Writing Task 2 · Problem and solution essays · Lesson 8 of 12
Problem and solution essays
“What are the causes and what can be done?” Generate ideas for both questions, then use the language of cause and effect, and of purpose, to write clear paragraphs.
In this lesson you will
- generate ideas for the two parts of a causes-and-solutions question
- use the language of cause and effect to explain problems
- use the language of purpose to explain solutions
- write a “problems” paragraph and a “solutions” paragraph
Question type: problem and solution. The question asks about the causes (or problems) and the solutions. Like a two-question essay (Lesson 7), answer each part in its own body paragraph: Body 1 = causes, Body 2 = solutions. You only need to give your opinion if the question asks for it.
Step 1
Generate ideas
Overfishing of the world's oceans threatens many species with extinction and is putting the livelihood of millions of people around the world at risk.
What are the causes of this problem and what can be done to prevent it from happening?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Brainstorm
The key words tell you to describe the causes of overfishing and outline possible solutions. Spend 5 minutes brainstorming under each heading.
- Causes of overfishing
- Ways to prevent overfishing
Sort the ideas
Did any of these match your ideas? Put each one under the correct heading.
- ‘factory fishing’ makes huge catches too easy
- bring in laws to protect fish species and limit fishing
- create an international body to police the oceans and enforce laws
- fishing provides a quick return for companies and governments
- huge areas of the world's oceans are not protected by environmental laws
- illegal fishing is difficult to police
- put taxes on fishing to make it less attractive to companies
- raise public awareness through the media
- the problem does not get enough publicity
- there's a growing demand for fish worldwide
- ban the fishing of certain species of fish
Step 2
Language for cause and effect
Use this language in your problems / causes paragraph. Notice the direction: some expressions go from result → cause, others from cause → result.
| Pattern | Expressions | Example |
|---|---|---|
| RESULT (is) … CAUSE | due to · owing to · because of · caused by · brought about by · on account of · a result of | Childhood obesity is due to unhealthy diets. |
| CAUSE … RESULT | results in · causes · gives rise to · leads to · brings about · accounts for | Unhealthy diets lead to childhood obesity. |
Choose the best expression
Each sentence describes a cause and effect relationship. Choose the expression that fits.
- Global warming is partly ______ increasing emissions of greenhouse gases.
- The decline of the manufacturing industry ______ high unemployment in many countries.
- People are more worried about crime ______ exaggerated reports in the media.
- Increasing pressure to work overtime ______ parents to spend less time with their children.
- Many medicines remain unavailable to millions ______ their high cost.
- Globalisation ______ a bland ‘pop culture’ followed by young people worldwide.
- The increase in childhood obesity ______ the easy availability of unhealthy food products.
- The desire for higher profits ______ companies setting up in countries where labour is cheap.
Complete the causes paragraph
Type a cause and effect expression in each gap. More than one answer is often possible.
There are a number of reasons why overfishing of the world's fish stocks has reached crisis levels. Firstly, catching large numbers of fish has become very easy modern methods of factory fishing. Secondly, the scarcity of fish higher prices, making fishing a more attractive industry for governments and companies to invest in. This even more fishing and a vicious circle of increasing demand and diminishing supply. Furthermore, fishing in most parts of the world remains uncontrolled the lack of environmental laws. Finally, where laws do exist, they are difficult to enforce the lack of an international maritime police authority.
Step 3
Language for purpose
Use this language in your solutions paragraph to explain why each solution would work. Each phrase is followed by a different verb form.
Match the phrase to the verb form
- so (that) / in this way
- with the purpose of
- in order / so as
in order / so as + to-infinitive · with the purpose of + -ing · so (that) + full clause · In this way, + full sentence
Complete the solutions paragraph
Type a purpose phrase from the previous exercise in each gap.
There are many things that can be done to prevent fish species from being wiped out by overfishing. One immediate measure is to put a complete ban on the fishing of certain species of fish save them from extinction. Environmental agencies should work to give the problem a higher profile in the media the public become more aware. Governments can help by imposing taxes on the fishing industry. , companies may be less likely to see fishing as an easy way to make money. Governments should also bring in stricter laws in order to protect fish stocks from uncontrolled factory fishing. Finally, an international body ought to be created enforcing these laws worldwide.
Step 4
Guided writing practice
A rise in childhood obesity is a real threat to health, with an increasing number of children now classified as overweight.
What are the causes of the problem and what measures can be taken to solve them?
Plan and write two paragraphs
- Brainstorm: causes / measures
- Write a problems paragraph using the language of cause and effect:
- Write a solutions paragraph using the language of purpose:
There are several reasons why childhood obesity has become so common. Firstly, many children are overweight because of the easy availability of cheap, high-calorie snacks and fast food. Secondly, the popularity of video games and smartphones has led to far less physical activity. This lack of exercise, combined with a poor diet, results in children consuming more energy than they use.
A number of measures could be taken in order to tackle this problem. Schools should provide healthy lunches and daily sports lessons so that children develop good habits from an early age. Governments could also tax sugary drinks. In this way, unhealthy products would become less attractive to families. Finally, public campaigns could be launched with the purpose of educating parents about nutrition.
Activities adapted from British Council IELTS teaching materials (takeielts.britishcouncil.org).