Problem-solution essays (sometimes framed as 'causes and solutions' essays) are one of the most structured Task 2 types, which makes them highly predictable to prepare for. The standard prompt reads: 'What are the causes of this problem? What solutions can be offered?' This guide provides the optimal structure, body paragraph formula, and language patterns that earn Band 7+ in this question type.
1The Optimal 4-Paragraph Structure
Paragraph 1 — Introduction: Paraphrase the problem briefly. State that you will examine the main causes and propose solutions. Paragraph 2 — Causes: Present 2 primary causes, each developed with explanation. Paragraph 3 — Solutions: Present 2 corresponding solutions, ideally linked to the causes in paragraph 2. Paragraph 4 — Conclusion: Summarise the key causes and reaffirm the solutions. Note: The structure works best when your solutions in paragraph 3 directly address your causes in paragraph 2. This parallel structure demonstrates analytical clarity and earns high Task Achievement marks. It also makes the essay more persuasive.
2Developing the Causes Paragraph
Present each cause as a clearly developed argument, not a bullet point. Use causal language: 'One primary cause of childhood obesity is…', 'A contributing factor to this problem is…', 'This issue is exacerbated by…'. Develop each cause with explanation: 'Children consume excessive amounts of ultra-processed food partly because aggressive marketing targets them before they possess the critical faculties to evaluate advertising claims. Food companies spend billions each year on campaigns engineered to bypass rational decision-making, creating habits that persist into adulthood.' This is one cause, fully explained in 2 sentences — at Band 7, this depth is the minimum expected for each cause.
3Developing the Solutions Paragraph
Present solutions using obligation or recommendation language: 'Governments should…', 'Schools could…', 'One effective solution would be to…', 'It is essential that…'. Then explain the mechanism: not just what the solution is, but how it addresses the cause. 'Governments should impose strict restrictions on food advertising directed at children under the age of 12. By limiting exposure to manipulative marketing during formative years, policymakers can reduce the learned preferences that drive long-term overconsumption. The UK's ban on junk food advertising before 9 pm on television provides evidence that regulation of this kind is both politically feasible and effective at population level.' The reference to a real policy makes this argument notably more credible.
4Essential Language Patterns for Problem-Solution Essays
For causes: is caused by, can be attributed to, stems from, is a direct result of, is partly due to, is driven by, is exacerbated by, contributes to, leads to. For solutions: should, could, must, ought to, it is essential that, a key measure would be to, an effective approach is to, one possible solution involves. For consequences of solutions: this would result in, as a consequence, this could lead to, which would in turn, thereby, thus, consequently. For hedging appropriately: in many cases, in some contexts, in developed countries, to a large extent. Using this language precisely shows you understand the logical relationship between the problem, its cause, and the proposed remedy.
🎯 Key Takeaway
Problem-solution essays are the most structurally predictable Task 2 type. With two causes and two directly linked solutions, you can produce a logical, coherent, and well-developed essay in approximately 270–290 words. Practise this structure on 5–6 different topics until the paragraph patterns become automatic.