1. IELTS Problem Solution Essay Overview

 

As its name, IELTS problem solution essay asks you to write about the problem, cause, effect, or solution to an issue stated. The requirement varies depending on each IELTS problem solution essay question. 

 

There are a variety of ways to word the IELTS problem solution essay questions such as:

 

  • What do you think are the causes of this? What solutions can you suggest?

 

  • What should schools do to prepare students for the world of work?

 

  • Why do you think this is and what can be done about it?

 

  • What could be the reasons behind this? What measures can be taken to resolve this problem?

 

  • State some reasons for this and provide possible solutions.

 

ielts problem solution essay overview

 

An IELTS problem solution essay question includes typically 3 parts:

 

  • 1st part: a specific issue
    (e.g. Despite a large number of gyms, a sedentary lifestyle is gaining popularity in the contemporary world.)

 

  • 2nd part: requirement to state a problem, cause, effect or solution to the issue given
    (e.g. What problems are associated with this? What solutions can you suggest?)

 

  • 3rd part: requirement for the time and word limit
    (e.g. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
    Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
    Write at least 250 words.)

 

>>> Practice now: IELTS Writing Practice Test

 

2. IELTS Problem Solution Essay Structure

 

The three-part structure is also applied for IELTS problem solution essay. In specific, there should be 3 parts with 4 distinctive paragraphs: 

 

2.1. Introduction

 

– Paraphrase the question: 

(e.g. These days a sedentary lifestyle is becoming more and more popular despite a big number of sport facilities.)

 

– Thesis statement / Outline sentence:
(e.g. This essay will discuss the main problems associated with this epidemic and propose some possible solutions to avoid them.)

 

2.2. Body

 

– Body paragraph 1: Problem

 

  • Topic sentence: state the main problems
    (e.g. The main problems caused by inactive lifestyle are obesity and various spine disorders.)

 

  • State and explain the first problem: give the first problem of the issue and elaborate the first problem
    (e.g. A growing number of body research shows that long periods of physical inactivity raise a risk of becoming overweight. This is because people burn fewer calories and easily gain weight.)

 

  • Example: support the first problem with an example (optional)

 

  • State and explain the second problem: give the second problem of the issue and elaborate the second problem
    (e.g. What’s more, a lot of studies show that so-called ‘sitting disease’ often results in posture and backbone problems. Due to constant sitting, person loses muscle tissue and curves spine, developing numerous spinal diseases.)

 

  • Example: support the second problem with an example (optional)
    (e.g. For example, it has been proven that about 80% of people experience backache at least once a week.)

 

– Body paragraph 2: Solution

 

  • Topic sentence: state the main solutions
    (e.g. In my opinion, the best solution to this problem is promoting active lifestyle.)

 

  • State and explain the first solution: give the first solution of the issue and elaborate the first solution
    (e.g. Firstly, millions of people stay less active because they use cars instead of walking. Therefore, an effective way to make people more active is to advertise walking and cycling as safe and attractive alternatives to motorized transport.)

 

  • Example: support the first solution with an example (optional)

 

  • State and explain the second solution: give the second solution of the issue and elaborate the second solution
    (e.g. Moreover, inactive lifestyle is gaining popularity because nowadays a lot of people prefer passive rest to workouts in the gym. And the best way to avoid the hazards of unhealthy living is to obtain a regular dose of physical activity. Thus, promoting gyms and regular exercising would increase the level of activity.)

 

  • Example: support the second solution with an example (optional)

 

*** Note: The number of paragraphs in the body part of IELTS problem and solution essay depends on the requirement of the question.
e.g. If the question asks you to give causes and solutions, there will be two paragraphs including the Causes and Solutions.

In some cases, you are required to give the solutions only, then you can separate each solution into different paragraphs for the Body part.

 

2.3. Conclusion

 

– Summarize problems and solutions:

(e.g. In conclusion, leading a sedentary lifestyle causes a lot of health problems, including obesity and spinal diseases. The most effective solution is to increase the level of fitness among the society by advertising physical activity.)

 

– Give recommendations (optional)

 

>>> Read more: IELTS Double Question Essay

 

3. IELTS Writing Task 2 Problem Solution Essay Strategy

 

3.1.  Analyse IELTS Problem Solution Essay Questions

 

This step seems to be unnecessary at first but it significantly counts your final result because it mentions all the requirements for a task. You had better take these criteria into consideration and highlight or underline keywords:

 

  • Main topic
    (e.g. Despite a large number of gyms, a sedentary lifestyle is gaining popularity in the contemporary world. What problems are associated with this? What solutions can you suggest?)

 

  • Instructions
    (e.g. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
    You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. 

 

Write at least 250 words.)

problem solution essay strategy

 

3.2. Make an outline

 

You should organize your IELTS Problem Solution essay coherently and cohesively at the same time. In order to do so, prepare an outline in advance should be prioritized. You can create your own outline in the form of a table, a mindmap or simply a list of bullet points for easier tracking during the writing process. 

 

3.3. Write a complete IELTS problem solution essay

 

Once you’ve had your own outline and know well how to organize your writing, it’s time to write your IELTS problem solution essay using your grammar and vocabulary range related to the topic given.

 

3.4. Double-check your IELTS problem solution essay

 

You need to check your writing at least once after finishing so as to ascertain that all the grammatical or spelling mistakes will not be occurred. 

 

4. IELTS Writing Task 2  Problem Solution Essay Tips

 

  • Follow the world limit you have to write since it may affect your time of writing. You should write about 250-290 words for your IELTS Problem Solution essay within approximately 40 minutes.

 

  • Make use of the outline to best organize your IELTS Problem Solution essay.

 

  • Enhance your vocabulary range in different topics and try to practice with different IELTS Problem Solution essays in order to improve your critical thinking towards any issue.

 

  • Try to elaborate each of your problem, cause, effect, or solution with detailed explanations and examples.

 

  • Use linking words in your IELTS Problem Solution essay to make the grade.

 

IELTS Problem Solution Essay is one of the most common question types in IELTS Writing Task 2, so it is essential for you to have a deep insight into this type of question. Don’t forget to practice with us on IELTS Test Online website or mobile application.