Problem-Solution Essay: Complete IELTS Structure and Strategy for Band 7+

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The problem-solution essay is one of the most common question types in IELTS Writing Task 2. Yet many students struggle with it—not because they lack ideas, but because they don't understand what examiners actually want to see.

Here's the good news: once you understand the structure and know what mistakes to avoid, problem-solution essays become one of the easiest essay types to master.

What is an IELTS Problem-Solution Essay?

A problem-solution essay asks you to identify problems related to an issue and propose solutions. You might also be asked about causes instead of (or in addition to) problems.

Common question formats include:

• "What problems does this cause? What solutions can you suggest?"
• "Why is this happening? What measures can be taken to address it?"
• "What are the causes of this problem and how can it be solved?"

The key point: you must address both parts of the question. Writing only about problems or only about solutions will significantly limit your score.

The Four-Paragraph Structure That Works

While there are multiple ways to structure a problem-solution essay, this four-paragraph approach is reliable, easy to follow, and examiner-approved:

Paragraph 1: Introduction

• Paraphrase the question
• State what you will discuss (problems and solutions)

Paragraph 2: Problems/Causes

• Topic sentence introducing the problems
• First problem + explanation
• Second problem + explanation (optional)

Paragraph 3: Solutions

• Topic sentence introducing solutions
• First solution + explanation of how it helps
• Second solution + explanation (optional)

Paragraph 4: Conclusion

• Summarise the main problems and solutions
• No new ideas

This structure ensures you address all parts of the question with balanced depth—a key requirement for Band 7+.

Step-by-Step: Writing Each Paragraph

The Introduction (2 sentences)

Your introduction needs to do two things:

1. Paraphrase the question to show you understand it
2. Outline what your essay will cover

Example question: "Many offenders commit more crimes after serving their first punishment. Why is this happening, and what measures can be taken to tackle this problem?"

Example introduction:
"A large number of criminals who serve their first prison sentence leave prison only to reoffend. This essay will examine the main reasons behind this issue and propose some practical solutions."

Notice how the introduction:

• Rephrases "offenders" as "criminals"
• Changes "commit more crimes" to "reoffend"
• Clearly states the essay will discuss reasons AND solutions

Body Paragraph 1: Problems or Causes (6-8 sentences)

Start with a clear topic sentence, then develop 1-2 problems in detail.

Structure for each problem:

• State the problem
• Explain WHY it's a problem
• Give an example if relevant

Example:
"The main reason for this high rate of reoffending is the lack of rehabilitation programs in prisons. Many correctional facilities focus primarily on punishment rather than preparing inmates for life after release. Without education or job training during their sentence, prisoners leave with the same limited skills and opportunities they had before. For instance, someone convicted of theft due to unemployment will face the same financial pressures upon release, making criminal activity an attractive option once again."

Key points:

• Don't just list problems—explain them
• Connect problems to the question's context
• One well-developed problem is better than three superficial ones

Body Paragraph 2: Solutions (6-8 sentences)

Mirror the structure of your problems paragraph, but now focus on solutions.

For each solution, explain:

• What the solution is
• How it addresses the problem
• Why it would work

Example:
"One effective solution would be to implement comprehensive rehabilitation programs within the prison system. Governments could invest in vocational training and educational courses that equip prisoners with marketable skills. By the time of their release, former inmates would have genuine employment prospects, reducing the temptation to return to crime. Countries like Norway, which prioritise rehabilitation over punishment, have seen significantly lower reoffending rates as a result."

Notice how the solution directly addresses the problem from the previous paragraph. This creates logical coherence that examiners reward.

The Conclusion (2-3 sentences)

Summarise without repeating word-for-word.

Example:
"In conclusion, the lack of rehabilitation and employment opportunities are the primary drivers of repeat offending. By implementing prison education programs and supporting former inmates' reintegration into society, governments can significantly reduce crime rates."

Common Mistakes That Limit Your Score

Mistake 1: Listing Without Developing

Many students try to include as many problems and solutions as possible. This is wrong.

Bad approach: "The problems are pollution, traffic, noise, overcrowding, and crime."

Good approach: Pick 2-3 problems and explain each one thoroughly with reasons and examples.

The band descriptors specifically state that Band 7 essays "present, extend and support main ideas." You cannot do this if you're racing through a list.

Mistake 2: Disconnected Problems and Solutions

Your solutions should logically address your problems. If you write about pollution as a problem but propose building more schools as a solution, you've lost coherence.

Plan before you write: Decide on your problems first, then choose solutions that directly address them.

Mistake 3: Writing an Opinion in Problem-Solution Essays

Unless the question specifically asks for your opinion, problem-solution essays don't require one. Focus on presenting problems and solutions objectively.

However, if the question says "What do you think is the best solution?" then you must give your opinion.

Mistake 4: Vague or Generic Solutions

Avoid solutions like "the government should solve this problem" or "people should be more aware."

Weak: "People should be educated about the problem."

Strong: "Governments should implement mandatory environmental education in school curricula, teaching children from primary school age about sustainable practices and their long-term benefits for the planet."

Specific solutions demonstrate higher-level thinking and vocabulary.

Mistake 5: Using "Research Study" Examples Incorrectly

Many students invent fake research to sound academic: "A study by Harvard University found that..."

This is risky because:

• Examiners can spot invented statistics
• The "research" often doesn't actually support the point being made
• It wastes words that could be used for genuine explanation

Instead, use logical reasoning or real-world examples you actually know about.

Band 7 Sample Essay

Question: "Plastic bags, bottles, and packaging are bad for the environment. What damage does plastic do to the environment? What can be done by governments and individuals to solve this problem?"

People are becoming increasingly concerned about the damaging effects of plastic on the environment. This essay will examine the environmental problems caused by plastic waste and suggest measures that both governments and individuals can take to address this issue.

Plastic pollution causes significant harm to wildlife and ecosystems. Marine animals frequently mistake plastic items for food, leading to starvation or internal injuries when they consume these indigestible materials. Sea turtles, for example, often eat plastic bags thinking they are jellyfish, which can block their digestive systems and prove fatal. Furthermore, as plastic breaks down into microplastics, these tiny particles enter the food chain, affecting not only marine life but eventually humans who consume seafood. The accumulation of plastic in oceans and landfills also releases harmful chemicals into soil and water, contaminating natural resources.

Several practical solutions exist to combat this problem. Governments can implement legislation banning single-use plastics and requiring manufacturers to use biodegradable alternatives. Countries like Rwanda and Kenya have successfully banned plastic bags, demonstrating that such policies can work effectively. Additionally, introducing deposit schemes for plastic bottles encourages recycling and reduces litter. On an individual level, people can reduce their plastic consumption by carrying reusable bags and water bottles, choosing products with minimal packaging, and properly recycling plastic waste.

In conclusion, plastic pollution poses a serious threat to ecosystems and wildlife through direct harm and chemical contamination. Through a combination of government regulation and individual responsibility, society can significantly reduce plastic waste and protect the environment for future generations.

Word count: 262

Why This Essay Would Score Band 7

Task Response: Both parts of the question are fully addressed—environmental damage AND solutions from both governments and individuals.

Coherence and Cohesion: Clear paragraph structure, each paragraph has one central focus, ideas flow logically.

Lexical Resource: Topic-specific vocabulary (ecosystems, microplastics, biodegradable, contaminating), accurate collocations (implement legislation, poses a threat).

Grammatical Range: Mix of simple and complex sentences, accurate use of conditionals and passive voice.

Quick Checklist Before You Submit

Before finishing your problem-solution essay, verify:

• Did I address ALL parts of the question?
• Did I explain my problems/causes (not just list them)?
• Do my solutions logically connect to the problems?
• Did I develop each point with explanation and/or examples?
• Is each paragraph focused on one main idea?
• Did I write 250+ words?

Practice Makes Progress

Understanding structure is the first step, but improvement comes from practice with feedback. Most students stuck at Band 5-6 make the same mistakes repeatedly without realising it.

Key Takeaways:

1. Problem-solution essays require balanced coverage of BOTH elements
2. Develop 1-2 problems and 1-2 solutions in depth rather than listing many
3. Connect your solutions to your problems logically
4. Use specific, detailed solutions—avoid vague suggestions
5. Don't add opinions unless the question asks for them

Master this essay type, and you've conquered one of the most frequent IELTS Task 2 questions.

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