Problem Solution Essay for IELTS: Topics, Structure, and Sample Questions

Well, Problem Solution Essays are a key part of the IELTS Writing Task 2, and mastering them can make a real difference to your band score.

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We have seen many students struggle with IELTS writing tasks. Not because they don’t have good ideas to write about, but because they either overexplain the problem or rush through the solutions. What they don't understand is the trick to keeping it balanced, organised, and thoughtful.

If you are also feeling stuck or don't know how to begin, practising is the key!

Below, we’ve thoroughly explained a sample structure, tips to follow and some sample Problem-Solution topics to help you build confidence and start thinking like a high-scoring IELTS candidate.

What is an IELTS Problem Solution Essay?

In IELTS Writing Task 2, a Problem Solution Essay introduces a particular problem and asks the writer to determine its causes and recommend feasible solutions. This type of essay tests your capacity to analyse a problem, provide arguments, and recommend possible remedies, finally proving your critical thinking and communication skills.

To enhance your IELTS preparation, book a call with Yocket Prep experts for personalized advice, expert tips, and tailored strategies.

Sample Topic Questions for Problem Solution Essays IELTS

Here are a few samples of Problem Solution Essay Topics:

IELTS Problem-Solution Essay Topics: Environmental Issues

• What are the primary sources of air pollution in metropolitan areas?

• How do vehicle emissions contribute to metropolis air pollution?

• How can industrial operations exacerbate air quality issues?

• How do building and infrastructure development affect air quality in metropolitan areas?

• What are the health effects of extended exposure to air pollutants?

• How do air pollutants impact ecosystems and biodiversity?

• What are the economic costs of air pollution-associated illnesses and environmental degradation?

• What steps may be made to promote sustainable travel while lowering vehicle emissions?

• How can society move to renewable energy to reduce air pollution?

• What laws and regulations are needed to enforce emission restrictions and monitor pollution levels properly?

IELTS Problem-Solution Essay Topics: Social Problems

• What constitutes several brand new, maximum tremendous societal problems?

• How does homelessness affect people and communities?

• Which variables contribute to the continuation of urban poverty?

• How does unemployment impact social well-being and financial stability?

• What are the implications of uneven access to schooling and healthcare?

• How does prejudice against race, gender, or religion emerge in society?

• What barriers do marginalised groups experience while seeking jobs and social services?

• How does substance addiction impact people, families, and communities?

• How does psychological stigma impede people from getting help?

• How can societies foster social inclusion while addressing systemic inequalities?

IELTS Problem-Solution Essay Topics: Health and Lifestyle

• What are the number one reasons for lifestyle-related health troubles in contemporary society?

• How do eating regimens and vitamins affect your trendy health and well-being?

• How can physical exercise contribute to the prevention of chronic diseases?

• How can stress damage mental health and lead to lifestyle-related illnesses?

• What sociocultural influences impact smoking and alcohol drinking habits?

• What effect does healthcare service accessibility have on a person's health outcomes?

• What are the hurdles to addressing mental health concerns and raising awareness?

• What role does socioeconomic status play in influencing health inequalities and lifestyle choices?

• What measures may be used to encourage healthy habits and avoid disease?

• How can communities help individuals make beneficial lifestyle changes?

IELTS Problem-Solution Essay Topics: Technological Challenges

• What are the rising technological issues confronting society today?

• How does the fast growth of artificial intelligence affect career opportunities?

• What are the moral consequences of using biometrics and surveillance technologies?

• What consequences does cyberbullying have on human beings' intellectual health and well-being?

• What are the dangers of disinformation and deceptive records online?

• In what ways does the digital divide increase disparities in information and technological access?

• What steps may be taken to preserve data privacy and personal information online?

• How can climate change and environmental damage stem from technology?

• What obstacles do governments confront when regulating emergent technologies like blockchain and cryptocurrency?

• How can civilisations adapt to technological breakthroughs while minimising their negative consequences for individuals and communities?

Understand IELTS Problem Solution Essay Structure

It's all about structure, clarity, and balance when writing a high-scoring IELTS problem solution essay. To impress the examiner, your essay must logically solve the problem, describe its effects, and propose feasible, well-considered solutions. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it effectively:

Paragraph 1: CLEAR INTRODUCTION

Begin your essay with an effective and brief introduction. Define the problem, e.g., the growing popularity of cars causing city problems like traffic congestion and pollution. Set your position and inform the reader what they will find in the essay. A simple sentence saying that you will discuss solutions provides your writing with direction and purpose.

Paragraph 2 (Body): TALK ABOUT THE ISSUE

Your opening body paragraph should identify the main issues. This might be traffic, air pollution, and how they affect urban life. Make your explanation concise but not too detailed try to assist the examiner in grasping the severity of the problem at a glance without bombarding them with information.

Paragraph 3-4 (Body): FOCUS ON SOLUTIONS

The second body paragraph should dive into the possible solutions. Go beyond just listing ideas explain how each solution could work. For example, instead of saying “improve public transport,” mention investing in subways, bus lanes, and congestion pricing. This approach shows you’re thinking practically and critically, which is essential for a high band score.

Last Paragraph: DETAIL MATTERS FOR A HIGH BAND SCORE

A balanced conclusion and careful attention to detail can make your essay shine. Don't concentrate on any single party explain how governments, people, and technology can all be used to solve the issue. Highlight solutions such as carpooling and ridesharing as an example of depth and consciousness. Lastly, conclude by restating your main points without introducing new ones. Employ formal language and logical linking words to ensure a smooth flow throughout.

IELTS Sample Problem Solution Essay Topics

IELTS Problem Solution Essay Question:

With an improved reliance on automobiles, many cities suffer widespread visitor congestion and environmental troubles. What steps can be taken to remedy this problem?

IELTS Problem Solution Essay Sample:

The growing reliance on vehicles harms cities, resulting in debilitating site visitor congestion and expanded pollution tiers. To deal with these crucial challenges, a multifaceted technique must be used.

To start, enhancing public transit infrastructure is a critical approach. Cities can also inspire commuters to use general delivery instead of personal motors by investing in extending and upgrading bus and subway networks. Further techniques to improve visitor flow and discourage automobile usage include implementing special bus lanes and visitor pricing plans.

In addition to enhancing public transit, encouraging exchange types of mobility is critical. Congestion is lessened, and a more fit, extra sustainable urban environment is promoted by encouraging foot and bicycling by constructing motorcycle lanes and pedestrian-pleasant infrastructure. Furthermore, boosting carpooling and ridesharing programs can considerably reduce the number of cars on the street, easing the congestion of site visitors.

Adopting strict environmental legislation is crucial in fighting pollutants and fixing transportation infrastructure. Implementing emission regulations for automobiles and industry and investing in renewable electricity alternatives can help lessen air pollution and the lousy fitness effects caused by vehicle emissions.

Furthermore, promoting a societal exchange closer to sustainable transportation behaviors is essential. Educating the public about the detrimental outcomes of excessive driving on the environment and human health can foster a feeling of duty in human beings and encourage them to regulate their conduct.

In precis, improving public transportation infrastructure, encouraging opportunity transportation, implementing environmental laws, and fostering a sustainable mindset among many of the population are all essential additives of a comprehensive method to reduce site visitor congestion and pollution in urban regions. By implementing these steps, cities can create cleaner, greener, and more liveable metropolitan surroundings.

Understanding IELTS Problem Solution Essay Sample Structure

As you just read, the essay effectively addresses a common IELTS problem solution topic: the increasing reliance on automobiles and its negative consequences on urban life.

What makes it worthy of a high band score is its strategic coherence that effectively addresses both problems and solutions with clarity and relevant ideas.

Now, to understand the structure, you will have to incorporate the following things to write a well-read essay! 

CLEAR INTRODUCTION:

Begin your introduction by clearly setting the context. Mention how the growing use of cars has led to serious urban problems like traffic jams and increased pollution. Be clear about where you stand on the issue and mention what to expect from the essay!

A simple line saying that you’ll explore possible solutions is enough to give your essay direction and keep it focused. Next Step?

TALK ABOUT THE ISSUE:

As you can see, the first body paragraph clearly points out the main issues caused by too many cars, namely, traffic congestion and pollution. It gives just enough detail to explain the problems without getting too caught up in specifics or overloading the reader with information.

Given the time limits and word count in the IELTS exam, this is a perfect approach to talk about the issue. It helps the examiner quickly understand what the essay is about without bogging them down with unnecessary details. It also sets a nice foundation for the solutions to come.

FOCUS ON SOLUTIONS:

The solutions are the real strength of this essay. Instead of just listing out what should be done, it takes the extra step to explain how these solutions could actually work. 

For example, rather than just saying “improve public transport,” it further goes on to talk about investing in better bus and subway systems, creating dedicated bus lanes, and even using congestion pricing to discourage people from driving.

DETAILINGS MATTER FOR A HIGH BAND SCORE:

What makes this essay even stronger is, how it addresses solutions from different perspectives. It doesn’t place the burden on just one group. 

Instead, it highlights the role of governments, the impact of individual choices and even brings in a tech-savvy, social angle with solutions like carpooling and ridesharing.

This kind of balanced approach shows your understanding of the topic and that you can think beyond surface-level fixes. Including these layers of detail not only strengthens your argument but also shows the kind of critical thinking that can boost your IELTS writing score.

CONCLUSION:

The conclusion shouldn’t introduce new ideas but neatly tie up the essay, reminding the reader of the proposed solutions. In this essay, the conclusion summarises the key points and reinforces the overall message that a comprehensive approach is needed to tackle the issue of congestion and pollution. The use of formal language, logical connectors, and occasional modal verbs like can, should, and must help maintain clarity and flow.

Top 10 Tips to Write Problem Solution Essays IELTS

Now that you’ve got a clear structure and know how to approach it, here are 10 must-know tips we’ve put together to help you master the essentials of writing a great Problem Solution Essay for IELTS Writing Task 2: 

1. Understand the Question: Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what the essay is asking. Identify the problem and what kind of solutions you're expected to suggest.

2. Brainstorm Ideas: Take a few minutes to think of different angles. What’s causing the problem? Who’s affected? What realistic solutions could help?

3. Plan Your Structure: Stick to a clear structure: an intro, one paragraph explaining the problem, another offering solutions, and a conclusion that ties it all together.

4. Start with a Strong Introduction: Give a quick background, explain the issue clearly, and mention the kind of solutions you’ll explore just enough to guide the reader.

5. Use Clear Body Paragraphs: Use one paragraph for the problem and another for the solutions. Keep your points focused and use examples to make your ideas stronger.

6. Evaluate the Solutions: Don’t just list fixes explain how they’d work, why they matter, and if there are any limitations. Comparing a few options can also show deeper thinking.

7. Back It Up with Evidence: Use real-world examples, stats, or expert opinions when you can. It makes your argument more convincing and thoughtful.

8. Keep It Formal: Use proper grammar and vocabulary. Keep it academic no slang or casual language.

9. Wrap It Up Well: Your conclusion should restate the problem and briefly sum up your key points. Avoid bringing in brand-new ideas here.

10. Always Proofread: Take a final look to fix typos, awkward phrasing, or unclear ideas. Clean writing makes a big difference in your score.

From the Desk of Yocket

If you're aiming for a high band in the IELTS, don’t underestimate the value of mastering essay types like Problem Solution. That’s where most students slip.

At Yocket Prep, we focus on helping you bridge that gap.

With expert-led guidance, timed practice sessions, and personalised feedback, you’ll not only learn how to generate ideas but also how to structure them firmly within a given time constraint. Our IELTS prep tools are designed to simplify your journey and boost your confidence on the test day!