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IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS problem and solution topics. Name it, then fix it.

These questions ask for problems, or causes, and for solutions. Link each solution to a problem you named, so the reader can see how it would help.

Up to 10 essays free, no card. Need more?

  • 122Academic questions in the app
  • 53General Training questions in the app
  • 3sample answers to one question
01 / Plan

How to answer problem and solution questions.

  1. Introduction

    say what the question is about and what your essay will cover.

  2. Body paragraph 1

    the main problems or causes, with an example.

  3. Body paragraph 2

    a solution for each one, and how it would work.

  4. Conclusion

    sum up the main problem and the best solution.

Choose a problem to solve, then press Write this one.
02 / Academic

Academic problem and solution questions, one for each subject.

Advertising

Many cities are becoming saturated with billboards and commercial signage, affecting their visual appearance. What are the causes of this, and how can it be addressed?

Aging

In many towns and cities, pavements, public buildings and transport are not designed with the needs of older people in mind. What problems does this cause? What solutions can you suggest?

Animals

Many wild animal species are becoming endangered due to human activities. What are the main causes of this, and what measures can be taken to protect them?

Art

Art is considered an essential part of all cultures throughout the world. However, these days fewer and fewer people appreciate art and turn their focus to science, technology and business. Why do you think that is? What could be done to encourage more people to take interest in the arts?

Business

Large businesses have big budgets for marketing and promotion and as a result, people gravitate towards buying their products. What problems does this cause? What could be done to encourage people to buy local products?

Charity

Despite billions of dollars in international aid, many countries remain in poverty. What are the reasons for this, and what alternative approaches might be more effective?

Communication

Many official documents, such as contracts, bills and government forms, are written in language that ordinary people find difficult to understand. What problems does this cause? What solutions can you suggest?

Consumerism

Consumer debt has risen sharply in many countries, with people spending more than they earn. What are the causes of this, and what measures could help address the problem?

Crime

Crime rate, in most countries, is often higher in urban areas than in rural areas. Why do you think that is? What can be done to reduce the crime rate?

Culture

Many traditional customs and practices are disappearing as a result of globalisation. What problems does this cause, and what can be done to preserve cultural heritage?

Education

Bullying in schools remains a widespread problem that can have lasting effects on children. What are the causes of bullying, and how can it be prevented?

Energy

As summers grow hotter, more and more people are installing air conditioning in their homes and workplaces, which greatly increases the demand for electricity. What problems does this cause? What solutions can you suggest?

Environment

Air pollution in major cities has reached dangerous levels in many countries. What are the main causes of urban air pollution, and what steps can be taken to reduce it?

Ethics

Corruption is a major obstacle to development in many countries. What are the main causes of corruption, and what can be done to combat it?

Family

Divorce rates are increasing in many countries, and this can have negative effects on children. What are the main causes of rising divorce rates, and what can be done to support children from broken homes?

Food

An increasing number of children are overweight which could result in many problems when they grow older both in terms of their health and health care costs. Why do you think so many children are overweight? What could be done to solve this problem?

Gender

Gender-based discrimination remains common in many workplaces despite anti-discrimination laws. What problems does this cause, and how can it be addressed?

Government

Corruption remains a major obstacle to development in many countries. What are the root causes of corruption, and what steps can be taken to eliminate it?

Health

Mental health problems are becoming increasingly common among young people. What are the causes of this trend, and what measures can be taken to address it?

Housing

Homelessness is a growing problem in many developed countries. What are the main causes of homelessness, and what can be done to address this issue?

Language

Immigrants in many countries struggle to learn the local language, which limits their ability to integrate. What are the causes of this problem, and what solutions can you suggest?

Law

Cybercrime is on the rise and existing laws are often inadequate to deal with it. What problems does this cause, and how should governments respond?

Leisure

Many people today spend their free time on screens rather than engaging in physical or social activities. What problems does this cause, and what solutions can you suggest?

Media

Fake news and misinformation spread rapidly through social media and online news outlets. What are the causes of this problem, and what can be done to combat it?

Migration

Many refugees face significant challenges when trying to settle in a new country. What are the main difficulties they encounter, and what can governments do to help them integrate?

Poverty

Access to quality education and healthcare remains limited for the poorest members of society. What are the causes of this, and what measures should governments take?

Privacy

Data breaches and identity theft are becoming increasingly common. What are the causes of these problems, and what can individuals and organisations do to protect personal information?

Reading

Many local libraries are closing due to reduced funding and lower visitor numbers. What problems does this cause, and what solutions can be suggested?

Science

Many students choose not to study science subjects at university, preferring arts or business degrees instead. What are the causes of this trend, and how can more young people be encouraged to pursue science?

Society

Homelessness is increasing in many major cities around the world. What are the main causes, and what can governments and local communities do to address this problem?

Space

Bright artificial lighting in towns and cities means that many people, especially children, have never seen a clear night sky full of stars. What problems does this cause? What solutions can you suggest?

Sport

Many young people today are less physically active than previous generations. What are the reasons for this, and what can be done to encourage young people to participate in sport?

Technology

As technology advances, many jobs are being replaced by machines and automation. What problems does this cause for workers, and how can society adapt?

Tourism

As a result of tourism and the increasing number of people travelling, there is a growing demand for more flights. What problems does this have on the environment? What measures could be taken to solve the problems?

Transport

Road accidents are a leading cause of death and injury worldwide. What are the main causes of road accidents, and how can road safety be improved?

Upbringing

Many parents today rely on screens and digital devices to keep their children entertained. What problems can this cause, and what can parents do to ensure a healthy upbringing?

Urban life

Green spaces in cities are disappearing due to urban development. What problems does this cause, and how can cities ensure that enough green spaces are preserved?

Water

Many regions of the world are facing serious water shortages. What are the main causes of water scarcity, and what solutions can be implemented to address this issue?

Work

In some developing countries, it is difficult to get good teachers to work in rural areas which can have a negative impact on the education of children in those rural communities. Why do you think good teachers do not want to work in rural areas in developing countries? What could be done to solve this problem?

Sample answers

One problem and solution question, three bands.

All sample answers
FAQ

Questions about problem and solution essays.

Is a causes question the same as a problems question?

No. A cause is why something happens. A problem is a bad effect it has. Read the question carefully and write about what it asks for.

How many solutions should I give?

Two clear solutions, each linked to a problem you described, are usually enough. Explain how each one would work.