IELTS problem and solution essay: causes, solutions and a band 9 sample
Problem-solution questions ask you to explain a problem (or its causes) and suggest what can be done. Strong answers do one thing weaker ones miss: every solution is clearly linked to a specific problem or cause, so the essay reads as one argument rather than two lists.
Updated 2026-10-23
Three versions of the question
| Wording | Body paragraphs |
|---|---|
| What problems does this cause? What solutions can you suggest? | Problems, then solutions |
| What are the causes of this problem? What can be done to solve it? | Causes, then solutions |
| Why is this happening? What can be done? | Causes, then solutions |
Read carefully: causes (why it happens) and problems (what it leads to) are different things. Writing about effects when the question asks for causes is a common Task Response error.
Two structures
| Grouped | Matched |
|---|---|
| 1. Introduction | 1. Introduction |
| 2. Cause 1 and cause 2 | 2. Cause 1 and its solution |
| 3. Solution 1 and solution 2 | 3. Cause 2 and its solution |
| 4. Conclusion | 4. Conclusion |
The model essay below uses a third option: one paragraph on both causes, then one solution paragraph per cause. Choose any structure, as long as the reader can see which solution fixes which cause.
Practice question
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
In many countries, the amount of food that is thrown away is increasing.
What are the causes of this problem, and what can be done to solve it?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Band 9 model essay
In many wealthy countries, a large share of the food that is produced is never eaten. This waste happens at every stage, from farms and supermarkets to private kitchens, and it has two main causes, both of which can be tackled through changes in business practice and public education.
The first cause lies with retailers. Supermarkets often reject fruit and vegetables that are the wrong size or shape, even though they are perfectly edible, because they believe customers will not buy them. They also encourage overbuying through multi-buy offers, so shoppers take home more than they can use. The second cause is in the home. Many people plan meals poorly, misunderstand date labels and throw away food that is still safe simply because a "best before" date has passed.
Retail waste can be reduced through a mixture of regulation and incentives. Governments could require large supermarkets to donate unsold but edible food to charities rather than throwing it away, as France has done since 2016. Shops could also be encouraged to sell imperfect produce at a lower price, giving value-conscious customers a reason to buy it.
Household waste requires a different approach, centred on information. Clearer labelling would help, particularly if people understood that "best before" refers to quality while "use by" refers to safety. Public campaigns and school lessons could teach simple habits such as planning meals, freezing leftovers and checking the fridge before shopping. Ending multi-buy offers on perishable food would also stop families buying more than they need.
In conclusion, food waste stems largely from supermarket practices and poor planning at home. By combining laws that make retailers redistribute surplus food with education that helps households buy and store food more sensibly, governments could greatly reduce the amount that is thrown away.
Word count: 295
Why this essay scores highly
Task Response. Both parts of the question are answered fully. The two causes are introduced together, and each then gets a matching solution paragraph, so the link between cause and solution is never in doubt. The France example adds credibility.
Coherence and Cohesion. The first cause…, The second cause…, Retail waste…, Household waste… make the structure easy to follow. The solution paragraphs open by naming which cause they address.
Lexical Resource. Overbuying, multi-buy offers, perishable, redistribute surplus food, value-conscious and stems from are precise topic language.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Modal verbs for suggestions (could require, would help), a conditional, passive forms and relative clauses are all accurate.
Useful language for problems and solutions
| Purpose | Phrases |
|---|---|
| Causes | X stems from…, The main reason is…, …is largely due to…, …is driven by… |
| Problems | This leads to…, As a result, …, One serious consequence is… |
| Solutions | Governments could…, One effective measure would be to…, …can be tackled by… |
| Linking to a cause | To address the first cause, …, Household waste requires a different approach… |
Common mistakes
- Confusing causes with effects. If the question asks why, explain why, not what happens next.
- Solutions that don't match. A solution about schools does not solve a problem caused by supermarkets.
- Vague solutions. "Everyone should waste less" is not a solution. Who should do what, and how?
- Forgetting the second question. Spending 200 words on causes leaves no time for solutions.
More problem and solution questions
- In many cities, young people are finding it increasingly difficult to afford a home. Why is this happening, and what can be done about it?
- Fewer people are reading books for pleasure than in the past. What are the causes of this, and what solutions can you suggest?
- Many people feel lonely, even though they live in large cities. Why is this, and what can be done to help?
- Traffic congestion is a growing problem in many towns. What problems does it cause, and what solutions can you suggest?
- Many young people leave school without the skills employers need. What are the causes, and how can this be solved?
- Plastic pollution in the oceans is increasing. What problems does this cause, and what can be done to reduce it?
Topic ideas for these questions are on the environment and society pages. Back to the Task 2 overview.
Frequently asked questions
How many problems and solutions should I include?
Two of each is ideal. Two causes or problems, each explained with an example, and two solutions that match them. More than that leaves no room to develop anything.
Do I need to give my opinion in a problem-solution essay?
Not unless the question asks for it. Your 'position' is your view of the main causes and the best solutions, and it should be clear in the introduction and conclusion.
Should solutions be realistic?
Yes. Specific, practical solutions such as a law, a school programme or a change in pricing are more convincing than vague ones like 'people should be more responsible'.