Problem-Solution Essays

Problem-solution essays ask you to identify the causes of a problem and propose realistic solutions. This essay type tests your analytical thinking and your ability to offer practical, well-reasoned responses to real-world issues.

---

Recognising Problem-Solution Questions

These questions use phrases such as:

• "What problems does this cause and what solutions can you suggest?"
• "What are the causes of this problem and what measures could be taken to address it?"
• "Why is this happening and what can be done about it?"

Example Prompt

In many countries, the proportion of older people is steadily increasing. What problems will this cause for individuals and society, and what measures could be taken to deal with these problems?

---

Understanding the Task

Problem-solution questions always have two parts, and you must address both:

1. Problems (or causes): What are the negative consequences or root causes?
2. Solutions (or measures): What can be done to address them?

Band 7+ tip: A common error is to spend 80% of the essay discussing problems and only briefly mention solutions in the conclusion. Both parts must receive substantial development.

---

Essay Structure

Option 1: Block Structure (Recommended)

Paragraph	Purpose	Approximate Length
Introduction	Paraphrase the topic, outline that you will discuss problems and solutions	40-50 words
Body 1	Problems (2-3 problems with explanation)	90-110 words
Body 2	Solutions (2-3 solutions with explanation)	90-110 words
Conclusion	Summarise the main problems and solutions	30-40 words

Option 2: Matching Structure

Paragraph	Purpose	Approximate Length
Introduction	Paraphrase the topic	40-50 words
Body 1	Problem 1 + its specific solution	80-90 words
Body 2	Problem 2 + its specific solution	80-90 words
Conclusion	Summarise	30-40 words

The matching structure works well when each problem has a clear, direct solution. The block structure is more flexible and generally safer.

---

Writing the Introduction

Your introduction should:

1. Paraphrase the topic
2. Indicate that you will discuss both problems and solutions

Model Introduction

The ageing of populations is a growing demographic trend in many nations worldwide. This shift presents significant challenges for both individuals and society as a whole, but there are practical measures that governments and communities can implement to mitigate these effects.

Note: You do not need to list your specific problems and solutions in the introduction. A general indication that you will address both is sufficient.

---

Writing the Problems Paragraph

When discussing problems, follow this approach:

Problem Development Pattern
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════
State the problem    Clearly identify it in one sentence
Explain              Why is this a problem? Who does it affect?
Consequence          What happens if it is not addressed?
Example (optional)   A specific illustration

Model Problems Paragraph

Perhaps the most pressing issue is the increasing financial burden on healthcare systems. As people age, they typically require more frequent medical attention, long-term care, and expensive treatments for chronic conditions such as dementia and cardiovascular disease. This places enormous strain on public health budgets, potentially leading to longer waiting times and reduced quality of care for all citizens. In addition, a growing elderly population combined with a shrinking workforce creates an unsustainable imbalance in pension systems. Fewer working-age people are contributing taxes to support a larger number of retirees, which threatens the viability of state pension schemes in countries such as Japan and Germany, where this trend is already acute.

Tips for the Problems Paragraph

• Be specific: "healthcare costs increase" is vague. "Chronic conditions such as dementia require long-term care that strains public health budgets" is specific.
• Show the chain of consequences: Problem leads to consequence leads to wider impact.
• Cover both individual and societal effects if the question asks for both.

---

Writing the Solutions Paragraph

Solutions must be: