Assignment 2: Report Introduction (writing a problem-solution paragraph)

  • Pattern of organisation: Problem-solution
  • Topic: ONE of the problems/needs and its solution from the pre-course task
  • Audience: Decision makers (your client, educated but non-expert)
  • Length: 150-200 words + reference list
  • Deadline 1: Bring in a copy (word doc. double-spaced, 5-cm-wide page margins) to class on Tuesday 7.5.24 to get peer feedback on it.
  • Deadline 2: After peer review and suggested revisions, submit the text to this Turnitin submission box by Friday 10.5.24 for teacher feedback.

This text will eventually become the introductory paragraph of a Recommendation report in which you propose a solution to an evident need or problem that has been identified in the current practices, products or services of your client. 

The problem can be a weakness in design, function or implementation. The client who has commissioned this recommendation report can be any potential user of this solution, such as decision makers of a municipality, institution, company representatives or an international organisation. Remember to name the client in your text.

Use the problem-solution template below to effectively structure the introduction to your recommendation report and to clearly orient your reader to its relevance.

The problem-solution pattern of organisation:

1. Situation = wider context and relevance

  • Describe the general importance/relevance of topic. State current context (client description, client practices. Name the client!).

2. Problem = weakness/problem in or a need arising from your current client’s current practices

  • Explain what is lacking/needed/unsatisfactory (“However, …”).

3. Solution

  • Name the proposed solution to overcome the problem.

4. Evaluation

  • Briefly state the main advantage of this solution to justify the recommendation.

Include in-text references and a detailed list of references to sources you have used to find the information (follow the conventions of your field).

Mark the number of words at the end of the text.


Figure 1. Example of a Report Introduction using the problem-solution pattern.

 1. Introduction (238 words)

Fossil fuels, such as gasoline and diesel, have been the most widely used fuels in most vehicles for over a century. However, it has long been known that using fossil fuels is not a sustainable solution, since it is a limited, non-renewable resource and produces emissions that accelerate global warming. These emissions pose a problem for public transport as well. The Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (HRT) is responsible for setting guidelines and regulations for bus operators. Hence, HRT has the power to influence the fuels used by all the buses in the metropolitan area. At present, most of HRT’s buses run on regular petrol diesel. However, the City of Helsinki has set a target of reducing all emissions by 30% before the year 2020, thus necessitating a corresponding reduction in the emissions of public transport. Although HRT has already taken measures to reduce emissions by increasing rail traffic and improving the efficiency of its buses, more still needs to be done in order to meet these stricter emission requirements.

This problem could be overcome by using biofuels, such as biodiesel, to operate HRT’s bus fleet. Since biodiesel is manufactured from renewable natural resources, it would not only reduce Helsinki’s dependence on fossil-based fuels but more importantly would produce 85% less emissions than would fossil fuels. This report evaluates the feasibility of adopting biodiesel as an alternative to regular diesel in all buses operating in the Helsinki metropolitan area.

Note: this example text does not include in-text references to sources, but you are expected to add them to your own text. 














How to send your assignment to Turnitin via MyCourses?

In order to submit your assignment, follow the step-by-step instructions provided in the following site: https://wiki.aalto.fi/display/turnitin/Student+Submissions+in+MyCourses

You can independently check the originality of your own text (i.e., make an independent Turnitin Originality Report) in the following MyCourses workspace: Course: Independent Turnitin Originality Check for Academic Year 2023-2024 (aalto.fi)


For further information about Turnitin and its use, visit the Aalto University Wiki: https://wiki.aalto.fi/display/turnitin/Turnitin+for+Students



Note! Your paper will not be stored in the Turnitin student paper comparison database at this stage. However, the final written assignment of the course (Recommendation Report) will be stored in the Turnitin student paper comparison database, unless you prohibit it. The main purpose of this action is to protect your paper against plagiarism.


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