W34: Advantages/disadvantages and problem/solution essays

These two essay types are common and fairly predictable. One asks you to weigh up good and bad points. The other asks you to explain a problem and suggest solutions. Both have small traps in the wording that change what you must write. Read the instruction carefully, then use the right structure.

Why this matters

In advantages/disadvantages essays, many students forget to say which side is stronger when the question asks for it. In problem/solution essays, many students give solutions that don't match the problems they described. Both mistakes cost Task Response marks.

Part 1: Advantages and disadvantages

Watch the exact wording:

Structure for "outweigh":

• Introduction: paraphrase; say which side is stronger.
• Body 1: the weaker side.
• Body 2: the stronger side.
• Conclusion: restate your judgement.

See W29 for a full plan on studying abroad using this structure.

Part 2: Problem (or cause) and solution

Structure:

• Introduction: paraphrase; mention the main problem(s) and solution(s).
• Body 1: problems or causes, explained.
• Body 2: solutions that match the problems in Body 1.
• Conclusion: summary.

The key rule: each solution should answer a problem you described. If Body 1 talks about cars, Body 2 shouldn't suddenly talk about education.

The question

"Traffic congestion is a growing problem in many large cities. What are the main causes, and what measures could be taken to reduce it?"

Model essay (about 285 words)

Traffic congestion has become a serious daily problem in many major cities. The main causes are rapid population growth and a heavy reliance on private vehicles, but these can be addressed through better public transport and smarter urban planning.

One major cause is the speed at which cities are growing. In cities such as Dhaka, millions of people have moved from rural areas in search of work, but road networks have not expanded at the same pace. A second cause is the increasing use of private cars and motorbikes. As incomes rise, more families buy their own vehicles, partly because public transport is often crowded, unreliable or unsafe. The result is far more vehicles competing for the same limited road space.

To tackle these problems, the most effective step would be to invest in fast, reliable public transport. Metro lines and dedicated bus lanes can move large numbers of people without adding to road traffic, and if they are comfortable and safe, many drivers will choose them. In addition, cities could reduce the need for long journeys by planning neighbourhoods where homes, schools and workplaces are closer together. Measures such as staggered office and school hours could also spread traffic more evenly throughout the day.

In conclusion, congestion is largely caused by fast urban growth and the popularity of private vehicles. Governments can reduce it by providing attractive public transport and by planning cities that require fewer long journeys.

Why this essay works

• Causes and solutions match: too many people for the roads leads to public transport; car dependence leads to better alternatives; long journeys lead to smarter planning.
• Each cause and solution is explained, not just listed.
• A realistic local example (Dhaka) without invented statistics.

Try it yourself

For the problem "Many young people are spending too much time on social media", write two causes and two matching solutions in note form.

Sample answer: Causes: apps designed to be addictive; lack of other activities. Solutions: screen-time limits and digital education in schools; more sports clubs and youth centres.

Honest note

You don't need perfect, expert solutions. The examiner judges how clearly you explain and support them, not whether a government would really adopt them.

Your task today

Write a full problem/solution essay on this question in 40 minutes: "Many people in cities feel lonely. What are the causes, and what can be done?"