IELTS Writing Task 2
How to write an IELTS problem solution essay
The problem solution essay, also called cause and solution or problem, cause and solution, asks you to explain why a situation occurs and how it can be fixed. The marks are won or lost on one thing: do your solutions actually solve the problems you raised. This guide shows you the structure and the exact language to use.
In short
- Use a four-paragraph structure: introduction, one paragraph on the problems or causes, one on matching solutions, then a conclusion.
- Every solution must directly address a problem you named, or Task Response drops sharply.
- Drive the solution paragraph with suggestion and conditional language such as governments should and if this happened.
Recognise the question type
Problem solution prompts come in a few wordings. Read the instruction carefully, because it tells you which two things to write about. A typical prompt reads: "Many cities suffer from severe traffic congestion. What are the causes of this problem and what measures could be taken to solve it?"
Here you owe the examiner two distinct halves. The first half names causes (too many private cars, poor public transport). The second half offers measures that fix those causes. If a prompt only asks for problems and solutions, treat causes and problems as the same job. The structure does not change.
Aim for at least 250 words. Plan two ideas per paragraph before you write so the solution side mirrors the problem side one for one. That pairing is what keeps your essay coherent.
Build the two body paragraphs
The cleanest plan keeps problems and solutions in separate paragraphs so the examiner can see your logic at a glance. Open each paragraph with a topic sentence, state the idea, then explain or give an example.
Problem paragraph. "One major cause is the sheer number of private vehicles on the road. As incomes rise, car ownership has grown faster than road capacity, leaving streets gridlocked during peak hours."
Solution paragraph. "The most effective remedy would be to invest heavily in public transport. If cities offered fast, affordable metro and bus networks, many commuters would leave their cars at home, easing the congestion described above." Notice how the solution names the same cause and closes the loop. That explicit link is what lifts Task Response toward band 7 and above.
For the introduction and conclusion mechanics that frame these paragraphs, see the essay introduction and essay conclusion guides.
Language that signals a solution
The solution paragraph is where you show Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Use suggestion verbs and conditional structures rather than flat statements. The table below pairs weak phrasing with the stronger version an examiner rewards.
| Weak phrasing | Stronger band 7+ phrasing |
|---|---|
| We can build more buses. | Governments should invest in expanding bus networks. |
| People will use cars less. | If commuting by metro were cheaper, fewer people would drive. |
| This is a good way. | One effective measure would be to introduce congestion charging. |
| Schools must teach this. | Schools could play a role by educating pupils about road safety. |
| It would fix the problem. | Such a policy would substantially reduce peak-hour traffic. |
Vary the linking devices too: as a result, consequently, by doing so, this would mean. For a fuller set, work through the cohesion and linking words guide and the Task 2 vocabulary list.
Problem solution essay FAQ
What is an IELTS problem solution essay?+
It is a Task 2 question that asks you to identify the problems or causes behind a situation and then propose realistic solutions. It is sometimes called a cause and solution or problem, cause and solution essay. You write roughly 250 words.
How many problems and solutions should I write about?+
Two of each is the safest structure: one body paragraph covering one or two problems or causes, and one body paragraph offering matching solutions. Fewer, well-developed ideas score higher than many shallow ones under Coherence and Cohesion.
Do my solutions have to match the problems?+
Yes. Each solution must logically address a problem you raised. If you name traffic congestion as the problem, the solution should ease congestion, such as investing in public transport. Mismatched ideas lower your Task Response score.
How is a problem solution essay different from a cause solution essay?+
They overlap heavily. A pure cause and solution essay asks why something happens and how to fix it, while a problem solution essay focuses on the difficulty itself. The same body structure works for both, so treat them as one essay type.
What language should I use for the solution paragraph?+
Use suggestion and conditional structures: governments should invest in, one effective measure would be, if schools taught this, fewer people would. This signposts that you are proposing action and adds Grammatical Range and Accuracy.