Common Mistakes

Structure

You four paragraphs should look something like this:

Paragraph 1- Introduction

Paragraph 2- Problems

Paragraph 3- Solutions

Paragraph 4- Conclusion

At a sentence level, your structure should look like this:

Introduction 

Sentence 1- Paraphrase question

Sentence 2- Outline sentence (say what you will discuss in the rest of the essay)

Problem 

Sentence 3- State problem

Sentence 4- Explain what problem is

Sentence 5- What is the result of this problem

Sentence 6- Example

Solution

Sentence 7- State solution

Sentence 8- Explain how the solution will solve the problem

Sentence 9- Example

Conclusion 

Sentence 10- Summary of main points in paragraphs 2 and 3

Sentence 11- Prediction or recommendation

That’s it! 11 sentences that can be used again and again for any problem solution IELTS essay.

Some students have commented that this structure only has one problem and one solution and they are worried this will not be enough to get to 250 words. In my experiences, one problem and one solution is more than enough to answer the question properly, but if you prefer, feel free to add one more problem or solution. I wouldn’t have two problems and two solutions because this will either lead to you not expanding and explaining your ideas enough or take too much time to write.

Practice and see what you feel most comfortable doing.