IELTS Problem–Solution essay Band 5.5 to Band 9

IELTS Problem–Solution essay question and provide sample answers for Band 5.5 to Band 9

Sample Question

Many people today prefer to use private cars instead of public transport, which causes traffic congestion and environmental problems. What are the problems associated with this, and what solutions can be suggested?

Band 5.5 Sample Answer

Introduction:
Now many people like using their own cars. This makes traffic more and also pollutes the air. This essay will say problems and give some solutions.

Body Paragraph 1 (Problems)

Using private cars a lot makes traffic jam. People wait in road and it is waste of time. Cars also make smoke and air dirty.

Body Paragraph 2 (Solutions)

People can use bus or train. Government can make good transport and cheap. Also, people can share car with others.

Conclusion:
In short, cars make traffic and pollution. Using public transport and sharing car can help.

 Band 5.5 Notes: Very basic vocabulary and simple sentences. Ideas are underdeveloped and grammar errors are frequent.

Band 6 Sample Answer

Introduction:
Many people today prefer using private cars, which causes traffic jams and environmental pollution. This essay will discuss the problems and suggest possible solutions.

Body Paragraph 1 (Problems)

One problem is that traffic congestion wastes people’s time and increases stress. Another problem is air pollution because cars emit harmful gases.

Body Paragraph 2 (Solutions)

To solve these issues, people can use public transport like buses and trains. Governments can also improve public transport and make it affordable. Carpooling is another good way to reduce traffic.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, heavy use of private cars causes traffic and pollution, but public transport and carpooling can help reduce these problems.

Band 6 Notes: Ideas are clear but basic. Some repetition and limited linking words Grammar mostly correct.

Band 6.5 Sample Answer

Introduction:
The increasing use of private cars is a major cause of traffic congestion and environmental pollution. This essay will examine the problems and suggest effective solutions.

Body Paragraph 1 (Problems)

A significant problem is traffic congestion, which wastes time and increases stress levels. Additionally, emissions from cars contribute to air pollution, which can lead to health issues such as asthma and heart disease.

Body Paragraph 2 (Solutions)

One solution is to improve public transport by making buses and trains more frequent and affordable. Another solution is encouraging carpooling among workers to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Governments can also introduce stricter regulations on vehicle emissions.

Conclusion:
In summary, private car overuse causes traffic and pollution, but better public transport and carpooling can help reduce these problems.

Band 6.5 Notes: Clear ideas with examples. Good linking words, though vocabulary is still simple Minor grammatical imperfections.

Band 7 Sample Answer

Introduction:
In many cities, the preference for private cars over public transport has led to traffic congestion and environmental problems. This essay will explore the main issues and suggest possible solutions.

Body Paragraph 1 (Problems)

The first problem is traffic congestion, which wastes time and increases stress for commuters. Furthermore, air pollution caused by car emissions contributes to serious health problems such as respiratory diseases and heart conditions.

Body Paragraph 2 (Solutions)

To address these issues, governments should invest in reliable and affordable public transport systems. Encouraging carpooling and using bicycles for short distances can also help. Moreover, stricter laws on vehicle emissions can reduce air pollution.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the overuse of private cars results in traffic jams and environmental damage. However, investment in public transport, carpooling, and regulations can effectively mitigate these problems.

Band 7 Notes: Well-organized essay with good coherence, linking words, and varied sentence structures. Vocabulary is appropriate and precise.

Band 7.5 Sample Answer

Introduction:
The growing preference for private cars has caused serious traffic congestion and environmental pollution in many urban areas. This essay will discuss the problems and propose feasible solutions.

Body Paragraph 1 (Problems)

Traffic congestion is one major consequence, leading to wasted time, increased stress, and reduced productivity. In addition, emissions from private vehicles pollute the air, contributing to respiratory illnesses and climate change.

Body Paragraph 2 (Solutions)

To tackle these problems, governments should improve the availability and reliability of public transport while making it affordable. Carpooling and cycling for short journeys should also be promoted. Implementing stricter emission standards for vehicles would further reduce environmental damage.

Conclusion:
In summary, private car overuse causes traffic and pollution, but these issues can be alleviated through better public transport, carpooling, cycling, and stricter emission regulations.

Band 7.5 Notes: Sophisticated vocabulary and clear logical flow. Minor improvements could be made in sentence variety and cohesion.

Band 8 Sample Answer

Introduction:
The increasing reliance on private cars has become a significant problem, leading to traffic congestion and environmental degradation. This essay will outline the main problems and suggest practical solutions.

Body Paragraph 1 (Problems)

Excessive use of private vehicles causes severe traffic congestion, wasting hours of commuters’ time and increasing stress. Furthermore, vehicle emissions contribute significantly to air pollution, resulting in health problems such as asthma, heart disease, and other respiratory conditions.

Body Paragraph 2 (Solutions)

To mitigate these issues, governments should invest in modern, efficient, and affordable public transport systems. Encouraging carpooling, promoting cycling, and introducing congestion charges in busy areas can also reduce traffic. Stricter vehicle emission standards would help protect the environment.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, overuse of private cars leads to traffic jams and environmental damage. However, with better public transport, alternative commuting options, and strict emission laws, these problems can be effectively addressed.

Band 8 Notes: Excellent cohesion, varied vocabulary, and clear development of ideas with examples. Minor improvements in complex sentence usage could push to 8.5.

Band 8.5 Sample Answer

Introduction:
The widespread use of private cars in urban areas has resulted in significant traffic congestion and environmental pollution. This essay will discuss the problems associated with this trend and propose effective solutions.

Body Paragraph 1 (Problems)

One of the major issues is traffic congestion, which not only wastes time but also elevates stress levels and reduces productivity. Additionally, emissions from vehicles contribute heavily to air pollution, causing respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and worsening global warming.

Body Paragraph 2 (Solutions)

To tackle these challenges, governments should expand and modernize public transport networks, ensuring affordability and reliability. Carpooling, cycling, and walking for short distances should be actively encouraged. Implementing congestion charges and strict emission regulations for private vehicles would further reduce environmental impact.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the excessive use of private cars has serious consequences for both traffic management and environmental health. Strategic investments in public transport, promotion of alternative commuting methods, and rigorous environmental regulations can effectively mitigate these problems.

Band 8.5 Notes: Highly developed ideas, precise vocabulary, excellent cohesion, and logical argumentation.

Band 9 Sample Answer

Introduction:
The preference for private cars over public transport has emerged as a critical issue in modern cities, leading to traffic congestion and environmental deterioration. This essay will examine the primary problems and propose comprehensive solutions.

Body Paragraph 1 (Problems)

The excessive reliance on private vehicles exacerbates traffic congestion, causing substantial delays, heightened stress levels, and reduced overall productivity. Simultaneously, car emissions contribute significantly to air pollution, increasing the prevalence of respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and accelerating climate change.

Body Paragraph 2 (Solutions)

Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach. Governments should invest in efficient, affordable, and accessible public transport networks to incentivize their use. Encouraging carpooling, cycling, and walking for short journeys can further decrease congestion. Additionally, policies such as congestion pricing, stricter emission standards, and promotion of electric vehicles would substantially reduce environmental harm.

Conclusion:
In summary, overuse of private cars imposes severe traffic and environmental challenges. However, a combination of robust public transport infrastructure, sustainable commuting practices, and stringent environmental policies can effectively alleviate these problems, leading to healthier, more efficient urban environments.

Band 9 Notes: Exemplary cohesion, precise and sophisticated vocabulary, highly developed arguments, complex sentence structures, and thorough ideas.