IELTS task 2 problem and solution Essays

Introduction.
Now a days we are living in a society based on
consuming. As a result some people have problems
in dealing with budgets and they get into debts by
buying things they do not need and cannot afford.
Causes
1 to purchase the goods without having the clear
idea of money in credit card
2 psychological impact of subliminal
advertisements
3 lack of awareness of serious effects that
advertisement can have on mind
Solution
1 one should learn how to manage his budget
2 to raise awareness among the people
3 keeping a record on income and monthly
spending
Conclusion
All summed up, the chances of becoming the
victim of consumer society are high now a days
because of the surrounding temptations but this

problem could be easily avoid by being aware of

this danger and having a rational attitude when
dealing with money.
The introduction will have two sentences: a paraphrase of
the question and an outline statement.
Paraphrasing is simply saying the sentence again with different words but with
the same meaning. We can do this by using synonyms and/or changing the
order of the words.
Question- Global warming is one of the biggest threats humans face in
the 21st Century and sea levels are continuing to rise at alarming rates.
Paraphrased- Climate change is among the principal dangers facing
people this century and ocean levels are increasing dramatically.
Our outline sentence should look something like this:
This essay will first suggest that the biggest problem caused by this
phenomenon is the flooding of homes and then submit building flood
protection as the most viable solution, followed by a reasoned
conclusion.

Problem Solution Example Essay

In order to understand these types of problem solution essays further and how to
organize your writing, we'll look at a problem solution example essay:
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?
The enormous growth in the use of the internet over the last decade has led to radical
changes to the way that people consume and share information. Although serious
problems have arisen as a result of this, there are solutions.
One of the first problems of the internet is the ease with which children can access
potentially dangerous sites. For example, pornography sites are easily accessible to
them because they can register with a site and claim to be an adult. There is no doubt
that this affects their thoughts and development, which is a negative impact for the
children and for society. Another major problem is the growth of online fraud and
hacking. These days, there are constant news stories about government and company
websites that have been hacked, resulting in sensitive information falling into the hands
of criminals.
It is important that action is taken to combat these problems. Governments should
ensure that adequate legislation and controls are in place that will prevent young people
from accessing dangerous sites, such as requiring more than simply confirming that you
are an adult to view a site. Parents also have a part to play. They need to closely
monitor the activities of their children and restrict their access to certain sites, which can
now be done through various computer programs. Companies must also improve their
onsite IT security systems to make fraud and hacking much more difficult by
undertaking thorough reviews of their current systems for weaknesses.
To conclude, the internet is an amazing technological innovation that has transformed
peoples lives, but not without negative impacts. However, with the right action by
individuals, governments and businesses, it can be made a safe place for everyone.
(285 words)

Writing about Problems

From the problem solution essay, look at the problems paragraph, and answer the
following questions (then click on the link below to see the answers):
1.
2.

How many problems are discussed?

What are they?

3.
4.
5.

What expressions are used to introduce the problems?

How are the problems illustrated further?
What results are discussed for each problem?

Show / hide answers

Your answers to these questions should tell you a lot about how to plan and organize a
problem paragraph.
You only need two or three problems as remember you do not have much time and you
need to explain the problems.
When you brainstorm your ideas for problem solution essays, think about (a) what the
problem is (b) how you will explain it (c) and what the effect is. Your paragraph will then
follow this pattern.
Here is an example of the brainstorming for this paragraph:
Problem 1: children can access potentially dangerous sites
Explanation / Example: Pornography sites
Result: Affects thought & development - negative for children &
society
Problem 2: growth of online fraud and hacking
Explanation / Example: Evident from the constant news stories
Result: Criminals get sensitive information

Here they are illustrated in the paragraph, with the introductory expressions underlined:
One of the first problems of the internet is the ease with which children can
access potentially dangerous sites.For example, pornography sites are easily
accessible to them because they can register with a site and claim to be an
adult. There is no doubt that this affects their thoughts and development, which
is a negative impact for the children and for society. Another major problem
is the growth of online fraud and hacking. These days, there are constant
news stories about government and company websites that have been
hacked, resulting in sensitive information falling into the hands of criminals.

Writing about Solutions

Answer the following questions about the solutions paragraph:

1.
2.
3.

How many solutions are given?

What are they?
What three different groups of people does the writer say are responsble for
these solutions?
4.
How would the solutions be implemented?
5.
What three modal verb structures are used to make the suggestions?
Show / hide answers
Your answers to these questions provides you with some key tips on writing a solutions
paragraph. Some of these points are now explained further.
a) The people involved
When you come to brainstorm your solutions, think of the key 'actors' who are involved.
It is usually governments and individuals in some way or another.
There may be another group specifically realted to the topic. For example, in this case it
is companies and parents. If you are discussing crime it could be the police. If it is
violence on TV it could be TV and film producers.
You can then brainstorm your ideas under each 'group' and organize them in the same
way.
b) Developing your solutions
Also, try to make sure your solutions are not too simplistic. It's all too easy to make
sweeping generalizations about what people can do. For example, look at this idea:
The government should introduce stricter laws.
It it common to see such statements in IELTS problem solution essays with no further
explantion. Give more detail about how or why this would work. For example:
Governments should ensure that adequate legislation and controls are in place
that will prevent young people from accessing dangerous sites, such as requiring
more than simply confirming that you are an adult to view a site.
Some specific detail has now been given on how this solution could work.
b) Modal Verbs
Modal verbs can be used to make suggestions in problem solution essays. These are
usually found in solutions paragraphs.

Check out this grammar lesson if you are unsure how to use modal verbs.
Here again is a plan for the problem solution essay for the solutions paragraph:
Solution 1: Governments
Idea: Adequate legislation and controls for young people
How: More complex website access criteria
Solution 2: Parents
Idea: Monitor children and restrict access
How: Use a computer program
Solution 3: Companies
Idea: Improve IT security systems
How: Review current systems in place
Here is the paragraph again. Note how it follows the plan and the clear topic sentence
that tells the reader the essay is moving on to discuss solutions (modals verbs are
underlined):
It is important that action is taken to combat these
problems. Governments should ensure that adequate legislation and
controls are in place that will prevent young people from accessing
dangerous sites, such as requiring more than simply confirming that you are an
adult to view a site. Parents also have a part to play. Theyneed to closely
monitor the activities of their children and restrict their access to certain
sites, which can now be done through various computer
programs.Companies must also improve their onsite IT security systems to
make fraud and hacking much more difficult by undertaking thorough reviews
of their current systems for weaknesses.

Model Essay 9

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Present a written argument to an educated reader with no specialist
knowledge of the following topic.
Overpopulation of urban areas has led to numerous problems.
Identify one or two serious ones and suggest ways that
governments and individuals can tackle these problems.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your
own experience or knowledge.
You should write at least 250 words.

IELTS Overpopulation Essay - Sample Answer

Many countries of the world are currently experiencing problems caused by rapidly
growing populations in urban areas, and both governments and individuals have a duty
to find ways to overcome these problems.
Overpopulation can lead to overcrowding and poor quality housing in many large cities.
Poorly heated or damp housing could cause significant health problems, resulting in
illness, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Another serious consequence of overcrowding
is a rising crime rate as poor living conditions may lead young people in particular to
take desperate measures and turn to crime or drugs.
In terms of solutions, I believe the government should be largely responsible. Firstly, it is
vital that the state provides essential housing and healthcare for all its citizens.
Secondly, setting up community projects to help foster more community spirit and help
keep young people off the street is a good idea. For example, youth clubs or evening
classes for teenagers would keep them occupied. Finally, more effective policing of
inner city areas would also be beneficial.
Naturally, individuals should also act responsibly to address these problems, and the
motivation to do this would hopefully arise if the measures described above are put into
place by the government. This is because it will encourage people to have more pride in
their own community and improve the situation.

Therefore, it is clear that the problems caused by overpopulation in urban areas are
very serious. Yet if governments and individuals share a collective responsibility, then it
may well become possible to offer some solutions.

Sample IELTS Writing 7

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Levels of youth crime are increasing rapidly in most cities
around the world.
What are the reasons for this, and suggest some solutions.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples
from your own experience or knowledge.
You should write at least 250 words.

Sample IELTS Writing - Model Answer

Over the last few decades, many cities around the world have seen alarming increases
in the levels of youth crime. This essay will discuss the reasons for this and provide
some possible solutions.
The first reason is connected with the family. In order for a child to grow up in a
balanced way, it is very important that he or she is nurtured well by his or her parents.
However, these days, it is often the case that children are neglected. This may be
because of the fact that many parents in cities now both have to work so are often not
around to give their children support when needed. Another factor is the increasing
levels of poverty around the world. We have seen with globalization the rich get richer
and the poor get poorer, and this inevitably means that those who are poorer will have

to resort to illegal means to get what others have. Of course, this will include the
children in the poorer families.
However, there are ways to tackle such problems. Firstly, one of the ways to combat the
problem is to have stricter punishments. Although, as discussed above, it can be
outside factors that lead to crime, it is still important to have severe punishments to
deter teenagers from crime. All too often, because they are young, the courts are too
lenient. Parents also have to take more responsibility for their childrens actions. They
too should be punished if their children commit crime.
To sum up, several factors have led to increases in youth crime, but measures are
available to tackle this problem.
(267 words)

Comments

The topic is clearly stated in the general statement of the introduction, and the thesis
tells the reader that reasons and solutions will be discussed.
It is organized well, with reasons for youth crime discussed in the first body paragraph
and solutions in the next. Each paragraph has two ideas and they are clearly signaled
and well supported.
There are some good complex structures (In order for, often the case that,
means that,) and some good examples of topic related vocabulary (nurtured,
neglected, illegal, severe punishments, deter, commit crime).

IELTS Global Warming Essay - Model Essay 18

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Global warming is one of the most serious issues that the
world is facing today.
What are the causes of global warming and what
measures can governments and individuals take to tackle
the issue?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples
from your own experience or knowledge.
You should write at least 250 words.
IELTS Global Warming Essay - Model Answer
Probably the most worrying threat to our planet at the present time is global warming.
This essay will examine the reasons why global warming is occurring and discuss some
possible solutions.
The predominant factors resulting in the warming of the earth are the emissions of CO2
and deforestation. CO2, which damages the ozone layer, comes from several sources,
but the most problematic are those coming from the burning of fossil fuels from power
plants. This releases thousands of tones of CO2 into the atmosphere every year.
Another cause of these emissions is the burning of gasoline for transportation, which
continues to increase because of our demand for cars and also our increasing
worldwide consumption, resulting in an increasing need to transport goods. Also, forests
store large amounts of carbon, so deforestation is causing larger amounts of CO2 to
remain in the atmosphere.
Nevertheless, there are potential ways to solve these problems, or at least reduce the
effects. Firstly, governments need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and
promote alternatives. Plant-derived plastics, biodiesel, wind power and solar power are
all things that are a step in the right direction, but governments need to enforce the
limits on CO2 emissions for the polluting industries in their countries for these to be
effective. Also, individuals can play a part by making lifestyle changes. People should
try to buy cars with the best fuel economy, and only use their car when really necessary.
They can also switch to energy companies that use renewable energy rather than fossil
fuels. Finally, small things like buying energy efficient light bulbs, turning off electricity in
the house, and planting trees in the garden can help.
To conclude, although global warming is a serious issue, there are steps that
governments and individuals can take to reduce its effects. If we are to save our planet,
it is important that this is treated as a priority for all concerned.
(320 Words)

Sample
IELTS
Speaking
Describe someone in your family who you like.

Topic

2:

You should say:

o
How this person is related to you
o
What this person looks like
o
What kind of person he/she is
o
and explain why you like this person
Sample IELTS Speaking Response:
The person in my family I really like and also love is my mother. She is a
very special person and I cannot imagine what I would be without her.
Physically, my mother is petite. She is only about 5 feet tall, and weighs
about 110 pounds. She has fine, black hair and a fair complexion. One thing
people often notice is that my mother always takes pride in her appearance.
Even now, at the age of 80, my mother is a well dressed, well-groomed and
elegant woman, with her fine choice of clothes and matching accessories,
jewelry and shoes.
Intellectually, my mother always loves learning. Even after her busy day, she
won't go to bed without reading the newspaper. She was one of the few
members of her family that completed university. She also has many
creative and cultural interests such as literature, music and dance. Through
her own enjoyment, she passed on this love of culture to all her children,
including me.
Emotionally, my mother has a heart of gold. All her life, she has been ready,
willing and able to help anyone who needs anything, with a smile on her
face. She is of the old school - she remembers to wish friends and relatives
on their birthdays and anniversaries, she attends their weddings, dinners
and parties, and she visits them when they're hurt, unwell or in mourning.
In fact, my mother has always been a kind soul and people of all ages love
her as soon as they meet her. I think this is because she is good-hearted
from her core, and her authenticity is what everyone relates to. She has
taught me the meaning of being compassionate, loving, kind, helpful,
supportive and so much more. In fact, thanks to the unconditional love of
both my wonderful parents, I feel I've been truly blessed in this lifetime.
Describe an artist or entertainer you admire.
You should say:

Who they are and what they do

How they became successful

How you found out about them

And explain why you admire them

Describe a subject you enjoyed studying at school.
You should say:

When and where you started studying it


What lessons were like

What made the subject different from other subjects

And explain why you enjoyed the subject

Describe an important choice you had to make in your life.
You should say:

When you had this choice

What you had to choose between

Whether you made a good choice

And explain how you felt when you were making this choice
Describe a job you have done.
You should say:

How you got the job

What the job involved

How long the job lasted

Describe how well you did the job

Read the healthcare for children essay

Some people say that parents should decide on what kind of medical care
their children should receive, while others believe that this is the states
responsibility
Discuss both views and give your opinion
Although almost everyone agrees about the necessity to provide children with the best
healthcare, there is some dispute about whether parents or the government should
decide what that care is. My own view is that while governments may adopt a general
policy for childrens medical care, parents should normally have the ultimate say.
There are good grounds for arguing that the state should decide on the form of medical
provision for children. One of these is that typically the state is better able to make
informed decisions because it has access to all the latest medical research. Another is
that occasionally there are epidemics in schools and it is the responsibility of the
government to ensure that illnesses should not be spread unnecessarily. In this case, it
might justifiably order compulsory vaccination.

Equally there is a very strong argument for allowing parents to decide on what care their
children receive. This is because one extremely important principle is that everyone
should have the right to choose what care they receive. For children who are too young
to make their own choice, it is only natural that their parents should make that decision
for them. This is particularly important for families that come from a culture where
certain medical interventions such as blood transfusions are forbidden. In this case, it
seems quite wrong for the government to order something that may go against religious
beliefs.
In conclusion, I do accept that there good reasons for the state to outline what care
children should receive, but parents should be able to have the last word particularly
when religious principles are at stake.
Enter your answers in the gaps.
When you have entered all the answers, click on the "Check" button.
If you need help, click on the "Hint" button.
a very strong argument
adopt a general policy
almost everyone agrees
are at stake
grounds for arguing
I do accept that there
In this case
it seems quite wrong for
My
own view is that
one extremely important principle
responsibility of the government

Although

about the necessity to provide children with the best

healthcare, there is some dispute about whether parents or the government should decide what that care

is.

may

the ultimate say.

while governments

for childrens medical care, parents should normally have

There are good

that the state should decide on the form of

medical provision for children. One of these is that typically the state is better able to make informed
decisions because it has access to all the latest medical research. Another is that occasionally there are

epidemics in schools and it is the

should not be spread unnecessarily.

to ensure that illnesses

, it might justifiably order

compulsory vaccination.

Equally there is

their children receive. This is because

for allowing parents to decide on what care

is that everyone should

have the right to choose what care they receive. For children who are too young to make their own
choice, it is only natural that their parents should make that decision for them. This is particularly
important for families that come from a culture where certain medical interventions such as blood

transfusions are forbidden. In this case,

order something that may go against religious beliefs.

the government to

In conclusion,

are good reasons for the state to outline what

care children should receive, but parents should be able to have the last word particularly when religious

principles