Task 2 — Problem / Solution

Problem/solution essays need solutions that LOGICALLY MATCH the problems you identify.

Which solution best matches the cause 'too many private cars'?

Problem/solution (or causes/solutions) essays ask you to identify causes of an issue and propose solutions, OR identify problems and solutions. Read carefully: the prompt may ask for 'causes,' 'problems,' 'reasons,' or 'effects'—match exactly. Use a 4-paragraph structure: Introduction, Body 1 (Causes/Problems), Body 2 (Solutions), Conclusion. Introduction (45–55 words): paraphrase the issue, indicate that you will examine causes/problems and propose solutions.

Body 1 (Causes/Problems, 90–100 words): identify 1–2 main causes or problems with explanation and example. Cause vocabulary: 'stems from,' 'is rooted in,' 'is largely attributable to,' 'arises from.' Problem vocabulary: 'leads to,' 'gives rise to,' 'results in,' 'has serious consequences for,' 'poses a significant threat to.' Body 2 (Solutions, 90–100 words): propose 1–2 solutions that directly address the causes/problems mentioned. Use modal verbs to suggest action: 'should,' 'could,' 'ought to,' 'must,' 'governments need to,' 'individuals can.' Solution vocabulary: 'implement,' 'introduce,' 'enforce,' 'tackle,' 'address,' 'mitigate,' 'alleviate,' 'combat,' 'curb.' Match each solution to a cause/problem—do not propose unrelated fixes. Use specific examples (e.g., 'Sweden's carbon tax' for environmental issues).

Conclusion (30–40 words): summarize the main cause(s)/problem(s) and the corresponding solution(s). Aim for 280–300 words.

Task Response: examiner expects clear identification of causes/problems and proposal of relevant solutions, with each side developed in depth. Solutions must logically address the problems raised. Coherence & Cohesion: clear two-part structure with smooth transition from problems to solutions; cause-effect connectors should be varied. Lexical Resource: cause-effect vocabulary, solution-oriented verbs, and topic-specific terms (depending on the issue) are heavily rewarded. Grammatical Range & Accuracy: complex sentences with cause-effect clauses, modals for suggestion, and conditional structures demonstrate range.

• Proposing solutions that don't match the problems/causes identified
• Listing many problems without development, or many solutions without explanation
• Confusing 'causes' with 'effects' or 'problems' with 'consequences'
• Writing vague solutions like 'people should do something' without specifics
• Using only modal 'should'—failing to vary with 'could,' 'ought to,' 'must'

• IDP IELTS — Problem-solution
• IELTS Liz — Problem-solution
• IELTS Simon — Task 2

Tactical content is original synthesis based on these public IELTS prep resources.