You are given a social, environmental, or global issue and asked to identify its causes or problems and then propose solutions. The examiner wants to see developed ideas — not just a list.
Recognising the question type
Typical prompt patterns:
▸ "What are the causes of [problem] and what solutions can be suggested?"
▸ "What problems does [development] create, and how could these be resolved?"
▸ "Discuss the problems associated with [issue] and suggest possible solutions."
The four-paragraph structure
1
Introduction
Paraphrase the prompt. Mention that you will discuss both problems and solutions. Do not list your points here.
2
Problems Paragraph
Identify two main problems. For each one, explain why it is a problem — give a result or consequence. Don't just name it.
3
Solutions Paragraph
Propose two specific solutions — one for each problem if possible. Explain the likely result of each solution.
4
Conclusion
Briefly restate the main problems and the proposed solutions. Express an outlook — cautiously optimistic or realistic.
Think about this:
Why does IELTS ask for solutions as well as problems? What does this task reveal about a candidate's range of ideas and language?
Is it possible to give a good answer if you only describe the problem and then say "the government should fix it"? Why/why not?
Building a solutions paragraph — sentence by sentence
A high-scoring solutions paragraph follows a clear internal logic. Here is the standard six-sentence pattern for a two-solution paragraph.
1
Topic sentence
Signal the paragraph's focus. "There are several steps that could be taken to address these issues."
2
Solution 1
Introduce your first proposed measure. Be specific about who does it and what it involves.
3
Result of solution 1
Explain the positive outcome of this measure. Use result language: This would lead to… / As a result… / This could significantly reduce…
4
Linking sentence
Transition smoothly to the second solution. "A further measure would be to…" / "Additionally, …"
5
Solution 2
Introduce your second proposed measure.
6
Result of solution 2
Explain the positive outcome. This closes the paragraph with a forward-looking note.
Model paragraph — can you identify each step?
Read this solutions paragraph and match each sentence to the six steps above.
[A] There are a number of measures that could be introduced to address the problem of urban congestion and pollution. [B] Firstly, city governments could invest in affordable, reliable public transport — expanding bus and metro networks so that private car use becomes unnecessary for most journeys. [C] This would directly reduce the volume of vehicles on the road, lowering both traffic levels and harmful emissions. [D] A further approach would be to introduce congestion charging in city centres, making it financially costly to drive into the busiest areas. [E] This policy has already proven effective in cities such as London and Stockholm. [F] If adopted more widely, it could serve as a significant disincentive for unnecessary private car journeys.
[A] Topic sentence → [B] Solution 1 → [C] Result of solution 1 → [D] Linking sentence + Solution 2 → [E&F] Result / development of solution 2
Discuss:
Which sentence in the model paragraph do you find most persuasive? Why?
What would happen to the paragraph's quality if sentence [C] were removed?
Language for proposing solutions
Using a range of structures makes your essay sound academic and avoids repetition. Click each card to see the pattern and an example.
could + base verbTentative recommendation. Governments could invest in renewable energy infrastructure.
should be required toStronger obligation. Companies should be required to reduce their carbon emissions annually.
One effective solution would be toIntroduces a specific measure formally. One effective solution would be to introduce stricter regulations on industrial waste.
This would lead toExplains the result of a proposed measure. This would lead to a significant reduction in air pollution in major cities.
A further measure would be toTransitions to a second solution. A further measure would be to raise public awareness through education campaigns.
If … were to …, this couldConditional structure for hypothetical solutions. If governments were to ban single-use plastics, this could dramatically cut ocean pollution.
Sentence building practice
Use the prompt and language cue to write a full sentence. Check your answer when ready.
Topic: air pollution in cities. Solution: subsidise electric vehicles for low-income households.
→ Use: One effective solution would be to
One effective solution would be to subsidise the purchase of electric vehicles for low-income households, making cleaner transport accessible to all.
Topic: youth unemployment. Solution: businesses partner with schools to offer apprenticeship programmes.
→ Use: should be required to
Businesses should be required to partner with local schools and colleges to offer structured apprenticeship programmes for young people.
Topic: urban congestion. Solution: introduce congestion charging. Result: reduce car journeys into city centres.
→ Use: This would lead to
Congestion charges could be introduced in city centres. This would lead to a significant reduction in the number of car journeys into the most heavily congested areas.
Discuss:
Why is it better to use could or would be to rather than must or will when proposing solutions in an IELTS essay?
Brainstorm and plan your essay
Read the prompt and complete the planning stages below before you write.
📝 The prompt:
Many cities around the world are experiencing serious traffic congestion and high levels of air pollution. What are the main problems caused by this, and what solutions could be suggested?
Step 1 — Identify two problems (with their consequences):
Problem 1: Health impact — long-term exposure to vehicle emissions causes respiratory diseases such as asthma and lung cancer, particularly in children and elderly residents.
Problem 2: Economic cost — traffic congestion wastes millions of working hours annually as commuters sit in gridlock, reducing business productivity and GDP.
Step 2 — Propose a matching solution for each problem:
Solution 1 (for health): Governments could introduce low-emission zones, banning diesel vehicles from city centres. This would reduce harmful pollutants near densely populated areas.
Solution 2 (for congestion): Investment in fast, affordable public transport — such as underground rail or bus rapid transit — would encourage commuters to leave their cars at home.
Your plan
Write your own outline in the space below. Then move to Tab 5 to write the full essay.
Discuss:
Is traffic congestion a problem in a city you know well? What solutions have been tried there? Have they worked?
Write your essay
Use the congestion & air pollution prompt from Tab 4, or choose the alternative below. Aim for 250–280 words.
Alternative prompt:
In many countries, a growing number of young people are struggling to find employment after finishing their education. What problems does this cause, and what solutions could governments and employers offer?
40:00
Before you submit — check your essay:
Exam practice — on your own
This is a real exam question. Give yourself the full forty minutes and write a complete answer of at least 250 words. Explain the causes, then propose solutions that clearly address them. There are no structure prompts this time — this is as close to the real test as practice gets.
Real exam question — reported IELTS exam
In many countries the level of crime is increasing, and crimes are becoming more violent. Why do you think this is happening, and what can be done about it?
40:00
Finished? Compare with a model
Write your own answer first. Then reveal a Band 9 model — to compare how causes link to solutions, not to copy.
In many parts of the world, crime rates are climbing and offences are becoming increasingly violent. This essay will examine the main causes of this worrying trend and suggest how it might be addressed.
There are two principal reasons for rising violent crime. The first is widening economic inequality. When large numbers of people face unemployment and poverty while others enjoy visible wealth, feelings of frustration and injustice can push some towards crime as a means of survival or revenge. The second cause is the weakening of community ties, reinforced by the media. In many cities, traditional support networks have broken down, leaving young people without guidance, while the constant portrayal of violence in films and games can make aggressive behaviour appear normal.
Fortunately, several measures can help reverse this situation. The most fundamental is to tackle the root causes by investing in education and creating employment opportunities, particularly for young people in deprived areas. A teenager with a job and realistic prospects is far less likely to turn to crime. Alongside this, the broken support networks need rebuilding: funding youth centres, sports clubs and mentoring schemes would give young people the guidance and sense of belonging that their communities no longer provide, and a positive alternative to the violence they see on screen.
In conclusion, the rise in violent crime stems largely from economic inequality and the erosion of social bonds. By addressing these underlying problems through education and employment, while also rebuilding community support for young people, societies can realistically hope to make their streets safer once again.