jacob
Assignment 1 Example — Jacob
Jacob is 15 years old, Korean-Canadian, and lives in Toronto.
My Problem
Students in my neighbourhood who need academic help after school don't have access to affordable tutoring or structured study support.
5W1H Analysis
What is the problem?
Many students in my neighbourhood struggle with their schoolwork but cannot get the help they need after school. Private tutoring is very expensive, and there are no free or low-cost structured programs nearby. As a result, students fall further behind in subjects like math and science, which affects their grades and confidence.
Who is affected?
The problem mainly affects students in grades 6–10 (ages 11–16) from working-class and immigrant families in my neighbourhood in Toronto's east end. Their parents are also affected — many of them work multiple jobs and don't have time or the subject-matter knowledge to help with homework. Teachers are indirectly affected too, since students arrive to class unprepared.
Why does the problem exist?
Private tutoring can cost $50–$100 per hour, which is simply unaffordable for many families. Community centres in the area don't offer consistent academic support programs. The school system provides some help during school hours, but there are no structured after-school programs that focus specifically on academic tutoring. Many parents don't know what resources exist or how to access them.
Where does the problem happen?
This problem occurs in the Scarborough area of Toronto, particularly in apartment-dense neighbourhoods where many lower-income and newcomer families live. It happens at home — where students try to do homework without support — and at school, where teachers notice students are struggling.
When does the problem occur?
The problem is felt most strongly during the school year, especially around exam periods (November, January, April, June). It's also particularly acute for students who are transitioning into high school, where the academic workload increases significantly.
How does it affect people?
Students who don't get academic support fall behind, feel frustrated, and start to believe they're not smart — when really they just need help. This can lead to disengagement from school and lower graduation rates. For parents, it causes stress and guilt. The cycle of falling behind is hard to break without intervention, and it can affect a student's entire future academic trajectory.