Problem solution essay
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IELTS TASK 2 WRITING – PROBLEM AND SOLUTION ESSAY
There are 5 major types of IELTS type 2 essays, one of them is the “Problem & Solution” type. In
this guide we will review key-words in tasks, the best structure for such essays, common mistakes
and a model answer.
1. Preparation for writing
Before writing as essay you must read the task and analyse it. Below you will find some “Problem
& Solution” essay tasks that might be phrased differently.
Despite a large number of gyms, a sedentary lifestyle is gaining popularity in the
contemporary world. What problems are associated with this? What solutions can you
suggest?
Overpopulation of urban areas has led to numerous problems. Identify one or two
serious ones and suggest ways that governments and individuals can tackle these
problems.
Nowadays many people have access to computers on a wide basis and a large number of
children play computer games. What are the negative impacts of playing computer games
and what can be done to minimize the bad effects?
In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing. What problems will this
cause for individuals and society? Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce
the impact of ageing populations.
So, when you have read a task, make sure to find action verbs that signalize about finding problems
and solutions. I have highlighted in bold words that form your task. Be prepared to locate keywords and identify the task correctly.
2. Structure
There is one typical structure that is effective for all “Problem & Solution” essays. Find it below.
Paragraph 1 – Introduction
Sentence 1 – Paraphrased task
Sentence 2 – Outline (what the essay will be about)
Paragraph 2 – Problems
Sentence 1 – Summarize main problems that you have found
Sentence 2 – Describe the first problem and give an example
Sentence 3 – Describe the second problem and give an example
Paragraph 3 – Solutions
Sentence 1 – Summarize main solutions that you have identified
Sentence 2 – Describe the first solution and give an example
Sentence 3 – Describe the second solution and give an example
Darian Sandmartin // IELTS tips
YouTube: www.youtube.com/DarianSandmartin
Paragraph 4 – Conclusion
Sentence 1 – Summarize the problems and solutions that you have described
Sentence 2 – Give a forecast or recommendation
You may present either one big problem and solution to it or several problems and solutions. Just
make sure that you stay inside the 250-250 word limit.
3. Common mistakes
Over the time I have accumulated several mistakes that students make when they write this kind
of essays.
1) Students simply make a list of many problems and solutions, not giving details and not
providing examples. This will result in deduction from the “Task Achievement” section.
2) Students write more problems than solutions or vice versa. Although there can be situations
when one problem has several solutions, they fail to address them properly.
3) Students write about things that are linked to but do not narrowly answer the question. You
must be as precise as possible, answering only the question that was asked in the task.
4) Students fail to link problems with solutions correctly. Instead, they provide unrelated and
irrelevant solutions to certain problems.
5) Students fail to identify a task as the “Problem & Solution” task, instead end up writing on
a different topic.
6) Students expand their answers a lot, but the text turns out very general, without examples
or specifications.
All these mistakes often result in deductions from the “Task Achievement” section.
4. Model essay
Global warming is one of the biggest threats humans face in the 21st Century and sea levels
are continuing to rise at alarming rates. What problems are associated with this and what are
some possible solutions.
Climate change is among the principal dangers facing people this century and ocean levels
are increasing dramatically. This essay will first suggest that the biggest problem caused by this
phenomenon is the flooding of homes and then submit building flood protection as the most viable
solution.
The foremost problem caused by sea levels creeping up is the flooding of peoples’
residences. Millions of people all over the world live in coastal areas and if the sea rises by even a
few feet, they will be inundated with water and lose their property. Shelter is one of the most basic
of human needs and widespread flooding would cause millions of people to become homeless, not
to mention losing all of their possessions. The devastation brought about by this was clear for all
to see during the 2011 Tsunami in Japan, in which millions of people were displaced.
A possible solution to this problem would be to build flood barriers. Flood defences, such
as dikes, dams and floodgates, could be built along coasts and waterways, thereby stopping the
water reaching populated areas. The Netherlands is one of the most populated areas in the world
and also one of the most vulnerable to flooding and they have successfully employed various flood
defence systems.
Darian Sandmartin // IELTS tips
YouTube: www.youtube.com/DarianSandmartin
To conclude, stemming the rising tides caused by increasing global temperatures is one of
the foremost challenges we face and it will ultimately lead to many of the worlds’ cities being left
underwater, but a possible solution could be to utilise the flood prevention techniques already used
by countries like Holland. It is predicted that more and more countries will be forced to take such
measures to avoid a watery catastrophe.
Word count: 298 words.
Darian Sandmartin // IELTS tips
YouTube: www.youtube.com/DarianSandmartin
