IELTS Problem Solution Essay

What is a Problem / Solution Essay?

This is one of the most common IELTS Task 2 question types. You are presented with a situation that causes a problem, and your task is to suggest a clear, realistic solution. You are not being asked to present your opinion, and you are not being asked to balance two views. Your job is to identify a key issue and provide a sensible way to deal with it.

These questions usually follow one of two formats:

• 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 non-negotiable. Do not change the order. Do not rewrite the sentence stems. You are learning to control the essay — not to improvise.

Remember: IELTS examiners are looking for clear, controlled writing that directly addresses the task. Adding personal opinions, balancing multiple views, or including irrelevant ideas will lower your Coherence and Task Response scores.

Standard Problem / Solution Essay

Introduction
Paraphrase the topic and outline both the problem and a solution.

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

Tip: If you cannot think of a real-world example, use a generalised scenario that logically supports your point. Avoid personal anecdotes or imaginary statistics.

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 restate the proposed solution. Do not add any new ideas.

Band 9 Sample Essay

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.

One major problem 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.

Over time, these limits can also encourage the development of alternative destinations, reducing pressure on the most popular sites.

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 Essay – What’s the Difference?

This is a variant of the standard problem/solution essay. The structure is almost identical, but the first body paragraph focuses on the cause of the problem, not the problem itself. You still need to propose a clear, logical solution in the second body paragraph.

You are not being asked to explain effects, and you must not discuss your opinion.

These questions often say:

• 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?

Cause / Solution Essay Structure

Introduction
Paraphrase the question and outline both the cause and the solution.

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 (no anecdotes or fake data)

Tip: If you cannot think of a real-world example, use a generalised scenario that logically supports your point. Avoid personal anecdotes or imaginary statistics.

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

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.

One major cause 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.

These measures promote sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that cities can welcome visitors without compromising local quality of life.

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.

Want to Practise?

Try this question:
In many cities, people throw away a huge amount of food. Why is this happening, and what can be done about it?
Use the structure above. Keep your tone formal. Always include a clear example.

Focus only on why food waste is increasing — not the consequences of food waste.