IELTS Writing Task 2 Problem and Solution Essay
These questions ask about causes (or problems) and solutions, and both parts carry equal weight. The strongest essays link them: each solution answers a cause you've already explained.
Be specific. "The government should do something" isn't a solution. "Local councils could release unused public land for affordable housing" is.
In many cities, young people find it increasingly difficult to afford a home. What are the causes of this problem, and what measures could be taken to solve it? Write at least 250 words.
How to structure it
- 1
Introduction
Paraphrase the problem and say, briefly, what the main causes and solutions are.
- 2
Body 1
Two causes, each explained.
- 3
Body 2
Two solutions, each matched to a cause.
- 4
Conclusion
Summarise the causes and the solutions.
In many cities around the world, owning or even renting a home is moving out of reach for young adults. This is mainly the result of a shortage of housing and the growing use of property as an investment, and it will require action on both supply and demand to address.
The most fundamental cause is that cities have not built enough homes to keep up with their growing populations. As jobs become concentrated in major urban centres, more people compete for the same limited number of properties, pushing up prices and rents. At the same time, housing is increasingly bought as an investment rather than a place to live. When wealthy individuals and companies buy flats to rent out or simply leave empty, there are fewer homes available for first-time buyers, who are usually young.
To tackle the shortage, governments could make it easier and faster to build, for example by simplifying planning rules and releasing unused public land for new housing, with a share reserved for affordable homes. To reduce speculative demand, higher taxes could be placed on second homes and on properties left vacant for long periods. Several cities, including Vancouver, have introduced such taxes, which encourage owners to sell or rent out empty homes. In the meantime, schemes that help first-time buyers with deposits, or that cap rent increases, could ease the pressure on young people while new housing is built.
In conclusion, young people are being priced out of cities mainly because of insufficient supply and investment-driven demand. Building more homes and discouraging property speculation would go a long way towards making housing affordable again.
Why it scores Band 8: Causes and solutions are clearly linked, solutions are specific and realistic, and the example is relevant. Precise topic vocabulary (speculative demand, first-time buyers, priced out). 270 words.
Band is our estimate against the public IELTS Writing band descriptors.
Language that does the work
- The most fundamental cause is…
- Introduces your main cause.
- This leads to / pushes up
- Shows cause and effect.
- To tackle / address this…
- Introduces a solution linked to a cause.
- could be introduced / should be required to
- Modals for suggestions.
- go a long way towards
- Says a solution would help a lot.
- be priced out of
- A precise phrase for unaffordable costs.
Mistakes that cost marks
- Vague solutions ("the government should help"). Say who does what.
- Solutions that don't match the causes you described.
- Spending most of the essay on causes and leaving one sentence for solutions.
Practise it: 3 Cambridge tests with a Task 2 like this
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