In this tutorial, we look at an example of a problem and solution essay for IELTS writing.
A “problem and solution” essay, as its name suggests, proposes a problem to you and asks you to suggest a solution or solutions to it. It may also ask about the causes of the problem or the effects which the problem has.
As with an opinion essay in task 2, there is no right or wrong answer. What is being tested is your competence in writing English, not your skills as a policy-maker!
A problem-solution essay has some key elements.
Before you start writing a problem-solution essay, it's important to first understand the problem. What are the causes of the problem? What are its effects? Once you have a clear understanding of the problem, you can begin to brainstorm solutions.
The introduction to a problem and solution essay should briefly state:
Body paragraphs are where you develop the solution to your problem. In a problem and solution essay, your body paragraphs will need to discuss
When writing your body paragraphs, it is important to keep your argument clear and concise. Be sure to support your claims with evidence, and always keep your reader in mind. Remember, the goal of a problem and solution essay is to offer a practical solution to a real-world problem.
The conclusion of a problem and solution essay should be concise and to the point. It should restate the main points of the essay and leave the reader with a sense of closure.
Each of the questions above has something in common.
Each of them begins by stating a problem, asks about the causes (or sometimes about the effects) of the problem, and then asks you to propose the solution. As the name of this essay type suggests, they fall essentially into two parts:
There are many different ways to structure a problem-solution essay. But no matter how you choose to organize your essay, it will need to have three essential elements:
As usual, the structure of the question should give you your cue for how to structure your answer.
Problem-and-solution essays fall naturally into two parts, the first describing and exploring the problem, the second setting out the solution or solutions.
For these purposes, treat questions about the causes or effects of problems as part of the description of the problem itself.
Let’s take a concrete example from the series of examples which I gave earlier.
“Loneliness is an increasing problem in many societies, especially among the elderly. Why is this? How might it be remedied?”
Here there are in fact two questions, a question about the cause of the problem (“Why is this?”) and a question about possible solutions to it.
This indicates how the essay should be structured.
The first thing to do is simply to state the problem, with examples or illustrative descriptions, if possible. One can begin simply by restating the problem. A good opening sentence, for example, might run as follows:
“Loneliness is an increasingly acute problem in most societies. The problem affects all age groups and social classes, but especially the poor and the elderly.”
With this opening sentence, you have not only restated the problem.
Try to develop your description of the problem a little bit more. For example, what is the problem (in this case, loneliness) like for those who experience it? What are its consequences?
“Not only is loneliness in and of itself an unhappy state, but it also weakens the ties between family and friends which hold society together.”
“Loneliness is not only a social problem, but, potentially, a medical one: it can lead to poor physical and mental health.”
You now have a fuller, qualitatively richer description of the problem. Good! This could be expanded further, but the approach to take is clear. Now it is time to move on to the question of causes, which you should treat as part of the description of the problem. Single-cause or “monocausal” explanations are sometimes less persuasive than explanations which take into account a variety of factors.
Here is an example of an attempt to address the question of the causes of loneliness in modern societies.
“The causes of increased loneliness in modern societies are not completely certain. Amongst them might be included: the disappearance of many traditional occupations; the decline of public transport links; and the rise of modern cultural technologies.”
The answer starts by admitting uncertainty. It is an indicator of strength to be able to concede limitations to one’s knowledge.
There is more that could be said here, but it is time to move on to proposing solutions. Remember that you are not limited to any single solution. It is quite in order for you to suggest a number of solutions. This is possible even if the suggested solutions seem to conflict with each other. You are simply being asked to canvass one or more possible solutions.
Let’s consider how this might work in this particular case, with the problem of loneliness. You might begin with a general statement like this:
“Because there are a number of causes at work in the problem of loneliness, it is unlikely that any single solution will by itself be sufficient.”
This sentence does two things:
“One immediate practical solution is to improve public transport links. This would enable family members and friends in different cities to visit each other more easily.”
“But if, as we have seen, the causes of the problem are more deeply-rooted, we may need to consider structural solutions.”
“For example, can we change the way in which work is organized in our society so that people more often work together and face-to-face?”
Here you have done something quite important: you have made a qualitative, rather than a merely episodic, distinction between your different points. In other words, the structure of your argument now appears logically motivated rather than merely accidental. You have begun with an immediately achievable practical solution, and have gone on to discuss a more ambitious and more general one.
In this tutorial, we have begun to learn how to
Take a look at some task 2 sample essay questions to help you prepare all kinds of topics for the IELTS exam.
A problem-solution essay is are usually written in five paragraphs, with each paragraph addressing a different aspect of the problem or solution.
To start a problem-solution essay, you need to first understand the problem. What are some of the main causes of the problem? Once you have a good understanding of the problem, you can start brainstorming solutions. After you have brainstormed some solutions, you can start writing your essay.
Your conclusion should briefly summarize the main points of the essay and emphasize the importance of solving the problem.
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