Problem-Solving Task

Students discuss a problem, evaluate possible solutions, and prepare a recommendation or proposal — combining listing, comparing, and decision-making into a rich task sequence.

Procedure

1. Prime: Introduce the problem (teacher talk, image, or short text like a problem-page letter). Explore causes and effects with the class.
2. Individual thinking: 2 minutes of silent thought before any discussion.
3. Pair sharing: Compare initial ideas (5 min) — pyramid progression keeps every student engaged.
4. Group task: Small groups list 2–3 possible solutions, compare them, and reach consensus on the best one (15 min).
5. Prepare: Groups draft a proposal justifying their chosen solution.
6. Report: Each group presents their recommendation and reasoning to the class.
7. Write: Students write up their proposal individually (can be homework), then peer-edit.
8. Focus on form: Use any source texts or recordings for language analysis.

Six Outcome Types

The required outcome shapes the language generated. Worksheets should specify which type:

1. Suggest — generate a list of solutions.
2. Choose — select the best option from alternatives.
3. Rank — order items by given criteria.
4. Decide — make a yes/no decision.
5. Locate — place items on a map or timeline.
6. Arrange — organise items to meet requirements.

Example Scenarios

• Social issues: Neighbour's noisy cat; parking problems; littering; advice for "worried parents" (problem-page letter format).
• Civic: How to improve public transport in your city; what to include in an earthquake emergency kit.
• Survival: Desert island — choose 5 items from 15 to survive.
• Budget: Plan a class trip for $2,500 — allocate funds across transport, food, activities.
• Workplace: Distribute limited staff across three competing projects.
• Event planning: Organise a class party / school fair / weekend trip within real-world constraints.

Tips

• Break complex problems into mini-tasks (list effects → rank severity → list solutions → evaluate criteria → draft proposal).
• Choose problems with multiple valid solutions to generate genuine debate.
• Practical, down-to-earth problems generate less language than complex social issues — choose based on your students' level.
• Embed ~10 target vocabulary words naturally in the worksheet text (150–300 words total).
• Avoid numbering items on the worksheet — force learners to use descriptive language to refer to options.
• Assign roles in larger groups (facilitator, timekeeper, note-taker, presenter) to ensure participation.
• Give preparation time before discussion — students who have thought about the problem beforehand contribute more.
• If the problem is a real local issue, the best proposals can be sent to the newspaper or council.