Step by step guide to writing a causes solution essay.
Updated: August 2022.
A common type of IELTS task 2 essay is the Problem Solution or Causes Solution essay. Here you will need to write about the causes of the problem in main body one and recommendations or possible solutions that could solve the issue in main body two. I could have a 3rd body paragraph but I prefer the 2 main body approach.
In this lesson we will look at:
1. A good structure for a causes/problem solution essay.
2. How to analyse the question.
3. Tips on thinking of ideas for the essay.
4. Getting ideas effectively.
5. How to paraphrase the question and write a good introduction.
6. How to build main body paragraphs.
7. How to write an effective conclusion.
8. Model Answer.
Structure
In this type of IELTS essay, you can either write about 2 problems and 2 solutions or just 1 problem and 1 solution as long as you develop and extend your ideas. Both are fine there is no one particular magic structure that will guarantee a high band score.
Example of one problem one solution structure.
Analyse the question.
This is the first thing that needs to be done before getting ideas or writing anything. Let’s look at the question.
All over the world, societies are facing a growing problem with obesity. This problem affects both children and adults. What are the reasons for this rise in obesity, How could it be tackled?
Tips on getting ideas for the essay.
1. Listing pros and cons or problems and solutions:
This idea might work well for a problem solution essay or an advantage disadvantage essay but for the other types of essay, it might not work very well. You just list problems on the left and solutions on the right. (I will use this method in this lesson.) but remember we only choose one or two problems and solutions to write about.
2. Asking questions to yourself:
This technique is very useful for getting ideas quickly, remember that you don’t have much preparation time before writing. So you write a statement and ask yourself questions, like having a conversation with yourself. This works well for an opinion essay or discussion essay.
By the way, you can just use one problem and one solution and still get a Band 7 if the essay is well supported and developed.
Giving Examples
You do not need to be an expert on the topic, but you need to give an opinion and support it with specific examples. Another thing to bear in mind is the specific examples you give do not have to be accurate. For example, if I say “the consumption of fast food in the UK has risen by 24% since 2002 “ that sounds fine, but if I say “ it has risen by 98% “ then that just doesn’t sound believable.
Click this link on how to give examples in body paragraphs.
Tip: The IELTS test is not a general knowledge test. It is designed to test your English ability and the way you can back up your arguments with examples. Many students are scared and think their facts, opinions or statistics will be cross-checked. The examiner is not going to check online to see if your facts or statistics are correct, they just don’t have time to do that.
How to paraphrase the question and write an effective introduction.
Now it is time to paraphrase the question for the introduction and add a thesis statement. Here is the question again.
All over the world, societies are facing a growing problem with obesity. This problem affects both children and adults. What are the reasons for this rise in obesity, How could it be tackled?
Paraphrased version:
Nations worldwide are dealing with the increasing issue of obesity. This is a cause for concern for all age groups.
The Thesis Statement.
There are two main causes, overconsumption of fast food and a lack of exercise. Possible solutions would be a government tax on fast food and special incentives on gym membership to get people exercising.’
Keep the thesis statement short and to the point. Another method is to state the causes of the problem and refer to the fact that there are possible solutions to the issue. This means you will have a much more concise thesis statement. Example below.
This is caused by overconsumption of fast food and a lack of exercise, however, some steps can be taken to resolve this.
Remember: Your main body paragraphs will reflect the thesis statement so you must plan your thesis statement well.
Here is the introduction in full.
Nations worldwide are dealing with the increasing issue of obesity. This is a cause for concern for all age groups. There are two main causes, overconsumption of fast food and lack of exercise. Possible solutions would be a government tax on fast food and special incentives for gym membership to get people exercising.
This introduction is around 54 words. Keep it concise it is not necessary to have a long introduction.
Main body paragraphs.
I have chosen 2 key problems which are fast food and lack of exercise so I want to stick with those and not go off onto another topic. Do not suddenly change your ideas in the middle of writing you will lose time. Take a look at the idea below.
One of the reasons people are becoming obese these days is that they eat junk food like hamburgers and chips. The solution is for the government to raise taxes on fast food.
Is there enough detail here? Is there anything missing from this paragraph? How can I improve it? The answer is that I need more detail and a specific example, not just a general example. I need to explain what can be done to solve the problem. I can also write about what the result of the solution could be.
Some key phrases for introducing the causes of the problem and giving solutions
- Problem: One of the main reasons for….. Solution: To tackle this issue…..
- Problem: Another problem to consider is… Solution: One possible solution is….
- Problem: One main cause of……. Solution: The way forward could be to…..
- Problem: A particular cause for concern is… Solution: To solve this problem…
Examples for introducing problems:
- One of the main reasons for people becoming overweight these days is that they are eating junk food, ready meals and convenience food…
- Another problem that needs to be considered is the lack of exercise…..
Grammar for showing possible results/outcomes:
- Therefore, consumers would think twice about the food they consume…..
- As a result, this would have a positive effect on peoples health…..
- Unless action is taken, the problem will get worse……
- If the government takes steps to address the issue, the problem could be resolved…
- This would result in a reduction of obesity/This would lead to a reduction in obesity…
Key point on giving examples in body paragraphs:
Something that is important for backing up your supporting points is giving specific examples, such as “In the UK sales of these types of food have risen dramatically since 1990” . You can give statistics but they are not really necessary. The examiner is not going to google your information and check. The aim of this is to show how you can use examples to back up your points.
How to write a good conclusion.
Now let’s take a look at the conclusion. Here you need to briefly summarise the 2 problems and 2 solutions with a recommendation or prediction sentence.
You must write a conclusion, If you do not write a conclusion you will lose a Band score in task response. One useful method is to paraphrase your introduction in the conclusion.
Examples of cohesive devices to conclude.
- In conclusion
- To sum up
- To conclude
Just choose one of these in the conclusion. Some words that should not be used to conclude are ‘All in all, Finally, Lastly, in the end, In a nutshell, I reckon… ‘ don’t use these, they are informal or are inappropriate.
Model Answer (2 causes 2 solutions)
All over the world, societies are facing a growing problem with obesity. This problem affects both children and adults. What are the reasons for this rise in obesity, How could it be tackled?
Remember that there is no magic structure that can guarantee you a high band score for an IELTS essay. You can have 1 problem 1 solution as long as it is well supported or 2 problems 2 solutions or a 3rd body paragraph.
Just work with whatever you feel comfortable with. The essay must have an introduction and a conclusion though, and no more than 3 body paragraphs.
Any questions? comment below.