How to write the Problem and Solution essay IELTS Writing Task 2

The Problem and Solution essay IELTS Writing Task 2 is a type of prompt that requires all candidates to identify a problem or the cause of a certain phenomenon. At the same time, candidates must also propose the most appropriate solution to the problem they have identified. This is also one of the question essays that demands the most creative ideas from candidates. In this article, PREP will provide a detailed guide on how to write the Problem and Solution essay IELTS Writing Task 2.

I. Overview of the Problem and Solution essay IELTS Writing Task 2

1. What is the Problem and Solution essay IELTS Writing Task 2?

The Problem and Solution essay IELTS Writing Task 2 addresses a specific problem and then requires the writer to answer two related questions about the problem (causes, consequences, solutions, etc.). Additionally, some prompts only mention a certain development and require the writer to identify the issues related to the mentioned topic, along with other accompanying questions.

For example:

• “The internet has transformed the way infestation is shared and consumed, but it has also created problems that did not exist before. What are the most serious problems associated with the internet and what solutions can you suggest?”
• “Many people believe that international tourism is a bad thing for their country. What are the reasons? What can be done to change these negative attitudes?”

When approaching the Problem and Solution essay IELTS Writing Task 2, you can separate each body paragraph to answer one question from the prompt. Another approach is to answer both questions in each paragraph, with related answers grouped in the same paragraph (e.g., discussing a problem and its solution in the same paragraph).

2. Recognizing the Problem and Solution essay IELTS Writing Task 2

Signs of recognition: The questions in this essay often appear in the prompt, and there are various types of questions:

Identifying the problem:

• What are the problems associated with this development?

Asking about the causes:

• What are the causes/reasons? 
• Why is it the case?

Asking about the solution:

• What can be done to…?
• What measures should be taken to…?

II. Structure of writing a Problem and Solution essay IELTS Writing Task 2

1. Introduction

• General Statement: Paraphrase the prompt question.
• Thesis statement: Concisely answer each question from the prompt.

2. Body Paragraph 1

• Topic Sentence: Paraphrase the answer to the first question.
• Supporting ideas: Develop the ideas.

3. Body Paragraph 2

• Topic Sentence: Paraphrase the answer to the second question.
• Supporting ideas: Develop the ideas.

4. Conclusion

• Restatement of the answer: Recap the answers.
• Prediction (optional): Emphasize that the situation will improve if the proposed measures are implemented.

III. Some samples of Problem and Solution essay IELTS Writing Task 2

1. Problem and Solution essay IELTS Writing Task 2 prompt

1.1. Prompt

“People living in large cities today face many problems in their everyday life. What are these problems? Should governments encourage people to move to smaller regional towns?”

1.2. Ideas for a sample Problem and Solution essay IELTS Writing Task 2

Problems:

• Traffic congestion
• Higher cost of accommodation

Governments should encourage people to move to regional towns. Reasons:

• Lower traffic density in cities -> solve the problem of traffic congestion
• Lower demand for housing in cities -> lower accommodation cost for citizens

2. Problem and Solution essay IELTS Writing Task 2 prompt

2.1. Prompt

“There is a general increase in anti-social behaviours and lack of respect for others. What are the causes and solutions?”

2.2. Sample of Problem and Solution essay IELTS Writing Task 2

“The widespread presence of anti-social behaviour and disrespectful attitudes towards others has long been a prevalent issue in society today. This often derives from the indifference of parents towards their children’s moral development, and sometimes from social problems such as violence and discrimination which exist in many parts of the world. This situation should be addressed by strong remedies, including better parental education and stricter law enforcement against violent and discriminatory activities in society.

Reasons for this alarming situation vary. In some places, people may hold an anti-social attitude or disrespect others because they live in an environment where violence and discrimination are the norm. Children of sexist parents in rural families in Vietnam, for example, show a worrying tendency of disrespecting women. In some other cases, it is the lack of parental guidance that is to blame. As modern parents are becoming increasingly busy with their jobs, they may have the proclivity to be indifferent to their children’s moral education. When there is no one to help young children distinguish between right and wrong, ill-mannered attitudes may emerge and develop among them without being controlled.

A number of strong measures could be adopted by the government and families to mitigate the problem. On the national level, the government should take definite actions against violence and discrimination. This could be done by ensuring strict enforcement of the laws on violent and discriminatory acts to deter them from happening. In addition, on the nuclear-family level, parents need to reaffirm their role in morally guiding their children. If they notice any signs of antisocial or insolent behaviour in children, the children should be reprimanded accordingly. Parents, at the same time, could also educate their children about social manners by instilling a moral code in them. These actions, albeit small, could have a strong influence on children when they grow up.

In conclusion, it is clear that violence, discrimination and the indifference of parents to children’s education are the major catalysts for the increase in anti-social behaviour and disrespect towards others. Strong measures such as stringent law enforcement on violent and discriminatory acts should be taken to alleviate this distressing situation.”

Through this article, PREP aims to provide you with the most detailed guide on how to write a Problem and Solution essay IELTS Writing Task 2. Practice analyzing prompts, structuring your essay, and writing regularly. Additionally, enhance your vocabulary and grammar skills to excel in the IELTS Writing Task 2. PREP hopes that this article will help you achieve a high band score in the IELTS examination.