PROBLEM SOLUTION ESSAY

ESSAY STRUCTURE FOR TASK 2 ESSAYS

ARGUMENT ESSAY DISCUSSION ESSAY PROBLEM/SOLUTION ESSAY

1. Decide if you agree/disagree INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION

with the question
2. Decide if your essay will be a General statement General statement
ONE-SIDED OR TWO-SIDED [ rephrase exam statement.] [ rephrase exam statement.]

INTRODUCTION More specific information More specific information

General statement [rephrase exam Preview / Outline Preview / Outline

statement] [rephrase exam question] [rephrase exam question]

More specific information BODY PARAGRAPHS BODY PARAGRAPHS

Thesis statement (for 1 side or 2 Topic sentence TYPE I
sides) Topic sentence
One paragraph showing one side Causes + Effects (1st paragraph)
BODY PARAGRAPHS Another showing other side. Solutions (2nd paragraph)
Concluding sentence stating your
Topic sentence position (optional) OR

Supporting sentences Balanced points – reasons, TYPE II

Developing sentences explanations, examples/results Topic sentence
(2 paragraphs showing point of Concluding sentence stating your Causes / Effects + Solutions
view with relevant examples) position (optional) (1st paragraph)

CONCLUSION Causes / Effects + Solutions

CONCLUSION (2nd paragraph)
Restate thesis statement.
Give recommendation, opinion or Paraphrase main points of 2 sides CONCLUSION
prediction Give point of view in final sentence.
Paraphrase problems
Paraphase solutions

Notes –

• With problem/solution essays, the problem is presented in the question.

• The first sentence of the introduction will paraphrase the problem while the second sentence will
either give a basic preview or a basic outline of the body paragraphs.

• The body paragraphs of problem/solution essays are actually about causes/effects and solutions.
 INTRODUCTION

There are many ways to write an introduction to an essay. Some writers use 2 sentences, others use 3
sentences. Both are correct.

First sentence: General statement, usually paraphrased from the topic

Second sentence: Introducing a cause: (you only need to mention one)

Examples of signposting/framing for second sentence:

• There are many causes/effects, such as to (topic/problem/issue) …

• There are many causes to/effects of this topic/problem/issue, such as …

• This problem has a number of main causes, namely (examples) …

Third Sentence: Thesis Statement

Examples of signposting/framing for third sentence:

• This essay will discuss these causes and provide some solutions to solve this issue.

• These causes will be explained in this essay, and some solutions will be recommended to tackle
this issue/problem.

• The issue of…and its causes will be discussed hereafter, with some solutions being presented
in order to combat the issue/problem/topic.

Notes –
If you choose to do a basic outline in your introduction, you can combine the second and third sentences
into one outline sentence. This in not necessary, but outlining main ideas in the intro will improve the C/C
of your essay.

Example –

The Internet has transformed the way information is shared and consumed, but it has also created
problems that did not exist before.
What are the most serious problems associated with the internet and what solutions can you suggest?

Cause/Effect Solutions Examples/Results

Introduction with an outline of main ideas –

The enormous growth in the use of the internet over the last decade has led to radical changes to the way
that people consume and share information. Although serious problems have arisen such as an increase
in adults websites and online fraud, there are practical solutions that involve parents, governments and
businesses.
 BODY PARAGRAPHS

TYPE 1 TYPE 2

Body 1 Body 1

Topic Sentence Topic Sentence

Causes / Effects Cause / Effect

+
Solution

Body 2 Body 2

Topic Sentence Cause / Effect

+
Solutions Solution

Note – Both structures are banded the same – i.e., one way is not banded higher than the
other. However, if you choose the body paragraph that has both causes/effects and
solutions, please be sure that your linking language and signposting is very clear, otherwise
the C/C of your essay will suffer.

Brainstorming suggestion –
Body 1
Cause / Effect Explanation Example (If possible)

Body 2
Solution How it can be done Example (If possible)

CONCLUSION

• Re-state Thesis: The first sentence of your conclusion should re-state the Thesis Statement, using
the present perfect simple.

• Summary: Summarise (list) the main ideas from your body paragraphs.

• (Final Thought - Optional): You might like to include your final thought or opinion on the topic.
 BREAKDOWN – Cause/Effect Structure

1. Noun Phrase to Noun Phrase

To connect an NP to another NP, we can use verbs + prepositions. For example:

Cause to effect
• Heavy rain leads to flooding.
• Eating unhealthy food results in obesity.

Effect to cause
• Health problems stem from cigarette smoke.
• Flooding results from heavy rain.

2. “Behaves like verb + preposition”

We can also connect an effect NP to a cause NP using the phrases “is because of” and “is due to”.
For example:
• Flooding is due to heavy rain.
• Health problems are because of smoking.

3. Clause to Clause
A clause is a complete idea with a subject and verb (and sometimes an object). Examples include “It rained
heavily”, “There are floods”, “You eat unhealthy food”, and “He smokes”. Note the punctuation. When the
cause comes first, you may need to add punctuation. To connect a clause to a clause, we can
use discourse markers. To illustrate:

Cause to effect
• It rained heavily, so there are floods.
• You eat unhealthy food. Thus, you are obese.

Effect to cause
• He has health problems because he smokes.
• There are floods since it rained heavily.

4. Clause to NP
To connect a clause to an NP, we can use a prepositional phrase. Note the punctuation. When the cause
comes first, you need to separate the noun phrase from the clause using a comma.

Cause to effect
• As a result of smoking, he has health problems.
• Due to heavy rain, there are floods.
• Because of eating unhealthy food, you are obese.

Effect to cause
• He has health problems as a result of smoking.
• There are floods because of heavy rain.
• You are obese due to eating unhealthy food.
 Cause/Effect Vocabulary

Verb + preposition
to lead to
to result from
to result in
to stem from

“Behaves like verb + preposition”

to be due to
to be because of

Discourse marker
therefore
thus
consequently
so
because
as a result
as a consequence
since

Prepositional phrase
because of
as a result of
as a consequence of
due to

Notes –
Treat cause and effect structure like a grammar point on a checklist for grammar range, meaning you DO
NOT need to use an over-abundance of cause/effect language in your essay, but instead just have
appropriate and accurate uses of it.

Reference – https://www.rmittraining.com/news/blog/cause-and-effect-part-1-grammar
 BREAKDOWN – Problem Solution Essay

The Internet has transformed the way information is shared and consumed, but it has also created
problems that did not exist before.
What are the most serious problems associated with the internet and what solutions can you suggest?

Cause/Effect Solutions Examples/Results

Writing about Problems

Brainstorming –

Problem 1: children can access potentially dangerous sites

Explanation / Example: Pornography sites
Result: Affects thought & development - negative for children & society

Problem 2: growth of online fraud and hacking!

Explanation / Example: Evident from the constant news stories
Result: Criminals get sensitive information

Note – two problems are presented, so you must make sure B2 has a solution for each one

Body 1 Paragraph –

There are a number of problems caused by the advancement of the internet. One of the first problems of
the internet is the ease with which children can access potentially dangerous sites. For example,
pornography sites are easily accessible to them because they can register with a site and claim to be an
adult. There is no doubt that this affects their thoughts and development, which is a negative impact for
the children and for society. Another major problem is the growth of online fraud and hacking. These
days, for example, there are constant news stories about government and company websites that have
been hacked, resulting in sensitive information falling into the hands of criminals.

Note – cause and effect vocabulary used for each problem

The Internet has transformed the way information is shared and consumed, but it has also created
problems that did not exist before.
What are the most serious problems associated with the internet and what solutions can you suggest?

Cause/Effect Solutions Examples/Results

Writing about Solutions

Brainstorming –

Solution 1: Governments
Idea: Adequate legislation and controls for young people
How: More complex website access criteria

Solution 2: Parents
Idea: Monitor children and restrict access
How: Use a computer program

Solution 3: Companies
Idea: Improve IT security systems
How: Review current systems in place

Note – two of the solutions are for one problem, so every problem presented in B1 has a solution

Body 2 Paragraph –

It is important that certain actions are taken to combat these problems. Firstly, governments should ensure
that adequate legislation and controls are in place that will prevent young people from accessing dangerous
sites, such as requiring more than simply confirming that they are an adult to view a site. Parents also
have a part to play. They need to closely monitor the activities of their children and restrict their access to
certain sites, which can now be done through various computer programs. Companies must also improve
their onsite IT security systems to make fraud and hacking much more difficult by undertaking thorough
reviews of their current systems for weaknesses.

Note – diverse modals and semi-modals used for solutions

 COMPLETE SAMPLE ESSAY
TYPE 1

The Internet has transformed the way information is shared and consumed, but it has also created
problems that did not exist before.
What are the most serious problems associated with the internet and what solutions can you
suggest?
Cause/Effect Solutions Examples/Results

The enormous growth in the use of the internet over the last decade has led to radical changes to
the way that people consume and share information. Although serious problems have arisen
such as an increase in adults websites and online fraud, there are practical solutions that involve
parents, governments and businesses.

There are a number of problems caused by the advancement of the internet. One of the first
problems of the internet is the ease with which children can access potentially dangerous sites.
For example, pornography sites are easily accessible to them because they can register with a
site and claim to be an adult. There is no doubt that this affects their thoughts and development,
which is a negative impact for the children and for society. Another major problem is the growth
of online fraud and hacking. These days, for example, there are constant news stories about
government and company websites that have been hacked, resulting in sensitive information
falling into the hands of criminals.

It is important that certain actions are taken to combat these problems. Firstly, governments
should ensure that adequate legislation and controls are in place that will prevent young people
from accessing dangerous sites, such as requiring more than simply confirming that they are an
adult to view a site. Parents also have a part to play. They need to closely monitor the activities of
their children and restrict their access to certain sites, which can now be done through various
computer programs. Companies must also improve their onsite IT security systems to make fraud
and hacking much more difficult by undertaking thorough reviews of their current systems for
weaknesses.

In conclusion, the internet is an amazing technological innovation that has transformed people's
lives, but not without negative impacts. I am of the opinion that with the right action by
individuals, governments and businesses, it can be made a safe place for everyone.

(319 words)
 ALTERNATE SAMPLE ESSAY
TYPE 2

The Internet has transformed the way information is shared and consumed, but it has also created
problems that did not exist before.
What are the most serious problems associated with the internet and what solutions can you
suggest?
Cause/Effect Solutions Examples/Results

The enormous growth in the use of the internet over the last decade has led to radical changes to
the way that people consume and share information. Although serious problems have arisen
such as an increase in adults websites and online fraud, there are practical solutions that involve
parents, governments and businesses.

There are a number of problems caused by the advancement of the internet. Firstly, children can
now easily access potentially dangerous sites. For example, pornography sites are easily
accessible to them because they can register with a site and claim to be an adult. This affects
their thoughts and development, which is a negative impact for the children and for society. To
solve this problem, governments should ensure that adequate legislation and controls are in
place that will prevent young people from accessing dangerous sites, such as requiring more than
simply confirming that they are an adult to view a site. Parents also need to closely monitor the
activities of their children and restrict their access to certain sites by using various computer
programs.

Another major problem is the growth of online fraud and hacking. There are constant news
stories about government and company websites that have had sensitive information falling into
the hands of criminals. The solution to this particular problem is to have companies improve
their onsite IT security systems to make fraud and hacking much more difficult. For instance,
recent reports show how companies that transmit credit card and bank account numbers through
encryption systems have had an 88% reduction in identity theft and fraud, which is proof that
these systems are effective.

In conclusion, the internet is an amazing technological innovation that has transformed people's
lives, but not without negative impacts. I am of the opinion that with the right action by
individuals, governments and businesses, it can be made a safe place for everyone.

(311 words)
All over the world, societies are facing a growing problem with obesity. This problem
affects both children and adults.

What are the reasons for this rise in obesity?

How could it be tracked?

INSTRUCTIONS – write an INTRODUCTION and ONE BODY PARAGRAPH limited to 150 WORDS

To help generate ideas –

Overweight World - Obesity Facts and Statistics (2 minutes)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkoC3HZwe7Q

Obesity, Causes, SIgns and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment (5 minutes)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQUJ1HV0PWc

How The U.S. Is Exporting Obesity | AJ+ (8 minutes)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJGPM94iKKQ

Breakdown and sample essay – https://ieltsfocus.com/2017/03/13/ielts-causes-solution-essay/