How often does a Problem & solution question appear in IELTS Task 2?

It's one of the recognised Task 2 formats, so it's fair game on test day — but you can't reliably predict which one you'll be given. Treat every format as likely and practise across all of them rather than betting on a single type.

Should I memorise a template for Problem & solution questions?

Learn the shape, not a script. A reliable structure for problem & solution questions saves planning time, but a memorised essay bolted onto the wrong prompt is penalised. Adapt the structure to the exact question in front of you.

How is a Problem & solution answer marked?

Against the four official IELTS Writing criteria — task response, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy. Getting the format right mainly protects your task response score; the other three come down to your language.

How many Problem & solution questions should I practise?

Enough to make the format automatic, then stop drilling it in isolation. Once you can structure a problem & solution response without thinking, your time is better spent on the language criteria that actually move your band.

Task 225 questions

Problem & solution questions.

How this type works

A problem-and-solution question asks you to identify causes or problems and propose realistic solutions. The examiner wants each problem matched to a specific, plausible solution, not vague generalities. Keep the scope tight: two well-developed problem-solution pairs beat four shallow ones. The prompts below all follow this pattern.

Task 2🌳 EnvironmentProblem & solution🔥 Hot

Problem & solution questions.

“Tropical deforestation in countries like Brazil and Indonesia continues at an alarming rate. What are the causes, and what can be done?”

“Air quality in many major cities is dangerously poor. What are the causes, and what can be done?”

“Many parents struggle to limit their children's screen time. What are the causes, and what can be done?”

“Many workers hide mental-health problems from their employers. What are the causes, and what can be done?”

“Many historic cities are damaged by overtourism. What are the causes, and what can be done?”

“In many countries, families are having fewer children than they did in the past. What are the causes, and what effects does this have on society?”

“Mental health problems among young people are increasing. What are the causes, and what solutions can you suggest?”

“Antibiotic resistance is becoming a serious global threat. What are the main causes, and what can be done?”

“Many adults in developed countries do not get enough sleep. What are the causes, and what can be done?”

“In many workplaces, older employees now report to younger managers. What problems does this create, and what can be done?”

“Many cities are growing so large that they face serious infrastructure problems. What are the main causes, and what can be done?”

“In many countries, the gap between rich and poor is growing. What are the causes, and what can be done?”

“Many people find it impossible to disconnect from their devices, even on holiday. What are the causes, and what can be done?”

“In modern cities, many people feel isolated despite being surrounded by others. What are the causes, and what can be done?”

“Sedentary lifestyles are leading to a rise in serious diseases. What are the causes, and what can be done?”

“Plastic waste threatens marine life. What are the causes, and what can governments do?”

“Youth crime is rising in many cities. What are the causes, and what can be done?”

“Many fish stocks around the world are collapsing because of overfishing. What are the main causes, and what can be done?”

“Many regions face severe water shortages. What are the main causes, and what can be done about it?”

“The world's growing population is putting pressure on natural resources. What are the main causes, and what solutions can you suggest?”

“The rapid replacement of electronic devices creates huge amounts of e-waste. What are the causes, and what can be done?”

“Many workers complain of poor work-life balance. What are the causes, and what can be done?”

“Many manufacturing jobs are disappearing because of automation. What are the consequences for society, and what can be done?”

“More young people are moving to cities, leaving rural areas with ageing populations. What are the causes, and what can be done?”

“Many species are becoming extinct. What are the main causes, and what solutions can you suggest?”

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