IELTS Writing Task 2: Problem and Solution Essays
This lesson tests your ability to identify one or more problems in a given situation and propose realistic, well-explained solutions in a clearly structured Task 2 essay.
What this question looks like
Problem and solution questions give you a situation, such as rising traffic or declining reading habits, and ask you to explain its causes or problems and suggest ways to address them. Some versions ask only for problems and solutions, while others also ask for your opinion on the best solution. You write a four-paragraph essay of at least 250 words in 40 minutes, typically pairing each problem with a matching solution rather than treating the two as separate unrelated lists.
Step-by-step approach
- 1Read the question carefully to identify whether it asks you to (a) discuss problems AND solutions, (b) discuss only causes/problems, or (c) focus mainly on solutions. This changes your essay structure.
- 2Brainstorm 2 problems and 2 matching solutions before writing. Choose problems that clearly connect to a realistic solution; avoid vague problems you cannot solve convincingly in one sentence.
- 3Plan four paragraphs: introduction (paraphrase + outline), body 1 (problems, explained with causes/effects), body 2 (solutions, matched directly to the problems above), conclusion (summarise and give an opinion if asked).
- 4Link each solution explicitly back to the problem it fixes using phrases like 'To tackle this issue...' or 'This problem could be addressed by...', rather than listing solutions that feel disconnected.
- 5Use conditional structures (if governments invested more, congestion would ease) to show consequence of your solutions, which strengthens Task Response and grammatical range.
- 6Check whether the question asks for your opinion on the solutions; if so, add a clear stance in the introduction and conclusion, not just a neutral list.
Worked example
Traffic congestion is becoming a serious problem in many major cities. What are the causes of this problem and what measures could be taken to solve it?
In many of the world's largest cities, traffic congestion has become a daily frustration for commuters. This essay will examine why this happens and suggest some practical measures that could ease the problem. One major cause of congestion is the sheer number of private cars on the road. As incomes rise, more people can afford their own vehicle, and many prefer the comfort and flexibility of driving over relying on buses or trains. A second cause is poor urban planning; in cities that developed rapidly without long-term transport strategies, road networks are often too narrow or poorly connected to cope with current demand, so even a minor accident can cause hours of delay. Fortunately, several measures could reduce this problem. Firstly, governments could invest heavily in public transport, building more metro lines and dedicating bus lanes so that journeys by bus or train become faster and more convenient than driving. If commuters felt confident that public transport was reliable, many would willingly leave their cars at home. Secondly, cities could introduce congestion charges for vehicles entering busy central areas during peak hours, as London has done. This would discourage unnecessary car trips and generate revenue that could be reinvested in transport infrastructure. Finally, encouraging remote working and flexible office hours would spread journeys more evenly across the day rather than concentrating them in two short rush-hour periods. In conclusion, traffic congestion is largely driven by rising car ownership and inadequate planning, but it is not an unsolvable problem. Through better public transport, financial disincentives for driving, and more flexible working patterns, cities could significantly reduce the pressure on their roads.
This answer directly matches two clear causes to three clear, distinct solutions, rather than offering a vague general list. Each body paragraph has one topic, a specific example (London's congestion charge) and an explained consequence, which satisfies Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion. The conclusion restates the causes and solutions without repeating sentences word for word, showing genuine summarising ability.
Try it yourself
Write a full four-paragraph problem and solution essay of 250-290 words for the prompt below. Give at least two problems and two solutions, and link each solution clearly to the problem it addresses.
In many countries, young people are increasingly choosing not to read books for pleasure. What are the reasons for this, and what can be done to encourage more reading among young people?
Common mistakes
- !Listing several problems and several solutions that do not clearly match each other, so the examiner cannot see which solution fixes which problem.
- !Writing only about problems (or only about solutions) when the question asks for both, which weakens Task Response significantly.
- !Giving solutions that are unrealistic or too vague, such as 'the government should fix it', without any explanation of how or why it would work.
- !Forgetting to state a personal opinion when the question explicitly asks 'What do you think is the best solution?' alongside the problem/solution discussion.
- !Spending too long on causes and rushing the solutions paragraph, leaving it underdeveloped compared to the problems paragraph.
Quick quiz
1. A question asks: 'What problems does this cause, and what solutions can you suggest?' What is the safest essay structure?
2. Which sentence best links a solution directly to a stated problem?
3. Why is it risky to propose a solution like 'people should just be more responsible'?
4. If the prompt says 'What are the causes of this problem and how can it be solved?', what should you check before writing your conclusion?
Practise this in a real IELTS test
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Take a free Writing testIELTS Writing Task 2: Problem and Solution Essays — FAQ
Do I always need to give my own opinion in a problem and solution essay?
Only if the question specifically asks for it, for example 'What do you think is the best solution?' or 'To what extent do you agree?'. If the question simply asks for problems and solutions without asking your view, a balanced discussion without a strong personal opinion is perfectly acceptable and scores well on Task Response.
How many problems and solutions should I include?
Two clearly explained problems and two clearly explained solutions are usually enough for a well-developed 250-290 word essay. Trying to fit in four or five of each often means each one gets only a single rushed sentence, which weakens the depth examiners are looking for.
Should problems and solutions go in the same paragraph or separate paragraphs?
Separate paragraphs, one for problems and one for solutions, are generally clearer and easier for an examiner to follow, especially if you have two or more of each. Just make sure your solutions paragraph explicitly refers back to the specific problems you raised, rather than reading as a disconnected list.