Problem and Solution Essay IELTS: Types, Topics & Band 8+ Samples

The Problem and Solution Essay IELTS is one of the most common types in IELTS Writing Task 2. According to official IELTS data, over 25% of Task 2 questions fall under the problem-solution or cause-solution category. This essay format tests your ability to identify an issue, analyze its root causes or effects, and offer practical solutions in a structured, logical manner.

There are three main variations of this essay question:

• Problem + Solution – Identify an issue and suggest one or more solutions.
• Cause + Solution – Focus on the reasons behind the problem and how to resolve them.
• Only Solution – Propose solutions when the problem is already stated or implied.

Mastering these types is key to boosting your score, especially in Task Response and Coherence & Cohesion. In this blog, we will break down the structure, share writing tips, highlight common mistakes, and guide you with practice topics to help you ace this question type in your IELTS exam.

IELTS Essay Task 2 at a Glance:

Feature	Details
Task Name	IELTS Writing Task 2
Time Limit	40 minutes
Word Count	Minimum 250 words
Weightage	66% of total Writing score
Writing Style	Formal, academic-style essay
Evaluation Criteria	Task Response, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range
Common Essay Types	Opinion, Discussion, Problem-Solution, Advantages-Disadvantages, Direct Questions
Focus of Problem-Solution	Identify an issue and suggest logical, realistic solutions

New to Task 2? Get a full overview of IELTS Writing Task 2 format, tips, and scoring criteria.

Problem and Solution Essay IELTS: Common Topics and Sample Ideas

To score well in your IELTS Writing Task 2, it's important to practice with common problem and solution essay topics. These topics often reflect real-world issues and require you to suggest clear, logical solutions. Below are some of the most frequently asked categories along with sample ideas you can use for practice.

Here are some of the most commonly asked problem and solution essay topics in IELTS Writing Task 2, grouped by theme. Each table includes a real-world issue and a practical solution to help you prepare better.

1. Environment

Topic	Problem	Solution
Plastic pollution in oceans	Harms marine life and ecosystems	Ban single-use plastics, promote eco-friendly alternatives
Rising air pollution in cities	Health issues, poor air quality	Improve public transport, enforce emission norms

Must Read: Environmental Problems And Solution Essay : IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample & Tips

2. Education

Topic	Problem	Solution
Students find it hard to focus in class	Digital distractions, lack of engagement	Use interactive teaching, limit tech use
Unequal access to quality education	Financial or geographical barriers	Offer online learning, increase public funding

3. Health

Topic	Problem	Solution
Growing obesity in children	Poor diet, inactive lifestyle	Introduce school fitness programs, educate families
Ignoring mental health at work	Stress, stigma, lack of support	Launch wellness programs, raise awareness

4. Technology

Topic	Problem	Solution
Smartphone overuse	Reduces focus, impacts mental health	Encourage digital detox, set screen-time limits
Children accessing harmful content online	Inappropriate content, online risks	Use parental controls, teach internet safety

5. Employment

Topic	Problem	Solution
Job scarcity for fresh graduates	Skill gaps, outdated education	Offer vocational training, align education with industry needs
Poor work-life balance	Long hours, job pressure	Promote flexible work options, set boundaries

Pro Tip: In your essay, avoid listing too many problems. Focus on one or two strong ideas, and explain each clearly with real-world examples.

Learn about all types of essays in IELTS to identify the right structure for your response.

Ideal Structure for Writing a Problem and Solution Essay IELTS

To score well in the IELTS Writing Task 2, your essay needs to be clear, logical, and well-organized. Using a proper structure helps the examiner follow your ideas and gives you a better chance at a high band score.

Below is the simple 4-paragraph structure you need to follow:

1. Introduction

• Paraphrase the question in your own words.
• Clearly state what the problem is.
• Briefly mention you’ll offer a solution.

Example: Many cities today are dealing with increasing levels of air pollution. This essay will discuss the main causes and suggest effective ways to tackle the issue.

2. Body Paragraph 1 – Explain the Problem

• Describe one or two major causes of the issue.
• Support with facts, examples, or consequences.

Example: One key cause of air pollution is the rising number of private vehicles on roads. This contributes to poor air quality, especially in urban areas.

3. Body Paragraph 2 – Propose the Solution

• Suggest one or more practical solutions.
• Explain how your solution can solve the problem.
• Back it up with reasoning or examples.

Example: To address this, governments could invest in efficient and affordable public transport. This would reduce car use and lower emissions.

4. Conclusion

• Summarize the problem and your solution in one sentence.
• Optionally, give a short recommendation or final thought.

Example: In conclusion, reducing vehicle numbers through better public transport can significantly improve air quality in cities.

Pro Tip: Use clear linking words like “One reason is…”, “As a result…”, “To solve this…”, and “In conclusion…” to improve your coherence and cohesion score.

Want to boost your score? Learn how to improve your IELTS Writing Task 2 with proven tips.

Problem and Solution Essay IELTS: Sample Answers by Essay Type

To help you understand how to approach different types of problem and solution essays, here are 3 fully written samples based on real IELTS-style questions. Each one follows the right structure and language style expected in the exam.

Sample 1: Problem-Solution Essay

Topic: Many cities around the world face serious traffic congestion. What are the problems caused by this, and what solutions can be implemented?

Sample Answer:
Traffic congestion is a growing problem in cities worldwide, affecting both individuals and the economy. With the rise in urban populations and private vehicle ownership, roads are often overcrowded, especially during peak hours.

One significant problem caused by traffic congestion is the loss of valuable time. Daily commuters spend hours stuck on the road, leading to reduced productivity and increased stress levels. Moreover, the constant stop-and-go movement of vehicles contributes to fuel wastage and higher pollution levels, which in turn deteriorate air quality and harm public health. From an economic perspective, delays in goods transportation affect supply chains and result in financial losses for businesses.

To address these problems, governments can prioritize the development of efficient public transportation systems. Buses and trains must be punctual, affordable, and accessible to encourage people to reduce car usage. Another effective measure is implementing carpooling systems and rewarding citizens who opt for shared rides. Additionally, introducing congestion pricing in highly populated city areas can discourage unnecessary car trips during rush hours and generate funds for traffic management infrastructure.

In conclusion, traffic congestion leads to time loss, health hazards, and economic inefficiencies. However, solutions like improved public transport, shared mobility, and policy reforms can ease the burden and make urban life smoother.

Sample 2: Cause-Solution Essay

Topic: Obesity levels among children are rising rapidly. What are the causes of this problem, and what can be done to address it?

Sample Answer:
Childhood obesity has become a serious health concern in many parts of the world. The rise in obesity rates among young people is alarming, and if not addressed, it can lead to long-term health issues.

The primary cause of this problem is the shift in children's eating habits. With the growing influence of fast food culture and convenience snacks, children now consume high-fat, high-sugar diets that lack essential nutrients. Another major factor is the lack of physical activity. With the popularity of video games, mobile devices, and television, many children lead sedentary lives. Moreover, reduced outdoor playtime due to safety concerns and academic pressure further limits their physical movement.

To tackle this issue, both parents and schools must work together. Parents should be role models by promoting home-cooked meals and limiting sugary treats. At the same time, schools must encourage fitness by making physical education compulsory and offering extracurricular sports. Governments can support this by launching awareness campaigns about the risks of obesity and introducing regulations on junk food advertisements targeting children.

In summary, the causes of childhood obesity include poor diet choices and inactivity. Through collective efforts involving families, educators, and authorities, healthier lifestyles can be encouraged, reducing obesity rates and ensuring children grow up stronger and healthier.

Sample 3: Only-Solution Essay

Topic: Many people today are facing difficulties maintaining a healthy work-life balance. What solutions can help people manage this better?

Sample Answer:
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance has become increasingly challenging due to modern work demands and constant digital connectivity. While the issue affects people across professions, several effective solutions can help individuals regain control over their time and well-being.

Firstly, organizations should implement flexible working hours and promote remote work options. These practices allow employees to tailor their work schedules to fit personal responsibilities, reducing stress and improving job satisfaction. Encouraging a results-oriented approach instead of long office hours can also promote efficiency while respecting personal time.

Secondly, individuals need to set clear boundaries between their personal and professional lives. This can include turning off work notifications after hours, creating a designated workspace at home, and using planning tools to prioritize daily tasks. Allocating time for exercise, hobbies, and social interaction can also help reduce burnout and improve mental health.

Lastly, governments and HR bodies should create labor policies that support work-life balance, such as limiting overtime, mandating paid leaves, and encouraging family-friendly policies like parental leave or childcare support.

In conclusion, while the struggle for work-life balance is real, it can be addressed through a mix of organizational reforms, individual planning, and supportive government policies. When these solutions are applied consistently, people can lead more fulfilling and balanced lives both professionally and personally.

Explore more IELTS essay writing samples to understand Band 8+ structure and tone.

Conclusion

To write a high-scoring problem and solution essay IELTS, focus on understanding the question type, using a clear structure, and backing your ideas with strong reasoning. Whether it's a problem-solution, cause-solution, or solution-only essay, keep your writing simple, direct, and well-organized. Stick to one or two key points, use examples, and always connect your solution logically to the problem.

By practicing regularly and analyzing sample essays, you’ll improve your confidence and boost your chances of achieving a Band 7 or higher.

Want more essay ideas beyond problem and solution types? Check out this list of popular IELTS Writing Task 2 topics for better preparation.