Integrated language task

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 5

Integrated language task

Writing a problem-solution essay

Presenting a problem and its possible solution(s)

Learning objective

• Develop skills in articulating and crafting impactful problem-solution essays.
  
• Identify relevant issues and propose practical solutions

The project

• learn about the structure of an essay and a problem-solution essay in specific
• groups of 4 (max 5)
• Articles surrounding 1 topic (source: Scientific American and NY Times)
• prepare content problem-solution essay in groups
• individual test: writing a problem-solution essay (weging 1)
• prepare group presentation (weging 2)

Topics

1. air pollution
   
2. PFAS
   
3. ocean plastic pollution
   
4. light pollution
   
5. social media and mental health
6. water shortage
7. daylight saving time
8. the dangers of AI
9. privacy/protection of personal data

1. Essay

1.1 introduction paragraph

Goal:

- grab reader's attention

- introduce topic

- present thesis

• Ideas in the beginning of introduction paragraph > general
• Narrow down to specific idea

Hook & thesis statement

• Hook: first sentence of introduction > grab attention of reader

                   fact, question, problem or description

• Thesis statement: states main idea of the essay > end of introduction paragraph

                     ! make sure to give the reader enough background 

                     information to understand the thesis       

 

An effective thesis statement:

- addresses the prompt if there is one (i.e., answer the question).

- is usually at the end of the introduction paragraph.

- controls the content of all of the body paragraphs.

- is a complete sentence.

- does not announce the topic (e.g., “I’m going to talk about exercise.”).

- should not simply be a fact (e.g., “Many people exercise.”).

- should not be too general (e.g., “Exercise is good.”).

- should not be too specific (e.g., “Exercise decreases the chance of developing diabetes, heart disease, asthma, osteoporosis, depression, and anxiety.”).

- may state main points (e.g., “Exercise is essential because it improves overall physical and mental health.”).

- may imply main points (e.g., “Exercise is essential for improving our well-being.”)

What is the general topic of the paragraph?

p 4: Exercise 1:
1. What type of hook is used here?

1. fact
2. question
3. problem
4. description

Exercise 1:
2. What type of hook is used here?

1. fact
2. question
3. problem
4. description

What is the general topic of the paragraph?

Exercise 2:
Describe your city

Most effective thesis statement:

1. Let’s see all of the interesting things you can do in Rome.
2. Rome has a very unique cultural history.

What are the qualities of an influential leader?


Most effective thesis statement:

1. An influential leader is open-minded and humble.
2. Some people are born to be leaders and influence the world.

How can young adults overcome feelings of homesickness?

Most effective thesis statement:

1. There are some ways to solve feeling homesick.
2. Enjoying comforts from home can help combat homesickness.

How is writing different from speaking in a foreign language?

Most effective thesis statement:

1. Writing provides more time to plan and revise than speaking.
2. Many people around the world communicate through writing.

1.2 Body paragraphs

• support thesis statement by explaining how or statement is true
• 3 types of sentences:

1. topic sentence: states the main idea of each body paragraph
2. supporting sentences: support your topic sentence
3. concluding sentence: final statement of each body paragraph, restates the topic sentence, gives an opinion, prediction or advice

                        An effective topic sentence—

      - clearly supports the thesis statement.

      - is usually at the beginning of a body paragraph (1st or second sentence).

      - controls the content of all of the supporting sentences in its paragraph.

      - is a complete sentence.

      - does not announce the topic (e.g., “I’m going to talk about exercise.”)        

      - should not be too general (e.g., “Exercise is good.”).

      - should not be too specific (e.g., “Exercise decreases the chance of developing       

        diabetes, heart disease, asthma, osteoporosis, depression, and  anxiety.”).

What is the topic sentence?

1. In southern Utah, hikers enjoy the scenic trails in Zion National Park.
2. Many cities in Utah have created hiking trails in city parks for people to use.
3. There are hiking paths in Utah’s Rocky Mountains that provide beautiful views.
4. Hikers all over Utah can access hiking trails and enjoy nature.

What is the topic sentence?

1. Websites like YouTube have video tutorials that teach many different skills.
2. Computer programs like PowerPoint are used in classrooms to teach new concepts.
3. Technology helps people learn things in today’s world.
4. Many educational apps have been created to help children in school.

What is the topic sentence?

1. People in New York speak many different languages.
2. New York is a culturally diverse city.
3. People in New York belong to many different religions.
4. Restaurants in New York have food from all over the world

What is the topic sentence?

1. Some places have a scent that people remember when they think of that place.
2. The smell of someone’s cologne can trigger a memory of that person.
3. Smelling certain foods can bring back memories of eating that food.
4. Many different memories can be connected to specific smells.

Topic sentence 4:

1. Museums at BYU host events on the weekends for students.
2. There are many fun activities for students at BYU on the weekends
3. There are incredible student concerts at BYU on Friday and Saturday nights
4. BYU clubs plan exciting activities for students to do on the weekends

Exercise 2:

Work in pairs. 

Write a topic sentence for each paragraph (p 7)

Let's discuss some results!

1. Living arrangements impact personal space and social interactions. 
2. The diverse appeal of chocolate lies in its various flavors and stress-reducing qualities. 
3. An ideal roommate demonstrates respect for shared living spaces and personal boundaries.

Exercise 3 (p 8)

Answer:

• B & D

• D & E

Exercise 4

Exercise 5:

Work in pairs. 

Write a concluding sentence at the end of each paragraph (p 8)

Let's discuss some results!

• People from around the world not only bring diverse languages and religions but also share delicious traditional foods.
  
• Technology helps us learn in various ways—through websites, apps, and computer programs, all providing useful resources and visual support for a better learning experience today.

1.3 Conclusion paragraph

• First sentence of conclusion paragraph: restate thesis statement: expresses the same idea, but in different words
• connect thesis statement back to the general topics you mentioned in introduction
• closing statement: prediction, suggestion, opinion or question

Thesis statement: Apartment complexes should provide quiet study rooms for residents so they can study without distractions.
Choose the best restated thesis statement:

1. Study rooms are important for students to study in.
2. Apartment managers should build quiet places to study for residents.
3. Now we can see that study rooms are valuable for students who live in apartments.
4. It is important for apartments to provide their residents with quiet study areas.

Exercise 2

1. Conclusion
2. body
3. introduction

Exercise 3+4

In pairs, do exercise 3 and 4.

In exercise 4, do not forget to

- restate thesis statement

- connect thesis statement to general topics you mentioned

- add closing statement

Exercise 3 (p 11)

Let's discuss the results!

• 1.  In conclusion, to enhance stress management, students should focus on prioritizing tasks, maintaining a healthy diet, and ensuring adequate sleep.
  
• 2.  In summary, while Salt Lake City and Madrid share a common climate, their major distinctions lie in religion, language, and culinary traditions.
• 3. To sum up, for business success, owners must make decisions that cater to the satisfaction of employees, customers, and investors.
  
• 4.  In short, building your vocabulary becomes effortless by observing new words in context, regularly reviewing them, and incorporating them into your language usage.

1.4 Linking words

To do:

exercise p 14

Exercise

• Introduction paragraph: (1) In the past, (2) who (3) nowadays, (4) both
• Body paragraph 1: (5) such as (6) that (7) for example
• Body paragraph 2: (8) On the other hand, (9) both (10) and (11) such things as (12) or
• Conclusion Paragraph: (13) In conclusion, (14) but if (15) and (16) which

2. Problem-solution essay

2.1 Examples 

Read the two examples of a problem-solution essay and answer the questions.

Work in pairs or small groups.

Exercise example 1

• a. par. 1: intro, par. 2-4: body, par. 5: conclusion
• b. Hook: "There is nothing worse than being trapped in your car, waiting in the middle of a traffic jam."
• c. The general topic of the essay is traffic jams and possible solutions to reduce them, with a focus on public transportation.
• d. The best way to solve traffic jams is by using public transportation because it will be efficient, economical, and reliable.
• e. 1st Body Paragraph: "First... efficient."                                                                                                                        2nd Body Paragraph: "Another reason ... is so economical."                                                                          3rd Body Paragraph: "Finally, public transportation ... it is reliable."

• f. Yes, each of the topic sentences supports the thesis by providing reasons why public transportation is the best solution to traffic jams. The first paragraph talks about efficiency, the second about the economy, and the third about reliability.
• g. Yes, it does.

Example 2

• a. par. 1: intro, par. 2-5: body, par. 6: conclusion
• b. "Conversations happen everywhere: work, school, church, stores, dates, and even the gym."
• c. The general topic of the essay is international students overcoming language-related anxiety to actively participate in conversations, focusing on various strategies to boost conversational confidence.
• d. "While it is natural to feel nervous about participating in conversations, international students need to find ways to be more confident in their ability to participate in a conversation."
• e. 1st Body Paragraph: "One solution for students to develop more conversational confidence is to learn about current, relevant news."
  
• 2nd Body Paragraph: "Students can ...  in conversations."                                                                                                3rd Body Paragraph: "Another way ... listening to conversations."                                                                                4th Body Paragraph: "A final way ...  skills and prepare questions."

• g. No, the conclusion paragraph does not explicitly restate the thesis, but it reinforces the main idea that overcoming the fear of conversations is essential for students to build stronger relationships and improve their English skills.

2.2 introduction paragraph

• briefly describes the problem
• background information if needed
• where or when does the problem occur? Who is affected? What can happen if the problem is not solved?
• ends with thesis statement: responds to the problem by presenting various solutions or giving reasons why one solution is the best                                                                                                                                                                                 The best way to solve heavy traffic is by using public transportation because it is more                                       efficient, economical and sustainable.                                                                                                                                 Knowledge and preparation can help international students participate actively in                                               conversations  rather than avoiding them.

2.3 Body

• argumentation for one ideal solution
• or various solutions lined up, 1 in each paragraph

2.4 conclusion

• starts by restating thesis statement
• then discusses problem more generally
• apply the solutions to the context you established in the introduction
• closing statement: solution, prediction, opinion or question

Exercise 1

Example 1: "To solve the problem of noisy roommates, we need better communication and clear rules for shared living spaces."

Think of your own examples in pairs!

exercise 2

Evaluate the outline. Is the thesis statement effective? Are the topic sentences effective? Discuss in small groups!

Exercise 4

• In conclusion, for creating a powerful essay, writers simply need to follow a basic process of planning, drafting, and sharing their work. This straightforward approach not only demystifies the writing process but also ensures that anyone, regardless of their initial uncertainties, can produce a well-structured and successful essay. So, when faced with the blank page, remember that embracing these essential steps will not only simplify the task but also lead to a rewarding and effective writing experience.

Exercise 3