IELTS Writing Task 2

Problem/Solution Essay: What are the problems? What solutions do you suggest?

Essay Type 3 of 5
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What is a Problem/Solution Essay?

You are given a situation or issue and asked to identify the problems it causes and suggest practical solutions. Balance is key: you need one solid paragraph for problems and one for solutions.

Today's Question

In many cities around the world, traffic congestion has become a serious problem.

What are the main causes of this problem? What measures could be taken to solve it?

Key difference: This is NOT about your opinion. This essay is about identifying real problems and proposing realistic, specific solutions. Avoid vague solutions like "the government should do more."

Essay Structure

Introduction

Introduce the issue + state that this essay will examine causes and solutions

40-50 words
Body 1: The Problems/Causes

2 specific causes with explanation of their impact

90-110 words
Body 2: The Solutions

2 specific, realistic solutions with explanation of how they would work

90-110 words
Conclusion

Summarise: the problems are serious; the solutions are achievable

30-40 words

Review: What Do You Already Know?

From memory — what causes traffic congestion? What solutions have you seen or heard about?

Today's goal: You will be able to write a problem/solution essay that identifies specific causes and proposes realistic, well-explained solutions.

Model Essay: Band 8

Notice: the solutions are specific and explained in detail. Notice how the essay moves from problem to impact to solution to outcome.

INTROTraffic congestion in major urban centres has emerged as one of the most pressing infrastructure challenges of the modern era. This essay will examine the primary causes of this phenomenon and propose a number of practical measures to alleviate it.
PROBLEMSOne of the principal causes of urban congestion is the over-reliance on private vehicles. As car ownership rates continue to rise — particularly in rapidly developing economies — road networks designed for far fewer vehicles become overwhelmed. This is compounded by inadequate public transport infrastructure, which leaves commuters with little viable alternative to driving, thereby perpetuating a cycle of dependency on private cars.
SOLUTIONSA particularly effective solution would be the introduction of congestion pricing, whereby drivers are charged a variable fee to enter city centres during peak hours. London's congestion charge demonstrated that such schemes can reduce traffic volumes by up to 30%. In parallel, significant investment in reliable public transport — including expanded metro networks and bus rapid transit systems — would provide commuters with a genuine alternative, reducing the incentive to drive.
CONCLUSIONIn conclusion, while traffic congestion presents significant challenges for urban populations, targeted policy interventions combining financial disincentives for driving with improved public transport represent a viable path forward.

Cause language: "One of the principal causes of... is...", "This is compounded by..."

Solution language: "A particularly effective solution would be...", "In parallel, significant investment in..."

Specificity: A real example (London's congestion charge) and real data (30% reduction)

Outcome language: "...would provide commuters with a genuine alternative, reducing the incentive to drive"

Write Your Introduction

Question

Traffic congestion in cities: What are the main causes? What measures could be taken to solve it?

Introduction frame:

[Topic paraphrase] has emerged as one of the most pressing [challenges / issues / concerns] of the modern era. This essay will examine the primary causes of this [problem / phenomenon / issue] and propose a number of practical [measures / solutions / strategies] to [alleviate / address / tackle] it.

Introduction checklist:

Traffic congestion in major urban centres has emerged as one of the most pressing infrastructure challenges of the modern era. This essay will examine the primary causes of this phenomenon and propose a number of practical measures to alleviate it.

44 words

Write Body 1: The Problems/Causes

Identify two specific causes. Explain the impact of each — don't just name them.

Cause language:

[One of the principal / A major / The primary] cause of [urban congestion] is [specific cause].
This is [compounded by / exacerbated by / worsened by] [second cause], which [explains the consequence].

Body 1 checklist:

One of the principal causes of urban congestion is the over-reliance on private vehicles. As car ownership rates continue to rise — particularly in rapidly developing economies — road networks designed for far fewer vehicles become overwhelmed. This is compounded by inadequate public transport infrastructure, which leaves commuters with little viable alternative to driving, thereby perpetuating a cycle of dependency on private cars.

80 words

Write Body 2: The Solutions

Two specific solutions. Explain HOW each would work — not just what it is. Include an example or evidence if possible.

Solution language:

[A particularly effective / One viable / A proven] solution would be [specific measure], whereby [explain how it works].
[City / Country]'s [example] demonstrated that [evidence of effectiveness].
In parallel, [second solution] would [explain how it reduces the problem].

Body 2 checklist:

A particularly effective solution would be the introduction of congestion pricing, whereby drivers are charged a variable fee to enter city centres during peak hours. London's congestion charge demonstrated that such schemes can reduce traffic volumes by up to 30%. In parallel, significant investment in reliable public transport — including expanded metro networks and bus rapid transit systems — would provide commuters with a genuine alternative, reducing the incentive to drive.

87 words

Write Your Conclusion

Acknowledge the seriousness of the problem and end with a measured note of optimism about the solutions.

Problem/solution conclusion frame:

In conclusion, while [the problem] presents significant [challenges / difficulties] for [who], [the solutions proposed] represent a viable path forward.

Conclusion checklist:

In conclusion, while traffic congestion presents significant challenges for urban populations, targeted policy interventions combining financial disincentives for driving with improved public transport represent a viable path forward.

33 words

Your Complete Essay

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Total: 0 words

Self-Assessment

Band 7+ checklist:

I can: Write a complete IELTS problem/solution essay identifying specific causes with impact and proposing realistic, well-explained solutions with evidence.