Problem and Solution Questions
I. Các từ hỏi thường xuất hiện:
Problem and solution.
Cause and solution.
E.g. 1
Global warming is one of the biggest threats humans face in the 21st Century and sea levels are continuing to rise at
alarming rates.
What problems are associated with this and what are some possible solutions.
II. Structure
Introduction
Sentence 1- Paraphrase Question
Sentence 2- Outline Sentence
Main Body Paragraph 1
Sentence 1- State Problem
Sentence 2- Explain problem
Sentence 3- Result
Sentence 4- Example
Main Body Paragraph 2
Sentence 1- State Solution
Sentence 2- Explain Solution
Sentence 3- Example
Conclusion
Sentence 1- Summary
Sentence 2- Recommendation or Prediction
(In conclusion, it is clear that there are various reasons for... (paraphrased topic), and steps need to be taken to tackle this
problem.)
III. Sample Answer
Climate change is among the principal dangers facing people this century and ocean levels are increasing dramatically.
This essay will first suggest that the biggest problem caused by this phenomenon is the flooding of homes and then
submit building flood protection as the most viable solution.
The foremost problem caused by sea levels creeping up is the flooding of peoples’ residences. Millions of people all
over the world live in coastal areas and if the sea rises by even a few feet, they will be inundated with water and lose
their property. Shelter is one of the most basic of human needs and widespread flooding would cause millions of
people to become homeless, not to mention losing all of their possessions. The devastation brought about by this was
clear for all to see during the 2011 Tsunami in Japan, in which millions of people were displaced.
A possible solution to this problem would be to build flood barriers. Flood defences, such as dikes, dams and
floodgates, could be built along coasts and waterways, thereby stopping the water reaching populated areas. The
Netherlands is one of the most populated areas in the world and also one of the most vulnerable to flooding and they
have successfully employed various flood defence systems.
To conclude, stemming the rising tides caused by increasing global temperatures is one of the foremost challenges we
face and it will ultimately lead to many of the worlds’ cities being left underwater, but a possible solution could be to
utilise the flood prevention techniques already used by countries like Holland. It is predicted that more and more
countries will be forced to take such measures to avoid a watery catastrophe.
Sample 2: Students are becoming more and more reliant on computers.
What are some of the problems associated with reliance on computers, and what are some of the possible solutions?
Learners are becoming ever more dependent on technology, such as the internet and mobile devices. This essay will
discuss one of the main problems associated with dependence on computers and suggest a viable solution, before
coming to a reasoned conclusion.
The principal problem with over reliance on technology, such as tablets and computers, is plagiarism. Students often
use search engines to answer a question and simply copy the text from a website, rather than thinking about the
question. This practice is not only prohibited in schools and universities, but also stunts a student’s intellectual
development. For example, many teachers complain that students copy web pages straight from Wikipedia word for
word rather than giving a reasoned answer to their questions.
A solution to this worrying problem is asking students to email their answers to teachers and teachers using anti-
plagiarism software to detect copying. Moreover, students would be made aware of this practice and this would inspire
them to answer questions using their own words, rather than someone else’s. For instance, many universities already
use this kind software to scan course work for plagiarism and it could be extended to include all homework, by
learners in both secondary and tertiary education.
In summary, one of the main problems with over-use of technology in education is plagiarism and this can be solved
through the use of plagiarism detection software. It is predicted that more and more students’ will email their work to
their teacher and this work will be scrutinized for plagiarism.
IV. Practice:
Topic 1. The world is experiencing a dramatic increase in population. This is causing problems not
only for poor, undeveloped countries, but also for industrialized and developing nations.
Describe some of the problems that overpopulation causes, and suggest at least one possible solution.
Topic 2. The earth is being filled with waste material such as plastic bags and other rubbish.
Is this really happening? What are some solutions to this problem? Gives reasons for your answer
and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Topic 3. In some countries the average weight of people is increasing and their levels of health and
fitness are decreasing.
What do you think are the causes of these problems and what measures could be taken to solve them?
Topic 4. 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.
Topic 5. Students are becoming more and more reliant on computers.
What are some of the problems associated with reliance on computers, and what are some of the
possible solutions?
