IELTS Writing — Task 2
IELTS Writing Task 2: Problem/Solution Essay
Complete guide to the IELTS problem/solution essay. Structure, paragraph templates, Band 7+ vocabulary, and model examples.
What is a Problem/Solution Essay?
Problem/solution essays ask you to identify the causes or problems related to an issue, and then propose solutions. The prompt usually says "What are the causes/problems?" and "What solutions can you suggest?" — you must address both parts.
Recommended Structure
Introduction
50–65 wordsIntroduce the issue. State that the essay will identify the main causes/problems and propose solutions. A brief thesis showing your approach.
Body Paragraph 1 — Problems/Causes
90–120 wordsIdentify 2 key problems or causes. Each needs a brief explanation. Avoid listing more than 2 — depth is better than breadth.
Body Paragraph 2 — Solutions
90–120 wordsPropose 2 concrete solutions that directly address the problems in paragraph 1. Solutions must be specific, not generic ("governments should do more").
Conclusion
50–60 wordsSummarise the main problems and the proposed solutions. Can include a brief comment on the urgency of action.
Example Question & Thesis
Sample Prompt
In many countries, obesity rates are increasing. What are the main causes of this problem and what solutions can be suggested?
Band 7+ Thesis Statement
Rising obesity rates can be attributed primarily to changes in diet and a more sedentary lifestyle, and addressing these requires both individual behavioural change and coordinated government policy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Generic solutions: "governments should invest in education" — which education, for whom, how? Specific solutions score higher.
- ✗Forgetting to link solutions back to the problems you identified — the examiner checks this.
- ✗Listing 4–5 problems and 4–5 solutions in bullet-point style — this reduces Lexical Resource and Coherence scores.
- ✗Using "we" throughout without defining who "we" refers to — use "individuals", "governments", "schools", "employers" instead.
Band 7+ Tips
- ✓Match solutions to problems directly: if Problem 1 is poor diet, Solution 1 should address diet specifically (not "exercise more").
- ✓Phrases for solutions: "One effective approach would be to...", "A more practical solution is...", "Governments could implement..."
- ✓Add a counter-consideration for Band 7+: "While this solution requires significant investment, the long-term health savings would outweigh the costs."
- ✓The conclusion can note which solution is most impactful and why — this shows analytical thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I discuss causes OR problems — or both?▼
Read the prompt carefully. Some questions ask for causes, others for problems, others for both. If it asks "What are the main causes and what solutions can you suggest?", write about causes. If it asks "What problems does this create?", write about problems. Never mix these up.
How specific should my solutions be?▼
Specific enough that they are clearly actionable. Instead of "governments should raise awareness", write "Governments could introduce compulsory nutrition labelling on all processed foods, enabling consumers to make more informed choices." The second version shows a real understanding of how change happens.
Can I write about 3 problems and 3 solutions?▼
It is possible but risky. More items means less development per item, which reduces your Task Response and Coherence scores. Two well-developed problems and two targeted solutions is almost always stronger.
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