Problem and solution essays are a common question type in IELTS Writing Task 2. You will be presented with a problem — often a social or environmental issue — and asked to explain its causes and suggest solutions. These essays test your ability to analyse an issue and propose practical remedies.
In this guide, I will show you how to structure a problem and solution essay and provide a complete Band 9 sample answer.
Understanding the Question
Problem and solution questions typically look like this:
“In many countries, people are not getting enough physical exercise. What are the causes of this problem and what measures could be taken to address it?”
Or:
“Many cities around the world are facing a shortage of affordable housing. What problems does this cause and what solutions can you suggest?”
The key is to identify exactly what the question is asking. Some questions ask for causes and solutions, while others ask for problems and solutions. These are slightly different — make sure you answer the question that is actually asked.
The Structure of a Problem and Solution Essay
Introduction (2-3 sentences)
Paraphrase the question and indicate what your essay will cover. For example: “The decline in physical activity among adults is a growing concern in many developed nations. This essay will examine the primary causes of this trend and propose practical measures to address it.”
Body Paragraph 1: Causes or Problems (5-7 sentences)
Present the main causes of the problem (or the main problems caused by the situation). Explain each cause and support it with an example.
Body Paragraph 2: Solutions (5-7 sentences)
Present practical solutions. Explain how each solution would work and why it would be effective. Support your solutions with examples where possible.
Conclusion (2 sentences)
Summarise the main causes and solutions, and restate your view on how the problem can best be addressed.
Band 9 Sample Essay
Question: “In many countries, people are not getting enough physical exercise. What are the causes of this problem and what measures could be taken to address it?”
Introduction:
Insufficient physical activity has become a significant public health concern across much of the developed world, contributing to rising rates of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. This essay will examine the principal causes of this trend before proposing a range of measures to address it.
Body Paragraph 1 — Causes:
One of the primary causes of physical inactivity is the increasingly sedentary nature of modern work. Many people now spend eight or more hours a day sitting at a desk, commuting by car or public transport, and relaxing in front of screens. A second major factor is the convenience of modern life: lifts, escalators, and online shopping have eliminated many of the small daily activities that once provided incidental exercise. Furthermore, many urban environments are not designed for walking or cycling, with limited pavements, few cycle lanes, and public spaces that prioritise vehicles over pedestrians.
Body Paragraph 2 — Solutions:
To address this issue, governments and employers could take several practical steps. Firstly, workplaces could introduce standing desks, subsidised gym memberships, and designated exercise breaks. Secondly, urban planners should prioritise pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, creating safe routes that make active travel an attractive option. Thirdly, public health campaigns could raise awareness of the risks of inactivity and promote the benefits of regular movement. In countries such as the Netherlands, where cycling infrastructure is well developed, rates of physical activity are significantly higher than in nations where car use dominates.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, physical inactivity is driven primarily by sedentary work patterns, modern conveniences, and poorly designed urban environments. Through a combination of workplace initiatives, better city planning, and public education, this trend can be reversed.
Key Vocabulary for Problem and Solution Essays
| Purpose | Useful Phrases |
|---|---|
| Introducing causes | One of the primary causes is…, A major factor contributing to this is…, This can be attributed to… |
| Introducing solutions | To address this issue, …, A practical solution would be to…, One effective measure would be… |
| Explaining effects | This leads to…, As a result, …, Consequently, … |
| Concluding | In conclusion, …, To sum up, …, Ultimately, … |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mixing up problems and causes. Read the question carefully. If it asks for causes, do not write about problems, and vice versa.
Offering unrealistic solutions. Your solutions should be practical and achievable. “Banning all cars” is not a realistic solution to traffic congestion.
Forgetting to link solutions to causes. Your solutions should directly address the causes you identified. If you say the cause is lack of time, your solution should help people find more time for exercise.
Writing too few solutions. Aim for two or three well-developed solutions rather than one underdeveloped one.
With practice and the right structure, problem and solution essays can become one of your strongest question types. Good luck!
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