Lesson 28 · Lesson guide
Writing Task 2: Problem and Solution Essays
Hello, my dear student!
Hello! Many IELTS Task 2 questions describe a problem in society and ask you two things: what problems (or causes) there are, and what can be done about them. Health is one of the most common topics: obesity, lack of sleep, stress, too little exercise.
These essays are very logical, so a clear plan gets you a long way. The introduction says what the essay will do. The first body paragraph explains the problems, the second gives solutions, and the conclusion sums up. The best solutions are specific and match the problems you described.
In this lesson you will learn to recognise the question, plan four paragraphs, use language for problems (“This can lead to…”) and solutions (“An effective solution would be to…”), and read a full model essay.
See you in the exercises,Your teacher
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The four paragraphs
Introduction
Paraphrase + plan
Say the topic in your own words, then what the essay will do.
- This essay will discuss the main problems and suggest some solutions.
Body paragraphs
Problems, then solutions
Body 1: two problems, each explained with a result. Body 2: two solutions, each with how it would work.
- One major problem is that…
- An effective solution would be to…
Conclusion
Sum up, nothing new
Repeat the main problems and solutions in a new way. Do not add a new idea.
- In conclusion, …, but … could greatly reduce this problem.
Remember!
Answer both parts. Problems in body 1, solutions in body 2. Each solution should fix a problem you described.
Useful language
One major problem is that…
a problem
This can lead to…
a result
As a result, …
a result
There are several steps that could be taken to tackle this issue.
start the solutions
An effective solution would be to…
a solution
This would mean that…
how the solution works
Common mistakes
Not: One solution would be build more parks.Say: One solution would be to build more parks.
would be + to + verb.
Not: Obesity can lead for heart disease.Say: Obesity can lead to heart disease.
lead to.
Not: People should be healthier.Say: Schools should offer at least one hour of sport every day.
A solution must say who does what.
Check yourself
The question asks for causes and solutions. What do you write in body paragraph 1?
Can the conclusion give a new solution?
Now it’s your turn!
8 short parts, each a little harder than the one before. Take your time: mistakes are how we learn.
— Your teacher