Write About Problems, Causes and Solutions

The key idea

I can organise a problem-solution text by explaining the problem, its causes, its effects, realistic solutions, and expected results.

What is it for?

Learn to explain a problem, show its causes and effects, and suggest practical solutions.

What you need to know

Describe one clear problem and explain why it matters.
Identify the main causes instead of listing unrelated details.
Show what happens because of the problem.
Suggest realistic solutions and say who should act.
Explain what the solutions could achieve.

1. Put the ideas in a clear order

A problem-solution text follows a clear order. Each part prepares the reader for the next one. Start with the problem, then explain its causes and effects. Next, present solutions and their expected results.

Problem: name the main difficulty.
Causes: explain why it happens.
Effects: describe what happens because of it.
Solutions: suggest actions that people can take.
Result: explain what these actions could change.

Late buses are a serious problem for workers.

Introduce one clear problem.

The main causes are heavy traffic and too few buses.

Identify the reasons.

Consequently, some workers arrive late.

Show the result of the problem.

2. Explain causes and effects

Causes explain why something happens. Effects explain what happens next. Choose a linking phrase that shows the correct relationship.

Use because of or due to before a noun phrase.
Use because before a full clause.
Use leads to or results in to show an effect.
Use as a result or consequently to introduce a result.
Use so that to explain the purpose of an action.

Delays occur because of heavy traffic.

Because of introduces a cause.

Heavy traffic leads to longer journeys.

Leads to introduces an effect.

The council could change bus times so that workers arrive earlier.

So that explains the purpose.

3. Suggest realistic solutions

A useful solution explains what someone can do. It should address a cause of the problem. Name the person or group responsible when possible.

Use One solution would be to + base verb.
Use This could be solved by + verb-ing.
Use It would help if + past simple for a possible change.
Use should for advice and could for possible actions.
Use might when the result is possible but uncertain.

One solution would be to add two morning buses.

Name a specific action.

This could be solved by changing the timetable.

After by, use a verb ending in -ing.

It would help if the council added another bus.

Suggest a possible change politely.

4. Connect each solution to a result

A solution is stronger when you explain its likely result. Do not promise success without a clear reason. Use could or might when the outcome is uncertain.

Explain how the action addresses a cause.
Use as a result to connect the action and its outcome.
Use could to describe a possible improvement.
Use might when the result is less certain.
End with the main improvement you expect.

Adding morning buses could reduce delays.

Connect an action with a possible effect.

As a result, workers might reach their jobs on time.

Explain the expected improvement.

What matters most is making the service more reliable.

A cleft sentence can highlight the main goal.

How to do it, step by step

Introduce the problem and explain why it matters.
Describe the main causes using clear evidence or examples.
Explain the effects on people and daily life.
Suggest practical solutions and name who should act.
Finish by explaining the expected results.

Formulas and key language

Use it for	Example	Another example
The main problem is + noun phrase.	The main problem is the lack of quiet public spaces.	The main problem is the unreliable bus service.
This happens because + clause.	This happens because drivers use the same busy road.	This happens because rubbish is collected too late.
Because of / Due to + noun phrase, + clause.	Because of roadworks, traffic moves slowly.	Due to late collections, rubbish stays outside overnight.
This leads to / results in + noun phrase.	The delay leads to missed appointments.	Poor lighting results in unsafe streets.
As a result, + clause.	As a result, workers lose valuable time.	As a result, residents cannot sleep properly.
One solution would be to + base verb.	One solution would be to collect rubbish earlier.	One solution would be to add more bus services.
This could be solved by + verb-ing.	This could be solved by changing the collection schedule.	This could be solved by building a safer crossing.
It would help if + subject + past simple.	It would help if the council planted more trees.	It would help if shops closed their delivery areas earlier.
The change could / might lead to + noun phrase.	The change could lead to shorter waiting times.	The change might lead to cleaner streets.

UK / US: Some words differ between British and American English. For example, British English uses rubbish, while American English often uses trash. Choose one variety and use it consistently.

Level up: Replace basic words (good, very, nice) with stronger ones. See our A2 to B2 upgrades page.

Model text

Reducing Noise in Residential Areas

Problem

Noise has become a serious problem in some residential areas. Residents often hear loud music, traffic, and delivery vehicles late at night. This makes it difficult to rest before work or school.

The opening names the problem and explains why it matters.

Causes

The main causes are busy roads, late deliveries, and poorly managed building work. Some drivers use their horns unnecessarily, while certain shops receive goods after midnight. These activities create noise when residents need quiet.

This part identifies clear causes and gives everyday examples.

Effects

As a result, some residents lose sleep and struggle to concentrate the next day. Noise can also create arguments between neighbours. Consequently, the whole area may become less comfortable to live in.

Linking phrases show how noise affects daily life.

Solutions

One solution would be to limit deliveries during late hours. The local council could also set clear rules for building work. Furthermore, shop owners should remind drivers to avoid unnecessary horn use. These actions would address several causes directly.

Each solution names a practical action and a responsible group.

Expected results

If these changes were introduced, residents could enjoy quieter evenings. Better sleep might improve their concentration at work and school. What matters most is cooperation between residents, businesses, and the council.

The ending explains possible results and highlights shared responsibility.

Common mistakes

✗ The noise leads to people cannot sleep.

✓ The noise leads to people being unable to sleep.

Use a noun phrase or an -ing form after leads to.

✗ Due to the road is busy, traffic moves slowly.

✓ Because the road is busy, traffic moves slowly.

Use because before a full clause.

✗ This could be solved by add more buses.

✓ This could be solved by adding more buses.

Use a verb ending in -ing after by.

✗ As a result of, residents lose sleep.

✓ As a result, residents lose sleep.

Use as a result before a full clause without of.

✗ One solution would be adding more buses to reduce delays.

✓ One solution would be to add more buses to reduce delays.

Use to plus the base verb after this solution formula.

✗ The new rules might reduces noise.

✓ The new rules might reduce noise.

Use the base verb after might.

Plan it, then check it

Plan

Name one problem and explain why it matters.
Write down two causes and two effects.
Choose two realistic solutions and name who can act.
Predict the results of each solution.

Check

Put your ideas in the correct order.
Check that each cause explains the problem.
Check that each solution addresses a cause.
Use linking phrases to connect causes and effects.
End with a realistic result, not an unsupported promise.

Practice

EXERCISE:

Choose the best phrase

Choose the phrase that completes each sentence correctly.

1.Many residents cannot sleep because ___ loud music at night.

Use because of before a noun phrase.

2.The broken streetlights ___ safety problems after dark.

Lead to connects a cause with its effect.

3.The council could collect rubbish earlier. ___, fewer bags would remain outside overnight.

As a result introduces the effect of an action.

4.Which sentence offers the most specific solution?

A specific solution names a clear action.

5.Late deliveries ___ noise for nearby residents.

Result in introduces the effect of late deliveries.

6.Which sentence uses a suitable solution formula?

Use could be solved by followed by an -ing form.

Now write

Your task

Write a problem-solution text about noise in a city. Use this fictional situation: In Greenford, buses run all night, shops receive late deliveries, and some neighbours play loud music. Residents complain because they cannot sleep. The city council has a small budget. Suggest realistic actions for the council, shop owners, and residents. Explain the causes, effects, solutions, and expected results. Use linking phrases to connect your ideas. Finish by stating the most important expected improvement.

Target: 130-170 words

Word bank

residential arealate-night noiseheavy trafficloud musicsleep problemsmain causeas a resultbecause ofleads toone solution would be tocould be solved bylocal councilset clear rulesquieter eveningsexpected result

Sentence starters

The main problem in Greenford is ...
One important cause is ...
As a result, residents ...
One solution would be to ...
This could be solved by ...
If these changes were introduced, ...

Use made-up places and details. Do not share private information.

Instant feedback on your own text is part of Premium.

Check your writing

Have I explained the main problem clearly?
Have I identified the main causes and effects?
Have I used linking phrases correctly?
Have I suggested realistic solutions and named who should act?
Have I explained the expected results of my solutions?

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