The IELTS Writing Task 2 problem–solution essay challenges candidates to identify an issue and propose effective responses within a limited time and word count. Despite having adequate English skills, many test-takers fail to achieve their target band due to recurring mistakes. Examiners assess task response, coherence, lexical resource, and grammatical range, so small errors can significantly affect scores. Why do similar ideas receive different band scores? The difference often lies in how candidates structure and support their arguments. This article highlights five common mistakes in IELTS problem–solution essays and explains how to avoid them.
To avoid this, candidates should underline key instructions such as “what problems does this cause and what solutions can be suggested.” Planning for three to four minutes helps ensure balanced coverage. Addressing every part of the question signals clear task understanding, which examiners reward consistently.
Effective responses explain the problem using cause-and-effect logic. For example, traffic congestion increases commuting time, which reduces productivity and raises stress levels. According to a 2023 urban mobility study, workers in congested cities lose an average of 54 hours annually due to traffic delays. Specific explanations and examples demonstrate analytical depth and improve the Task Response score.
IELTS examiners value realistic, clearly explained solutions. Instead of vague statements, candidates should describe how a solution works and who implements it. For instance, investing in reliable public transport can reduce private vehicle use and ease congestion. Clear solutions linked directly to the problem improve coherence and lexical precision.
A strong structure separates problems and solutions into distinct body paragraphs. Each paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence, followed by an explanation and an example. Logical sequencing helps examiners follow the argument effortlessly and increases the likelihood of achieving Band 7 or higher.
Candidates should aim for natural phrasing and topic-specific vocabulary. Paraphrasing the question effectively and using varied sentence structures reflects language control. Practising with feedback improves adaptability and reduces dependence on fixed patterns.
1. Misunderstanding the Essay Question
A frequent IELTS mistake involves misreading the prompt. Candidates sometimes discuss causes instead of solutions or focus only on problems when the question clearly asks for both. This error directly affects the Task Response criterion and can limit the score to Band 5 or 6, even with strong language skills.To avoid this, candidates should underline key instructions such as “what problems does this cause and what solutions can be suggested.” Planning for three to four minutes helps ensure balanced coverage. Addressing every part of the question signals clear task understanding, which examiners reward consistently.
2. Writing General or Underdeveloped Problems
IELTS examiners expect problems to be explained, not merely stated. Many candidates write vague sentences such as “traffic causes many issues” without clarifying how or why. This approach weakens argument development and reduces coherence.Effective responses explain the problem using cause-and-effect logic. For example, traffic congestion increases commuting time, which reduces productivity and raises stress levels. According to a 2023 urban mobility study, workers in congested cities lose an average of 54 hours annually due to traffic delays. Specific explanations and examples demonstrate analytical depth and improve the Task Response score.
3. Presenting Unrealistic or Generic Solutions
Another common error involves proposing solutions that sound impressive but lack practicality. Suggestions like “the government should solve this problem” remain too broad and fail to show real understanding.IELTS examiners value realistic, clearly explained solutions. Instead of vague statements, candidates should describe how a solution works and who implements it. For instance, investing in reliable public transport can reduce private vehicle use and ease congestion. Clear solutions linked directly to the problem improve coherence and lexical precision.
4. Poor Paragraph Organisation
Many candidates mix problems and solutions within the same paragraph, which confuses the examiner. IELTS marking criteria emphasise logical organisation, so weak paragraphing directly affects the Coherence and Cohesion band.A strong structure separates problems and solutions into distinct body paragraphs. Each paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence, followed by an explanation and an example. Logical sequencing helps examiners follow the argument effortlessly and increases the likelihood of achieving Band 7 or higher.
5. Overusing Memorised Language and Templates
While templates help beginners, excessive reliance on memorised phrases can limit lexical flexibility. Examiners quickly recognise overused expressions, which reduces the Lexical Resource score.Candidates should aim for natural phrasing and topic-specific vocabulary. Paraphrasing the question effectively and using varied sentence structures reflects language control. Practising with feedback improves adaptability and reduces dependence on fixed patterns.