IELTS Problem Solution Essay - Topics, Structure and Sample Answers

The IELTS problem solution essays is a type of IELTS writing task 2 that asks you to discuss a problem and propose possible solutions. You get 40 minutes to complete this task and have to write at least 250 words on the topic given.

Therefore, to do well in IELTS Writing Task 2, it is important to be familiar with the structure, range of IELTS problem solution essay questions and tips on how to handle them.

Identifying a Problem Solution Essay IELTS

The IELTS problem solution essays are designed to assess your ability to identify, analyze, and evaluate problems or causes, as well as your ability to develop and articulate effective solutions. They are quite similar to IELTS cause and solution essays.

Each essay type in IELTS Writing has a unique structure, so it’s important to identify the common synonyms, words, and phrases used in problem solution questions. Here are the keywords and their synonyms used in the examples above:

• Problem: issues, resulting, situation
• Cause: reasons, why
• Solution: deal with, addressed, tackled, remedied, improved, measures taken, solved, prevent

However, you will mostly be asked to write about both the problem and its solution. The first part of the question will state the problem or cause, and the second part will ask you to identify solutions.

Problem Solution Essay IELTS Topics

Problem solution essay IELTS topics can be drawn from a variety of sources and are based on real-world situations and issues. Let us check out some problem and solution essay topics to see how it is often worded as:

• One major problem faced by large cities is traffic congestion. What do you think the causes are? What solutions can you suggest?
• Most countries believe that international tourism has harmful effects. What problems are caused by international tourism? Solutions to change negative attitudes?
• Overpopulation of urban areas has led to numerous problems. Identify one or two serious ones and suggest ways that the community can tackle these problems.
• Many museums and historical sites are mainly visited by tourists but not local people. Why is this the case and what can be done to attract more local people to visit these places?
• Corruption becomes a common disease among several nations. What are the causes and measures to resolve this trend? Give your own examples and explain.
• Scientists tell us some activities are good for health and others are bad. Despite knowing that, millions of people continue doing unhealthy activities. What are the causes and what are the solutions?
• Nowadays businesses face problems with new employees who just finished their education and lack some interpersonal skills such as the ability to work in a team. What do you think is the main cause of the problem? How can it be resolved?
• An increasing number of professionals, such as doctors and teachers, are leaving their own poorer countries to work in developed countries. What problems does this cause? What solutions can you suggest to deal with this situation?
• The consumption of the world’s resources is increasing at a dangerous rate. What are causes and solutions?
• Nowadays more and more people are becoming overweight. What are the reasons for this and what can be the solutions?
• Nowadays, many people complain that they have difficulties getting enough sleep. What problems can lack of sleep? What can be done about lack of sleep?
• Many animal species are becoming extinct as a result of human activities. What are the causes and possible solutions to this problem?

How to Write a Problem Solution Essay IELTS?

To plan and write a problem solution essay IELTS while practising the IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essays or the actual exam, you can follow these steps:

• Understand the question - The first step is to carefully read the question and understand what is being asked. You should identify the problem, the cause(s) of the problem, and the required solution(s).

• Brainstorm your ideas - Once you understand the question, take some time to brainstorm your ideas. What are the different aspects of the problem? What are the possible causes? What are the different solutions that could be implemented?

• Organize your ideas - Once you have a good understanding of the problem and its possible solutions, it is time to organize your ideas into a logical structure.

• Write your essay - When writing your essay, be sure to use clear and concise language. Avoid using complex sentences and jargon. You should also support your claims with evidence from credible sources.

• Proofread your essay - Once you have finished writing your essay, be sure to proofread it carefully for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation.

For a better understanding of how to write PROBLEM SOLUTION Essay in the video below!

Structure of Problem Solution Essay

Now that we have understood how to write a problem solution essay, let’s have a look at the structure of a problem solution essay. You can also check tips to write an effective introduction in IELTS Writing Task 2 to present a great IELTS problem solution essay!

Breakdown of the IELTS Problem Solution Essay Format

Let’s do an example problem solution essay from an IELTS Writing practice test to understand the above mentioned structure.

Problem Solution Essay Example with Structure

Introduction:

• Before you begin writing your problem solution essay, read the question and identify the problem/ solution.
• Note down the ideas that come to your mind naturally. For example, look at the table below.

• Choose one of the problems and discuss it in detail. Here’s an example:
• Problem: Dumping of industrial wastes into the nearby water bodies.
• Solution: They must be treated, purified and recycled.
• Vocabulary:
  • Wastewater treatment
  • Biodegradable products
  • Water bodies such as lakes, rivers etc
  • ecosystem

You should paraphrase the question and outline the problem and solution in your introduction as mentioned below:

Body Paragraph 1:

The body paragraph 1 must be organised as follows:

• Main body paragraph 1: Letting out of industrial wastes in nearby water bodies
• Central idea: Industries are increasing in number.
• Explanation: There are no strict rules in place regarding the environment. So industries let out their wastes into the nearby water bodies such as lakes, rivers, etc which affects the respective eco-system and thereby leading to more serious issues.
• Example: As installing a wastewater treatment plant is an additional burden and is costly, it is easier to let the waste water into the nearby water bodies as nobody questions this.

The completed main body paragraph 1 will look like this :

Body Paragraph 2:

The body paragraph 2 must be organised as follows:

• Main body paragraph 2: Industrial wastewater treatment
• Central idea: Installing Industrial waste water treatment plants could be beneficial to the environment.
• Explanation: Industrial wastewater treatment illustrates the processes used for treating wastewater that is produced by industries into a by-product. The treated industrial wastewater may be reused or released to a sanitary sewer.
• Examples: There are proven records for reducing water pollution after wastewater treatment.

The completed main body paragraph 2 will look like this :

Conclusion:

• Make sure to sum up all that has been in the previous paragraphs.
• Use words like in summary, to summarise, to conclude, or as a conclusion, etc.

The final conclusion will look like this:

Sample Answer

Therefore, the finished essay will have the following structure:

Common Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS Problem Solution Essays

Following are some of the common mistakes that should be avoided in IELTS problem solution essays to increase your overall IELTS band score:

• Not understanding the difference between a problem and its causes.
• Trying to include too many ideas in the essay, without developing them fully.
• Not considering both sides of the argument equally.
• Not linking the problems to the solutions.
• Not being specific enough in the discussion of the problems and solutions.
• Using incorrect IELTS Vocabulary and making spelling errors.

Tips for IELTS Problem Solution Essays

Here are some IELTS Writing tips to follow while practicing or writing an IELTS Problem Solution Essays:

• Read and understand the instructions given in the question (sometimes the question might ask to write about the cause of the issue as well).
• Follow the word count (no less than 250 words)
• Plan the problems and solutions you wish to write about, before starting to write.
• Start the essay with an introduction paragraph and conclude it with a conclusion paragraph, with the body paragraph between the two.
• If you’re asked to write about both, cause and the solution, then you can write the cause in one body paragraph and the solution in the next body paragraph.

Pro tip: To avoid a low score in IELTS problem solution essays, focus on one or two problems and identify specific solutions. Explain the problems and solutions in detail, with examples.

Problem Solution Essay IELTS Topics with Sample Answers:

Check out some sample IELTS problem solution essay topics with model answers:

• Example 1
• Example 2
• Example 3
• Example 4
• Example 5
• Example 6
• Example 7
• Example 8
• Example 9
• Example 10

Also check :

• IELTS Writing recent actual test
• IELTS Writing Answer sheet
• Free IELTS Writing Essay Evaluation and Correction Service
• All Useful IELTS Writing Lessons & Websites
• IELTS Band 9 Essays