IELTS WRITING

TASK 2 - SESSION 4
Problem Solution Essay
 TABLE OF CONTENT

01 Question Analysis
03 Template

02 Language
04 Model Answer
Question Analysis

01
Model Question
In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing. What problems will
this cause for individuals and society? Suggest some measures that could be taken
to reduce the impact of ageing populations.
Question Analysis
In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing. What problems will this
cause for individuals and society? Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce
the impact of ageing populations.

Keywords: developed world, life expectancy, individuals and society, ageing populations

Type of Question: What problems will this cause for individuals and society? Suggest some
measures that could be taken to reduce the impact of ageing populations.

-> Give problems + solutions

Planning
In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing. What problems will this cause for
individuals and society? Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce the impact of ageing
populations.

Reference Reading:

Problems: Possible solutions:

- an increase in the number of retired - people may have to retire later
people (who will receive a pension) - medical advances and health
- a smaller proportion of young adults programmes might allow elderly
- smaller working populations people to stay healthy and work for
- a greater tax burden on working longer
adults - people should be encouraged to have
- demand for healthcare will rise more children
- young adults will have to look after - governments should encourage
elderly relatives immigration (in order to increase the
number of younger adults)
Planning
-> Choose 2 ideas for problems + 2 ideas for solutions
-> Structure:
Body 1: problems
- an increase in the number of retired people (who will receive a pension) ->
smaller workforce -> less money for governments
- demand for healthcare and elderly care services
Body 2: solutions
- increase the retirement age for working adults
- invest in healthcare facilities for the elderly
Language

02
A causes B

• A causes B • B results from A

• A leads to B • B stems from A
• A results in B • B derives from A
• A is conducive to B • B arises from A
• A is the main culprit of B • B can be ascribed to A
• A is the precursor to B • B can be attributed to A
• A is/acts as a catalyst for B • B can be attributable to A
Problems:

• Cause/ create/ present/ pose a problem to something

• Worsen/ magnify/ exacerbate/ aggravate the problem

• Cause/ add complications to

• Cause/ create/ present/ pose difficulties in doing something

Dangers
• Pose/ incur/ entail a risk to something

• Pose/ present a threat to something

• Pose/ cause a danger to something

• Pose/ cause/ create a hazard to something (* refer to: accidents)

• Wreak havoc on something

Effects
To have a negative effect on something

• Have: exert, produce (effect), create (impact)

• Negative: adverse/ undesirable/ detrimental*/ devastating*

• Effect: impact/ influence

*detrimental, devastating: extreme words

Solution
To solve: Solutions:

- To solve = To tackle = To address = To - Solution = Measure = Action

curb = To remedy [the problem]
To adopt a solution:
- To mitigate = to alleviate [the problem]
- To adopt/ implement/ take/ employ a
- To minimize = To reduce = To limit = To solution/measure
curtail = To curb [the amount/ number/
- To take an action
rate of something (measurable)]
Tools of the government
- Tax (impose / introduce a tax - Policy (restrict / ban
on something) something)
- Ex: to impose an extremely high - Ex: to ban the use of honey-comb
tax on cigarettes to demotivate stoves to reduce air pollution in
people from smoking. cities.

- Investment (invest in - Spread an idea through

something / allocate budget to education and/ or the media
something) - Ex: to educate young students
- Ex: to invest in improving road about gender equality and mutual
systems to reduce traffic jams in respect to prevent future
cities. discriminatory actions.
Template

03
 Introduction:
Paraphrase statement: It is true that …
Outline sentence: This essay will examine the problems/causes
of this phenomenon in more detail before suggesting some
possible solutions to it.

Body Paragraph:
Problem Solution Essay Body 1: Problems/Causes
The topic may lead to some problems to somebody/ in terms of
General Template something . + template for two-idea paragraph.

Body 2: Solutions
There are several actions that somebody could take to address
the problems of the topic . + template for two-idea paragraph.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, while there are a few problems attached to the
topic, various measures such as idea 1 + idea 2 could be taken to
tackle them.
 Introduction:
Paraphrase statement: It is true that …
Outline: This essay will examine the problems/causes of
this phenomenon in more detail before suggesting some
possible solutions to it.

Body Paragraph:
Body 1: Problems/Causes
The topic may lead to some problems to somebody/ in terms of

Problem Solution Essay

something . For somebody,/ On a/an ____ level, + idea 1 +
explanation. For somebody 2,/ On a/an ____ level + idea 2 +

Detailed Template explanation.

Body 2: Solutions
There are several actions that somebody could take to address the
problems of the topic . The first solution is + idea 1 + explanation
(effect of this idea). Another plausible measure is + idea 2 +
explanation.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, while there are a few problems attached to the topic,
various measures such as idea 1 + idea 2 could be taken to tackle
them.
Model Answer

04
 Model Answer
It is true that people in developed nations can expect to live longer than ever before. This essay will
examine the negative consequences of this phenomenon in more detail before suggesting some possible
solutions to mitigate them.

Granted, an ageing population results in a number of problems. The main issue is that there will obviously
be more people of retirement age who will be eligible to receive a pension. As a result, the proportion of
the younger, working adults will be smaller, and a greater tax burden would be put onto them. In addition
to this, young adults will also have to look after their elderly relatives, which could be a pressure for
them. Their time for relaxing after work could be taken away and they might have to suffer from constant
stress and other mental health issues.
 Model Answer
In order to solve the problems associated with an ageing population, there are several actions that could
be taken by the government. Firstly, it is imperative that the government increase the retirement age for
working adults, perhaps from 65 to 70. Nowadays, people of this age tend to be healthy enough to continue
a productive working life and letting them earn their own money could alleviate the financial burdens on
taxpayers. Secondly, the government should also invest more money in improving elderly care
infrastructures such as hospitals or nursing centers. With such improvements, the young could entrust the
task of caring for the elderly to these facilities, thereby reducing their stress.

In conclusion, despite several problems that could arise from the increase in life expectancy in some
developed countries, I am of the firm belief that various measures such as delaying retirement for working
adults and improving elderly care facilities can be taken to tackle those problems.
Practice

05
Actual Test 01/08/20 Actual Test 23/03/19
Nowadays people waste a lot of food that People are living in a ‘throwaway
was bought from shops and restaurants. society’, using things for a short time and
Why do you think people waste food? then throwing them away. What are the
What can be done to reduce the amount causes of this? What problems does it
of food they throw away? lead to?