 Welcome to this ELC self-learning video. In this video, we'll be looking at a type of essay you often have to write for ELC in-class assessments, the problem-solution essay. A problem-solution essay looks at a particular problem, considers the causes of the problem or the effects, and then some ways to solve the problem. It sounds difficult, but don't worry, it's very easy when you know how to do it. First, find and read articles that are provided at the beginning of the semester. The essay question in the assessment will be based on these articles, so the more you understand the topic, the easier the content of the essay should be. You need to read the question carefully and make sure you understand it. Is it a question asking about the causes of the problem and solutions? Or is it about impacts of the problem and solutions? Planning is important for all essays. Let's consider this example question. Good planning helps you organize your points well. One way to do this is to use a mind map. Drawing a mind map helps you to clearly see the relationship between the impacts and the possible solutions. After brainstorming, you should quickly read the extracts that are provided with the question. Is each one dealing with the cause of the problem, an impact, or a solution? Highlight the authors of each one. How many are there? Do you need to use at all? Then, match each of the extracts to the ideas you have already brainstormed. Like all essays, problem-solution essays must have an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The first thing to do in the introduction is to give the readers an overview of the problem that you're going to discuss. You have to tell readers what the issue is about. Define the keywords in the topic so the reader knows exactly what you mean. Then, tell your reader why the issue is important, the significance of discussing it, and how you are going to discuss the issue, the structure of the essay. This supplies the reader with information of the essay type, the scope on the discussion, and the covered content. Remember, the introduction should not be too long, about 10% of the total essay length at most. There are two possible structures. If the solution can be used for more than one problem, then this structure may be the more appropriate. Causes or effects of the problems can be addressed in the first two paragraphs and the possible solutions for the problems afterwards. Or, if the solutions only address a single problem, you can have alternate problems and solution paragraphs. Remember, whatever structure you use, you should specifically link each cause or effect to the possible solution. Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence, which outlines the main idea of the paragraph. Also, remember to give your supporting evidence for each point in your paragraphs. You should use a range of reporting verbs when you're reporting the views of others. For example, you could use observe, recognize, believe, propose, or recommend. Also, you should use cause effect words for introducing the problems into the essay, such as do to, because, since, therefore, or consequently. When you are suggesting possible solutions, you can use conditional sentences to help you express your ideas more accurately. Conditional sentences often include words like when, if, unless, and whenever. They help you demonstrate the effects of your recommendation more clearly. When writing a conditional sentence, your recommendation should be put first, the expected results second. Your conclusion needs to give your reader a quick summary of the major points from your essay. Remember, there should be no new information and no citations in the conclusion. In most ELC in-class assessments, you will not need to write a reference list, but do read the instructions on the question paper just to make sure. Okay, you can find out more about essay writing from our online videos, from your tutors, or from the staff in the cell. That's all from me today. Bye!