IELTS High Up - IELTS 5.

5 - Unit 8: Festivals and Traditions

LEARNING GUIDES
LESSON 31: WRITING TASK 2

Writing Skills Grammar focus

✔ Problem/ Cause - Solution essay ✔ Past, Present, and Future tenses

A. WRITING SKILLS

Part 1. Problem/ Cause - Solution essay

Some examples of Problem/ Cause - Solution essay:

Topic 1:
People who live in large cities face a range of problems in their daily lives.
What are the main problems people in main cities face, and how can these problems be
tackled?
Topic 2:
Despite a large number of gyms, a sedentary lifestyle is gaining popularity in the
contemporary world.
What problems are associated with this? What solutions can you suggest?
Topic 3:
In some countries, the average weight of people is increasing and their levels of health
and fitness are decreasing.
What do you think are the causes of these problems and what measures could be taken to
solve them?

1. Overview
Problem and Solution in IELTS Writing Task 2 is a difficult test, requiring candidates to
demonstrate the causes or effects of a certain problem, thereby finding solutions to
overcome the above situations. To recognize the problem and solution type, learners need
to read the topic carefully and analyze related keywords. Sometimes, the question does not
use the word "Problem" or the word "Solution/Cause", so it may be a bit difficult for
learners to recognize it.

2. Characteristics of Cause/ Problem & Solution Essay

Some frequently asked questions about this type of article are as follows:
• What are the problems associated with this …?
• What are the causes/reasons? /Why is this the case?
• What can be done to…? / What measures should be taken to…?
• What action can be taken to prevent people from having this problem?
è Problem and Solution format in IELTS Writing Task 2 usually includes two
requirements in 3 types of tasks as follows:
 IELTS High Up - IELTS 5.5 - Unit 8: Festivals and Traditions

a. Cause/The reason - Solution/Action: With this question, you need to analyze 2-3
outstanding causes and come up with solutions to overcome the above situation.
Example:
Ø What are the primary causes of loss of biodiversity? What solutions can you suggest?
Ø Why is it so? How can this problem be solved?
b. Cause/ The reason - Effect: You need to analyze 2-3 outstanding causes and their
effects on current reality.
Example:
What are the causes? What will be the effects on the society?
c. Problem - Solution/Action: For this question, you need to come up with 2-3
problems that this situation can cause, and provide a solution for each of those
problems.
Example:
Ø What problems are associated with this and what are some possible solutions?
Ø What damage does plastic do to the environment? What can be done by the
government and individuals to solve this problem?

3. Structures of a Cause/ Problem & Solution Essay

A. Structure 1: Point-by-point

THE INTRODUCTION
Introduce the topic and state the general problems/ causes and solutions
THE BODY
Paragraph 1: Discuss the first problem/ cause and then give the solution, explain for it
Paragraph 2: Discuss the second problem/ cause and then give the solution, explain for it
THE CONCLUSION
Summarize the main problems/ causes with major solutions. If possible, make
recommendation/ implication

Topic: People who live in large cities face a range of problems in their daily lives. What are
the main problems people in main cities face, and how can these problems be tackled?

Sample:

These days, more and more of us are living in big cities, and
urban conurbations are expanding all the time. Although cities
Introduce the topic and are very attractive places to live, and they provide a wide
state the general problems range of work and leisure opportunities, there are also a host
and solutions of significant social problems affecting cities. This essay will
examine some of these problems in detail, and then propose
some solutions.

State the first problem and One of the biggest problems facing people who live in cities is
then give the solution, the high property prices. In many cities, buying a house near
 IELTS High Up - IELTS 5.5 - Unit 8: Festivals and Traditions

support it with reasons
and examples
the center is out of reach for people on the average salary, and
they are forced to live outside the city and commute to work.
In central London, for instance, the cost of even a one-
bedroom flat is prohibitive for many people. To solve this
problem, the government could put more resources into
building affordable housing, which would allow more people
to buy their own homes.

State the second problem
and then give the solution,
support it with reasons
and examples
Another issue is traffic and air pollution. Most big cities are
overrun with cars, and there is a great deal of traffic
congestion. The exhaust fumes from these cars cause air
pollution, and as a consequence, more and more people are
suffering from respiratory diseases, such as asthma. This
problem could be addressed by introducing a congestion
charge for cars entering the city center, thereby cutting the
number of vehicles on the road.

Summarize the main To sum up, although it is clear that cities face a range of
points and conclude with problems, it is undoubtedly possible to start to tackle these
future implications. issues and improve the quality of life in cities.

B. Structure 2: Block-by-block

THE INTRODUCTION
Introduce the topic and state the general problems/ causes and solutions
THE BODY
Paragraph 1: Discuss problems/ causes (often 2 to 3)
Paragraph 2: Discuss the solutions (often 2 to 3)
THE CONCLUSION
Summarize the main problems/ causes with major solutions. If possible, make
recommendation/ implication

Topic: More and more people are migrating to cities in search of a better life, but city life can
be extremely difficult. Explain some of the difficulties of living in a city. How can governments
make urban life better for everyone?
Sample:

Cities are often seen as places of opportunity, but there are also
Introduce the topic,
some major drawbacks of living in a large metropolis. In my
state the general
opinion, governments could do much more to improve city life for
problems/solutions
the average inhabitant.

State the problems The main problem for anyone who hopes to migrate to a large city is
and support them that the cost of living is likely to be much higher than it is in a small
with reasons and town or village. Inhabitants of cities have to pay higher prices for
examples housing, transport, and even food. Another issue is that urban areas
 IELTS High Up - IELTS 5.5 - Unit 8: Festivals and Traditions

tend to suffer from social problems such as high crime and poverty
rates in comparison with rural areas. Furthermore, the air quality in
cities is often poor, due to pollution from traffic, and the streets and
public transport systems are usually overcrowded. As a result, city
life can be unhealthy and stressful.

However, there are various steps that governments could take to

tackle these problems. Firstly, they could invest money in the
building of affordable or social housing to reduce the cost of living.
Secondly, politicians have the power to ban vehicles from city
State the solutions
centers and promote the use of cleaner public transport, which
and support them
would help to reduce both air pollution and traffic congestion. In
with reasons and
London, for example, the introduction of a congestion charge for
examples
drivers has helped to curb the traffic problem. A third option would
be to develop provincial towns and rural areas, by moving industry
and jobs to those regions, in order to reduce the pressure on major
cities.

The writer’s view In conclusion, governments could certainly implement a range of

restated measures to enhance the quality of life for all city residents.

PRACTICE: Write about the topic below.

Topic: In some parts of the world traditional festivals and celebrations have
disappeared or are disappearing. What do you think are the causes of this development
and what measures could be taken to solve it?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.

B. GRAMMAR FOCUS

Part 2. Past, Present, and Future tenses

Revise this knowledge on Learning Guide Lesson 1, 5, 13, 18 IELTS High Up - IELTS 5.5