Write your own answer first40 minutes and at least 250 words, like the real test. Use the editor below, then compare with the Band 8 model essay.
Problem–solution essays (also “causes and solutions” or “causes and effects”) ask you to explain why something is happening and what can be done about it. There is no “your opinion” part unless the question asks for it. The key to a high score is making your solutions match your problems or causes, so the essay reads as one logical argument.
How to recognise a problem/cause and solution essay#
The question usually ends with wording like this:
- What are the causes of this problem, and what solutions can you suggest?
- What problems does this cause? How can they be solved?
- Why is this happening? What can be done to address it?
- What are the effects, and what measures could be taken?
The structure#
| Paragraph | What to write | Example language |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Introduction | Paraphrase the issue + say you will discuss causes (or problems) and solutions. | This essay will examine the main causes… and suggest… |
| 2. Body 1 | Two main causes or problems, each explained with an example. | The primary cause is… A further factor is… |
| 3. Body 2 | Solutions that match the causes in body 1, explained with how they would work. | To tackle the first problem, governments could… |
| 4. Conclusion | Summarise the main causes and the most important solution. | In conclusion, … can be reduced if… |
Aim for 260–300 words: an introduction and conclusion of 2–3 sentences each, and two body paragraphs of 5–7 sentences.
How to plan it in 5 minutes#
- Check exactly what the question asks: causes + solutions, problems + solutions, or causes + effects. Answer those two parts only.
- Choose two causes and give each a matching solution. Cause 1 → solution 1, cause 2 → solution 2. This creates strong coherence.
- Make solutions specific and realistic (who should act, and how), not “people should be more careful”.
Practice question#
In many cities, traffic congestion is becoming a serious problem. What are the main causes of this problem, and what solutions can you suggest?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Essay practice editor
Model answer (Band 8 style)
Write your own answer first, then compare structure and vocabulary. Task 2 · 286 words.
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Traffic congestion has become a daily reality in cities around the world, wasting time, increasing pollution and costing economies billions. This essay will examine the main causes of this problem and suggest how it could be tackled.
The primary cause of congestion is the sheer number of private cars on the road. As incomes rise in many countries, car ownership is increasing rapidly, and cars are often seen as a symbol of status as well as a convenient form of transport. A further factor is inadequate public transport. In cities where buses are slow, unreliable or overcrowded, and where there is no metro system, people have little choice but to drive, even for short journeys. Poor urban planning makes the situation worse, as homes are often built far from workplaces and shops.
To tackle the first problem, governments could make driving less attractive in city centres. Congestion charges, such as the one introduced in London, require drivers to pay to enter the busiest areas at peak times and have been shown to reduce traffic significantly. Higher parking fees and car-free zones could have a similar effect. However, these measures are only fair if people have a good alternative, which addresses the second cause. Investment in fast, frequent and affordable public transport, including dedicated bus lanes and metro lines, would encourage commuters to leave their cars at home. In the longer term, planners should also design neighbourhoods where people can live close to work and services, and where walking and cycling are safe.
In conclusion, congestion is caused mainly by rising car ownership and a lack of good alternatives. It can be reduced most effectively by combining charges on driving with serious investment in public transport.
Solutions match causes
Cause 1 (too many cars) → charges and car-free zones; cause 2 (poor public transport) → investment. *…which addresses the second cause* makes the link explicit.
Only what the question asks
Causes and solutions, no unrequested opinion section.
Specific, realistic solutions
Named measures (congestion charge, bus lanes, metro lines) and a real example (London).
Cause–effect language
*The primary cause…*, *A further factor…*, *makes the situation worse*, *would encourage… to*.
Want your own writing scored? With Worddemy Pro, paste it into the app and get a band score with feedback on all four criteria.
Useful language#
| Purpose | Words and phrases |
|---|---|
| Causes | The primary cause of… is · A further factor is · …is largely due to · stems from |
| Effects / problems | This leads to · As a result · …has serious consequences for · …puts pressure on |
| Solutions | To tackle this problem · One effective measure would be · Governments could · …would help to |
| Link solution to cause | This would address… · To solve the first problem · As for the second issue |
| Results of solutions | This would encourage… · …has been shown to reduce · In the long term |
Common mistakes#
- Solutions that don’t match the causes you described, which breaks the logic of the essay.
- Vague solutions (“people should change their behaviour”). Say who should do what.
- Adding an opinion paragraph the question didn’t ask for, wasting words and time.
- Too many causes listed briefly instead of two explained fully.
More practice questions of this type#
3 more questions of this type, each with a Band 8-style model essay:
Find more questions by topic in our Writing Task 2 topics list.
Other Task 2 essay types#
New to Task 2? Start with the complete IELTS Writing Task 2 guide.