How to Generate Ideas for IELTS Essays Task 2
What Are Problem–Solution Essays in IELTS?
In this type of IELTS Task 2 question, you’re asked to:
- Describe a problem related to a topic
- Suggest one or more solutions that are realistic and relevant
To do well, you need to generate ideas quickly, stay focused, and explain your points clearly.
Why Students Struggle with Ideas
Many students:
- Get stuck and can’t think of real problems
- Give too many weak or unrealistic solutions
- Struggle to explain ideas clearly
If this sounds familiar — don’t worry. You’re about to learn a simple system that works on any topic.
Step 1: Use the Problem–Solution Idea Grid
Good ideas come from asking good questions.
*Warning! Don’t think “I don’t know anything about this!” And don’t panic!
Just follow this simple method.
Question: “Is nuclear power beneficial for society? What problems does it cause?”
That’s a bit uncomfortable right?
Simple questions will unlock it.
Where is nuclear power? Usually outside of a city.
Who uses it? Industry and citizens.
What do they use it for? Powering homes, businesses and factories.
Does this benefit us? Sure, you can take it from here, products, lights, cooking etc.
Example Question:
“Traffic congestion is becoming a serious problem in many cities. What are the problems and what solutions can you suggest?”
Problem:
Too many people drive cars because public transport is bad.
Solution:
The government could improve buses and trains, and charge drivers a fee to enter busy areas.
Step 2: Use the Zoom Out–Zoom In Technique
So, when you read the question:
- Zoom Out – Think big: What systems or habits are causing the issue?
- Zoom In – Think small: What is one clear example of how this happens in real life?
Example Question:
“Obesity is becoming more common in many countries. What are the causes and what can be done?”
Firstly, Zoom Out:
People eat too much fast food and move less.
Secondly, Zoom In:
In some schools, students buy junk food every day. A good solution is to replace unhealthy school meals with balanced options.
Read a real band 7 essay
Step 3: Now, Ask the “Why?” 3 Times
So, this helps you develop the idea so it’s deep and logical, not just a short opinion.
- Why: is this a problem; is it happening; would your solution work?
Example:
Problem: People drop litter in public places.
- Why? No trash bins nearby; City didn’t plan it well; would more bins help? Because it’s easier to throw things away if bins are visible and nearby.
Now, you can turn this into a paragraph that makes sense and is easy to write.
Check out the vocabulary bank
What to Avoid in Problem/Solution Essays
| Common Mistake | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| Giving 3 small or weak solutions | Not enough depth or development |
| Suggesting unrealistic ideas | “Ban all fast food” is not practical |
| Ignoring part of the question | Partial answers = lower band score |
Remember, stick to one clear problem and one strong solution, especially if you’re aiming for Band 7+.
Practice Question
Try this now:
“Many people find it hard to balance work and personal life. What are the problems and what can be done?”
→ Can you name one real problem?
→ Can you think of one realistic solution?
→ Ask “Why?” three times to develop the idea
Write it out. Then compare it with model answers in the IELTS Power Writing Course.
Summary: The Easy 3-Step System
- Use the Problem–Solution Idea Grid to mix sources and solutions
- Zoom Out / Zoom In to get real, clear examples
- Ask “Why?” 3 Times to develop your idea like a Band 7+ student
Get your essays assessed based on all the band descriptors.
Inside IELTS Insiders Courses you’ll learn how to:
- Plan your ideas quickly and clearly
- Build full paragraphs that impress the examiner
- Avoid Band 6 mistakes and upgrade your writing step by step
Geoffrey Currie
University of Cambridge graduate
25years of IELTS teaching experience
PGCE: Post Graduate Certificate in Education
Trinity Diploma TESOL