PROBLEMATIC ESSAY TYPE OF IELTS WRITING MODULE

The ielts task 2 problem/ solution essay type questions test the ability of students to analyse the key reasons behind the given problem and to find out certain ways or measures in order to resolve the problem.

  SAMPLE QUESTION 

In the world of today, the quality of life in metropolitan towns and cities has experienced a significant reduction. What are the causes behind it and suggest some solutions to restore the quality?

BODY PARAGRAPHS CAN BE FRAMED AS:

• BP-1) Describe the responsible factors( causes)
• BP-2) Mention some measures to resolve the problem( solution)

SAMPLE ANSWER (BAND SCORE 7.5)

The globalized phenomenon of urbanization right from the beginning of the industrial revolution to the present times has brought a tremendous development, albeit at a huge cost in the quality of life. With an increasing population in cities, the severity of challenges also witnesses an increase. The accountable causes and possible solutions are explicated in the following essay.

One of the key causative factors leading to a decrease in living standard is, the prosperity being endowed upon the large cities. Their development is largely due to an increased appeal of opportunities in multiple fields, essentially trapping these areas into a positive self-reinforcing cycle. However, this ultimately engenders the problem of degraded quality of life as the city experiences overcrowding, prohibitively expensive property, and on top of that, increased susceptibility to terrorist attacks. A good illustration of this can be the densely populated city of London, which has confronted numerous terrorist attacks unlike the smaller areas nearby it such as Bradford. Hence, continuous prosperity and growth in urban areas has lowered the living standards especially for less fortunate citizens residing there.

Considering the tangible solutions, concerned and greater investment in improving public transport probably ease the massive traffic congestion which can further reduce air pollution, and possibly bring a great improvement in the well being of the population if they follow a predilection for a more active lifestyle and cycle to work. In order to rein the violent threat of terrorism, cities may embark on the installation of CCTV so as to monitor the possible dangers closely and to prevent them from occurring beforehand. For example, these video cameras have contributed phenomenally in foiling many potential attacks in London, and therefore considerably increased the security of its residents.

Having considered the responsible causes and definite solutions, it can be eventually concluded that affluent cities, no doubt, attract mass appeal in terms of population influx, which then exerts pressure on existing resources and infrastructure. Various solutions are present to curb these arising problems, a particular and effective way out has yet to be found.

TEMPLATES FOR PROBLEMATIC ESSAYS:

INTRODUCTION

1. It is not surprising that the issue related to _______ has been subjected to several heated debates owing to its potential impact on the society.
2. The remarkable growth in the usage of _____ over the last few decades has resulted in radical changes in _______. Although serious issues have arisen as a consequence of this, there are solutions.
3. ________ is unquestionably the most challenging problem which the world is grappling with.
4. One of the emerging concerns which is gaining magnitude in the world of today is ___________.
5. _______ has spread its tentacles in all walks of life. The louder the voice against it, the greater the impact will be.

BODY PARAGRAPH-1) CAUSES:-

1. This problem can be attributed to multifarious causes, preponderant/ predominant is ______
2. Perhaps, the major factor responsible for this pressing concern is _____
3. Despite the numerous accountable causes, most worrying is _____
4. ______ is often/usually/generally responsible for this vexed problem.

BODY PARAGRAPH-2) SOLUTIONS:-

1. However, in spite of the severity of the problem, there are a number of ways in which concerned authorities could battle with it more efficiently.
2. Nonetheless, the tribulation is not insurmountable and can be resolved by opting for certain measures.
3. To get around this problem/ To rein this problem,
4. To cut this gordian knot, numerous solutions have been put forward/suggested.

COHESIVE PHRASES 

• To be more precise
• To put in other words
• What's more
• On top of that
• To put it simply
• Whenever possible
• In particular/especially/ particularly
• On the whole
• By and large
• Above all/ all in all
• Needless to say
• It goes without saying
• Though it is indeed true that
• Weighing up both sides of the argument
• There is some truth to the notion
• However, it is apparent that
• Looking beyond the tabloids
• Likewise/ similarly
• A more realistic scenario now is that
• Looking at the other side of the picture
• As a matter of fact
• Even worse
• Meanwhile
• There is no denying the fact 
•