IELTS Writing Task 2 problem solution essay
IELTS problem solution essays look straightforward on the surface: describe a problem, then suggest a solution. The Band 6 failure pattern is predictable: the problem is described vaguely, and the solution is a broad policy statement that has no logical connection to the problem just described.
The Band 7 fix is also predictable: identify one specific cause, then propose one specific solution that would address that cause. The solution must feel earned by the problem paragraph -- not pasted in at the end.
What makes a strong problem solution essay
- Problem paragraph identifies a specific cause or mechanism, not just a description.
- Solution paragraph addresses that specific cause with a named actor and action.
- An example shows where the solution has worked or could realistically work.
- Body paragraphs are roughly equal in length and depth.
What drops the problem solution score
- Listing problems: "There is pollution. There is traffic. There is noise."
- Solutions that do not match the problems described.
- Vague solutions: "governments should take action."
- Problem paragraph 200 words, solution paragraph 50 words.
The 4-paragraph structure
Introduction (2-3 sentences)
Paraphrase the topic. Add a sentence previewing your approach: "This essay examines the primary driver of this problem and proposes a targeted solution." Do not introduce solutions yet.
Body paragraph 1 -- problem / cause
Identify one specific problem or its root cause. Explain the mechanism (why does this happen? What is the driving force?). Add a specific illustration of the scale or impact.
Body paragraph 2 -- solution
Propose one or two specific solutions that directly address the cause identified in paragraph 1. Use TEXL: state the solution, explain why it works, give an example, link it back to the problem.
Conclusion (2 sentences)
Briefly restate the problem and the proposed solution. Add a forward-looking comment about expected impact. No new ideas.
Scored sample: Band 6 vs Band 7
Question: "In many cities, the increasing use of private cars has led to serious traffic and pollution problems. What are the main causes of these problems? What solutions can be proposed?"
"There are many reasons why there is a lot of traffic in cities. One reason is that people prefer to drive their own cars. This is because public transport is not good enough. There is also a lot of pollution because of cars. The government should do more. They should build better public transport and tell people to use it. People should also try to use their cars less. This will help the environment."
- Problem identified (cars, pollution) -- but cause is not developed: "public transport is not good enough" is vague.
- Solution is two separate statements with no development: "build better public transport" and "tell people to use it."
- No example, no mechanism, no actor named, no expected outcome specified.
- Vocabulary very basic: "good enough," "do more," "this will help."
"The primary driver of urban traffic congestion is the persistent inadequacy of public transport infrastructure relative to population growth. In many rapidly expanding cities, bus and rail networks have not kept pace with residential development at the urban periphery, leaving commuters with no viable alternative to private vehicles for the journey to work. This dependency is self-reinforcing: as more cars enter the road network, journey times by bus increase, further reducing the attractiveness of public transport and encouraging yet more private car use.
The most effective solution is targeted investment in express transit corridors connecting high-density residential suburbs to city employment centres. Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit system illustrates this approach: by ensuring that no resident is more than 400 metres from a station, the city has achieved a public transport modal share exceeding 60% of daily journeys, directly reducing both congestion and vehicle emissions. Replicating this approach in other growing cities would require significant upfront capital investment, but the long-term reduction in road infrastructure costs and air quality improvement would justify the outlay."
- Problem clearly developed: inadequate infrastructure + population growth + self-reinforcing dependency cycle.
- Solution directly addresses the identified cause: express corridors for residential suburbs.
- Specific real-world example: Singapore MRT with measurable outcome (60% modal share).
- Sophisticated vocabulary: "modal share," "self-reinforcing," "residential periphery," "viable alternative."
Making solutions specific: the who-what-effect test
Apply three questions to any solution before you write it. If you cannot answer all three, the solution is not developed enough.
| Question | Weak version | Strong version |
|---|---|---|
| Who acts? | "Someone should..." | "Local governments / schools / employers / healthcare providers..." |
| What do they do? | "...do more / improve things / take action" | "...introduce subsidized transit passes / mandate energy audits / fund after-school programs" |
| What effect does it have? | "...which will help the situation" | "...which would reduce commute times by 20-30% and lower carbon output from the transport sector" |
Problem-solution vocabulary
| Function | Phrases |
|---|---|
| Identify the problem | "A significant contributing factor is..." / "At the root of this issue lies..." / "The primary driver of this problem is..." |
| Explain the mechanism | "This occurs because..." / "The reason for this is that..." / "This is partly attributable to..." |
| Show scale/impact | "This has resulted in..." / "The consequence is a..." / "As a direct result," |
| Propose a solution | "One effective measure would be..." / "A practical solution is..." / "Governments could address this by..." |
| Show effect of solution | "This would directly reduce..." / "Over time, this could lead to..." / "The expected outcome is..." |
| Give an example | "This is evident in..." / "Cities such as... have demonstrated that..." / "Evidence from... suggests..." |
Next step
FAQ
What is the main goal in a problem solution essay?
The main goal is to identify a specific problem (or its cause), then propose a realistic solution that is logically connected to what you described. The examiner wants to see that your solution actually addresses the problem you defined -- not that you listed every possible policy measure. One well-developed problem and one specific, linked solution scores higher than three vague ones.
Do I need to explain the causes before the solutions?
Not always, but it usually produces a more coherent essay. If you identify a cause in paragraph 1 (e.g., lack of affordable housing is driven by insufficient government investment), your solution in paragraph 2 flows naturally from it (e.g., increase public housing funding). Essays that jump straight to solutions without explaining the problem often lose Task Response marks for incomplete development.
What kind of solutions sound weak in IELTS writing?
Vague, unspecific solutions sound weak: 'the government should do more,' 'people should be more aware,' 'education is the key.' These are conclusions, not solutions. A strong solution names who should act, what specifically they should do, and what effect this would have. Replacing 'the government should do more' with 'local councils could introduce mandatory energy efficiency standards for new builds, which would reduce household carbon emissions within a decade' immediately lifts the score.
Can I write about causes AND effects AND solutions in one essay?
Some problem-solution questions ask specifically about causes and solutions, some ask about problems and solutions, and some ask about effects and solutions. Read the task wording carefully. If the task says 'what are the causes and what solutions can be proposed?' your two body paragraphs cover causes (paragraph 1) and solutions (paragraph 2). Do not try to cover causes, effects, and solutions in one essay -- you will have no space to develop any of them properly.
Should my solutions be individual-level or government-level?
Both are acceptable in IELTS. The key is that the level of solution matches the scale of problem you described. If paragraph 1 describes a societal-scale problem (rising urban pollution), individual-level solutions alone ('people could walk more') will seem inadequate. If your problem is personal-scale ('individuals feel increasingly isolated'), a government policy as your solution may seem disproportionate. Match the scale.
How many solutions should I include in a problem solution essay?
One or two solutions developed fully is better than three or four solutions named briefly. IELTS examiners reward depth over breadth. Use TEXL for your solutions the same way you would for opinion essay reasons: state the solution, explain why it would work, give a specific example of where it has worked or could work, and link it back to the problem.
What is the correct structure for a problem solution essay introduction?
The introduction needs two things: a paraphrase of the topic (not a copy of the question), and a sentence that previews your essay's approach (e.g., 'This essay will examine the primary cause of this problem and propose a practical solution'). You do not need to list your solutions in the introduction -- save those for the body paragraphs.