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IELTS Writing Task 2 Problem and solution essays

A problem and solution question describes something going wrong and asks two linked things: why it happens, or what problems it causes, and what can be done. A solution only makes sense as an answer to a cause or a problem you have already explained.

  1. 1

    The two halves are a pair. A solution that does not answer a cause or problem you named leaves the reader asking how the second half follows.

  2. 2

    Causes and problems are not the same. Causes explain why the situation exists. Problems describe what it leads to. Stay with the noun in the instruction.

  3. 3

    Name who acts. A measure needs an actor and a method. “People should be more aware” is a wish, not a solution.

This guide covers

  • How to spot it
  • Paragraph plan
  • Common mistakes
  • 3 original practice questions
WRITING TASK 2What are the causes of thisproblem, and what solutionscan you suggest?a cause,then a solution

How to spot it

Read the instruction line

3 wordings signal this type. Check for the look-alike before you plan.

  • 1Classic pair

    “What are the causes of this problem, and what solutions can you suggest?”

    Causes and solutions can sit in one sentence or two. Either way it is one task.

  • 2

    “What problems does this cause? What measures could be taken?”

    Here you explain consequences rather than causes, then measures that reduce them. Causes and problems are not the same thing.

  • 3

    “Why is this happening? What can be done to solve it?”

    “Why” asks for causes. “What can be done” or “how can … be tackled” asks for solutions.

Paragraph plan

Recommended structure

Four paragraphs, one job each.

Structure only — you supply the arguments
  1. 1

    Introduction

    Paraphrase the situation. Say you will look at one main cause or problem, then at a solution that answers it.

  2. 2

    Body paragraph 1

    One cause or one problem. Explain why it happens and give one example. Do not offer the solution yet.

  3. 3

    Body paragraph 2

    One solution aimed at that cause. Explain how it would work and who would carry it out, with an example.

  4. 4

    Conclusion

    Summarise the cause and the solution in one or two sentences. Do not add a new problem.

Structure notes

  • Keep the cause and the solution in separate paragraphs, and start the solution by pointing back to that cause.

  • Two causes need two matching solutions, in the same order, so the reader can follow the line from one to the other.

  • Say who would carry out the solution — a government, employers, schools, individuals — and how. “People should be more aware” is a wish, not a measure.

Planning and final check

Plan first, check last

Before you write

Planning in the first few minutes

  1. 1

    Two columns: cause, then solution

    Fill the left column first. Cross out anything on the right that has no partner on the left.

  2. 2

    Check causes against problems

    Causes explain why the situation exists. Problems describe what it leads to. The wrong noun answers a nearby question.

  3. 3

    Ask who pays and who acts

    If you cannot answer both, the solution is too vague for a full paragraph.

Before you finish

Final check

Common mistakes

Do and don't

The 5 mistakes that keep problem and solution essays below their potential, each with the fix.

  1. 1

    Don’t

    Solutions that answer nothing

    A cause about long commuting times and a solution about diet do not connect.

    Do

    Name the cause the solution addresses

    Every solution should point back to something you have already explained.

  2. 2

    Don’t

    Confusing causes with problems

    A question about why waste is rising wants reasons, not the damage waste does.

    Do

    Stay with the noun in the instruction

    Causes and problems are different halves. Read which one you were given.

  3. 3

    Don’t

    Vague measures

    “The government should do something” and “people need to change” cannot be developed.

    Do

    Name a policy, who would run it, and how

    Say how the measure would change behaviour.

  4. 4

    Don’t

    Too many causes

    Five causes leave no room to explain any of them or to match solutions.

    Do

    One or two causes, each with a solution

    Fewer pairs leave room for a clearer, deeper essay.

  5. 5

    Don’t

    An opinion that was not asked for

    A paragraph on whether the situation is good or bad uses space the solution needs, unless the instruction asks for a judgement.

    Do

    Spend that space on the solution

    You can still say in the conclusion which measure would help most.

A teaching paragraph

One paragraph, marked up

A teaching illustration of one paragraph — not a model essay and not a Grade Report.

The question

Problem and solution

In many countries, young people are increasingly reluctant to train as nurses. Why is this happening, and what can be done to solve the problem?

Solution paragraph, answering a cause about long unpaid placements

The most direct response to this cause (note 1) would be to pay student nurses for the hospital placements that make up much of their training. At present, many trainees work full shifts for weeks at a time while also covering their own rent and travel, which effectively excludes anyone without family support. A government could fund a placement wage through the health budget (note 2), set at the same hourly rate as a healthcare assistant, so that training no longer meant a period without income. Several hospitals that already offer such payments report that students are less likely to leave the course (note 3), which suggests the measure would widen the pool of applicants as well as keeping them.

Practice

Practice questions

Original questions written for Band7. Start writing carries the question into the checker.

  • Problem and solutionOriginal practice question

    In many cities, small independent shops are closing at a faster rate than ever before. What are the causes of this, and what solutions can you suggest?

    Start writing
  • Problem and solutionOriginal practice question

    A large number of adults say they rarely have time to read books. Why is this the case? What measures could be taken to encourage more reading?

    Start writing
  • Problem and solutionOriginal practice question

    Many popular hiking areas are suffering from erosion and litter as visitor numbers grow. What problems does this cause, and what can be done to address them?

    Start writing

FAQ

Questions about problem and solution essays

Either can work. One cause with one matching solution leaves more room for development. Two causes need two matching solutions, so plan carefully if you choose that route.

Not unless the instruction asks. It is reasonable to say in the conclusion which solution you think would be most effective, but no separate opinion paragraph is needed.

They can if you use two pairs, one per body paragraph. With a single pair, separate paragraphs for the cause and the solution are usually clearer.

No. It explains the question type. The Task 2 checker returns a practice Estimated Band for an essay you write, which is not an official IELTS score.

Write a full problem and solution essay

Choose a practice question above or bring your own. The checker keeps it in this browser while you sign up. Aim for Band 7+; the Grade Report is a practice estimate.

Task 2 checker