Problem & Solution Essays: Useful Language (British Council Academic IELTS: Writing): Study Material
Problem & solution: cause & effect
Introducing causes
The primary driver behind... is
Example: The primary driver behind rising global temperatures is the burning of fossil fuels
...can be attributed to...
Example: The increase in urban waste can be attributed to the prevalence of single-use plastic packaging
A major contributing factor is...
Example: A major contributing factor to youth unemployment is the lack of vocational training in modern school curricula
This issue stems from...
Example: This issue stems from a general lack of public awareness regarding sustainable living
This phenomenon is rooted in...
Example: This phenomenon is rooted in historical differences between urban and rural areas
Showing effects
As a direct consequence, ...
Example: As a direct consequence, many coastal cities are facing rising sea levels
This, in turn, leads to...
Example: Increased carbon emissions trap heat; this, in turn, leads to more frequent and severe heatwaves
...has a detrimental impact on...:
Example: The loss of natural habitats has a detrimental impact on local biodiversity
...thereby causing/resulting in [verb + ing]
Example: Cities are expanding into forests, thereby causing significant habitat loss for wildlife
Linking cause and effect in a sentence
...consequently, ...
Example: Factory output has doubled; consequently, water sources have become increasingly contaminated
...subsequently, ...
Example: The policy was enacted in 2020; subsequently, there was a drop in crime
...which inevitably results in…
Example: Many people lead sedentary lifestyles, which inevitably results in a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions
... giving rise to...
Example: Rising tuition fees are giving rise to a generation of students burdened by debt
...triggering a series of...
Example: The spike in oil prices is triggering a series of price hikes across the transport sector
Showing the result of a solution
By implementing [X], [Y] can effectively mitigate...
Example: By implementing carbon taxes, governments can effectively mitigate pollution levels
This measure would serve to...
Example: This measure would serve to encourage citizens to choose public transport over private vehicles
The adoption of this policy would ensure that...
Example: The adoption of this policy would ensure that all children have access to high-quality primary education
...would pave the way for...
Example: Providing subsidies for solar panels would pave the way for a total transition to renewable energy
Problem & solution essays: conditionals
You can use a conditional in the final sentence of your conclusion to make a prediction or give a warning
Provided that / Providing that (Used to show the specific requirement for a solution to work)
Example: Provided that governments offer sufficient financial incentives, more businesses will transition to renewable energy
Unless (Used to warn about the consequences of failing to act)
Example: Unless immediate action is taken to curb carbon emissions, global temperatures will continue to rise
In the event of / If (Used to describe a potential scenario and the necessary response)
Example: If sea levels rise further, coastal cities will be forced to invest heavily in flood-defences
Only if (Used to emphasize that a result depends on a single specific action)
Example: Air quality will improve only if there is a global shift away from the use of petrol-fuelled vehicles
Whether... or not (Used to show that a condition applies regardless of a specific choice)
Example: Whether individuals choose to recycle or not, the government must implement stricter laws to protect the environment
Sign up now for IELTS Academic
or
Was this study material helpful?
