IELTS Problem and Solution Essay (Causes and Solutions)
This type asks you to diagnose and then prescribe. The structure is simple; what separates a band 6 from a band 7 is whether the solutions actually address the causes you raised, and whether they are specific enough to picture someone carrying them out.
How to recognise it
Identifying the type before you plan is what decides your structure. Look for wording like this:
- What problems does this cause and what solutions can you suggest?
- Why is this happening and what measures could be taken?
- What are the causes and what can be done about it?
Solutions must match the causes you gave
The commonest structural failure is an essay that identifies two causes and then proposes two unrelated measures. If you name traffic and poor public transport as causes, your solutions must address traffic and public transport — not recycling and education. Plan the pairs before you write.
How to structure the answer
- 1
Introduction
Paraphrase the problem and signal that you will cover both causes and measures.
- 2
Body 1 — causes or problems
One or two causes, explained properly. Two developed causes beat a list of five.
- 3
Body 2 — solutions
A measure for each cause, in the same order, each with an agent — who does it, and what changes as a result.
- 4
Conclusion
Restate the main cause and the measure you consider most effective.
Language for problem and solution essays
Phrases that do the specific work this question type needs.
- Naming causes
- stems largely fromis chiefly attributable toThe root of the problem lies in
- Describing effects
- As a consequenceThis inevitably leads toThe knock-on effect of this is
- Proposing measures
- One effective measure would be toGovernments could address this byA more practical step would be for employers to
- Predicting the result
- This would reduceSuch a policy would encourageIf implemented, this could
Mistakes that cost marks
- Solutions that do not address the causes you raised.
- Pair them before writing. Cause one gets solution one, cause two gets solution two.
- Vague measures like 'people should be more aware'.
- Give the measure an agent and a mechanism: who acts, what they do, and what changes.
- Listing five problems and running out of words for solutions.
- Two causes and two solutions, properly developed, is the right shape for 250 words.
- Answering only the causes when the question also asked for solutions.
- Both halves are part of the task. Missing one caps Task Response.
- Describing effects when the question asked for causes.
- Causes come before the problem, effects come after. Check which one the prompt wants.
Problem and Solution Essays: practice questions
4 questions of this type from our bank. Give yourself 40 minutes and at least 250 words for each.
Many offenders commit more crimes after serving their first punishment.
Why is this happening and what measures can be taken to tackle this problem?
Many offenders commit more crimes after serving their first prison sentence.
Why is this happening and what measures can be taken to tackle this problem?
Art is considered an essential part of all cultures throughout the world. However, these days fewer and fewer people appreciate art and turn their focus to science, technology and business.
Why do you think that is?
What could be done to encourage more people to take interest in the arts?
Nowadays, more and more younger people need to compete with older people for the same jobs.
What problems does this cause? What would you suggest as a solution?
Every Task 2 question carries the same instruction: Write about the following topic. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Find out what your essay would score
Task Response is where this question type is won or lost, and it is the hardest criterion to judge in your own writing. Paste an answer in and get a band for all four, with the corrections that would raise it.