A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published April 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at a problem/solution essay example from the IELTS writing task 2 test. Students often ask if the questions are repeated year after year and the answer is no, but the topics are. There are so many questions written each year, you may find your practice answering various questions on different topics. For example, you could write essays to answer questions about education or the environment, which benefits you because you learn vocabulary associated with those topics and develop ideas that can help you in your writing test.
Practising writing IELTS task 2 essays on a range of topics is a great way to learn new vocabulary for those topics, but also to practice your essay structures. You begin to develop your ideas around those topics, thinking of examples and giving your opinions.
If you would like to learn how to structure a problem/solution essay please click the button below >
Different nations are now facing the problem of ever-increasing numbers of juvenile criminals. Firstly, this essay will discuss the causes of this dilemma and secondly the possible answers to solve this challenge.
On the one hand, many adults would often use children to help them commit offences. This is because young children are not punishable by law, but rather they are only subjected to undergo seminars and training that would help them to become law-abiding citizens. In addition, being born into a poor family and having no education makes them susceptible to criminal gangs because they want to help their families and they think that it’s an easy way of earning. For instance, the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Philippines in 2017 reported that 98% of the juvenile criminals are out of school youths.
On the other hand, the government and the community should cooperate in order to solve this problem. They should help the parents of these children by providing training and offering benefits that would supply a budget for their families. Free education should be also given to these children so that they can have employment prospects when they grow up. The government should also address the problem of overpopulation by allocating a budget for family planning because having a larger family means that one will have higher living costs. For example, a study by the Philippine National Police in 2016 stated that 95% of young offenders came from poor families with more than 8 family members.
In conclusion, children should be subjected to love and care and not be subjected to the evils of society. We should keep in mind that our children are our future and they hold the key to our survival.
(Word count – 290 / Band score 8)
Task Achievement – The essay provides an answer to the question asked, supported by relevant examples.
Coherence and Cohesion – The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs and each main body paragraph only has one main idea. There are cohesive links between the main body paragraphs.
Lexical Resource – There is evidence of a wide range of vocabulary, with no errors in the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy – The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences have a wide range of structures.
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published April 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at a problem/solution essay example from the IELTS writing task 2 test. Students often ask if the questions are repeated year after year and the answer is no, but the topics are. There are so many questions written each year, you may find your practice answering various questions on different topics. For example, you could write essays to answer questions about education or the environment, which benefits you because you learn vocabulary associated with those topics and develop ideas that can help you in your writing test.
Practising writing IELTS task 2 essays on a range of topics is a great way to learn new vocabulary for those topics, but also to practice your essay structures. You begin to develop your ideas around those topics, thinking of examples and giving your opinions.
If you would like to learn how to structure a problem/solution essay please click the button below >
Many people consider that oil rigs and gas businesses offer different job prospects for countless workers whereas others worry about the detrimental effects on the environment. This essay thinks that without strict monitoring from the government, oil and gas companies may abuse and harm the flora and fauna. Firstly, this essay will discuss the potential benefits of the oil and gas industry expanding and secondly, the damaging effect on the environment and lastly will suggest potential resolutions to solve the problem.
On the one hand, many investors want to expand oil and gas companies for this is a very lucrative business. This has made Saudi Arabia one of the richest countries, for they provide the major oil and gas supplies to the entire world and because of it, their economy booms and prospers which the whole country enjoys. In addition, it has also offered many job opportunities not only for the people but for nearby countries including the Philippines. For instance, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration in 2016 reported that over 1 million Filipino workers went out of the country to work in an oil and gas company located in the middle east.
On the other hand, the process of producing gas and manufacturing oil is a very strenuous task. Several machines drill the ocean floors or vast areas in the desserts to look for oil deposits, which more often than not can destroy the surroundings. It can also affect some of the creatures that thrive in the affected environment for their habitats are being destroyed. The atmosphere is not spared, for the oil and gas companies produce major air pollutants that can harm both the nature and the health of its workers. For example, a study by the World Wildlife Fund in 2015 revealed that 20 percent of the ocean floor of the Pacific Ocean had been destroying due to oil explorations.
In my opinion, I believe that a potential answer to this could be that different government officials should work together in order to construct laws that provide protection to the environment against abusive oil and gas businesses. They should also have strict policies and meticulous implementation of these laws so that companies are aware of the major consequences. For instance, The Department of Environment and the Natural Resources in the Philippines in 2010 revealed that 30 oil explorations in the Philippines sea had been cancelled due to the probable detrimental effects on the coral reefs in the area.
In conclusion, although oil and gas companies provide countless jobs for employees we should also consider the effects on our environment because the result of this is irreversible.
(Word count – 439 / Band score 8)
Task Achievement – The essay provides an answer to the question asked, supported by relevant examples.
Coherence and Cohesion – The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs and each main body paragraph only has one main idea. There are cohesive links between the main body paragraphs.
Lexical Resource – There is evidence of a wide range of vocabulary, with no errors in the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy – The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences have a wide range of structures.
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published April 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at a problem/solution essay example from the IELTS writing task 2 test. Students often ask if the questions are repeated year after year and the answer is no, but the topics are. There are so many questions written each year, you may find your practice answering various questions on different topics. For example, you could write essays to answer questions about education or the environment, which benefits you because you learn vocabulary associated with those topics and develop ideas that can help you in your writing test.
Practising writing IELTS task 2 essays on a range of topics is a great way to learn new vocabulary for those topics, but also to practice your essay structures. You begin to develop your ideas around those topics, thinking of examples and giving your opinions.
If you would like to learn how to structure a problem/solution essay please click the button below >
Numerous progressing nations encounter massive complications with the condition of their water and air from both manufacturers and commercial factories. Firstly, this essay will discuss the issue of water and air contamination and secondly, it will suggest answers to this.
On the one hand, abuse of the environment is one of the main dilemmas in the world today. Some industrial companies toss their chemical and garbage wastes into nearby bodies of water like rivers, lakes and the ocean, which affects the creatures and plants in the water. Red tides are often encountered and because of this, the availability of some seafood is affected. In addition, exposure to different kinds of diseases brought about by both water and air pollution increases rapidly. For example, a study by The WHO reported that in 2016 almost 80% of the water surrounding The Philippines was contaminated with biochemicals that had been leaked from industrial companies.
On the other hand, this may be the consequence of a country trying to develop its economy but there are answers to the problems. Strengthening the laws to protect the environment should be one of them because as long as there are consequences, they would not commit a crime like illegal dumping. The government should inflict severe fines and jail terms to those who are found to be destroying the environment with their toxic waste. For example, The Environmental Department in the Philippines reported in 2017 that 90% of industrial companies who were found to be over the limit of waste removal were fined heavily and closed.
In conclusion, the destruction of our natural resources and increased exposure to health risks are the main problems. The government and the companies involved should work together in order to solve these difficulties.
(Word count – 291 / Band score 8)
Task Achievement – The essay provides an answer to the question asked, supported by relevant examples.
Coherence and Cohesion – The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs and each main body paragraph only has one main idea. There are cohesive links between the main body paragraphs.
Lexical Resource – There is evidence of a wide range of vocabulary, with no errors in the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy – The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences have a wide range of structures.
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published December 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In writing task 2 you will be asked to write a discursive essay (250 words minimum). You will be given a question asking you to give your opinion, discuss a problem or issue. You could also be asked to provide solutions, evaluate a problem, compare and contrast different ideas or challenge an idea. In this post, we will be focussing on how to write a problem/solution essay.
One of the first things you should do is read the marking criteria to see what the examiners expect. This is really important, as you need to know what they are looking for in the band 7+ boxes.
You should be able to give the examiners exactly what they want, in order to get a 7+ band score.
If you would like to purchase a 30 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >
WRITING TASK 2 Problem/Solution STRUCTURE
The structure that I advise my students to use, will be sure to get you a band score 7+. You need to practice using this structure, with as many questions as you can, before sitting your IELTS test. This writing task 2 structure has been proven to be successful for my students and when perfected, can easily help you to achieve a high band score.
TIP >> Before you start writing, plan your ideas so that you can organise the information clearly. You must decide what you think is the main problem and what the specific solution to that problem is. Take 5 minutes and plan out your ideas and examples.
TIP >> It is very important that spend a full 40 minutes on this task as the score you get for writing task 2 is two-thirds of your total writing score. You also need to write a minimum of 250 words and use your own ideas.
TIP >> Remember to write in a formal tone, this is an academic essay, therefore your writing should be formal.
This is one possible way to structure your essay;
It is a 4-PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE >>
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. When practicing your essay writing, use an online thesaurus to help you. This is a great tool and can help you to learn many new words.
Then your next sentence should introduce the essay, this will tellthe 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 two sentences you need in the introduction >>
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
If you would like to purchase a 30 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >
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
Another possible way to structure your problem/solution essay is this;
Introduction
Problem 1 – Describe a specific problem and give a solution
Problem 2 – Describe another specific problem and give a solution
Problem 3 – Describe a third specific problem and give a solution
Conclusion
You will need to make a choice, either describe each problem and give a solution in the same paragraph, or split the information into separate paragraphs, with only one main idea in each of the main body paragraphs.
SAMPLE Problem/Solution ESSAY >>
**All questions have been reported by students who have taken the IELTS exam.**
In many developing countries, there are a number of skilled academics leaving in search of better pay, increased socioeconomic benefits, and the chance to earn citizenship in a developed country. In this essay, I will examine the impact this has had on the more poverty stricken countries and suggest how this situation could be improved.
The foremost problem with skilled professionals, such as doctors and teachers leaving is that it deprives the country of people who are necessary to its survival. A shortage of doctors in hospitals could lead to them being severely understaffed, even though they have the trained doctors and nurses who are local and willing to work. In addition, some academic institutions will also suffer, with a lack of skilled teachers in highly desirable subjects, like maths, science and languages. Many professionals desire better pay and working conditions, leaving in search of a better lifestyle, so that they can earn a higher salary. For example, a study from Bucharest University showed that in Romania in 2014, 75% of graduates had applied to work in the UK and the USA.
A possible solution to this problem is for skilled professionals to enter into mandatory service in their origin country, before being able to migrate. Those who earn their qualifications from state universities should have to work in service to their country for a set amount of time, even though they are ready for the wider workplace. This would address the shortage of workers in hospitals and schools, meanwhile gaining experience, in order to give something back to their community and country. For instance, in Romania, it is common practice for graduates from state-funded university courses to work in areas where their services are needed for a minimum of two years before they are able to apply to work abroad.
In conclusion, with the rising demand for nurses, doctors and teachers in economically rich countries like the UK, more and more people are leaving their poor origin countries in search of better pay, working conditions and benefits. It is, therefore, necessary for governments to put appropriate schemes into place, with mandatory service for state-funded degree holders.
(Word Count = 362 / Band Score 9)
Task Achievement – The answer provides a paraphrased question, to begin with, followed by a relevant problem and solution. Both the problem and solution are fully supported in the main body paragraphs in the essay, with fully extended and well-supported ideas. the style of the writing is appropriate for an academic essay.
Coherence and Cohesion – The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs and each main body paragraph only has one main idea. There are cohesive links between the main body paragraphs and between most sentences. Examples are highlighted with discourse markers like – for example, and for instance. The conclusion gives a clear recommendation, which is linked to the information in the main body paragraphs.
Lexical Resource – There is evidence of a wide range of vocabulary, with no errors in the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy – The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences have a wide range of structures.
TIP >> Remember to give both a problem and solution. Use each of the main body paragraphs to support your ideas, giving examples that are relevant. In the conclusion, summarise your main points and say what is important about the topic/give a recommendation.
WRITING TASK 2 BAND SCORE 9 CRITERIA >>
If you would like to view more high band score problem and solution essay examples please click below >
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
