The essay prompt is: Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma–anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
Both of my parents and my brother started smoking in their teens and have regretted it ever since, and not only has it affected them, but it has also affected me too. However, I was worried that maybe this topic is offensive? Perhaps the person reading my essay is a smoker? Is this okay?
That’s an interesting topic. As long as you define the problem and focus on its significance to you and steps or ideas for a solution, it should be fine. You can include discussion of the pros and cons of various possible solutions.
For example, if the problem is teen smoking leading to regrettable outcomes, what can be done to stop teen smoking? Is the focus on under-18 when it is already illegal, or over 18? If laws are not effective to stop teens from smoking, what might be? Cigarette companies are already very restricted in their advertising. So if limiting advertising doesn’t help, what would? Limiting smoking in public places and schools is already being done. What more can be done? How would you address arguments of smokers and cigarette companies who disagree with more restrictions? You should have a plan that takes them into account also.
If you define the problem as the harmful effects of smoking, then that would have a different analysis, with different possible solutions. Would you make cigarettes safer to smoke, by changing the contents?
They really just want to see how you analyze and think about a problem, and what creative ideas you can come up with to solve the problem (or did come up with if it’s something you solved already). Being able to address the arguments of the other side is part of having a good solution. If the reader is a smoker, they may even have regrets themselves, or be dealing with health issues already. Your ideas for solutions might even help them.