IELTS Task 2 · Essay type
IELTS Task 2 Problem & Solution Essay
This type (sometimes phrased as causes and solutions) asks you to identify problems or causes and propose realistic solutions. The key to Band 7 is that each solution clearly addresses a problem you have raised.
In short
- Prompt cues: "What problems does this cause and what solutions can you suggest?", "What are the causes and what measures could solve it?"
- Use the four-paragraph plan below — introduction, two developed body paragraphs, conclusion.
- Band 7 needs a clear, sustained response, a range of cohesive devices, some less common vocabulary, and mostly error-free complex sentences.
The paragraph plan
What goes in each paragraph for a problem & solution prompt.
| Paragraph | What it contains |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Paraphrase the topic and signal that you will cover the problems (or causes) and solutions. |
| Body 1 | The main problem(s) or cause(s) — explained with a consequence or example. |
| Body 2 | Realistic solutions, each clearly tied to a problem above, with how it would help. |
| Conclusion | Summarise the key problem and the most effective solution. No new ideas. |
What caps this essay type at Band 6.5
- Solutions that do not match the problems you raised.
- Vague solutions ('the government should help') with no mechanism.
- Confusing problems with causes when the prompt asks specifically for one.
- Listing many problems with no development.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I recognise an IELTS Task 2 problem & solution prompt?
"What problems does this cause and what solutions can you suggest?", "What are the causes and what measures could solve it?"
How many words and how long for Task 2?
At least 250 words in about 40 minutes. Task 2 is worth roughly two-thirds of your IELTS Writing band, so give it the larger share of the hour.
How is the essay scored?
On four equal criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy — each 25%.
How many paragraphs should I write?
Four: introduction, two developed body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Depth of development matters more than the number of paragraphs.
Can I get my essay marked against the criteria?
Yes. The Writing Correction Service marks IELTS Task 1 and Task 2 against all four official criteria with line-by-line feedback and a predicted band score in 48 hours.
Other Task 2 essay types: Opinion (Agree / Disagree) · Discussion (Both Views) · Advantages & Disadvantages · Two-Part (Direct) Question · Task 2 overview
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