IELTS Writing Task 2: Problem / cause and solution

How to recognise it

• "What problems does this cause? What solutions can you suggest?"
• "What are the causes of this? What can be done?"

What the examiner looks for

Both parts answered: the causes or problems, and the solutions. Solutions should match the problems you described and be specific (who does what, and how it helps).

Plan (40 minutes)

How to start

• Background: "[Issue] has become a serious concern in many countries."
• Preview: "This is mainly caused by [cause], but it could be tackled by [solution]."
• Body 2 opening: "To address this, governments could…" / "An effective solution would be to…"
• Avoid: vague solutions such as 'the government should do something'. Say exactly what.

These are frames to adapt to the question, not sentences to memorise. Examiners can recognise memorised language, and it lowers Lexical Resource.

Think before you write

1. Underline the topic and the instruction words. How many parts must you answer?
2. Decide your answer or position in one sentence before planning anything else.
3. Choose two main ideas that support it and a specific example for each (a country, a group of people, a situation, not "many people say").
4. Note 3-4 topic words you want to use (e.g. for education: curriculum, tuition fees, graduates).

Useful language

Mistakes that cost bands

• Answering only the problem part and forgetting the solution (or the reverse).
• Solutions that don't match the problems described.
• Too many problems and solutions with no development of any of them.

Traffic congestion is becoming a serious problem in many large cities. What are the causes of this problem, and what measures could be taken to reduce it?

Obesity rates among children are rising in many countries. What are the causes of this, and what can be done to solve the problem?

Large amounts of plastic waste end up in the oceans. What problems does this cause, and what solutions can you suggest?

Many students leave school without the skills employers need. Why is this, and what can be done about it?

Many young graduates cannot find jobs that match their qualifications. What are the causes, and what solutions can you suggest?

In many countries, people feel more lonely than in the past, even though they are more connected online. Why is this, and what can be done?

Housing in many big cities has become too expensive for young people. What problems does this cause, and how could they be solved?

Online fraud is increasing in many parts of the world. What are the causes of this, and what can be done to prevent it?

Many species of animals and plants are in danger of disappearing. What are the causes of this, and what can be done to protect them?

Many people spend too much time on social media, which affects their sleep and concentration. What problems does this cause, and what solutions can you suggest?

A large amount of food is wasted in wealthy countries every year. What are the causes of this, and how can it be reduced?