One of the most common questions my IELTS students ask is:
“How can I describe problems and propose solutions clearly in Task 2 essays?”
The answer is to master IELTS problem and solution essay vocabulary—a collection of formal words and academic expressions that will help you:
- ✅ Describe problems accurately
- ✅ Explain causes and consequences logically
- ✅ Suggest clear solutions using formal, examiner-friendly language
This guide will provide you with ready-to-use vocabulary, examples, and teacher tips to write Band 7–9 problem and solution essays confidently.
Before you dive in, check out my IELTS Writing Task 2 Vocabulary for Band 7–9. It’s the pillar post for all IELTS writing vocabulary and will strengthen your lexical range.
Why IELTS Problem and Solution Essay Vocabulary Matters
Problem and solution essays require you to:
- Identify problems or issues clearly
- Explain their causes and effects logically
- Suggest practical solutions using formal academic English
Examiners assess your Lexical Resource and Coherence and Cohesion, which make up 50% of your Writing Task 2 score.
Without the right vocabulary:
- Problems may sound too simple or vague
- Solutions may appear unclear or informal
- Your overall band score could suffer
For official scoring guidance, check:
Essential IELTS Problem and Solution Essay Vocabulary
Here’s my teacher-approved list of vocabulary for problems, causes, effects, and solutions in Task 2.
1. Vocabulary for Describing Problems
Use formal, precise words instead of simple ones like “problem” or “issue”:
- challenge
- obstacle
- difficulty
- drawback
- limitation
- concern
Phrases:
- One major challenge is…
- A common obstacle faced by…
- A serious concern in today’s society is…
Example:
“One major challenge in urban areas is the increasing level of traffic congestion.”
2. Vocabulary for Explaining Causes
Cause language helps you analyze why problems occur:
- due to / owing to
- as a result of
- stems from / arises from
- leads to / contributes to
- is caused by
Example:
“Rising air pollution levels are largely caused by the overuse of private vehicles.”
3. Vocabulary for Describing Effects or Consequences
When you explain the impact of a problem, use academic expressions:
- consequence
- outcome
- implication
- repercussion
- long-term effect
Phrases:
- This can result in…
- As a consequence…
- One of the key implications is…
Example:
“As a consequence of climate change, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent.”
4. IELTS Task 2 Solution Essay Vocabulary
When proposing solutions, use formal problem-solving language:
- solution
- approach
- strategy
- initiative
- measure
- intervention
Phrases:
- One effective solution would be to…
- A practical measure could involve…
- This issue can be addressed by…
Example:
“One effective solution would be to invest in reliable and affordable public transportation.”
5. Vocabulary for Linking Problems and Solutions
Linking problems with solutions and results improves cohesion:
- To tackle this issue…
- In order to address this problem…
- This can be mitigated by…
- Implementing these measures would lead to…
Example:
“In order to address the problem of plastic pollution, governments can ban single-use plastics and encourage recycling initiatives.”
Teacher Tips for Using Problem and Solution Vocabulary
Here are my top tips to ensure your vocabulary boosts your score:
1. Be Specific with Problems and Solutions
❌ “There is a problem with pollution.” (Too vague)
✅ “Air pollution caused by heavy traffic is a major environmental concern in cities.” (Specific and academic)
2. Use Cause-and-Effect Chains
IELTS examiners love logical progression. Combine problem → cause → effect → solution:
“Urban traffic congestion is caused by a high number of private cars, which leads to air pollution. This issue can be mitigated by improving public transportation.”
3. Avoid Informal Solutions
❌ “People should just stop driving cars.” (Too casual)
✅ “Authorities should encourage the use of public transport through subsidies and awareness campaigns.” (Formal and academic)
Sample Paragraph Using IELTS Problem and Solution Essay Vocabulary
“One major challenge faced by many cities is increasing traffic congestion. This issue arises from the growing use of private vehicles, which leads to severe air pollution and longer commuting times. One effective solution would be to improve the quality and accessibility of public transportation, which would result in fewer cars on the road and a cleaner urban environment.”
Notice how this paragraph:
- Introduces the problem
- Explains the cause and effect
- Suggests a formal solution
Quick Practice Exercise
Rewrite this informal sentence into formal IELTS style using problem and solution vocabulary:
“Lots of people throw rubbish in the streets, so cities are dirty. They should put more bins.”
Suggested Answer:
“Urban littering is a major concern, as it results in unclean streets. A practical measure would be to provide more public waste bins to encourage proper disposal.”
FAQ Section
Q1: How do I write a problem and solution essay in IELTS Task 2?
Identify a specific problem, explain its causes and effects, and propose clear, practical solutions using formal language.
Q2: What is the best IELTS problem and solution essay vocabulary?
Use words like challenge, drawback, consequence, strategy, initiative, and phrases like “One effective solution would be to…”.
Q3: How many problems and solutions should I include?
Include 1–2 well-developed problems with matching solutions, supported by examples, for a Band 7–9 essay.
Conclusion
Mastering IELTS problem and solution essay vocabulary will make your writing clear, formal, and examiner-friendly.
When you:
- Describe problems with precision
- Explain causes and consequences logically
- Propose solutions using academic expressions
… your essay becomes cohesive, professional, and ready for Band 7–9.
🔗 Next step: Strengthen your vocabulary and coherence by reviewing our IELTS Writing Task 2 Vocabulary for Band 7–9.
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