🧩 IELTS Writing Task 2: Problem and Solution Essay Questions

In the IELTS Writing Task 2, one of the most frequent question types is the Problem and Solution essay. This task evaluates your ability to identify key issues related to a given topic and offer logical, well-developed solutions. It requires critical thinking, the ability to organize ideas, and the use of a formal academic writing style.

This guide covers everything you need to succeed in this task type, including:

• ✔️ Understanding the question format
• ✔️ How to plan and structure your essay
• ✔️ Vocabulary and linking phrases for higher scores
• ✔️ Model band 9 essay and sample topics
• ✔️ Common mistakes to avoid

🔍 What is a Problem and Solution Essay?

This type of question presents a real-world issue and asks you to describe the problem(s) and suggest one or more solutions. The wording of the prompt may vary, but the core structure is the same: identify a problem, explain it, and provide solutions.

Example prompts include:

• “Nowadays many people face the problem of obesity. What are the causes of this problem, and what measures can be taken to solve it?”
• “In many cities, air pollution has become a serious issue. What are the causes, and how can it be resolved?”

The examiner expects you to logically analyze the issue and present solutions that are realistic, relevant, and well-supported.

🧭 Planning Your Problem and Solution Essay

Before writing, take 3–5 minutes to brainstorm and outline your ideas. Think about:

• What is the main problem or issue?
• What causes this problem?
• What are possible consequences?
• What are one or two practical solutions?
• How can these solutions be implemented?

Be sure to focus on clarity and relevance. Avoid vague or unrealistic solutions.

📐 Essay Structure

Use a clear, four-paragraph structure that flows logically from the problem to the solution:

🟦 Introduction

• Paraphrase the question
• Briefly state what the problem is and that the essay will offer solutions

🟦 Body Paragraph 1 – Describe the Problem

• Identify the key issue clearly
• Explain the causes and impact
• Use real-world examples where possible

🟦 Body Paragraph 2 – Suggest Solutions

• Present 1–2 viable solutions
• Explain how these will address the problem
• Discuss implementation and feasibility

🟦 Conclusion

• Summarize the main ideas
• Reinforce the importance of addressing the issue

🧠 Strong Sample Essay

Question: “Traffic congestion in major cities is becoming a serious problem. What are the causes of this issue and what solutions can you suggest?”

Introduction

Urban traffic congestion has become an increasingly serious problem in metropolitan areas around the world. This essay will discuss the main causes of this issue and suggest practical solutions to tackle it effectively.

Body Paragraph 1 – Problem

The primary cause of traffic congestion is the exponential growth in the number of privately owned vehicles. As populations rise and car ownership becomes more accessible, the number of cars on city roads has surged, often exceeding the capacity of available infrastructure. Additionally, poor urban planning and insufficient investment in public transportation systems have further contributed to the problem. For example, in cities like Jakarta and Manila, outdated traffic systems and a lack of efficient mass transit options have led to daily gridlock that severely affects productivity and quality of life.

Body Paragraph 2 – Solutions

To combat this issue, governments must invest in expanding and modernizing public transport networks. By offering affordable, fast, and reliable alternatives to car travel, authorities can encourage citizens to switch from private to public modes of transport. Moreover, implementing congestion pricing — charging vehicles to enter high-traffic zones during peak hours — has proven effective in cities like London and Singapore, significantly reducing inner-city traffic. Urban planning must also prioritize cycling lanes, pedestrian zones, and carpooling incentives to further discourage the overuse of personal cars.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while traffic congestion is a multifaceted issue caused by increased car ownership and inadequate infrastructure, it can be mitigated through strategic investment in public transportation and the implementation of smart traffic management policies.

📘 Useful Vocabulary for Problem and Solution Essays

• The main problem is...
• This issue stems from...
• A significant cause of this is...
• One viable solution is to...
• This could be achieved by...
• In order to address this issue...
• These measures would likely lead to...

🛠️ Tips for Scoring Band 8 or Higher

• 📌 Address all parts of the task (problem + solution)
• 📌 Stay focused — avoid going off-topic or over-explaining obvious points
• 📌 Use formal academic language and precise vocabulary
• 📌 Maintain paragraph balance (each should have a clear focus)
• 📌 Avoid repetition — vary your sentence structures and word choices
• 📌 Use linking words and phrases to improve coherence (e.g., "Consequently", "In contrast")

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Proposing unrealistic or vague solutions
• ❌ Writing only about the problem and ignoring solutions
• ❌ Failing to provide examples or explanations
• ❌ Using informal language or contractions
• ❌ Not clearly organizing the essay into logical sections

🧪 Practice Topics for Problem and Solution Essays

• Unemployment among young people is a growing concern. What problems does this cause and what can be done about it?
• Plastic pollution has become one of the major environmental issues. What are the causes and possible solutions?
• Many cities are facing housing shortages. What are the reasons, and how can governments deal with this?
• Cyberbullying is on the rise among teenagers. What problems does it create, and how can it be prevented?
• Some students drop out of school before finishing their education. What problems does this create for society and how can we fix it?

Practicing with such questions and analyzing model answers will strengthen your ability to think critically, develop ideas clearly, and write essays that are well-organized and convincing.

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