Task 2 question types - Problem–solution

Learning Outcomes

After reading this article, you will be able to quickly identify IELTS Task 2 problem–solution questions, understand their structure, and write clear, well-organized essays that present problems, explain their causes, and suggest effective solutions. You will also practice using a logical paragraph plan, appropriate linking language, and relevant supporting examples.

IELTS Academic, General & UKVI Syllabus

For IELTS, you are required to recognize and respond to problem–solution Task 2 questions with direct, organized answers. For revision, focus on these syllabus points:

• Recognize the structure and wording of IELTS Task 2 questions requiring a problem–solution response.
• Present one or more problems clearly and explain their causes where required.
• Suggest practical and effective solutions with clear justification.
• Organize ideas in logical paragraphs with appropriate linking words.
• Support arguments with relevant reasons and precise examples.
• Use academic language and correct grammar suitable for a formal IELTS essay.

Test Your Knowledge

Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.

1. How can you recognize a problem–solution question in IELTS Writing Task 2?
2. What are the most important things to include when suggesting a solution in your answer?
3. Why is it important to explain the causes of a problem, if the question asks for them?
4. What is a typical paragraph structure for a problem–solution IELTS essay?

Introduction

Problem–solution essays are a frequent type of question in IELTS Writing Task 2. These questions present a scenario, issue, or difficulty and require you to discuss the problems it creates and offer one or more solutions. To score well, you must understand the task, plan logically, and develop each point with clear reasons and examples.

Key Term: Problem–Solution Question
A question type in IELTS Writing Task 2 that requires you to describe a problem or problems and suggest solutions.

Key Term: Solution
A specific action, measure, or policy you propose to resolve a stated problem in a Task 2 essay.

Key Term: Linking Phrase
A word or short expression that connects sentences or ideas, often signaling problems (“One main problem is…”) or solutions (“One way to address this is…”).

Types of Problem–Solution Questions

There are two main formats you may encounter:

• "What problems does this cause? What solutions can you suggest?"
• "What are the causes of this problem? What measures could be taken to resolve it?"

Sometimes the question asks only for solutions; often it asks for both problems (or causes) and solutions.

How to Recognize Problem–Solution Tasks

These Task 2 questions typically use phrases like:

• "What problems does this cause?"
• "What measures could be taken to address this problem?"
• "What are the causes of... and what solutions can you suggest?"
• "How can these issues be solved?"

Typical Structure for Problem–Solution Essays

A clear and logical structure is essential. The most common plan for this essay type is:

• Introduction: Paraphrase the question and outline your intention.
• Body Paragraph 1: Explain one or more main problems (or causes).
• Body Paragraph 2: Suggest specific solutions, justifying and illustrating each.
• Conclusion: Summarize key points and restate your position.

Use clear linking words to guide the reader through your logic.

Key Term: Paragraph Structure
The organized sequence of sentences that presents and develops one main idea per paragraph in a Task 2 essay.

Presenting Problems and Causes

When describing problems, make sure they are clearly relevant to the question. State the problem concisely, explain why it matters, and, if required, identify root causes.

Example problem statement: "One significant problem is the lack of affordable housing, which forces many families to live in overcrowded conditions."

If the question asks for causes, focus on root reasons: "This is mainly due to rising property prices and insufficient new construction in cities."

Suggesting Solutions

Propose practical solutions that directly address the problems you identified. Avoid vague answers; instead, explain exactly what should be done, who should do it, and how this would help.

Use language such as:

• "One effective way to tackle this issue would be..."
• "The government could provide subsidies in order to..."

Every solution should be logically linked to its problem and justified with supporting information or examples.

Key Term: Justification
A reason or explanation that supports why your proposed solution would be effective in resolving the problem.

Using Linking Phrases

Linking words clearly signal when you shift from problems to solutions and add supporting arguments:

Problems:

• "One major difficulty is..."
• "Additionally, this leads to..."

Solutions:

• "A possible solution would be..."
• "To address this issue, authorities should..."

Justification & Results:

• "As a result, this would..."
• "By doing this, it would..."

Developing Ideas Fully

Each problem and solution should be developed in two or three sentences:

• State the point clearly.
• Explain the consequences or justification.
• Give a brief example from real life, statistics, or personal experience.

Practice: Sample Question-Wording

"You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people think that environmental problems are too complex for individuals to solve, and only governments and large organizations can address them.
What are the problems caused by this attitude? 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."

Planning Your Answer

Before writing, plan quickly:

• What specific problems/examples will you mention?
• What realistic, connected solutions can you provide?

Organize: Introduction > Problem(s) > Solution(s) > Conclusion

Worked Example 1.1

In many cities, traffic congestion and air pollution have become severe.

Question:
Many cities face serious traffic congestion and air pollution.
What are the main problems these cause? What practical solutions can you suggest?

Model Answer Structure:
Introduction:
Restate the issue (e.g., "Urban traffic congestion and pollution are pressing issues in many cities worldwide.")

Body Paragraph 1 – Problems:

• Increased vehicle emissions harm health, causing respiratory diseases.
• Traffic delays reduce productivity and quality of life.

Body Paragraph 2 – Solutions:

• Expand investment in public transport to reduce car reliance.
• Introduce congestion charges for city center driving as a deterrent.

Conclusion:
Clear summary (e.g., "In summary, promoting public transport and using financial measures can help ensure cleaner, safer cities.")

Answer:
A high-scoring answer will directly link the problems to specific solutions and explain the benefit of each with brief justification.

Worked Example 1.2

Recent graduates struggle to find suitable employment in their field.

Question:
A growing number of university graduates are unable to find jobs related to their studies.
What are the causes of this trend? What can be done to solve it?

Model Answer Structure:
Introduction:
State the trend using your own words.

Body Paragraph 1 – Causes:

• Over-saturation of certain degree fields.
• Lack of practical work experience among new graduates.

Body Paragraph 2 – Solutions:

• Universities should tailor degree programs to match labor market demand.
• Introduce mandatory internships in all degree programs.

Conclusion:
Briefly recap. (e.g., "By adjusting curricula and incorporating practical training, graduates can become more employable.")

Answer:
The highest marks go to essays that target each cause with a relevant, supported solution.

Exam Warning

Candidates often list vague problems or offer unrealistic solutions, such as "The government should fix everything" without details. For maximum marks, always specify who must take action and how it will improve the situation.

Revision Tip

In your plan, match each solution directly to a stated problem or cause. Use clear linking words ("To solve this...," "As a result...") to connect them.

Key Point Checklist

This article has covered the following key knowledge points:

• Identify and structure problem–solution IELTS Task 2 questions appropriately.
• Develop clear paragraphs stating one or two problems with direct relevance to the question.
• Suggest realistic, justified solutions that directly address each problem.
• Use linking words and phrases to signal problems and solutions.
• Support each point with precise reasons and simple examples.
• Plan your essay before writing for logical flow and completeness.

Key Terms and Concepts

• Problem–Solution Question
• Solution
• Linking Phrase
• Paragraph Structure
• Justification