SPSE Essays – Situation / Problem / Solution / Evaluation

SPSE (situation, problem, solution, evaluation) essays are a common writing structure used at university. The aim of the S-P-S-E essay is to examine a problem and discuss two (or more) possible solutions. You will end with a judgement evaluating the effectiveness of these solutions.

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SPSE Outline and  SPSE Language Phrases

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An Introduction to SPSE

SPSE Structure Example

Problem / Solution Essay Example – Obesity

Consumption of processed and convenience food and our dependence on the car have led to an increase in obesity and reduction in the fitness level of the adult population. In some countries, especially industrialized ones, the number of obese people can amount to one third of the population (WHO, 2015). This is significant as obesity and poor fitness lead to a decrease in life expectancy, and it is therefore important for individuals and governments to work together to tackle this issue and improve their citizens’ overall health.

Obesity and poor fitness decrease life expectancy. Overweight people are more likely to have serious illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease, which can result in premature death (Wilson, 2014). It is well known that regular exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, which means that those with poor fitness levels are at an increased risk of suffering from those problems.

Changes by individuals to their diet and their physical activity can increase life expectancy. There is a reliance today on the consumption of processed foods, which have a high fat and sugar content. According to Peterson (2013), in preparing their own food and consuming more fruit and vegetables, people could ensure that their diets are healthier and more balanced, which could lead to a reduction in obesity levels. However, organising such a change in diet and a reduction of food would need to be controlled by a dietician, which would incur further costs. In order to improve fitness levels, people could choose to walk or cycle to work or to the shops rather than taking the car. They could also choose to walk upstairs instead of taking the lift. These simple changes could lead to a significant improvement in fitness levels.

Governments could also implement initiatives to improve their citizens’ eating and exercise habits. Jones (2011) argues that this could be done through education by making changes to the curriculum to incorporate diet & lifestyle. This could be implemented in high school and could have a preventative effect on the younger generations rather than a cure for the obese older generation. Governments could also do more to encourage their citizens to walk or cycle instead of taking the car, for instance by building more cycle lanes or increasing vehicle taxes. While some might argue that increased taxes are a negative way to solve the problem, Wilson (2014) highlights that it would not be any different from the high taxes imposed on cigarettes to reduce cigarette consumption.

In short, obesity and poor fitness are a significant problem in modern life, leading to lower life expectancy. Individualsand governments can work together to tackle this problem and so improve diet and fitness. Of the solutions suggested, those made by individuals themselves are likely to have more impact, though it is clear that a concerted effort with the government is essential for success. With obesity levels in industrialized and industrializing countries continuing to rise, it is imperative that we take action now to deal with this problem.

​[Updated 2022]

References

• Jones, J. (2011) Educate for obesity. The Educationalist Journal 8 (4). pp34-56
• Peterson, R, J. (2013) Healthier eating creates a healthier world. The New Scientist.76 (6).
• Wilson, C. (2014) Diseases connected to Obesity. Medical Journal. 55 (5). Pp23-56
• World Health Organisation (WHO) (2015) Obesity the epidemic.  [online] Available at: http://www.WHO.uk/obesityguidelines   [Accessed 10 October 2015 ].

Problem / Solution Essay – Obesity ANSWERS

Situation / problem / solution / evaluation

Consumption of processed and convenience foods and our dependence on the car have led to an increase in obesity and reduction in the fitness level of the adult population. In some countries, especially industrialized ones, the number of obese people can amount to one third of the population (WHO, 2015). This is significant as obesity and poor fitness lead to a decrease in life expectancy, and it is therefore important for individuals and governments to work together to tackle this issue and improve their citizens’ overall health.

Obesity and poor fitness decrease life expectancy. Overweight people are more likely to have serious illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease, which can result in premature death (Wilson, 2014). It is well known that regular exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, which means that those with poor fitness levels are at an increased risk of suffering from those problems.

Changes by individuals to their diet and their physical activity can increase life expectancy. There is a reliance today on the consumption of processed foods, which have a high fat and sugar content. According to Peterson (2013), in preparing their own foods, and consuming more fruit and vegetables, people could ensure that their diets are healthier and more balanced, which could lead to a reduction in obesity levels. However, organising such a change in diet and a reduction of food would need to be controlled by a dietician expert, which would incur further costs. In order to improve fitness levels, people could choose to walk or cycle to work or to the shops rather than taking the car. They could also choose to walk upstairs instead of taking the lift. These simple changes could lead to a significant improvement in fitness levels.

Governments could also implement initiatives to improve their citizens’ eating and exercise habits. Jones (2011) argues that this could be done through education by making changes to the curriculum to incorporate diet & lifestyle. This could be implemented in high school and could have a preventative effect on the younger generations rather than a cure for the obese older generation. Governments could also do more to encourage their citizens to walk or cycle instead of taking the car, for instance by building more cycle lanes or increasing vehicle taxes. While some might argue that increased taxes are a negative way to solve the problem, Wilson (2014) highlights that it would not be any different from the high taxes imposed on cigarettes to reduce cigarette consumption.

In short, obesity and poor fitness are a significant problem in modern life, leading to lower life expectancy. Individuals and governments can work together to tackle this problem and so improve diet and fitness. Of the solutions suggested, those made by individuals themselves are likely to have more impact, though it is clear that a concerted effort with the government is essential for success. With obesity levels in industrialized and industrializing countries continuing to rise, it is essential that we take action now to deal with this problem.

[Updated 2020]

Obesity

 S.P.S.E – Writing & Reading Lessons 

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Shanty Towns

Oil and Gas

Wind Energy

 S.P.S.E – Academic Reading & Writing Lessons

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Situation Problem Solution Evaluation  [S.P.S.E]

SPSE (Situation, Problem, Solution, Evaluation) essays are a common writing structure used at university. The aim of the S-P-S-E essay is to examine a problem and discuss two (or more) possible solutions. It finishes with a judgement evaluating the effectiveness of these solutions.

Lessons

• These lessons consist of 3 or 4 academic texts based on engineering topics but are general interest too.
• Students read the texts and identify the problems, solutions, evaluation. 
• N.B. Texts are not structured in SPSE format – each text can contain all SPSE key points.
• Then write a 400-600 word essay based on these key points. 
• All lessons include texts, teacher’s notes, outline plans, and model answer.

Go here for the basic information on SPSE structures, SPSE outline plans, SPSE language and a free lesson.

Burj Khalifa

3 Texts: 1) The construction of Burj Khalifa. 2) Whether it was a success in terms of a criterion called the ‘Iron Triangle’. 3) The project plan and oversights.

Nuclear Power – Hinkley Point C

4 Texts: 1) The reasons why the UK is investing in nuclear power. 2) Problems with the construction company and nuclear reactor technology. 3) Reducing emissions and improving economic investment. 4) Controversial issues with nuclear power.

Fracking – Shale Gas Extraction

3 Texts: 1) What is Fracking? 2) Problems with the disposal of fracking waste water. 3) A possible solution using modern technology.

Situation, Problem, Solution, Evaluation (SPSE) PDF Book

7 Lessons: Obesity / Shanty towns / Oil and gas / Wind energy / Burj Khalifa / Fracking / Nuclear Power

SPSE Titles: Write an SPSE essay

Look at these topics and think of 2 problems / 2 solutions to these problems and evaluate whether the solution will be effective. Write 250 words and use sources where possible.

1. Plagiarism at university
2. Artificial intelligence
3. Global Migration
4. Climate Change
5. Terrorism
6. Unemployment
7. Cyber crime
8. Depression
9. Food security
10. Discrimination
11. Gender inequality
12. Off-shore banking
13. Debt
14. Superstar Companies
15. Homlessness
16. Brexit
17. COVID-19
18. Traffic Congestion
19. Poverty
20. Racism

More Writing Resources 

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