Sample essay: problem and solution

A sample answer written by us to a two-part "problems and solutions" question, with comments. We do not give it a band: only certificated IELTS examiners award bands.

The question

Many young people today spend several hours a day on their phones. What problems does this cause, and how can they be solved?

Sample answer

Mobile phones have become part of daily life, and many teenagers now look at a screen for several hours every day. This habit causes problems for their health, their studies and their relationships, but there are practical steps that families and schools can take.

The first problem is physical. Long hours on a phone mean less sleep and less exercise, and many young people complain of tired eyes and neck pain. The second is the effect on learning. A student who checks messages every few minutes cannot concentrate on a book, so homework takes longer and is done badly. Finally, time spent online is time taken from family and friends. It is common to see a group of young people sitting together, each looking at a separate screen.

These problems can be reduced if adults set clear limits. Parents could agree on simple rules, such as no phones at meals and none in the bedroom at night, and should follow the rules themselves. Schools can help by teaching pupils how these apps are designed to hold attention, so that they understand why it is hard to stop.

It is also important to offer something better. Young people need sports, clubs and safe places to meet. When a teenager has a football match or a music class to go to, the phone becomes less interesting. Local councils and schools should therefore invest in such activities.

In conclusion, heavy phone use harms the health, education and social life of young people. Sensible rules at home, guidance at school and attractive alternatives can together bring it under control.

About 265 words.

Comments

Task response. The question has two parts and the essay gives each two paragraphs' worth of attention: three problems, then two kinds of solution. The solutions answer the problems named; they are specific, not "the government should do something".
Coherence and cohesion. "The first problem", "The second", "Finally" organise paragraph 2. "These problems" at the start of paragraph 3 links solutions back to problems. "It is also important" adds the second solution.
Lexical resource. Everyday but exact words: concentrate, set clear limits, hold attention, invest in. No slang.
Grammatical range and accuracy. Conditionals ("can be reduced if adults set ..."), passive ("is done badly", "are designed"), relative clauses and time clauses ("When a teenager has ...").

Notes on this type

Match each solution to a problem you named. Solutions to problems you did not mention look unplanned.
Say who should act: parents, schools, employers, local councils, national government.
Two developed solutions are better than five in a list.

Try it yourself

Questions 9, 11 and 12 on the practice questions page are of the same type.

Academic Task 1: describing data All writing pages

Independent practice site. IELTS Practice is not connected with, approved by or endorsed by the British Council, IDP IELTS or Cambridge University Press & Assessment, who jointly own IELTS. The practice tasks and sample answers here are our own; they are not official test questions, and we do not award bands. Facts about the test were read on ielts.org on 12 November 2026. For registration, fees, dates and official sample tests, go to ielts.org.