This type of essay can be a challenge for many students. You may be asked to talk about the problem, causes and possible solutions. You may be asked about all three things or just 2 so it is essential to fully analyze the question to make sure you do not write about the wrong thing.
Whatever problems and solutions you choose to write about must be fully explained and developed, you cannot just write a list.
Example questions
Since the beginning of the 20th century, the number of endangered species has increased significantly and we have witnessed more mass extinctions in this period than in any other period of time.
State some reasons for this and provide possible solutions.
Nowadays, many people can not read or write.
What problems does this cause? What measures can governments take to solve these problems?
An increasing number of professionals such as doctors and teachers are leaving their own poorer countries to work in developed countries.
What problems does this cause? What can be done to deal with this situation?
An increasing number of professionals such as doctors and teachers are leaving their own poorer countries to work in developed countries.
What problems does this cause? What can be done to deal with this situation?
Plastic bags, plastic bottles and plastic packaging are bad for the environment. What damage does plastic do to the environment?
What can be done by the government and individuals to solve the problem?
The involvement of youth in crimes is increasing at an alarming rate.
Throw some light on the causes and possible solutions?
Freshwater has always been a limited resource in some parts of the world. Today, however, growing worldwide demand has made this a global problem.
What are the causes of the increased demand, and what measures can governments and individuals take to respond to this problem?
Nowadays many people have access to computers on a wide basis and a large number of children play computer games.
What are the negative impacts of playing computer games and what can be done to minimize the bad effects?
The internet has transformed the way information is shared and consumed, but it has also created problems that did not exist before.
What are the most serious problems associated with the internet and what solutions can you suggest?
Planning a problem solution essay
Introduction
- Paraphrase question
- State 1 key problem or cause and related solution as an example
Main body paragraph 1 – Problem or cause of the problem
- Topic sentence – state the problem or cause
- Explanation – give detail explaining the problem or cause
- Example – give an example or two
Main body paragraph 2 – Solution
- Topic sentence – state the solution you want to introduce
- Explanation – give details explaining and reason for the solution
- Example – give an example
Conclusion
- Summarise the key points
Writing about problems or causes
Let’s say we are planning an essay and the body paragraph that we are writing is about the problem. How will we introduce and expand on each problem?
Let’s imagine that we want to answer the following part of the question: What are the negative impacts of playing computer games?
Problem 1: Computer games are a waste of time and increase procrastination.
- Explanation / Example: Teenagers waste many hours when they should do their homework.
- Result: They feel more pressured when they finally do the assignment.
Problem 2: Computer games promote violent behaviour.
- Explanation / Example: Many games involve shooting, weapons gory violence.
- Result: This can lead to more violent tendencies in young people.
The final problem paragraph may look something like this:
Computer games can be a huge waste of time and promote procrastination. For instance, teenagers may spend hours playing computer games instead of completing their homework. This can cause them to feel more stressed and pressured when they start to study. Furthermore, another major problem with computer games is that they promote violent behaviour. Many games involve shooting, weapons and gory violence. This can encourage youngsters to show more violent tendencies as they grow up.
You should really practise writing essays responding to this type of question as it can be difficult. Why not choose one of the above questions and give yourself 40 minutes to plan and complete your answer.
For information about the other IELTS Writing Task 2 question types see below: