IELTS WRITING TASK 2: PROBLEM-SOLUTION ESSAY

Effective Approach to Writing a Problems and Solutions Essay

1. Understand the Task:
o Read the question carefully to ensure you fully understand the problem being presented.
o Identify if the task requires causes and solutions, or simply solutions to a given problem.
2. Plan Your Essay (5–10 minutes):
o Brainstorm the causes and solutions relevant to the problem.
o Organize your ideas logically before you start writing.
o Ensure you cover both the problem and the solution clearly.
3. Write Clearly and Coherently:
o Use linking words like “firstly,” “moreover,” “on the other hand,” and “as a result” to improve
coherence.
o Make sure each paragraph has one main idea (cause or solution) and is well-developed.
4. Provide Specific Examples:
o Use examples from your knowledge, experience, or global issues to illustrate your points.
o Examples help make your argument stronger and more relatable.
5. Avoid Over-Generalization:
o Stick to well-reasoned arguments. Avoid sweeping statements that lack evidence or are overly
simplistic.
6. Use Formal Language:
o Avoid slang or informal expressions. Use precise academic vocabulary to show a good range of
language.
7. Proofread Your Essay (3–5 minutes):
o After finishing, check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling mistakes.
o Ensure that your ideas are clearly presented and that your arguments are easy to follow.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not addressing all parts of the question: Make sure you write about both the causes and the solutions
if the question asks for both.
• Vague solutions: Your solutions should be realistic and explained in detail.
• Repetition: Avoid repeating the same points or using the same vocabulary repeatedly.
• Lack of structure: Ensure that your essay has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

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In IELTS Writing Task 2, the problem-solution essay structure is designed to address a particular issue and
propose solutions. Here’s a recommended structure you can follow to write an essay with at least 250 words:
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Sentence 1- Paraphrase question
Sentence 2- Outline sentence
Paragraph 2: Problem
Sentence 3- State problems
Sentence 4- Explain first problem
Sentence 5- Explain second problem
Sentence 6- Example of second problem
Paragraph 3: Solution
Sentence 7- State solutions
Sentence 8- Explain solution to first problem
Sentence 9- Explain solution to second problem
Sentence 10- Example of solution to second problem
Paragraph 4: Conclusion
Sentence 11- Summary of main points in paragraphs 2 and 3
Sentence 12 – Final thoughts

Key Tips:
• Task Response: Ensure you fully address both parts of the question—discuss the problem and offer
viable solutions.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Use linking words and phrases like firstly, furthermore, in addition,
consequently to maintain flow.
• Lexical Resource: Use a variety of vocabulary, especially related to the problem and solution topic (e.g.,
congestion, emissions, mitigate, implement).
• Grammar Range: Use complex sentence structures and a mix of verb tenses to show your range of
grammar.
Following this structure helps to organize your ideas logically and meet the task requirements efficiently.

TAKE SPECIAL NOTICE:

In the question below, the action words are problems and solutions. Our task is, therefore, to write about that
and only that. It does not ask our opinion about the disadvantages, advantages, just the problems and
solutions. If we discussed the causes of sea level rise, we would not be answering the question.

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Question:
Global warming has become a significant environmental issue around the world.
What are the problems brought about by global warming, and what solutions can address these problems?

Model Essay
Paragraph 1: Introduction
1. (Paraphrase question)
Global warming, the gradual increase in Earth’s average temperature due to human activities, has
become a serious environmental concern.
2. (Outline sentence)
This essay will explore two major causes of global warming—fossil fuel consumption and
deforestation—and propose solutions to address these issues.
Paragraph 2: Problem
3. (State problems)
Two of the primary drivers of global warming are the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.
4. (Explain first problem)
Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are extensively used for energy production and
transportation, releasing vast amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, which traps heat
and contributes to rising global temperatures.
5. (Explain second problem)
In addition, deforestation is another critical factor that exacerbates global warming, as trees absorb CO2
and their removal limits the planet's ability to regulate greenhouse gases.
6. (Example of second problem)
For instance, large-scale deforestation in tropical regions like the Amazon rainforest has significantly
reduced the number of trees available to absorb CO2, accelerating climate change and causing long-term
damage to ecosystems.

Paragraph 3: Solution
7. (State solutions)
To mitigate global warming, several effective solutions can be implemented to address these root
causes.
8. (Explain solution to first problem)
First, governments and industries must shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like solar,
wind, and hydropower, which produce clean energy without emitting harmful greenhouse gases. This
transition could significantly reduce global CO2 emissions.
9. (Explain solution to second problem)

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 Second, stricter laws and initiatives aimed at reducing deforestation and promoting reforestation are
crucial in combating global warming. Protecting existing forests and planting new trees can help restore
the balance of CO2 absorption in the atmosphere.
10. (Example of solution to second problem)
A good example of reforestation success is Costa Rica, where the government has implemented large-
scale reforestation programs, resulting in increased forest coverage and a significant reduction in
carbon emissions.

Paragraph 4: Conclusion
11. (Summary of main points in paragraphs 2 and 3)
In conclusion, global warming is primarily driven by human activities such as fossil fuel consumption
and deforestation.
12. (Final thoughts)
However, by transitioning to renewable energy and protecting forests, we can effectively address these
causes and reduce the impact of climate change.
===================================================================================

MODEL ESSAY (in full)

Global warming, the gradual increase in Earth’s average temperature due to human activities, has
become a serious environmental concern. This essay will explore two major causes of global warming—
fossil fuel consumption and deforestation—and propose solutions to address these issues.

Two of the primary drivers of global warming are the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. Fossil
fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are extensively used for energy production and transportation, releasing
vast amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, which traps heat and contributes to rising global
temperatures. In addition, deforestation is another critical factor that exacerbates global warming, as trees
absorb CO2 and their removal limits the planet's ability to regulate greenhouse gases. For instance, large-scale
deforestation in tropical regions like the Amazon rainforest has significantly reduced the number of trees
available to absorb CO2, accelerating climate change and causing long-term damage to ecosystems.

To mitigate global warming, several effective solutions can be implemented to address these root
causes. First, governments and industries must shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like solar,
wind, and hydropower, which produce clean energy without emitting harmful greenhouse gases. This transition
could significantly reduce global CO2 emissions. Second, stricter laws and initiatives aimed at reducing
deforestation and promoting reforestation are crucial in combating global warming. Protecting existing forests
and planting new trees can help restore the balance of CO2 absorption in the atmosphere. A good example of
reforestation success is Costa Rica, where the government has implemented large-scale reforestation programs,
resulting in increased forest coverage and a significant reduction in carbon emissions.

In conclusion, global warming is primarily driven by human activities such as fossil fuel consumption
and deforestation. However, by transitioning to renewable energy and protecting forests, we can effectively
address these causes and reduce the impact of climate change.

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