Organize your ideas clearly
🎯 Discourse & StructureWhen you want someone to understand why something matters, simply stating facts isn't enough. You need to show them the PROBLEM first, then offer the SOLUTION.
❌ Just State It
"We should use renewable energy."
Result: Listener doesn't understand WHY.
✓ Use Problem-Solution
"Fossil fuels are causing climate change. If we switch to renewable energy, we can reduce emissions."
Result: Clear logic and persuasion!
🔴 THE PROBLEM
Something is wrong or causing difficulty
🟢 THE SOLUTION
Here's how to fix it or what to do about it
Today you'll learn: The language of problem-solution that makes your arguments stronger and more convincing.
Use these frameworks to structure your arguments:
Examples:
• "The problem is that we're producing too much plastic waste."
• "The problem is that students often lack practical experience."
Say: "The problem is that..." (identify a real problem you care about)
Examples:
• "This leads to higher costs for consumers."
• "This leads to mental health issues among young people."
Complete: "The problem is obesity. This leads to..."
Examples:
• "One solution would be to introduce renewable energy subsidies."
• "One solution would be better teacher training programs."
Say: "One solution would be..." (for the problem you mentioned earlier)
Examples:
• "This could be addressed by implementing stricter regulations."
• "This could be addressed by increasing funding for education."
Use this phrase to suggest fixing a workplace problem
Examples:
• "If we invest in public transport, then traffic congestion will decrease."
• "If we teach digital skills from primary school, then young people will be more competitive."
Complete: "If we reduce social media use, then..."
For each problem, build the complete argument:
Build your argument:
Start: "The problem is that..." → Explain consequence → Offer a solution → Show the result
Practice out loud. Use at least 3 of the 5 phrases.
💡 Example flow: "The problem is that air pollution is getting worse. This leads to health problems. One solution would be to encourage electric vehicles. If we make charging stations more available, then..."
Build your argument:
Start: "The problem is..." → Show impact → Propose solution → Explain outcome
Practice out loud. Try a different set of phrases.
💡 Consider: consequences, who it affects, multiple solutions possible
Build your argument:
This time, build the entire argument independently
Practice out loud. Can you make it persuasive?
💡 Think about: isolation, communication, work-life balance
Pick one issue you care about and develop a full problem-solution argument. Speak for the full time without stopping.
💼 Work/Study:
• Poor work-life balance
• Lack of skills training
• Outdated technology
🌍 Environment/Society:
• Climate change
• Lack of green spaces
• Food waste
Your Task:
Speak for 3 minutes. Include:
✓ "The problem is that..."
✓ "This leads to..."
✓ A proposed solution
✓ "If we [solution], then [result]"
Goal: Speak continuously and develop your argument fully.
Connect these skills to problem-solution structure!
"The advantage of this is..." (what's good about a solution)
"The disadvantage is..." (what's bad about a problem or solution)
Perfect for adding depth to your problem-solution arguments!
"Because... therefore..."
Example: "Because pollution exists, therefore we need solutions."
This naturally connects to problem-solution: the cause is the PROBLEM, the effect is why the SOLUTION matters.
"I see your point, but..." / "That's true, however..."
Use these when someone proposes a different solution to the same problem.
Someone says: "Climate change is just a natural cycle, not a problem we need to solve."
Use: Problem-Solution + Cause-Effect + Disagreement Management
How would you respond? Speak for 1-2 minutes.
Hint: You could acknowledge their view, present the problem, show consequences, propose solutions...
I can structure persuasive arguments using problem-solution framework
How confident do you feel?
1 = Need more practice | 5 = I've got this!
✓ "The problem is that..." - Start your argument
✓ "This leads to..." - Show consequences
✓ "One solution would be..." - Propose an answer
✓ "This could be addressed by..." - More formal option
✓ "If we [solution], then [result]" - Show the impact
Find one article or video about a current issue. Practice explaining the problem and solution out loud using these new structures. Record yourself if possible!