Level: CEFR B2–B2+ | Question Type: Problems and Solutions Essay
1. IELTS Writing Task 2 — Question（题目）
In many cities, traffic congestion has become a serious problem, making it difficult for people to travel to work or school.
What problems does traffic congestion cause, and what measures can be taken to solve them?
2. Sample Essay（参考范文）
Paragraph 1 — Introduction（引言段）
Traffic congestion has become a major problem in many cities, making daily travel increasingly difficult. Heavy traffic causes several problems, including wasted time and increased air pollution. However, these issues can be addressed by improving public transport and encouraging people to use alternatives to private cars.
Paragraph 2 — Body Paragraph 1（主体段一）
One major problem caused by traffic congestion is the amount of time people waste travelling. In large cities, many workers spend hours sitting in traffic, which can make them tired and stressed before they even begin their working day. For example, someone who spends two hours commuting each day may have less time to exercise, relax or spend with family. Another serious problem is air pollution. When large numbers of vehicles move slowly through crowded streets, they release harmful gases into the air. This can reduce air quality and increase the risk of health problems, particularly for people who live near busy roads. As a result, traffic congestion affects not only people’s daily routines but also their health and quality of life.
Paragraph 3 — Body Paragraph 2（主体段二）
Several measures can be taken to reduce these problems. One effective solution is to improve public transportation. Governments could invest in more reliable bus and train services, making them more convenient and affordable for commuters. For instance, if buses arrive frequently and connect residential areas with business centres, more people may choose public transport instead of driving. Another solution is to encourage cycling and walking for short journeys. Cities could build safer cycling lanes and wider pavements to make these options more attractive. By reducing the number of private cars on the road, these measures could shorten travel times and lower vehicle emissions. Therefore, improving transport infrastructure and promoting alternative ways of travelling can help address both congestion and pollution.
Paragraph 4 — Conclusion（结论段）
In conclusion, traffic congestion creates serious problems, particularly long commuting times and air pollution. However, governments can reduce these difficulties by improving public transport and making cycling and walking safer and more convenient. These changes could make urban travel more efficient and improve people’s quality of life.
Word Count: 351 words（全文约351词）
3. Essay Structure（文章结构）
| Paragraph 段落 | Main Idea 主要内容 |
| Introduction 引言段 | Introduce the problem and briefly identify the main problems and possible solutions. 介绍交通拥堵问题，并简要指出主要影响和解决措施。 |
| Body Paragraph 1 主体段一 | Explain the problems caused by traffic congestion, including wasted commuting time and air pollution. 解释交通拥堵带来的问题，包括浪费通勤时间和造成空气污染。 |
| Body Paragraph 2 主体段二 | Suggest solutions, including better public transport and safer conditions for cycling and walking. 提出解决方案，包括改善公共交通，以及为骑行和步行创造更安全的条件。 |
| Conclusion 结论段 | Summarise the main problems and proposed solutions. 总结主要问题和解决方案。 |
4. Useful Writing Expressions（实用写作表达）
| become a major problem | 成为一个严重的问题 |
| make something increasingly difficult | 使某事变得越来越困难 |
| cause several problems | 造成若干问题 |
| including… | 包括…… |
| address these issues | 解决这些问题 |
| One major problem caused by… is… | 由……造成的一个主要问题是…… |
| spend hours doing something | 花费数小时做某事 |
| have less time to do something | 做某事的时间减少 |
| increase the risk of something | 增加某事发生的风险 |
| affect someone’s quality of life | 影响某人的生活质量 |
| Several measures can be taken to… | 可以采取若干措施来…… |
| One effective solution is to… | 一个有效的解决方案是…… |
| invest in something | 投资于某事物 |
| encourage someone to do something | 鼓励某人做某事 |
| instead of doing something | 而不是做某事 |
| reduce the number of… | 减少……的数量 |
| lower vehicle emissions | 降低车辆排放 |
| promote alternative ways of travelling | 推广其他出行方式 |
5. What Students Should Learn（学习重点）
A Problems and Solutions Essay requires students to explain the negative effects of a particular issue and suggest practical ways to address them. The main goal is to show a clear connection between the problems identified and the solutions proposed.
This essay follows a four-paragraph structure. The introduction presents the topic and briefly mentions the main problems and solutions. The first body paragraph explains how traffic congestion wastes people’s time and increases air pollution. The second body paragraph suggests improving public transport and encouraging cycling and walking. The conclusion summarises the problems and solutions without introducing new ideas.
Problems and Solutions Essay（问题解决类议论文）要求学生解释某个问题造成的负面影响，并提出切实可行的解决方案。写作的核心是确保所提出的解决措施能够对应前面分析的问题。
这篇范文采用四段式结构。引言段介绍话题，并简要指出主要问题及解决措施。第一个主体段解释交通拥堵如何浪费人们的时间，以及如何造成空气污染。第二个主体段提出改善公共交通、鼓励骑行和步行等措施。结论段总结问题和解决方案，不引入新的观点。
Teaching Focus（教学重点）：
Students should understand that simply listing problems and solutions is not enough. Each problem needs to be explained, and each solution should clearly show how it can reduce or solve the problem. For example, improving public transport can encourage people to drive less, which may reduce both traffic congestion and air pollution.
学生需要理解，仅仅列举问题和解决方案是不够的。每个问题都需要解释，每项解决措施也应该说明它为什么能够减轻或解决相关问题。例如，改善公共交通可以鼓励人们减少开车，从而缓解交通拥堵，并减少空气污染。
Important Difference（重要区别）：
Opinion Essay: The main task is to express agreement or disagreement with a statement.
观点类议论文：主要任务是表达是否同意某个观点，并解释理由。
Discussion Essay: The main task is to explain both views and give your own opinion.
双方观点讨论类议论文：主要任务是解释双方观点，并提出自己的看法。
Advantages and Disadvantages Essay: The main task is to examine the positive and negative aspects of a situation.
优缺点类议论文：主要任务是分析某种情况的优点和缺点。
Problems and Solutions Essay: The main task is to explain the problems caused by an issue and suggest ways to solve them.
问题解决类议论文：主要任务是解释某个问题造成的影响，并提出相应的解决方案。
Remember（记住）： A Problems and Solutions Essay is different from a Causes and Solutions Essay. If the question asks What problems does this cause?, you should explain the negative effects. If it asks What are the causes of this problem?, you should explain why the problem happens.
需要特别注意，Problems and Solutions（问题与解决方案） 和 Causes and Solutions（原因与解决方案） 并不完全相同。如果题目问 What problems does this cause?，考生应该分析造成的负面影响；如果题目问 What are the causes of this problem?，则应该分析问题产生的原因。两种题型都可能要求提出解决方案，但第一部分的论证重点不同。