Writing Task 2: Problem & Solution Essay: IELTS Academic 9990 (IELTS Academic)
Syllabus W.task2 · Strand 3 Writing
- Questions
- 10
- Total marks
- 40
- Tier mix
- 10 Core
0 of 10 questions completed
Syllabus coverage
- W.task2 10 questions completed
A problem-solution prompt describes an issue (such as traffic congestion, youth unemployment, or environmental damage) and asks the candidate to identify its causes or problems and to propose solutions, sometimes with a linked question on both. The strongest responses avoid vague, generic answers (“the government should do more”) in favour of a specific mechanism connecting each problem to a plausible solution, explained with enough detail to show genuine reasoning rather than a memorised phrase.
A common structure is one body paragraph per problem-solution pair, explained and exemplified together, so the connection between cause and remedy stays explicit throughout rather than listing problems in one paragraph and unconnected solutions in another. The conclusion should briefly restate which solution is judged most effective or realistic, giving the essay a clear final position rather than an open-ended list.
Question 1
In many countries, people are replacing their smartphones, laptops and other electronic devices more frequently than ever before, and the volume of discarded electronic equipment (e-waste) is rising sharply as a result.
What problems does this cause, and what measures could be taken to tackle them?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 2
Household surveys in many countries show that a large proportion of the food that people buy is thrown away uneaten, much of it still edible at the time it is discarded.
What are the causes of this, and what solutions can you suggest?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 3
In many towns, small independent shops on the local high street are closing down as more people choose to buy goods online or travel to large out-of-town retail centres.
What problems does this cause, and what measures could be taken to tackle them?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 4
As urban populations expand rapidly in many parts of the world, the demand placed on freshwater supplies is increasing, and a number of fast-growing cities now face the risk of shortages during the driest months of the year.
What are the causes of this, and what solutions can you suggest?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 5
Beekeepers and farmers in many regions have reported a marked decline in populations of bees and other pollinating insects over the past two decades.
What problems does this cause, and what measures could be taken to tackle them?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 6
In many towns and cities, the number of young people training to become electricians, plumbers and other skilled tradespeople has fallen sharply over the past two decades, even though demand for these services continues to rise.
What problems does this trend cause, and what measures could be taken to address them?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 7
An increasing number of everyday products, even single small items, are now sold wrapped in multiple layers of plastic, cardboard and foam.
What problems does this excessive packaging cause, and what measures could be taken to reduce it?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 8
Despite living in close proximity to thousands of other people, many residents of large cities report feeling increasingly isolated and disconnected from those around them.
What problems does this growing sense of isolation cause, and what measures could be taken to address it?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 9
A growing number of university graduates are unable to find jobs that make direct use of the subject they studied, and instead take on unrelated roles that do not require a degree at all.
What problems does this mismatch cause, and what measures could be taken to address it?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 10
For journeys of only a mile or two, a growing proportion of people now choose to drive rather than walk, cycle or use public transport.
What problems does this growing reliance on private cars for short trips cause, and what measures could be taken to reduce it?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.