Problem-Solution
Movement Pattern
Problem→Solution
Definition
The most basic persuasive structure: identify a problem that the audience recognizes and cares about, then present a solution. The problem section creates urgency; the solution section provides relief.
Examples
Example 1
"Traffic congestion in the city center has increased commute times by 40% and costs businesses $2M annually. A congestion pricing zone, modeled on London's successful program, would reduce traffic by 30% while funding transit improvements."
Urban policy proposal — the problem creates urgency, the solution provides relief
Example 2
"Healthcare providers waste 30% of their time on paperwork. Our AI scribe listens to patient visits and generates notes automatically, giving doctors two extra hours per day."
Business pitch — problem-solution compressed into an elevator pitch
Example 3
"Teacher burnout is driving a nationwide shortage: 300,000 unfilled positions this year. A federal loan forgiveness program tied to five years of service in high-need schools would recruit 200,000 new teachers within three years."
Education policy — quantified problem meets quantified solution
AI Detection Note
Problem-solution is the second most common AI structure after deductive argument. AI tends to produce neat, symmetrical problem-solution pairs where the solution perfectly addresses every dimension of the problem — real solutions are usually messier.
See how your writing maps onto this structure
Analyze Your Text