1. One problem faced by almost every large city is traffic congestion. What do you think the causes are? What solutions can you suggest?

3) Main body paragraph 2 – Solution

• 
  Topic sentence – state the solution
  
• 
  Explanation – give detail explaining the solution
  
• 
  Example – give an example
  

4) Conclusion

• 
  Summarise the key points 
  

This structure will give us a well-balanced essay with 4 paragraphs.


One Problem/Cause & Solution or Two?
Most questions will state problems, causes and solutions in the plural, that is, more than one. However, it is acceptable to write about just one.
This will give you an essay of just over the minimum 250 words. To write about two problems/causes and solutions will require you to write between 350 and 400 words which are a lot to plan and write in the 40 minutes allowed.
It is better to fully develop one problem/cause and solution than ending up with one idea missing an explanation or an example because you run out of time.
The step-by-step essay structure I’m going to show you includes one problem and solution but you can write about two if you feel able to or more comfortable doing so.



How To Plan IELTS Problem Solution Essays
Here’s the question we’re going to be answering in our model essay followed by the 3 steps of the planning process.
One problem faced by almost every large city is traffic congestion.
What do you think the causes are? What solutions can you suggest?

• 
  Analyse the question
  

• 
  Generate ideas
  

• 
  Identify vocabulary
  

# 1 Analyse the question
This is an essential step in the planning process and will ensure that you answer the question fully. It’s quick and easy to do. You just need to identify 3 different types of words:
1. Topic words
2. Other keywords