What are some good problem-solution essay topics for college applications or assignments?

Choosing a problem-solution essay topic is all about focusing on something with a specific angle or a unique personal connection. You're right that climate change can easily become broad or generic unless you approach it from a fresh, narrow perspective.

One approach is to look at problems that directly impact your daily life or local community. For example, try focusing on issues at your own high school: maybe your school struggles with food waste in the cafeteria. You could write about a solution like implementing a student-run composting initiative or arranging for leftover food to be donated. This type of hands-on idea not only feels more authentic but also shows that you’re observant and proactive.

Another place to find interesting topics is by thinking about challenges that are unique to your personal experience. For instance, you may be involved in a club that offers tutoring. A potential essay topic could describe how you partnered older students with younger ones for homework help.

If you want your essay to really stand out, pick a problem that most people overlook. For example, if you’re passionate about reading, you could discuss the decline of local libraries and your campaign to reinvigorate teen programs or host pop-up library days at local parks. Or, say you noticed students were consistently late due to unreliable buses—maybe you worked to survey your peers and presented a case for route improvements to school administrators.

The key is to focus on a specific issue and show you’ve thought about actionable solutions, even if they’re small. It’s much more engaging to read an essay about a student who solved the problem of unrepresentative student council elections by digitizing the voting process, for example, than to rehash a commonly-discussed topic in abstract terms.

Finally, try to make your problem and solution connect to who you are. For example, if you’re passionate about art, maybe you started a mural project to address graffiti in your neighborhood. The more personal and local, the more memorable your essay will be for readers.

In short: Be specific, find a personal angle, and choose a problem you’re genuinely invested in. This approach will help your essay feel both fresh and meaningful.