Mastering Problem-Solution Essays in IELTS Writing Task 2: Essential Language & Tips
Are you struggling with IELTS Writing Task 2 problem-solution essays? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Many test-takers find it challenging to clearly present problems and propose effective solutions within the time limit.
In this post, we’ll break down the essential vocabulary and phrases you need to structure your essay like a pro. Whether you’re aiming for a Band 7+ score or just looking to improve your writing skills, these sentence starters and connectors will help you present ideas logically and persuasively.
Let’s dive in and master problem-solution writing with confidence! 🚀
For IELTS Writing Task 2 (Problem-Solution essays), you need to clearly present a problem and propose a solution. Here’s some useful language categorised by function:
1. Introducing the Problem
- One major problem related to ___ is…
- A significant issue that arises with ___ is…
- The most pressing concern regarding ___ is…
- Nowadays, ___ has become a serious issue because…
- There are several reasons why ___ is a growing problem.
2. Explaining Causes
- This is mainly due to…
- The primary reason for this problem is…
- A key factor contributing to this issue is…
- One of the main causes of ___ is…
- This problem stems from…
3. Introducing the Solution
- One effective solution would be to…
- To address this issue, it is essential to…
- A possible way to tackle this problem is…
- This problem could be solved by…
- In order to combat this issue, ___ should…
4. Explaining the Effectiveness of the Solution
- By implementing this solution, ___ would be significantly reduced.
- This approach would lead to a considerable improvement in…
- As a result, ___ would no longer be a major concern.
- If this measure were adopted, it could greatly help in…
- This would not only ___ but also ___.
5. Concluding the Essay
- In conclusion, ___ is a serious issue that requires urgent attention.
- While ___ poses significant challenges, implementing ___ can help resolve it.
- To sum up, tackling ___ requires a multi-faceted approach, including…
- By taking these steps, we can effectively reduce the negative impact of ___.
- Although ___ is a complex issue, it can be managed with appropriate measures.
A sample Problem-Solution Exam Question
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
The rate of cybercrime has been increasing rapidly in recent years. Many individuals and businesses have become victims of online fraud, hacking, and identity theft.
What are the main causes of this problem? What measures can be taken to reduce cybercrime?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Study this Vocabulary
For a Band 8 IELTS Writing Task 2 essay on cybercrime, you need precise, academic, and topic-specific vocabulary. Here’s a list of key vocabulary categorized for better structure:
1. Problem-related Vocabulary
- Cybercrime (online criminal activity)
- Online fraud (scams, phishing, fake transactions)
- Identity theft (stealing personal information)
- Hacking (unauthorized access to systems)
- Data breach (exposure of confidential information)
- Ransomware (malware demanding payment)
- Phishing (fraudulent emails to steal data)
- Social engineering (manipulating people into revealing confidential information)
- Dark web (hidden part of the internet used for illegal activities)
- Financial losses (money lost due to cybercrime)
2. Cause-related Vocabulary
- Lax cybersecurity measures (weak security)
- Insufficient awareness (lack of knowledge about cyber risks)
- Digital dependency (overreliance on technology)
- Legal loopholes (gaps in the law allowing cybercriminals to evade punishment)
- Anonymity of the internet (makes criminals harder to trace)
- Weak encryption (poor security of online data)
- Sophisticated cyberattacks (highly advanced hacking methods)
3. Solution-related Vocabulary
- Cybersecurity awareness campaigns (educational programs on digital safety)
- Strict data protection laws (stronger regulations on data security)
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) (extra layer of security)
- Ethical hacking (using hacking skills to improve security)
- Robust cybersecurity infrastructure (strong IT security systems)
- AI-driven threat detection (using artificial intelligence to detect threats)
- Public-private partnerships (collaboration between governments and companies to fight cybercrime)
- Cyber law enforcement (authorities tracking and punishing cybercriminals)
4. High-level Connectors & Phrases for Cohesion
- It is imperative that (It is extremely important that)
- A multifaceted approach is required to (A combination of solutions is needed)
- This issue stems from (The problem originates from)
- One viable solution is (One effective way to solve this is)
- To mitigate this risk, (To reduce the danger)
- A proactive approach must be taken to (An active effort is needed to)
- Failure to address this issue could lead to (If we don’t solve this, it may cause…)
- By implementing these measures, (By putting these solutions into practice)
6 thoughts on “IELTS: Problem and Solution Language for Task 2”
I’ve submitted it and the feedback was really useful. Thank you, Anna!
Thank you, Prat.
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Well, thank you, Hussain.
Wow! This is useful. I like your vocabulary section. Thank you!
Thank you for your feedback!