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IELTS problem and solution essay topics
A problem and solution question asks what the problems are and how to solve them. Match each problem with a solution that deals with it. Some questions ask for causes instead of problems.
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- TechnologyChildren's screen timeMany children now spend several hours a day on tablets and games consoles instead of playing outdoors or reading.
- EnvironmentDeforestationLarge areas of forest are being cut down every year around the world.
- HealthAgeing population pressuresIn many countries the proportion of elderly people is growing, which puts great pressure on healthcare systems.
- WorkYouth unemploymentIn many countries, young people find it hard to get their first job.
- CitiesUnaffordable city housingIn many large cities, housing has become so expensive that young people cannot afford to buy or rent their own homes.
- TransportRising air travelThe number of people travelling by plane is rising rapidly, causing serious harm to the environment.
- EducationShortage of qualified teachersIn many countries there is a shortage of qualified teachers, and many experienced teachers leave the profession early.
- TechnologyFake news on social mediaFake news and false information spread quickly online, and many people believe what they read on social media.
- EnvironmentElectronic wastePeople replace their phones, laptops and other electronic devices more and more often, creating huge amounts of electronic waste.
- HealthSugar and childhood obesityChildren today eat more sugary and processed foods than previous generations, and childhood obesity is increasing.
- WorkAutomation and job lossesIncreasing automation in factories and offices means that many people are losing their jobs.
- TransportYoung drivers and accidentsYoung drivers are involved in a high proportion of road accidents.
- EconomyRising cost of livingThe cost of living is rising in many countries, with food, rent and energy prices increasing faster than wages.
- CitiesNoise and light pollutionNoise and light pollution are becoming serious problems for people living in large cities.
- TechnologyAlways-on technology stressModern technology such as email and smartphones means that many people feel they must be available at all times, which causes stress.
- ScienceFewer science studentsIn many countries, fewer young people are choosing to study science and engineering at university.
- EconomyFast fashion and clothes wastePeople buy more clothes than ever before and throw them away after a few wears, creating enormous waste.
- HealthOverworked doctors and nursesIn many hospitals, doctors and nurses are overworked, and patients often have to wait a long time for treatment.
- EnvironmentFloods, wildfires and stormsFloods, wildfires and storms are becoming more frequent and destructive in many parts of the world.
- TechnologyChildren's internet safetyMany children have unrestricted access to the internet and may see harmful content or contact strangers.
- TechnologyCyber attacksCyber attacks on banks, hospitals and government websites are becoming more frequent.
- EconomyYoung adults and debtMany young adults borrow heavily with credit cards and loans and struggle to repay their debts.
- EconomyBrain drain and the economyMany highly educated young people leave their home country to work abroad, which harms the national economy.
- SciencePublic ignorance of scienceMany people do not understand basic science and trust rumours rather than expert advice.
- TransportTraffic congestion costsTraffic congestion in major cities wastes time and money and increases pollution.
- EnvironmentOverfishingThe world's fish stocks are falling because of overfishing and pollution.
- EnvironmentClean drinking water shortageMany parts of the world suffer from shortages of clean drinking water.
- TechnologyInternet addictionMore and more adults and teenagers spend most of their free time online and find it hard to stop.
- ScienceIgnoring scientific warningsMany people ignore scientific warnings about climate change and other long-term risks.
- SocietyCauses of rising inequalityIn many countries the gap between the richest and the poorest people is getting wider.
- SocietyRural depopulationIn many countries, young people are leaving villages and small towns to live in big cities, leaving rural areas with fewer people.
- SocietyNo time for leisureMany people today feel that they have no free time for rest or hobbies, even though technology was meant to make life easier.
- FamilyParents working long hoursMany parents work such long hours that they spend little time with their children.
- FamilyFamilies not eating togetherIn many homes, family members rarely eat meals together.
- FamilyFamily time lost to phonesParents and children today often spend time together but each is using a phone or tablet, so real conversation is rare.
- CrimeOnline fraud and cybercrimeOnline fraud and cybercrime are increasing rapidly in many countries.
- CrimeNot reporting crimesIn many communities, people are reluctant to report crimes they have witnessed to the police.
- GovernmentTraffic jams in big citiesTraffic congestion is a serious problem in many large cities.
- GovernmentHousing costs for young peopleIn many cities, housing is so expensive that young people cannot afford to buy or rent a home.
- MediaOversharing on social mediaMany people share a great deal of personal information on social media, which can put them at risk.
- MediaShort videos and attentionShort videos on social media are very popular, but many people say they make it harder to concentrate on longer tasks.
- CultureDisappearing traditionsIn many countries, traditional customs and festivals are becoming less important to young people.
- CultureTourists and historic sitesHistoric buildings and cultural sites are being damaged by the large numbers of visitors they receive.
- CultureDisappearing craftsTraditional crafts such as weaving and pottery are disappearing as fewer young people learn them.
- GlobalisationChain stores vs local shopsInternational brands and chain stores are replacing small local shops in many towns.
- GlobalisationSkilled workers leaving homeMany highly educated professionals leave their home countries to work abroad, which is a problem for the countries they leave.
- SportPressure on children to winMany children are put under heavy pressure to win in sports by their parents and coaches.
- FoodFast food and obesityObesity is becoming more common in many countries, partly because people eat large amounts of fast food and processed products.
- FoodFood wasteHuge amounts of food are thrown away every day by shops, restaurants and households.
- FoodYoung people avoiding farmingFewer and fewer young people want to work as farmers, which may cause food shortages in the future.
- LanguageMinority languages dying outMany minority languages are disappearing, and some experts say that one language dies every few weeks.
- LanguageCutting rare language coursesSome universities are closing departments that teach less common foreign languages because few students enrol.
- TourismTourism damaging naturePopular natural attractions such as beaches, mountains and national parks are suffering damage because of tourism.
- TourismHoliday flights and pollutionAir travel for holidays is increasing, and it is a major cause of pollution.
- TourismPeak season overcrowdingIn popular destinations, tourists come in huge numbers during a short season, causing crowding and high prices.
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