In the essay "Sharing Tradition," Frank LaPena discusses several major problems related to maintaining the oral tradition. These problems are used to structure the essay, as they are addressed in different sections of the essay and help to build the overall argument for the importance of preserving the oral tradition. The four major problems that LaPena develops with regard to maintaining the oral tradition are:

1. The passing on of knowledge and responsibilities from elders to younger members of the community: LaPena discusses the importance of elders in preserving the oral tradition and the challenges that can arise when they pass away, and their knowledge and responsibilities must be assumed by others.
2. The separation between generations and the impact of new technologies: LaPena notes that each generation is faced with new technologies that can replace the old, and that this can impact the ability to maintain traditions. He also discusses the impact of growing populations on the natural world and the importance of preserving the natural world as part of the oral tradition.
3. The difficulties of maintaining traditions in modern society: LaPena discusses the challenges of maintaining traditions in a world that is constantly changing and facing new stresses and worries. He notes that it can be difficult to live with all the stress and change that modern technology imposes on people, and that it can be hard to maintain traditions in such circumstances.
4. The impact of modern education and research on the accuracy of oral tradition: LaPena discusses the way in which modern education and research can impact the accuracy of oral tradition, and the importance of preserving the true stories and traditions of a community.

These four major problems are used to structure the essay, as they are addressed in different sections of the essay and help to build the overall argument for the importance of preserving the oral tradition.