IELTS Problem/ Cause Solution Essays

📘 What You’ll Learn on This Page

This page explains how to write IELTS Problem / Cause Solution essays using a clear, fixed structure. You’ll learn how to identify key issues, propose logical solutions, and avoid blending opinion into your writing. Includes two Band 9 model essays for both variants of this task.

🧠 IELTS Problem / Cause Solution Essays

❓ What is a Problem / Solution Essay?

This is one of the most common IELTS Task 2 essay types. You are presented with a situation that causes a problem, and your task is to suggest a clear, realistic solution.

These questions do not ask for your opinion, and you are not expected to present both sides. (Stick to a clear problem and a workable fix — no personal views.)

You’ll usually see:

• What problems does this cause and how can these problems be solved?
• What is the cause of this and what can be done about it?

🛠️ Use This Fixed Structure Every Time

This structure is designed to help you stay in control of the essay and avoid common mistakes. Stick to the steps and focus on clear, realistic ideas.

🧱 Standard Problem / Solution Essay

Introduction
Paraphrase the topic and outline both the problem and the solution.
Example sentence:
In today’s world, [topic] is becoming increasingly common. However, this can result in [problem]. One way to deal with this issue is by [solution].

✍️ Body Paragraph 1 – The Problem
So, what is the main problem?
→ Clearly describe the issue
→ Explain how it affects people
→ Provide a formal, generalised example (Avoid anecdotes or fake data)

✍️ Body Paragraph 2 – The Solution
→ State one clear, practical solution
→ Explain how it would work in practice
→ Give a realistic example to support your idea

🧩 Conclusion
Restate the main problem and the proposed solution. Do not add any new ideas.

🧾 Band 9 Sample Essay – Problem / Solution

Task Question
Large numbers of people are now able to travel overseas thanks to the growth of budget airlines.
What problems can this cause and how can these issues be solved?

Essay
In today’s world, the rise of budget airlines has made overseas travel more common. However, this causes overcrowding in popular destinations and requires better tourism controls.

So what problems does this cause? One major issue is that budget airlines contribute to overcrowding in famous tourist areas. These low-cost flights allow huge numbers of people to visit the same destinations, often during peak seasons. As a result, cities become congested, local services are overwhelmed, and historic sites suffer physical damage from overuse. Overcrowding also drives up prices and disrupts the daily lives of local residents. For example, in cities like Barcelona and Venice, residents have protested against mass tourism because streets are constantly filled with tourists, noise levels have increased, and local shops are replaced by souvenir stores.

One effective solution is for governments to introduce tourist caps in the most overcrowded areas. This means placing a limit on the number of visitors allowed in certain cities or attractions each day. It helps to reduce the strain on infrastructure and protects cultural and historical sites from overuse. In addition, it gives local residents more space and restores balance between tourism and daily life. For example, the city of Dubrovnik has limited cruise ship arrivals to prevent thousands of tourists from entering the old town at once.

In conclusion, the growth of budget airlines has led to serious overcrowding in tourist areas. This problem can be solved by limiting visitor numbers in vulnerable locations.

🧠 Cause / Solution Variant

❓ What’s the Difference?

In this version of the essay, you are asked to explain the cause of a problem rather than the problem itself. The second paragraph still gives a practical solution.

These questions usually ask:

• What is the cause of this and how can it be solved?
• What are the reasons for this and what can be done about it?

🛠️ Structure: Cause / Solution Essay

🧱 Introduction
Paraphrase the question and outline both the cause and the solution.
Example sentence:
In many places, [issue] is becoming increasingly common. This is mostly caused by [cause], but it can be addressed by [solution].

✍️ Body Paragraph 1 – The Cause
So, why is this happening?
→ State one clear cause
→ Explain the effect it is having
→ Give a realistic example (Stick to general, formal examples.)

✍️ Body Paragraph 2 – The Solution
→ State one logical, workable solution
→ Explain why it would work
→ Support with a realistic example

🧩 Conclusion
Summarise the cause.
Restate the solution.
Avoid adding new ideas.

🧾 Band 9 Sample Essay – Cause / Solution

Task Question
Large numbers of people are now able to travel overseas thanks to the growth of budget airlines.
What is the cause of this and how can this problem be solved?

Essay
In today’s world, international travel has increased rapidly due to the growth of low-cost airlines. This causes serious overcrowding in tourist areas but could be addressed through stricter tourism controls.

So, what problem does this cause? One major issue is the affordability of airfares due to competition between budget airlines. Flights that were once expensive are now available for a fraction of the cost, which allows more people to travel frequently. This has led to excessive tourism in already popular destinations, where cities struggle to cope with the sudden increase in visitors. Streets become overcrowded, local services are stretched, and the atmosphere of the area can be damaged.

One effective solution is to introduce visitor limits in the most affected destinations. This means placing daily caps on tourists entering certain cities or attractions, especially during peak seasons. For example, cities like Amsterdam have begun limiting tourist numbers and discouraging short-term rentals in residential areas. These policies help ensure that tourism remains sustainable and does not overwhelm communities.

In conclusion, budget airlines have made air travel widely accessible, which has caused overcrowding in many popular locations. This can be solved by limiting visitor numbers through careful local regulation.

🧠 Ready to Practise?

💬 Prompt
In many cities, people throw away a huge amount of food.
Why is this happening, and what can be done about it?

Stick to the structure above. Answer each part clearly and directly. Use formal examples, not personal anecdotes.