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Problem Solution Essay: IELTS Writing Task 2

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Updated on Apr 20, 2024, 08:24

Problem Solution Essay IELTS is a tricky question type given in the test. It comes under the part of the Writing modules of the IELTS. These types of questions first discuss the problems. The candidate is then asked to provide a feasible solution to the mentioned challenging problems in the question. 


You need to follow a positive approach while tackling these questions. Remember to enrich your essay with the best possible ideas/suggestions to combat the challenges.  


 

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1. IELTS Problem Solution Essay Format

You must follow the standard format, and ensure a proper flow in the essay. 

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2. IELTS Problem Solution Essay Questions & Topics List

Here are some of the highly sought-after problem-solving essay topics in the IELTS test. 

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3. IELTS Problem Solution Essay Samples

Sample answer for IELTS Problem/solution essay type. 

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1.

IELTS Problem Solution Essay Format

In IELTS exams, there is no hard and fast rule to stick to a particular format. The candidates are free to use their creativity and decide how to present the answers on problem solution essay topics. 

 

However, it is highly recommended to keep an equal observation of both the problems and the solutions part. Here’s the standard format you can follow to describe the problems and solutions in the essay: 

 

Essay Writing Parts

What to Focus on This Part? 

Introduction

In the first paragraph, you must elaborate on the given statement in a few sentences. Then, you need to provide an insight into what we will discuss in the essay. 

 

Problems

This section will briefly describe the problems, such as how the problem impacts a particular audience group or society. For example, how environmental pollution has led to the rising number of diseases in our society.  

Solution 

This part will focus on the solution that can help us tackle the above problem. In our example, we can highlight the measures to reduce environmental pollution. How can we filter out the harmful chemicals before they enter our environment? 

Conclusion

In this concluding part, we will summarise the essay. We can suggest a solution that should be taken into consideration. For example, the UN Environment Programme can lay out some mechanisms to tackle the environmental pollution issue, which is a global problem. 

 

Besides following the standard format, you also need to ensure a proper flow in the essay. It should make proper sense, beginning with a quick overview, then a problem statement, a suggested solution, and a conclusion. Each of the sentences should be properly aligned with the other sentences.  


 

2.

IELTS Problem Solution Essay Questions & Topics List

The candidates must be familiar with various topics asked in the IELTS exam. It will help them to develop thoughts and ideas around the topic. So they will be readily prepared to tackle the questions revolving around them. Below are some of the most common topics which can be highly beneficial for IELTS candidates:
 

  • Educational Aspects 
  • Environmental Issues
  • Population Factors 
  • Equality and Freedom 
  • Healthcare Challenges 
  • Technological Changes 
  • Jobs & Employment
  • Social & Cultural Aspects
  • Industrialisation & Urbanisation 

 

These are some of the highly sought-after problem-solving essay topics in the IELTS test. There will be many questions based on the topics. Usually, it will be centred around the problems associated with the topic and faced by the masses. 


Here are some of the IELTS problem solution essay questions that can help you get more idea of how to manage writing the problem solution essay questions: 

 

  • Overpopulation of urban areas has led to numerous problems. Identify the major ones and suggest ways governments and individuals can tackle these problems.
  • Many people try to balance work and other parts of their life. However, this is very difficult to do. What are the problems associated with this? What is the best way to achieve a better balance?
  • In many large cities, people waste hours of their time every day because of traffic congestion on the roads. Discuss causes and solutions.
  • Many say that globalisation and the growing number of multinational companies hurt the environment. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
  • Natural resources such as freshwater, oil, and forests are being consumed at an alarming rate. What problems does it cause? How can we solve these problems?
  • Nowadays, men and women spend a lot on beauty care. This was not so in the past. What may be the root cause of this behaviour? Discuss the reasons and possible results.
  • Global warming is one of the most severe issues that the world is facing today. What causes global warming, and what can governments and individuals take to tackle these issues?
  • Living in large cities today poses many problems for people. What are these problems? Should governments encourage more people to live in smaller towns?
  • Many governments think that economic progress is their most important goal. Some people, however, think that other types of progress are equally crucial for a country. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
  • The internet has transformed how information is shared and consumed, but it has also created problems that did not exist before. What are the most severe problems associated with the internet, and what solutions can you suggest?
3.

IELTS Problem Solution Essay Samples

Question: 


 

Natural resources such as freshwater, oil, and forests are being consumed at an alarming rate. What problems does it cause? How can we solve these problems? 


 

Sample Answer:


 

Introduction (2-4 Sentences)


 

Natural resources like fresh water, oil, and forests are diminishing faster, posing a threat to the future. If we continue to consume these resources simultaneously, we will be deprived quickly. This essay will highlight the multiple issues arising from resource depletion and measures we can take to combat the challenges. 


 

Body (2-3 Paragraphs)


 

The extensive use of resources impacts the environment in multiple ways. The decline of water resources will pose a threat to all living beings. There will be drought everywhere, and humans won’t be able to do agriculture and maintain necessities. Similarly, the heavy oil consumption will create a significant setback for the future as we rely heavily on it. Cutting down the trees will disturb the natural habitats. The topmost layer of the soil will also get washed away by water easily. Many animal species heavily depend on the forests, and they will all become endangered soon.  


 

The first thing we should do to mitigate this challenge is to use these scarce resources carefully. The Government should also make some laws to use these resources sustainably. They can create plans to encourage citizens to use renewable resources like wind and solar energy. The government can also lay down the laws for factories that should not discharge the chemicals directly into the river. We can also encourage planting more trees to balance our ecosystem. 

 

Conclusion (2-4 Sentences)
 

The rapid usage of resources can bring multitudes of challenges for us. But if we raise awareness, make rules, and encourage the usage of renewable resources, then we can fix it. We need to use them carefully to make them available for future generations.  


 

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FAQs

Q. What is the problem-solution question in IELTS?

A. It is one of the most common questions in the Writing Task 2 of the IELTS Exam. Here, you will be given a statement discussing a prevailing problem. You need to discuss the problems and its impact in detail. Then, you need to share some suggested solutions that can help to address the problem. 


 

Q. Can I write the problem and solution in one paragraph?

A. Please avoid writing the problems and solutions together in a paragraph. It will make your essay too complex and leave a wrong impression on the reader. So, always write the problem and the solutions in separate paragraphs. First, describe the problems, and then jot down ideas for the solutions part. 

Q. Is the IELTS writing test difficult?

A. IELTS writing tests often become challenging for many candidates. But with a preparation strategy, you can crack this exam easily. You just need to opt for a free IELTS masterclass where the expert teachers will guide you in the preparation. You should thoroughly follow the guidelines and tips the experts share for better results. 


 

Q. How do you identify a problem-solution essay?

A. It’s pretty easy to identify these types of questions. It will often come with significant challenges faced by the masses of people. The same question can ask you to highlight the problem and how it will impact lives briefly. It will also ask you to think of the solutions to help overcome the particular problem or situation. 


 

Q. Is there any format I should follow to write essays in IELTS?

A. Yes, it is highly recommended that you should follow a format to write the IELTS essay. Different types of essays will have different formats. For example, in the advantages and disadvantages types of questions, you must begin with a balanced introduction, cover the advantages and disadvantages in 2 separate paragraphs, and end with a conclusion. Similarly, the problem solution essay requires you to deal separately with the problems and solutions aspects. But be it any topic, there will always be an introduction, body and conclusion part. The body section can be modified as per the demand of the question. 


 

Q. How do you end a problem solution essay IELTS?

A. As a candidate, you should never forget the basic framework of the IELTS essay questions. You will always have to follow a standard sequence that can create a meaningful sense out of your essay. It should always end with a valid conclusion. For example, you can say, “Although there are rising healthcare challenges, we can tackle them by taking precautions and eating healthy. The government can also better their healthcare facilities to serve the people”. In this context, you can see a problem-solution insight in the ending part of the essay. And that’s how we should end up with these essay questions. 


 

Q. How can we plan the problem-solution essay in writing task 2 in the IELTS to get a good band score?

A. The below points can help you write better essays that will let you secure a decent score:


 

  • First of all, create a mindmap of the whole essay. 
  • Then brainstorm your ideas for each section, including what you should include in the intro, body, and conclusion. What problems to highlight, which solutions to give, etc.
  • Next, you can expand on your ideas and add more thoughts to it. 
  • Once you have written your essay, proofread it to fix the errors and issues (if any).
  • You can add phrases, facts, and data that can validate more on the problem/solution you are discussing.
Q. What is the purpose of problem-solving essay writing?

A. The primary purpose of the IELTS problem solution essay questions is to assess how well the candidates develop ideas and present them in a readable format. It considers consistency, valid ideas, grammatical correctness, and vocabulary. It should make the examiner understand that the candidate has creativity, knowledge, and a good command of the language.


 

Q. What should I do if I run out of time writing the essays?

A. It’s normal for candidates to run out of time during the IELTS test. But there is something that you can do to minimise its impact. You can quickly write a basic intro, highlight a single point, expand it with an example, and end with a 2-3-line conclusion. If you cannot cover it thoroughly, it's okay, but you should never miss the conclusion. Please note that this may or may not give you a decent score, but it will save you from losing the marks. 


 

Q. How do you improve your writing speed for the IELTS Test?

A. The only way to increase the writing speed is to practice. The more you practice, the more efficient you will become. So, as a suggested way, you can gather the questions based on problem solution essay topics and then begin writing them. Make sure to add a timer when you start with the question. Now, give yourself a challenge to be quicker than the previous timer. 


 

Q. What are the question types in IELTS Writing?

A. IELTS Writing modules consist of 2 questions: 


 

  • Task 1 consists of a visual (like graphs, charts, etc.) and asks you to describe them in 150 words within 20 minutes. 
  • Task 2 includes a writing topic for which you must write a comprehensive essay of 250 words within 40 minutes. 
Q. Is there a break between sections in the IELTS Writing test?

A. No, there is no break given between the IELTS Writing sets. Also, there is no break given between the modules either. Therefore, you should keep practising to cover the Writing, Reading and Listening sections in one go. And before the exam begins, have a proper diet so that you can actively perform in it.