Text Structure: Problem and Solution

Recognize text that describes a problem and one or more ways to solve it.

A problem-and-solution structure first describes a problem, then explains one or more ways it was or could be solved. Signal words include problem, issue, challenge, solution, solve, one answer is, and to fix this. Read: 'Many bees are disappearing, and this is a problem because bees help plants make fruit. One solution is to plant flowers that bees like.

Another is to use fewer chemicals that harm insects. ' The problem is disappearing bees, with the reason it matters. The solutions are planting flowers and using fewer chemicals. When you read this structure, ask: What is the problem? Why does it matter? What solutions are offered, and would they work?

• 1First a problem, then one or more solutions.
• 2Signals: problem, challenge, solution, to fix this.
• 3Ask: Why does it matter, and would the solutions work?