow-up "But why?" is asked.

For example, if you say that too many people in poor communities have problems with alcoholism, you should ask yourself "but why?" Once you come up with an answer to that question, probe the answer with another "but why?" question, until you reach the root of the problem, the root cause.

Why should you identify root causes?

Identifying genuine solutions to a problem means knowing what the real causes of the problem are. Taking action without identifying what factors contribute to the problem can result in misdirected efforts, and that wastes time and resources. However, by thoroughly studying the cause of the problem, you can build ownership, that is, by experiencing the problem you will understand it better, and be motivated to deal with it.

The "But why?" technique can be used to discover basic or "root" causes either in individuals or broader social systems:

• Do people need more knowledge about nutrition?
• Do children need to learn refusal skills to avoid smoking?
• Do teenagers need to learn how to use contraceptives?
• Cultural factors, such as customs, beliefs, and values;
• Economic factors, such as money, land, and resources;
• Political factors, such as decision-making power.
• It can uncover multiple solutions for a certain problem and allow the user to see alternatives that he or she might not have seen before. It increases the chances of choosing the right solution, because many aspects of the problem are explored during the "But why?" exercise.

When should you identify root causes?

• Whenever you are faced with addressing a challenging community problem. Of course, the "But why?" technique is not always your best bet and should not be used 100% of the time. It's extremely efficient to find a variety of solutions and is a quick and inexpensive technique that can be done by anyone, at any time, anywhere. For some issues, however, you should use more sophisticated methods, such as surveys, interviews and data collecting.
• When there is support for a "solution" that does not seem to get at the real causes of the problem. For example, if there is hunger in community, let's distribute free turkey at Thanksgiving.
• When there is ignorance or denial of why a community problem exists.

How does the "but why" technique work?

Technique guide.

Here's how it works. A group examines a community problem by asking what caused it. Each time someone gives an answer, the "asker" continues to probe, mostly by asking "But why?" or "How could that have been prevented."Example:

Too many (too few) people are ________. Q: But why? A. Because... Q: But why? A. Because... Q: Could that have been prevented? A. Yes Q: How? Q: But why? A. Because... Q. But why? A. Because... Q But why? (and so forth)

• First, invite people who are both affected by the problem and are in a position to contribute to the solution to brainstorm possible causes. The more representative the working group is, the more likely it is for the root causes to be uncovered.
• The working group should then examine a community problem, such as substance use or violence, by asking what caused it. Each time someone gives an answer, the group asks, "But why?"Here's an example:

A child has an infected foot. Q: But why? A. She stepped on broken glass while walking. Q: Could that have been prevented? A. Yes. Q: How? A . She could have been wearing shoes. Q: But why doesn't the child have shoes? A. Because the family can't afford shoes. Q. But why? A. The father or mother has no job. Q. But why? (and so forth)

In this example, the "But why?" analysis leads to at least two very different conclusions. The criterion for choice between them is to look into the environment of each one. Many solutions may apply to your problem, so it's up to you to find the one that fits it better. The "But why?" analysis by itself doesn't lead automatically to the best solution. It just points out many paths you may take.

Print Resources

Altman, D., Balcazar, F., Fawcett, S., Seekins, T., & Young, J. (1994). Public health advocacy: Creating community change to improve health . Palo Alto, CA: Stanford Center for Research in Disease Prevention.

Sholtes, P.R. (1988). The team handbook . Madison, WI: Joiner Associates Inc.

The support team of the defendants in the "Tyumen case" summarizes the results of the past two months

In September, Yura Neznamov had to fight for his health and medical care. A neoplasm appeared on his leg. Later it turned out to be a small benign tumor. All complaints about his health were ignored by the doctors of SIZO-1 in Tyumen (where the defendants in the "Tyumen case" are kept). The lawyer wrote a large number of complaints and obtained medical care for Yura.

Over the past few months, the investigation has conducted confrontations between Kirill Brik, who signed a pre-trial agreement, and other defendants: Deniz Aydyn, Nikita Oleynik and Danil Chertykov. In all cases, Kirill Brik confirmed the investigation's version of the existence of a "terrorist community".

In September we finalized the Solidarity Festival. You held a large number of events, actions and wrote a hundred letters in support of the guys. Events in support of the defendants of the "Tyumen case" took place in different parts of the world: Irkutsk, Samara, Istanbul, Togliatti, Lisbon, Yerevan, Vilnius, Tbilisi, as well as online events.

At the beginning of October we launched a new merchandise: zines dedicated to the work of the "Tyumen case" defendants, as well as postcards and stickers. In the zine we collected the best poems and drawings of our guys: Nikita Oleinik, Danil Chertykov, Deniz Aydin, Yura Neznamov and Roma Paklin.

In October, we published an interview with Leonid Bondarenko, a comrade of Nikita Oleinik and Roman Paklin. In August, Leonid's home was searched by FSB officers looking for things belonging to the defendants of the "Tyumen case", after which he was taken away for interrogation. During the interrogation Leonid was threatened and exerted psychological and physical pressure. Now Leonid is safe.

In October, Deniz's appeal hearing on torture was held in the Tyumen Regional Court. The court did not get into the arguments of the defense and once again refused to initiate criminal proceedings against the torturers.

At the end of October the guys had trials to extend the measure of restraint. Deniz, Kirill, Yura, Danil and Nikita were left in custody until the end of January 2024. Roma Paklin is currently undergoing treatment in the Lebedev psychiatric hospital in the Tyumen region and therefore he did not have a trial to extend his preventive measure.

In the last two months, defense expenses amounted to 335,150 ₽. In September, we were able to raise 96,500 ₽. For October, 26,000 ₽ including merch sales.

Our expenses are now far in excess of donations, and the guys have court hearings ahead of them on the merits of the case. Monthly expenses for defense and support of five defendants out of six inside SIZO-1 amount to about 180,000 ₽. The balance on our cards is only enough to partially cover the expenses. In such a difficult financial situation, we need your help more than ever!

We have launched a fundraising campaign on the Firefund platform and ask our international solidarity community to participate in our fight for justice and freedom! You can learn more about the case and support us by transferring an amount that is comfortable for you by clicking on the link : https://www.firefund.net/tumenskoedelo

Thank you for being indifferent and continuing to follow the case! We really appreciate your support. Solidarity is our weapon!

Source: https://avtonom.org/en/news/support-team-defendants-tyumen-case-summarizes-results-past-two-months

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