IELTS writing session Problem

Solution ESSAY
Writing Module Structure
Time 60 minutes
Number of Tasks: Two (There is no choice)
Task 1
For the Academic Module: presenting information from a
diagram or table
For the GT Module: Writing a letter (formal or informal)
Task 2 – a discursive piece for an educated reader

Writing Module Structure

Weightage
Task 2 carries 2/3rds of the marks. Task 1
carries 1/3 of the marks

Word Limits
There is a minimum word limit for both
the tasks:
Task 1 – 150 words
Task 2 – 250 words
Writing Module: Marking &
Assessment
2
There are four assessment criteria that the
examiner will focus on while marking Task 1 &
2. The same criteria are used for both
Academic and GT modules.
Content – Task achievement
Organisation-Cohesion and Correlation
Lexical resource (Vocabulary)
Grammatical range and accuracy

3
Each of the four areas is worth a
quarter of the total marks for Task 1 &
2.

4
 The fivemosT commonieLTs WriTing Task 2
quesTions are:
Opinion (Agree or Disagree)
Advantages and Disadvantages
Problem and Solution
Discussion (Discuss both views)
Two-part Question

PoinTs To remember –grammar Wise

 1. USE COMPLEX SENTENCES

2. STRUCTURE

3. PARAPHRASING THE
QUESTIONS

4. TIME MANAGEMENT

5. PROOF - READING

Points to remember while sending us scripts

• You should write more than 250 words.

• While you are practicing, in your scripts count the total number of words
you are writing.
• Make sure you write the question provided, page number and your name
on the scripts.
• Write with dark pencil and click or scan properly before sending.
• When you start practicing essay writing first practice general statement and
paraphrasing , MAIN and SUPPORTING idea . First write introduction of
different essay then attempt the body .
• Take printout of writing IELTS signposting language before you and
structure of each essay type before you when you are practicing . It is very
important to write on structure.
Usage of complex sentences.
• Example – The lion ate the bird.
• Complex sentence would be- The lion ate the bird, which was a tragedy for the zoo keeper.
• NOW LETS SEE FEW EXAMPLES OF COMPLEX WORD THAT SHOULD BE USED IN YOUR
WRITING.
AFTER ONCE UNTIL

ALTHOUGH PROVIDED THAT WHEN

AS RATHER THAN WHENEVER

BECAUSE SINCE WHERE

BEFORE SO THAT WHEREAS

EVEN IF THAN WHO

EVEN THOUGH THAT WHEATHER

IF THOUGH WHILE

IN ORDER THAT UNLESS WHICH

 LINKERS

LINKERS
OPENING FOR EXAMPLE LISTING TO BRING CONTRAST
At the beginning Let me give you Firstly, … But / however, …
an example On one hand, …
To start with Secondly,
To illustrate the On the other
Giving examples point, Finally, hand..

I’d like to say … On the contrary..

Let me share a
personal
experience …
 LINKERS
TRANSITION TO GENERALISE TO INTRODUCED A TO CONCLUDE
FACT OR STATE THE
OBVIOUS

• LET’S MOVE ON TO • AS A RULE • AFTER ALL • TO SUM UP

ANOTHER ASPECT • FOR THE MOST • CLEARLY • I WOULD LIKE TO
… PART • NATURALLY CONCLUDE
• NOW, IF WE MAY • GENERALLY • EVIDENTLY • IN THE
CHANGE THE TOPIC • IN GENRAL • OF COURSE CONCLUSION

grammar PoinTs To remember

GRAMMAR EXAMPLE
UNCOUNTABLE AND COUNTABLE NOUN

1. I CAN NOT COUNT HAIR ON THE FLOOR

2. PASS ME SOME BOOKS FROM THE
SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT TABLE
3. NEITHER RAM NOR HIS FRIENDS ARE
GOING OUT FOR SHOPPING.
STATE VERB
4. MY HUSBAND AND I BOTH LOVE
TENSES WATCHING MOVIES.

COMPLEX SENTENCES 5. I WISH I HAD PURCHASED TICKETS FOR

THE SHOW.

1. BECAUSE MY COFFEE WAS TOO COLD, I

HEATED IT IN THE MICROWAVE.
12

Problem and Solution

 STRUCTURE OF ESSAY
INTRODUCTION
SENTENCE 1-WRITE A “GENRAL STATEMENT”
SENTENCE 2 – REWRITE THE QUESTION PROMPT IN YOUR OWN WORDS
SENTENCE 3- THIS ESSAY WILL DISCUSS THE PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS OF… PARAGRAPH
1-
SENTENCE 1-TOPIC SENTENCE – PROBLEMS
SENTENCE 2 - STATE PROBLEM -1
SENTENCE 3 - EVIDENCE
SENTENCE 4 –STATE PROBLEM- 2
SENTENCE 5 – EVIDENCE
SENTENCE 6- CONCLUDE / CONSEQUENCES

Problem and Solution

PARAGRAPH 2
SENTENCE 1-TOPIC SENTENCE – SOLUTIONS
SENTENCE 2 STATE SOLUTION -1
SENTENCE 3- EVIDENCE
SENTENCE 4 – STATE SOLUTION - 2
SENTENCE 5 – EVIDENCE
SENTENCE 6- CONCLUDE / CONSEQUENCES
CONCLUSION
SENTENCE 1-WRITE A “GENRAL STATEMENT”
SENTENCE 2 – THIS ESSAY DISCUSSED BOTH THE PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS…… EASY TO
USE FORMAT : PROBLEM & SOULTION/ CAUSE AND EFFECT INTRODUCTION :
It is a fact that topic . There are several reasons for such a situation and also few visible
influences too. Both the aspects are explained in the ensuing paragraphs.
BODY PARAGRAPH-1 :
Discussing the reasons, the most common one is reason-1 . This is because
explanation of reason-1 . The other cause is reason-2 . By this I mean that
explanation of reason-2 . Furthermore, other ideas .
 BODY PARAGRAPH-2 :
The mentioned causes have some impacts too. The foremost effect is seen on cause-1
depending upon topic . The other repercussion is cause-2 depending upon topic .
Moreover, other cause is also true.
CONCLUSION :
Thus, to conclude the topic, it can be finally commented that mention the causes in
other words and with different vocabulary and has good/bad effects. So, we should
give suggestion

Paragraph 1 - The Introduction

• This is the introduction to the essay and where you should start off by paraphrasing the
question.
• Do you understand what I mean, when I say 'paraphrase' the question?
• This means that you rewrite the question in your own words using synonyms. You can't just
copy the question again or use the same words in the question. Paraphrase and show off your
vocabulary knowledge by using synonyms. Then your next sentence should introduce the
 essay, this will tell the examiner exactly what you will discuss in the main body paragraphs. For
example, Firstly this essay will discuss......... Secondly this essay will discuss.......
• There are three sentences you need in the introduction >>
• General statement
• Paraphrase the question
• Introduce the specific topics that will be discussed in the main body paragraphs.

Paragraph 2 - Main Body Paragraph 1

• In this paragraph, you should describe a specific problem.
• Start the paragraph by introducing the problem. This is where you need to have a topic
sentence. The next sentence(s) should explain the problem, going into detail. The third
sentence should give an example that supports the problem.
• The example you give could be something from your own experience or made up - it is ok to
make up something as the examiners will not fact check your information. They want to see
 your ability to use English at a certain level. You could make up an example from a report,
journal, newspaper or University study.
• This is how the paragraph should look >>
• Introduce the problem (topic sentence)
• Explain/give detail
• Example

Paragraph 3 - Main Body Paragraph 2

• In this paragraph, you should write about the solution.
• Start the paragraph by introducing the solution. This is where you need to have a topic
sentence. The next sentence(s) should explain the solution, going into detail. The third
sentence should give an example.
• The example you give could be something from your own experience or made up - it is ok to
make up something as the examiners will not fact check your information. They want to see
 your ability to use English at a certain level. You could make up an example from a report,
journal, newspaper or University study.
• This is how the paragraph should look >>
• Introduce the solution (topic sentence)
• Explain/give detail
• Example

Paragraph 4 - The Conclusion

• In the fourth paragraph, you write the conclusion giving a summary of your main points and
say what you think is most important about this topic and give a recommendation. You should
not enter any new information or ideas in this paragraph.
• Summary of the main points
• What you think is most important about this topic / give a recommendation
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake for problem solution essays is not expanding on your ideas and
instead simply listing lots of problems and solutions. The examiner does not want a list of all the
problems and solutions you can think of and please don’t do this in the exam. Instead, if you
look at how the exam is marked, the examiner wants you to pick one or two problems and
solutions and then expand on them with explanations and examples. More on how to do this
below.
Another common mistake is writing about problems and solutions that are not directly linked to
the question. You should be like a sniper when answering the question and only give very
specific ideas, rather than ideas that generally talk about the overall issue. This has a lot to do
with how you identify keywords and micro-keywords in the questions which we will look at
below.
Lots of people think of good ideas for problems and then fail to link their solutions to these
problems. Each problem should have a solution that is directly linked to it, or in other words,
should solve the actual problem.
Finally, some candidates think of really good problems and solutions that answer the question
properly and then expand their answers with explanations and examples, but they talk too
generally. Instead, you should be thinking of specific examples and explanations. We will look at
how to avoid this below.
 Analysing the Question
This is one of the most crucial parts of answering any IELTS writing question. If you don’t take the
time to properly think about what the examiner is asking you to do, then it is very difficult to answer
the question correctly.

We analyse the question by thinking about three things:

keywords micro-
keywords action
words
Keywords are the words that tell us what the general topic is.

Micro-keywords identify which part of the general topic the examiner wants you to talk about. They
often give an opinion, qualify the statement or talk about a sub-category of the bigger general topic.

Action words tell us what the examiner wants us to do.

Question prompt

Despite a large number of gyms, a sedentary lifestyle is gaining

popularity in the contemporary world.

What problems are associated with this?

What solutions can you suggest?

How to understand Problem solution essay

Whenever you see a question that askes you to describe a problem or

the causes of the problem, and describe some solutions to the
 problem, you know you're dealing with a Problem & Solution question
type. Let's look at an example of this.
Many inhabited areas of the world have been affected by severe flooding
in recent years. What are some of the causes of this phenomenon? What
can be done to prevent if from happening?
Now let's look at how to structure your essay for a Problem and
Solution question.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Structure - Problem & Solution
There are three types of outlines that are frequently used for Problem and Solution essays.

Outlines A and C can both be used for questions that involve more than one problem and more than one solution.
Sometimes, however, Outline B is the only option if the question presents two different types of solutions to one
problem (we will examine this below).
Outline A Outline B Outline C
I.Introduction I.Introduction I.Introduction
II.Problems (1&2) II.Problem II.Problems (1&2)
III.Solutions (1&2) III.Solution1 III.Solution 1
IV.Conclusion IV.Solution 2 IV.Solution 2
V.Conclusion V.Conclusion
The difference between Outline A and Outline C lies in how confident you feel based on the
topic. If you can write more about solutions (or if the question emphasizes the solutions), you
should choose Outline C, as it gives you one paragraph for each solution. In terms of scoring, all
three of these examples would be considered as a cohesive and logical process to use, depending
on the question at hand.
Let's look at some examples of question types that call for
these different outlines

• Question 1: What problems do children face in the age of social media? What should be done
to address or solve these various concerns?
• In this case, you must think of both problems and solutions. Depending on your interest in the
topic, you could use either Outline A or Outline C. It is important to note that Outline B would
not work in this case, since you need to think of more than one problem.
Question 2: Traffic congestion is becoming a major problem for global
cities. Analyze and present some measures that could be taken to
reduce traffic in these cities.

• In this case, the problem is clear: "traffic". You would not need to think of another
problem besides traffic, and the question explicitly asks that you think of "some
measures" (or, in other words, solutions). In this case, Outline B would be the best
option as it includes one problem and two solutions.
Question 3: Explain some of the ways in which humans are damaging
the environment. What can governments do to address these
problems? What can individual do?

•In this case, the question has already presented two different
parts of both the problem and the solution. Thus, it would be
best to use Outline C, and devote two different paragraphs to
the two solutions (one paragraph for what governments can
do, and one paragraph for what an individual can do).
•To conclude, it is rare for a question to feature many different
problems while asking for only one solution. Therefore, it is
best to prepare for questions that will feature one problem and
ask for various solutions.
 Unless the question states otherwise, you will most likely want
to include two problems and two solutions. Why? Using just
one problem and solution is most likely not going to be
substantial enough for 250 words, and using more than two
would be superfluous. Additionally, it is extremely important
that each problem has its own solution. In other words, if you
mention two problems, be sure to mention two solutions to
those problems.
Now, let's take a closer look at how to plan each paragraph.
We will use Outline C from the previous section, as it tends to be the most
complicated and most common question type of the Problem and Solution type
essay. Below, we will detail how each paragraph should be written.
Introduction - In general, you will need two sentences for this paragraph. Since this
is the first paragraph of your essay, you should paraphrase the question that was
given to you. In other words, rewrite the question in your own words using
synonyms. This will help you in a few ways. First, it will guarantee that your essay is
 on target and following the theme given to you in the question. Secondly, it will give
you a chance to show the examiners that you have a wide range of vocabulary and
can call upon synonyms when necessary. The second sentence will introduce the
specific topics that you plan to discuss in your main body paragraphs. Therefore, your
introduction paragraph should look like: Rewritten Question
Introduction of Specific Topics
Problems 1 & 2 - This paragraph should be about 4-5 sentences long. In this
paragraph, you will describe the specific problems with explanations, details, or
examples. The paragraph should look like this: Topic Sentence - This will introduce
the problem(s)
Explanation/Detail of Problem 1 Example
of Problem 1
Explanation/Detail of Problem 2
Example of Problem 2
•Solution 1 - This paragraph should be about 4-5 sentences long.
In this paragraph, you will describe the specific solutions with
explanations, details, or examples. Keep in mind that you can
use up to two sentences for the explanation and detail of the
solution, and two sentences for the example of the solution.
The paragraph should look like this:Topic Sentence This will
introduce the solution(s)
•Explanation/Detail of Solution 1
•Example of Solution 1
•Solution 2 - This paragraph should be about 4-5 sentences long.
In this paragraph, you will describe the specific solutions with
explanations, details, or examples. Keep in mind that you can
use up to two sentences for the explanation and detail of the
solution, and two sentences for the example of the solution.
 The paragraph should look like this:Topic Sentence This will
introduce the solution(s)
•Explanation/Detail of Solution 2
•Example of Solution 2
•Conclusion - This paragraph will wrap everything up, and
it is not the time to add any new information into your
essay. This paragraph should be around 3-4 sentences,
and include the following information: Summary of the
Main Points (2 sentences)
•Something Important about this Topic (1-2 sentences)
 STRUCTURE OF PROBLEM AND SOLUTION

I .Introduction
A. Rewritten Question (1 sentence)
B. Introduction of Specific Topics (1 sentence)
II. Problems 1 & 2
A. Topic Sentence (1 sentence)
B. Explanation/Detail of Problem 1 (1 sentence) C. Example of Problem 1 (1
sentence)
D. Explanation/Detail of Problem 2 (1 sentence)
E. Example of Problem 2 (1 sentence)
III. Solution 1
A. Topic Sentence (1 sentence)
B. Explanation/Detail of Solution 1 (1-2 sentences) C. Example of Solution 1 (1-2
sentences)
IV. Solution 2
A. Topic Sentence (1 sentence)
 B. Explanation/Detail of Solution 1 (1-2 sentences) C. Example of Solution 1 (1-2
sentences)
IV. Conclusion
A. Summary of the Main Points (1-2 sentences)
B. Something Important About This Topic (1-2 sentences)
• Model Essay
• Explain some of the ways in which humans are damaging the environment. What can
governments do to address these problems? What can individual do?
• Topic sentences are in bold.
Explanations and details are in red.
Examples are in blue. Introduction:
People in industrialized nations can expect to live longer than ever before. Although there will
be some negative consequences associated with this shift, societies can take steps to diminish
these effects. (31 words) Paragraph 1:
The ageing population will bring about rising costs to society. As citizens age and grow
weaker, society’s tax burden increases. If a large amount of the population is elderly and retired,
pensions costs and taxes will increase, thus creating a burden for younger tax-paying individuals.
Additionally, older members of society will require more specialized care as their health worsens,
which will bring about higher medical costs due to increased demand. (70 words) Paragraph 2:
However, there are some steps that both the government and individuals can take to
mitigate these problems. Firstly, an increase in the retirement age would offset increasing costs
from older generations. If people are able to retire later, the age for receiving a government-funded
state pension would rise. Additionally, this extra time would allow the ageing population to pass on
knowledge and help train younger workers in their respective fields. (70 words)
• Paragraph 3:

Promoting programs and initiatives in the health care industry could

also alleviate potential risks from the aforementioned problems. If the
healthcare industry prepares for the increase in the ageing population, the
potential problem of higher taxes could be avoided. For example, by
promoting advances in medical programs, elderly people may be able to live
with better health standards and contribute to society for a longer period of
time. These medical advances would also help future generations as they
get older. (81 words) Conclusion:

Various measures can be taken in order to offset potential problems from the
ageing population. It is crucial that both individuals and governments work
together in this venture. (28 words)
Question prompt

Many people today find it difficult to balance the

demands of their work and personal life. What are
the causes of this situation, and what can individuals
and employers do to reduce the problem? Write at
least 250 words
Introducing the cause(s)

• A major cause of …….. is ….

• Perhaps the major cause of this is …
• The main/ primary cause of this is …
• A further cause of this is …
• An additional cause of …. is
• …. also plays a role in …
• …… is (often/ usually) responsible for …
• If you are uncertain of the cause you can add the modal verbs may / might, which are used to
give more information about the main verb and are used for suggestions
How to introduce and propose possible solutions

• The question usually asks you to suggest solutions – not just one solution. Therefore, you will
need to use linking words to propose other solutions such as:
• First and foremost,
• Another possible solution is
• In addition, Moreover,
• Finally,
 Introduction
Write your introduction in two sentences:
Sentence 1 - paraphrase the statement (you
can use ‘nowadays/today/these days’ to
start):
These days a sedentary lifestyle is becoming more
and more popular despite a big number of sport
facilities.
Sentence 2 - say what you’ll write about in
your essay:
This essay will discuss the main problems associated
with this epidemic and propose some possible solutions to avoid them.
 Body paragraph 1- problem

• Sentence 1 - summarise the main problems of inactive lifestyle:

• The main problems caused by inactive lifestyle are obesity and various spine disorders.
• Sentences 2-3 - state and explain the first problem (you can also give an example). It’s very
important to expand your opinion! Imagine that your examiner doesn’t know this subject at all
and you have to explain everything in detail:
• A growing number of body research shows that long periods of physical inactivity raise a risk of
becoming overweight. This is because people burn fewer calories and easily gain weight.
Sentences 4-5 - describe the second problem (as usual, expand your opinion). You can give an
example and use linking words ‘moreover’, ’what’s more’ or ‘also’ to start:
• What’s more, a lot of studies show that so-called ‘sitting disease’ often results in posture and
backbone problems. Due to constant sitting, person loses muscle tissue and curves spine,
developing numerous spinal diseases. For example, it has been proven that about 80% of
people experience backache at least once a week.
Body paragraph 2 - solutions

• Sentence 1 - briefly state the main solutions:

• In my opinion, the best solution to this problem is promoting active lifestyle.
• Sentences 2-3 - write the first solution and explain it:
• Firstly, millions of people stay less active because they use cars instead of walking. Therefore,
an effective way to make people more active is to advertise walking and cycling as safe and
attractive alternatives to motorized transport.
• Sentences 4-5 - describe the second solution (don’t forget to expand your
opinion!):Moreover, inactive lifestyle is gaining popularity because nowadays a lot of people
prefer passive rest to workouts in the gym. And the best way to avoid the hazards of
unhealthy living is to obtain a regular dose of physical activity. Thus, promoting gyms and
regular exercising would increase the level of activity.
Conclusion

• Write your conclusion in 2 sentences by summing up the problems and solutions you’ve
written in your body paragraphs:
• In conclusion, leading a sedentary lifestyle causes a lot of health problems, including obesity
and spinal diseases. The most effective solution is to increase the level of fitness among the
society by advertising physical activity.
Write down the bullet points of the essay on the given topics
• In many countries, today people are living in a ‘throwaway society’, where things are used in a
short time and then thrown away. What are its causes? What can be the solution for the
same?

• People often do not interact with their neighbours and this is harming community building.
What are the possible causes and solutions?
• Today many people spend lesser time in their homes and with their family. What are the
reasons for it? What are the effects of this trend on individuals and society?
Revision
• Write general statement and paraphrase the given questions.

• 1. Since most information about culture and history can be found on the internet, museums
are not needed anymore. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• 2. Although more and more people read news on the Internet, newspapers remain the main
source of news for the majority of people. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• 3. Some people think that climate change could have a negative effect on business. Other
people think that climate change could create more business opportunities. Discuss both views
and give your own opinion.