IELTS Causes and Solutions Essay: Structure, Samples & Writing Guide

The causes and solutions essay (also called “problem-solution”) is one of the most common IELTS Writing Task 2 question types. You’ll be asked to identify why a problem exists and propose ways to fix it.

This guide covers everything you need: how to identify this question type, a proven structure template, a Band 9 sample essay with annotations, essential vocabulary, common mistakes to avoid, and practice prompts to sharpen your skills.

What Is a Causes/Solutions Essay?

A causes/solutions essay presents a social, environmental, or economic problem. Your task is to:

1. Identify the causes — Why does this problem exist?
2. Propose solutions — How can we address it?

This question type tests your ability to analyze issues logically and think critically about real-world problems. It appears in roughly 15-20% of IELTS Writing Task 2 exams.

Important: Some variations ask for “problems and solutions” rather than “causes and solutions.” The approach is the same—just substitute “problems caused by X” for “causes of X.”

How to Identify This Question Type

Look for these phrases in the question:

• “What are the causes and solutions?”
• “What are the reasons for this, and how can it be addressed?”
• “Why is this happening, and what measures can be taken?”
• “What problems does this cause, and how can they be solved?”

Example prompt:

In many countries, plastic waste is becoming a serious environmental problem. What are the causes of this issue, and what solutions can you suggest?

If you see two parts—one asking why and one asking how to fix it—you have a causes/solutions essay.

Essay Structure Template

Use this 4-paragraph structure for every causes/solutions essay:

Introduction (2-3 sentences)

• Paraphrase the problem in your own words
• State that you will discuss causes and solutions

Template:

[Paraphrase the problem]. This essay will examine the main causes of this issue and propose practical solutions.

Body Paragraph 1: Causes (80-100 words)

• Topic sentence introducing causes
• Cause 1 + explanation + effect
• Cause 2 + explanation + effect

Template:

There are several reasons why [problem] has become prevalent. Firstly, [cause 1 + explanation]. As a result, [effect]. Additionally, [cause 2 + explanation], which leads to [effect].

Body Paragraph 2: Solutions (80-100 words)

• Topic sentence introducing solutions
• Solution 1 + how it works + expected outcome
• Solution 2 + how it works + expected outcome

Template:

Several measures could be implemented to address this problem. One effective solution would be [solution 1 + how it works]. This would [expected outcome]. Furthermore, [solution 2 + explanation], which could [expected result].

Conclusion (2 sentences)

• Summarize briefly
• End with a forward-looking statement

Template:

In conclusion, [problem] is primarily caused by [brief summary of causes]. By [brief summary of solutions], significant progress can be made.

5-Minute Planning Method

Before you write, spend 5 minutes planning. Use this simple template:

Problem: ________________

Causes:
1. ________________ → Effect: ________________
2. ________________ → Effect: ________________

Solutions:
1. ________________ → How it helps: ________________
2. ________________ → How it helps: ________________

Example (plastic waste):

Problem: Plastic waste damaging environment

Causes:
1. Single-use packaging → Convenience prioritized over sustainability
2. Lack of recycling infrastructure → Most plastic ends up in landfills

Solutions:
1. Ban single-use plastics → Forces businesses to find alternatives
2. Invest in recycling facilities → Makes proper disposal easier

Pro tip: Link each solution to a cause. If “lack of education” is a cause, then “awareness campaigns” should be a solution. Examiners look for this logical connection.

Step-by-Step Writing Process (40 Minutes)

Here’s how to allocate your time:

Word count target: 270-300 words. This gives you room to develop ideas without rushing.

Band 9 Sample Essay with Annotations

Prompt: Many large cities around the world lack affordable housing. What problems does a lack of affordable housing cause? How can these problems be overcome?

Introduction:

Affordable housing has become increasingly scarce in major cities worldwide, creating significant social and economic challenges. This essay will explore the problems caused by this shortage and suggest measures to address them.

✓ Why it works: Paraphrases the topic without copying. Clearly signals essay structure.

Body Paragraph 1 (Problems/Causes):

The most pressing issue arising from expensive housing is homelessness. When rental costs consume most of a person’s income, many individuals and families cannot afford even basic accommodation. Beyond direct homelessness, high housing costs create a ripple effect throughout the economy. Businesses such as grocery stores and restaurants must pay elevated rents, and these costs are passed on to consumers through higher prices for everyday goods and services.

✓ Why it works: Clear topic sentence. Two distinct problems with logical explanation. Shows cause-and-effect thinking.

Body Paragraph 2 (Solutions):

To tackle these issues, governments could implement rent control policies that limit how much landlords can charge. This would make existing housing more accessible to middle and lower-income residents. Additionally, increasing welfare payments and housing subsidies would provide a safety net for those struggling to afford accommodation. When people have stable housing, they can participate more fully in the economy, which benefits society as a whole.

✓ Why it works: Solutions directly address the problems mentioned. Explains HOW each solution works and WHY it would help.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the lack of affordable housing leads to homelessness and increased living costs across the board. Through a combination of rent regulation and enhanced public assistance, governments can create more equitable housing markets that benefit all citizens.

✓ Why it works: Summarizes without repeating exact phrases. Ends on a constructive note.

Word count: 300 words | Band score: 9

What makes this Band 9:

• Task Response: Fully addresses both parts of the question
• Coherence and Cohesion: Clear paragraph structure with logical flow
• Lexical Resource: Range of vocabulary (“scarce,” “ripple effect,” “equitable”)
• Grammatical Range: Mix of simple and complex sentences

What Separates Band 6, 7, and 9?

Band 6 example weakness:

“One cause is pollution. Another cause is too many cars. A solution is to use buses.”

This lists ideas without explanation. Compare to the Band 9 sample, which explains WHY each cause creates problems and HOW each solution addresses them.

Vocabulary for Causes/Solutions Essays

Introducing Causes

• One major cause of this problem is…
• The primary reason for this is…
• This issue stems from…
• A contributing factor is…
• This can be attributed to…

Explaining Effects

• As a result, …
• This leads to…
• Consequently, …
• The impact of this is…
• This results in…

Proposing Solutions

• One effective solution would be…
• This problem could be addressed by…
• To tackle this issue, …
• A practical measure would be…
• Governments/individuals could…

Linking Causes to Solutions

• To address the issue of [cause], [solution] could be implemented.
• Since [cause] is a major factor, [solution] would help mitigate this.
• By targeting [cause], [solution] could bring significant improvements.

Concluding

• In conclusion, …
• To summarize, …
• Ultimately, …
• Taking everything into account, …

7 Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Unrealistic Solutions

Wrong: “Governments should provide free housing for everyone.”

Better: “Governments could subsidize affordable housing developments in urban areas.”

Solutions must be practical and implementable.

2. Unbalanced Coverage

Don’t write 150 words on causes and 50 words on solutions. Aim for roughly equal development—both parts of the question matter equally for your Task Response score.

3. Listing Without Explaining

Wrong: “The causes are pollution, overpopulation, and lack of education.”

Better: “One significant cause is rapid urbanization. As more people move to cities seeking employment, the demand for housing outpaces supply, driving up prices.”

4. Solutions That Don’t Match Causes

If you identify “lack of public awareness” as a cause, one solution should involve education or awareness campaigns. Examiners notice when your solutions seem disconnected from your causes.

5. Vague, General Statements

Wrong: “The government should do something about this.”

Better: “Local governments could invest in recycling infrastructure, making it easier for residents to dispose of waste responsibly.”

6. Missing Conclusion

Always include a conclusion, even if brief. An essay without a conclusion looks unfinished and will affect your Coherence score.

7. Using Wrong Terminology

For Task 2 essays, the scoring criterion is Task Response (not “Task Achievement”—that’s for Task 1). This matters if you’re discussing scoring criteria in your study materials.

Practice Prompts

Practice with these common IELTS topics:

1. Environment: Air pollution in major cities is reaching dangerous levels. What are the causes of this problem, and what solutions can you suggest?
2. Health: Obesity rates among children have increased significantly in recent decades. What are the reasons for this trend, and how can it be addressed?
3. Employment: Youth unemployment is a growing problem in many countries. What causes this issue, and what measures could be taken to reduce it?
4. Urban Issues: Traffic congestion in cities continues to worsen. Why is this happening, and what can be done to improve the situation?
5. Technology: Many people are becoming addicted to social media. What are the causes of this addiction, and how can it be prevented?
6. Education: Educational inequality persists between wealthy and disadvantaged communities. What causes this gap, and how can it be reduced?
7. Social Issues: Homelessness is increasing in many developed countries. What are the causes, and what solutions would you recommend?
8. Environment: Food waste has become a significant problem globally. Why does this occur, and what can be done to reduce it?
9. Workplace: Workplace stress is affecting more employees than ever before. What are the causes, and how can employers address this issue?
10. Society: Cyberbullying among young people is on the rise. What causes this behavior, and what measures can prevent it?

Pro tip: For each prompt, practice the 5-minute planning method before writing. This builds the habit of structured thinking.

For more practice with feedback, Magoosh IELTS Prep includes Writing assessments with professional feedback and 10 full mock tests.

FAQs

How many causes and solutions should I include?

Two of each is ideal. This gives you enough depth to develop your ideas properly within the word limit. Three of each is possible but risks being superficial.

Should causes and solutions be in separate paragraphs?

Yes. This creates clear organization and makes it easy for the examiner to see you’ve addressed both parts of the question.

What if I can only think of one cause?

Develop that one cause thoroughly with examples and effects. A well-explained single cause is better than two weak ones. The same applies to solutions.

Do I need to give my opinion?

Unlike agree/disagree essays, causes/solutions essays don’t typically require a personal opinion. Focus on analysis and practical recommendations.

Can I use the same structure for “problems and solutions” questions?

Yes. The structure is identical—just discuss problems (effects of the issue) instead of causes (reasons for the issue).