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A problem solution essay
A problem-solution essay is a common task in IELTS Writing Task 2, where you must discuss a problem and propose solutions. However, not all problem-solution essays are exactly the same. Depending on the type, the task might require you to:
- Suggest solutions to a problem.
- Identify problems that arise from a particular situation and propose solutions.
- Identify the causes of a problem and then suggest solutions to resolve it.
Understanding these variations is key to writing a clear and effective response. In this lesson, we will explore these different types of tasks and focus on one specific approach: identifying problems and proposing solutions.
Example questions
Let’s see some example questions for each type of essay.
Suggesting solutions
✍ Example 1: Many people around the world are now unable to afford basic necessities like food and healthcare. What solutions can help reduce poverty?✍ Example 2: Plastic pollution has become a major environmental issue. What can be done to tackle this problem?Identifying problems and proposing solutions
✍ Example 1: The number of people who work remotely has significantly increased in recent years. What problems can arise from this trend, and how can these problems be solved?✍ Example 2: Tourism has grown rapidly in many countries, often creating challenges for local communities. What issues does this cause, and how can they be addressed?Identifying the causes of a problem and suggesting solutions
✍ Example 1: Obesity rates are rising in many countries around the world. What are the main causes of this problem, and what solutions can be offered to tackle it?✍ Example 2: Air pollution in urban areas is becoming worse year by year. State some reasons for this and provide possible solutions.As you can see, there are different ways to ask for problems, solutions, and causes in a problem-solution essay. Understanding these variations will help you approach this task. Here are some words that can be used to ask for:
Solutions: solutions, what can be done to …, how can … be addressed,
Problems: problems, issues, difficulties, challenges, consequences.
Causes: causes, reasons, factors, root of, why … happens.Essay structure
In this section, we will focus on the structure of a problem-solution essay where you are tasked with identifying problems that arise from a situation and proposing solutions. However, regardless of the type of problem-solution essay, the structure always follows the same basic pattern:
‣ Introduction:
Describe the situation briefly, paraphrasing the question, and outline the problems or causes and the solutions you will discuss.
‣ Body Paragraph 1:
Depending on the type of essay, explain the problem in detail, identify the main problems arising from the situation, or identify the main causes of the problem. Provide examples or explanations of these problems or causes.
‣ Body Paragraph 2:
Suggest specific and practical solutions for the problems and explain how these solutions address the issues identified providing examples.
‣ Conclusion:
Summarize the problems or causes and solutions, and give a final thought, highlighting the importance of addressing the issues effectively.The structure for this type of essay is visualized clearly in the diagram below:
Understand the task
Let’s focus on one of the questions:
✍ Tourism has grown rapidly in many countries, often creating challenges for local communities. What issues does this cause, and how can they be addressed?The first step in writing a problem-solution essay is to understand the task and what we need to do. To get a good mark, it’s essential to stick to the point and avoid discussing unrelated issues that are not mentioned in the question.
In the example above:- You need to identify problems (issues) that arise from the situation (the rapid growth of tourism affecting local communities).
- Then, you need to find solutions to address these issues (how can they be addressed?).
Brainstorm and plan
Our topic is the negative impact of tourism on local communities. But what kind of impact? Is it economic, political, cultural, or environmental? You will only have time to write about two problems in your essay, so focus on aspects you can discuss clearly and support with examples.
For instance:- Tourism can have an economic impact on local communities because rising demand for tourist accommodations often pushes property prices up, making housing unaffordable for locals.
- It can also have an environmental impact, as tourists sometimes destroy the beauty spots they visit by leaving trash, wearing down paths, or causing other damage.
- A third issue might be cultural—locals may change or abandon their traditional ways of life to cater to the preferences of visitors.
Here’s an example of a brainstorming diagram you can use to map out your ideas:
By brainstorming and organizing your ideas like this, you’ll ensure your essay is focused, well-structured, and easy to follow.Organize your ideas
After brainstorming, focus on two key problems and organize your ideas clearly. Since this essay asks for problems and solutions, structuring your ideas is straightforward. You can use a table like this one:
Problems Solutions Property prices rise: Homes become unaffordable for local people. Affordable housing programs; financial help. Environmental damage: Tourists leave trash, wear down paths, etc. Limit visitor numbers; introduce local wardens to police beauty spots. Write
Once you have brainstormed your ideas and organized them clearly, it’s time to start writing your essay.
Introduction
In the introduction (30-50 words), you aim to introduce the topic or situation, paraphrasing the question, and outline the problems and solutions you will discuss.
Tourism can have detrimental effects on local communities, including economic and environmental challenges. This essay will discuss how tourism drives up housing costs and damages natural areas. It will also explore solutions such as housing programs supported by the government and policies to regulate tourist activity.➪ Introduce the situation paraphrasing the question
➪ Outline the problems and solutions you will discussBody paragraph I
In the first body paragraph (100-120 words), you need to identify the problems caused by the situation, explain them in detail, and support your ideas with examples.
One significant problem is the rising cost of housing. As tourism grows, developers build hotels and villas, and homeowners prioritize holiday rentals. This drives up property prices, making it difficult for locals to afford homes. For instance, in Mallorca, Spain, the surge in tourism caused housing prices to skyrocket, leaving many locals unable to stay in their hometowns. Moreover, tourism often leads to environmental degradation. Overdevelopment, overcrowding on trails, and littering are common issues. For example, the Marangu Route on Mount Kilimanjaro, nicknamed the “Coca-Cola Trail,” is notorious for the waste left by tourists.➪ Identify a problem
➪ Give details about the problem
➪ Introduce an exampleBody paragraph II
In the second body paragraph (100–120 words), focus on practical solutions to the problems discussed earlier. Explain these solutions in detail and support your ideas with relevant examples.
These challenges can be mitigated through targeted actions. To address housing issues, governments can implement housing programs for locals or provide financial help for rent. For instance, in Mall, Oman, homes were built in nearby areas to accommodate locals displaced by tourism. Environmental damage can be addressed through education, promoting sustainable policies, and limiting tourists visiting fragile ecosystems. In Barcelona, for example, the mayor restricted cruise ships and promoted less-developed destinations like Girona to reduce overtourism. Additionally, local authorities can implement stricter waste management and hire staff to monitor and keep tourist sites clean.➪ Suggest a practical solution and give details
➪ Introduce an exampleConclusion
The conclusion (30–50 words) should summarize the problems and solutions discussed in the essay. End with a final thought that emphasizes the importance of addressing these challenges effectively.
In conclusion, tourism can cause significant challenges for local communities, such as rising housing costs and environmental degradation. However, these issues can be addressed through affordable housing programs, sustainable tourism policies, and stricter waste management. Addressing these problems is essential to ensure that tourism benefits both visitors and local residents.➪ Summarize the problems and solutions discussed in the essay
➪ Final thought that emphasizes the importance of addressing these challengesTransition words and useful language
Using appropriate connectors and expressions is essential for writing a clear, coherent, and well-structured essay. Connectors help link your ideas logically, while the right vocabulary allows you to describe problems, explain causes, discuss consequences, and propose solutions effectively. The chart below provides a variety of expressions to improve your writing.
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