Write a thesis statement. The thesis should identify the problem and mention the need for a solution to the problem, but according to Professor Dramirez of Portland Community College, the thesis should not say what the solution is.
Write an introduction that presents the problem and any background history of that problem. Then write a paragraph that presents the thesis.
Explain the cause of the problem in the next paragraph, and then the effect of that problem. Next, present a solution to the problem. Be sure to explain how the solution could be effective as well as how it might fail.
Write about other potential solutions to the problem, as well as any other relevant causes or effects. If the problem is based on a real-life experience, try to describe all the events that took place, and the solutions you tried to solve the problem as well as whether or not they worked.
Conclude the essay with the solution that is likely to work well for the most people. Note any lessons you learned from having to solve the problem, and what you can do to avoid the problem in the future.