IELTS low
mod 3
writing task 2
problem/solution essay
Useful phrases to introduce problems and solutions
These phrases introduce the main topic of the paragraph – they are the topic sentence
Problem
Solution
One problem with …. is that
One problem with …. is
…. S + V
…. noun
Another problem is that …. S + V
Another problem is
…. noun
A good solution to this problem is to ….
is + noun
The best way to deal with this (problem) is to…
is + noun
One way to solve this (problem) is to …
is + noun
The biggest problem with .. is that …
The biggest problem with .. is noun
_________ ing … is a good way to ….
To write a paragraph, the topic sentence needs supporting sentences. Supporting sentences provide
more details. They can include;
Examples (For example, in China, many young people ….)
Statistics (According to research, nearly 30% of young people are depressed)
Reasons
(This is because …)
Results / effects
(The result is that …
Conditionals
(If ……, will/would ….)
As a result, …….
Consequently, ……..)
Overpopulation of urban areas has led to numerous problems.
Identify one or two serious problems and suggest ways that governments and
individuals can tackle these problems.
Recently, there has been a huge increase in the number of people moving from rural to urban
areas in search of work. In addition, people are living longer. Now, many countries of the
world are currently experiencing problems caused by rapidly growing populations in urban
areas, especially large cities.
One major problem with overpopulation in large cities is that people are often forced to
live in unhygienic conditions. According to research, more than 30% of the world’s urban
population now lives in poor quality housing. Accommodation which is dirty, damp, or
unhygienic can cause significant health problems such as bronchitis or pneumonia, especially
among children and elderly people. Another problem caused by overpopulation is an
increase in crime. Many young people are unable to find employment and often turn to a life
of crime or drugs. It is not uncommon in cities to find gangs involved in criminal activities.
As a result, the government has to spend more money on protecting ordinary citizens and
dealing with crime.
The best way to deal with these problems is for the government to provide suitable housing
for all its citizens. If they did this, it would reduce the number of people who became sick.
Consequently, the government could spend less on healthcare and use the money that they
saved to improve accommodation. In addition, setting up community projects is a good way
to help create more community spirit and help keep young people off the street. For example,
youth clubs or evening classes for teenagers would keep young people occupied and develop
good morals and behaviour.
In conclusion, it is clear that the problems caused by overpopulation in urban areas are very
serious. Yet, if governments and individuals share responsibility, it may be possible to solve
many of the problems that overpopulation creates. (290 words)
Problem
Old people who are lonely loneliness
Solution
Local communities should set up senior schools which are free for all pensioners > reduce loneliness
The best way to deal with this problem is for … to …
One (possible) way to combat ……. is to
The situation could be improved (substantially) if …
Steps / Measures could/should be taken to …
People/Governments should focus their attention on ….
(By) …….. ing …………………….. , ……………… could / would ……………………
If …………………………….. , ……………………. could / would ……………………
deal with
solve
combat
overcome
eradicate
reduce
prevent
Problem
Overfishing - rapidly decreasing numbers of fish
Solution
The government should ban fishing during the breeding season. > allow numbers (of fish) to increase
The best way to deal with this problem is for … to …
One (possible) way to combat ……. is to
The situation could be improved (substantially) if …
Steps / Measures could/should be taken to …
People/Governments should focus their attention on ….
(By) …….. ing …………………….. , ……………… could / would ……………………
If …………………………….. , ……………………. could / would ……………………
IELTS Writing Task 2: Problem/Solution
Essay with Sample Answer
The internet has transformed the way information 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?
Model Answer
There is no doubt that the internet has revolutionised communication and information-sharing
in the same way that the telegraph and the television did before it. However, societies have
had to cope with unanticipated new problems, including crimes which traditional laws are
powerless to prevent. This essay will address some of the illegal acts enabled by the internet
and propose solutions.
To begin with, the global scale of the internet means that national laws are no longer
adequate to control what happens online. Take restrictions on legal reporting, for example. In
some countries, the media is prohibited from revealing details of a defendant’s past in case
this prejudices a fair trial. However, such restrictions are no longer enforceable now that
information may be freely published in other countries and accessed by all. The only solution
here, it seems, is to adopt global standards. Since the internet traverses national borders, the
flow of information can only be controlled if all nations agree on what can and cannot be
shared.
Another problem concerns anonymity, as internet users can easily conceal their identity and
even impersonate others. Many crimes such as identity theft and child abuse result from the
ease with which criminals can operate anonymously online. Some have proposed a system of
online identification, similar to a passport, which would allow all internet users to be verified
and traced. I believe this idea should be explored further, though there are clearly concerns
about the security of those who use the internet to protest against oppressive regimes.
In conclusion, the only long-term solution to the problem of internet crime is greater
international cooperation. Since the problem is global is scale, the solution must also be
global. A new agency of the United Nations should be created to tackle the problems
described here.
(298 words, IELTS 8.5)
afe and security of your safe
•
Work stress
•
Unemployment
•
Voting system in a particular country
•
Underage drinking
•
Chain smoking
•
Boredom
•
Loneliness
•
Child abuse
•
Prostitution
•
Problems with raising infants
•
Problems with growing poverty
•
Problems of homeless people
•
Problems of old age homes
•
Frustrating career objectives
•
Academic stress
•
Job stress
•
Illegal immigration
Accidents are common on our roads. What are the causes of this problem, and how could the
frequency of accidents be reduced?
People naturally resist change in their lives. What kind of problems can this cause? What
solutions can you suggest?
In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing. What problems will this
cause for individuals and society? Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce
the impact of aging populations.
Childhood obesity is becoming a serious problem in many countries. Explain the main
causes and effects of this problem, and suggest some possible solutions.
Explain some of the ways in which humans are damaging the environment. What can
governments do to address these problems? What can individual people do?
Sample Answer :
Humans are responsible for a variety of environmental problems, but we can also take steps
to reduce the damage that we are causing to the planet. This essay will discuss environmental
problems and the measures that governments and individuals can take to address these
problems.
Two of the biggest threats to the environment are air pollution and waste. Gas emissions from
factories and exhaust fumes from vehicles lead to global warming, which may have a
devastating effect on the planet in the future. As the human population increases, we are also
producing ever greater quantities of waste, which contaminates the earth and pollutes rivers
and oceans.
Governments could certainly make more effort to reduce air pollution. They could introduce
laws to limit emissions from factories or to force companies to use renewable energy from
solar, wind or water power. They could also impose ‘green taxes’ on drivers and airline
companies. In this way, people would be encouraged to use public transport and to take fewer
flights abroad, therefore reducing emissions.
Individuals should also take responsibility for the impact they have on the environment. They
can take public transport rather than driving, choose products with less packaging, and
recycle as much as possible. Most supermarkets now provide reusable bags for shoppers as
well as ‘banks’ for recycling glass, plastic and paper in their car parks. By reusing and
recycling, we can help to reduce waste.
In conclusion, both national governments and individuals must play their part in looking after
the environment.
(250 words, band 9)