Master Problem and Solution Essay IELTS: Topics & Trends 2025

The IELTS Writing Task 2 remains the most challenging part among many test takers, and the problem and solution essay IELTS is no exception. The overall band score of problem and solution essay IELTS decreased in 2024 by 0.2 points, which is a sign of ineffective strategies. Often, causes, effects, and solutions are mixed in recent essay prompts, and environmental issues have become more frequent than ever before. Mainly, my examiners demand visible connections between the questions and the answers.  Many students are turning to online sources seeking assistance regarding the essay outline. It is now possible to have immediate responses to AI tools in coherence and the accomplishment of tasks. In 2025, the best ones are climate change, addiction to technology, urbanisation, and lack of employment. IELTS standards also tend toward practical solutions and real examples. If you are struggling with the problem and solution essay IELTS, this guide will help you get tips and trending topics to get a higher band score in 2025.

Understanding the Problem and Solution Essay IELTS: Latest Guide 2025

Here’s a quick overview to help you understand the problem and solution essay IELTS:

• It is one of the four general types of IELTS writing task 2 essays.

• It can also be called a problem solution essay or a cause and solution essay.

• Your assignment includes finding a problem, specifying it, and proposing one or more solutions.

• Problems are common prompts with such wording as: “What are the issues and how can you address them?”

• It could also be presented as follows: “What are the causes, and what can be offered to be solved?”

• A clear and organised structure is essential for a high band score.

• Pick out one or two major issues and give specific and practical solutions.

• Do not provide so many issues that writing some general and unrealistic solutions is impossible.

• Come up with concrete examples from the world to prove your points.

• Keep the logic of your arguments.

• Examiners seek clarity, coherence and accomplishment of tasks.

Having a clear idea of what the problem and solution essay IELTS question stands for can be crucial.

Also Read: IELTS Score for Germany: Work & Study Requirements

Latest Problem and Solution Essay Topics IELTS (2025)

Here are the latest problem and solution essay topics IELTS:

• Climate change and the increase in sea level

• Traffic jams in the growing cities

• The issue with plastic waste and its adverse impact on the oceans

• Joblessness among the young and youth unemployment and vocational training

• Childhood obesity is caused by the intake of fast food

• Bullying in social media and school

• Addiction to smartphones by teenagers and its consequences

• The disincentive of virtual media to read books

• Discrimination and the pay that is not equal at the workplace

• Lack of housing and high rates of rent in cities

Having a clear idea of the latest problem and solution essay topics IELTS can help boost your chances of understanding the question better:

Updated Step-by-Step Structure for a High-Scoring Problem and Solution Essay IELTS in 2025

Here’s a step-by-step structure for scoring high in the problem and solution essay IELTS:

Introduction – Setting the Context

The introduction of the problem and solution essay IELTS should go like this:

• Begin by putting the essence of the essay question in your own words.

• Equally, state the main point of the problem or difficulty.

• Briefly describe what will be included in your essay: problems and their solutions.

• Including a hook, a statistic, a quote, or a rhetorical question to capture the reader.

• Write in a formal and academic tone throughout.

Also Read: IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Essay: Structure, Tips & Ans

Main Body Paragraph 1 – Discussing the Problem(s)

The main body paragraph 1 of the problem and solution essay IELTS should discuss the problem:

• Name one or two of the most significant issues involving the topic.

• Present reasons as to why the issues are important or profound.

• Illustrate your points, citing examples from life, research or facts.

• Start with the obvious topic sentence to present each of the ideas.

• Such mistakes as“One of the greatest problems is…” or “This causes…” can be avoided using linking phrases.

• It has to focus and not incorporate irrelevant issues.

Main Body Paragraph 2 – Proposing Solutions

The main body paragraph 2 of the problem and solution essay IELTS should propose some solutions:

• Provide a reasonable and workable solution or two.

• Discuss how each of the solutions tilts at the particular problem.

• Express recommendations using modal verbs, such as should, must, can, or could.

• Where applicable, provide evidence, examples or case studies.

• To discuss this problem… or one of the best solutions to this is…

• Always be able to see the connection between the problem and the solution that you mentioned.

Conclusion – Summarising Key Points

The conclusion of the problem and solution essay IELTS should summarise your key points:

• Outline the key issue/s stated in your essay.

• In one sentence, state the leading solution(s).

• Restate your thesis without using your own fiery words.

• Conclude with a pensive note, suggestion or appeal to action.

• Make it effective but not long; no other ideas must be mentioned here.

Also Read: Canada IELTS Band Requirement: Experts Latest Guide

Following this structure for the problem and solution essay IELTS can boost your scores greatly.

Band 9 Sample Answer: Environmental Problems and Solutions Essay IELTS: Updated 2025

Here’s a sample answer for an environmental problems and solutions essay IELTS: 

Essay Question:

Here’s the essay question for the environmental problems and solutions essay IELTS:

Air pollution is a significant problem in urban areas. What causes this problem, and how can it be solved?

Introduction

Here’s the introduction for the environmental problems and solutions essay IELTS:

• Pollution by air is a fast-increasing problem in most cities.

• It is detrimental to the health of the people and to the environment.

• The paper will review the central factors and provide practical solutions.

Body Paragraph 1 – The Problem(s)

This is what the body paragraph 1 of the environmental problems and solutions essay IELTS should look like:

• Vehicle emissions are one of the most significant contributors to urban air pollution.

• There are a lot of cars in traffic, as well as old models whose engines emit toxic substances.

• There is also a lack of proper regulations regarding industrial waste.

• Fossil fuels are burned by the factories, which emit smoke and chemicals.

• To that extent, Delhi's Air Quality Index has been deteriorating yearly.

• The health cost is appalling, with the increase in cases of respiratory disease and lung ailments.

• Children and older adults are at the highest risk.

Body Paragraph 2 – The Solution(s)

This is what the body paragraph 2 of the environmental problems and solutions essay IELTS should look like:

• The use of electric vehicles is one of the solutions.

• These have zero emissions and are more environmentally friendly.

• Factories and vehicles should have stringent government regulations on emissions.

• Significant involvement in the transport system will help cut down on car use.

• Improvement in the metro, bus, and biking infrastructure will be an additional benefit.

• A marvellous example is the congestion charge in London; this cut traffic and pollution in the city.

• Long-term change can also be achieved through public awareness campaigns.

Conclusion

The conclusion of the environmental problems and solutions essay IELTS should follow these pointers:

• Transport and industry are the leading causes of urban air pollution.

• Its impact can be reduced through green transport, powerful laws and infrastructure improvement.

• Governments should respond quickly and responsibly.

• To achieve a healthy and sustainable future, clean air is needed.

This sample question for a problem and solution essay IELTS, and its answer is a great place to start preparing.

Also Read: New Glacier IELTS Reading Answers: Latest Guide & Tips

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in 2025

Here are some common mistakes related to the problem and solution essay IELTS and how to avoid them:

• Being Off-Topic: Never leave unanswered the causes and the solutions.

• Inclusion of too Many Points: Have only one or two good and well-explained things.

• Weak Solutions: Do not give general and nonspecific recommendations, such as, people ought to know.

• No Examples: Provide facts, cases, or objective life evidence.

• Poor Organisation: Follow the logical four-part structure: Intro, Problems, Solutions, Conclusion.

• No Restating: Do not restate the same problem in your solution.

• No Connection: A solution should always aim at a given problem.

• No Transitions: Write words such as therefore, in addition or as a result.

• Over-Explaining: Do not use big words where you do not know how to use them.

• Omitting Edits: Never be in a rush to edit.

Avoiding these common mistakes related to problem and solution essay IELTS can make the exam much smoother for you.

Experts Advanced Tips for a High Band Score in 2025

Here are some advanced tips for a high band score in the problem and solution essay IELTS:

1. Employ as many connecting words as possible, however, in contrast and as a result.

2. Change types of sentences- mix simple, long and complicated sentences.

3. Provide specific examples, facts, or fresh statistics that prove your arguments.

4. Make real that your thoughts come in a logical, organised way.

5. In any paragraph, keep standard track; do not lose the track.

6. No one should use contractions such as don't or can't- this should be avoided throughout.

7. Then, use more advanced vocabulary such as mitigate, consequence, infrastructure, or implement; however, only when you know how to use them will you be able to use them.

8. Start the paragraph with a topic sentence to make a clear introduction of the main idea.

9. Before writing, it is essential to practice planning to arrange your thoughts.

10. Take a timer and set it to take 40 minutes to complete IELTS Writing Task 2.

Keeping these advanced tips for the problem and solution essay IELTS in mind can help you achieve impressive results.

Also Read: What is Exploration IELTS Reading Answers: New Guide

Latest Problem and Solution IELTS Essay Topics and Practice Questions for 2025

Here are some examples of problem and solution IELTS essay topics and practice questions:

1. What do you think are the issues brought about by overpopulation in urban areas, and what can be done to tackle the issue?
2. Due to stress, a lot of individuals get sick. Why is this so, and how can we overcome this aspect?
3. Global warming is becoming quite a menacing phenomenon. What are the causes and the solutions?
4. What can the countries do to mitigate the adverse effects of graduate unemployment?
5. So, what issues does too much screen time on a mobile phone cause in children, and what can parents do about it?
6. Air transport has expanded a lot. What are the issues, and what can countries do about them?
7. What impact does consumerism have on society, and how can it be minimised?
8. How can schools assist in these factors that cause declining teen mental health?
9. Cities are having significant problems due to the growing consumption of cars. How can this be overcome?
10. What can we do to decrease food waste at home and in restaurants?

Going over these examples of problem and solution IELTS essay topics and practice questions can help you stay prepared for the questions that might come.

Conclusion

Understanding the problem and solution essay IELTS is imperative because it is one of the most prevalent and difficult essays to be perfected in Writing Task 2. To get a high score, the candidate has to employ a logical and clear scheme, provide points with examples from real life and present the practical and justified solutions to the problems stated. It is also essential to be updated on new issues and changing examiner expectations, particularly since the IELTS continues to adjust its prompts to accommodate the global problems. Training yearly with 2025-style questions would allow you to perfect your abilities and become confident. A Band 8 or 9 is possible with proper preparation, a plan of action and attention to details. Contact TerraTern for more information!