IELTS Problem & Solution Essays: Structure, Templates, Linkers & Band‑Level Sample

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This guide teaches you exactly how to plan and write Problem & Solution (Cause–Solution) essays for IELTS Writing Task 2. You’ll learn task analysis, structure, templates, linkers, sample topics, and a complete band‑level answer.

What Is a Problem–Solution Essay?
Suggested Structure (with Timings)
Leeds Academy 4‑Step Planning
Paragraph Templates
Useful Linkers & Band Language
Practice Topics
Full Sample Answer
FAQs

What Is a Problem–Solution Essay?

This Task 2 prompt asks you to present the main problems related to a given issue and propose practical solutions. Some tasks add causes (why the problem exists) or ask you to evaluate which solution is most effective. Your writing should be balanced, specific, and realistic.

Typical Prompts

What are the problems of traffic congestion in cities and how can they be solved?
What causes obesity among young people and what solutions can be offered?
What problems arise from plastic waste and how can individuals and governments address them?

Band‑Winning Essentials

Identify one or two significant problems and solutions.
Link solutions directly to the problems you mention.
Provide specific examples (data, policies, common situations).
Maintain clear cohesion with precise linkers and topic sentences.

Suggested Structure (with Timings)

Introduction (2–3 min) – Paraphrase topic; state that you will discuss key problems and practical solutions; include a brief thesis.
Body 1: Problems (and Causes) (7–8 min) – Problem → explanation → brief cause(s) → example.
Body 2: Solutions (7–8 min) – Solution mapped to each problem → how it works → who acts → example.
Conclusion (2 min) – Summarize and emphasize feasibility/impact.

Target length: 260–290 words for balanced development without unnecessary filler.

Leeds Academy 4‑Step Planning

1) Decode the Task

Underline whether the task asks for causes, solutions, or both. Note if you must choose the most effective solution.

2) Brainstorm

List 2–3 major problems and their direct solutions. Avoid minor or unprovable points.

3) Pair Problems ↔ Solutions

Map each solution to a specific problem. This improves coherence and task response.

4) Outline

Write a one‑line thesis, topic sentences, and your key examples. Then draft confidently.

Paragraph Templates

Introduction

Template: “In recent years, [paraphrase the issue] has become increasingly prominent. This essay will outline the main problems associated with this trend and propose feasible solutions to address them.” Add a short thesis: “While the issue is complex, targeted policies and individual action can substantially mitigate its impact.”

Body 1 – Problems (and Causes)

Topic sentence: “The most pressing problems are …”. Then explain why they matter, add a concise cause if relevant, and include a concrete example or scenario.

Frame: Problem → because → causes (optional) → for example → impact.

Body 2 – Solutions

Topic sentence: “These challenges can be effectively addressed by …”. Explain who implements the solution (government, schools, companies, families), how it works, and why it is realistic.

Frame: Solution → actor → mechanism → example → expected result.

Conclusion

Summarize the key problems and corresponding solutions in one or two sentences; avoid new ideas. Optionally, recommend the most impactful action.

Useful Linkers & Band Language

Linking words

Listing: firstly, secondly, finally
Cause: because, due to, stems from
Effect: therefore, thus, as a result
Solution: to tackle this, a viable measure is, can be addressed by

Band‑friendly phrases

There is mounting evidence that …
This issue primarily stems from …
A targeted intervention would …
From a policy perspective, …

Practice Topics

Urban traffic congestion creates serious delays. What problems does this cause and what measures can reduce it?
Many graduates struggle to find suitable employment. What are the problems and how can they be solved?
Plastic pollution is damaging oceans. What problems arise and what solutions can governments and individuals adopt?

Full Sample Answer (≈ 280 words)

Question: In many cities, rising car ownership has caused severe traffic congestion. What problems does this create and what solutions can you suggest?

Introduction: In recent years, urban traffic has become a daily reality for millions of commuters. This essay outlines the main problems associated with gridlock and proposes realistic measures that cities and citizens can adopt.

Problems: The most immediate issue is the loss of time and productivity. When workers spend hours in stationary traffic, businesses suffer and employees experience heightened stress. A second problem is air pollution; idling engines emit particulates and greenhouse gases that worsen respiratory illness and accelerate climate change. These impacts are particularly severe in dense downtown corridors where traffic is slow‑moving and public transport is limited.

Solutions: A practical first step is to improve public transport by increasing bus frequency and creating dedicated lanes, which makes transit faster and more reliable than driving. In parallel, cities can implement congestion pricing to discourage non‑essential car trips during peak hours, using the revenue to fund transit upgrades and cycling infrastructure. At an individual level, employers can support flexible schedules and remote work, spreading traffic across the day and reducing total demand.

Conclusion: In summary, congestion wastes time and damages public health, but targeted investments and sensible pricing—supported by employer flexibility—can significantly ease the problem. With coordinated action, cities can move people more efficiently while cutting pollution.

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FAQs

How many problems and solutions should I include?

Usually one or two of each, explained clearly with examples. Depth beats breadth. Can I suggest multiple solutions to one problem?

Yes, but show which actor implements them and why they are feasible. What if the question also asks for causes?

Briefly state the most relevant causes inside the Problems paragraph before moving to solutions.

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IELTS Problem & Solution Essays (2025):