Problems and Solutions

In IELTS essay questions, you often need to describe problems and to suggest solutions. The following vocabulary will help you to do this.

Synonyms for ‘Problem’

Issue 

This is a problem that people are talking and thinking about. 

Racism is one of the biggest issues in America. 

Concern

This means a worry shared by many people.

Global warming is a serious concern for the whole world.

Difficulty 

This is to point out one aspect (part) of a problem.

One of the biggest difficulties with solving global warming is regulating transport.

Describing Problems

Big problems = Significant / Serious

The high rate of young unemployment in my country is a significant/serious problem. 

Small Problems = Minor

Some argue that the rate of unemployment is a minor issue.

Urgent Problems (need to solved quickly) = Pressing

Climate change is a pressing issue that needs to be dealt with urgently.

Complicated Problems = Complex

Abortion is a complex issue and there are no easy solutions.

Solving Problems

You normally ‘find’ or ‘come up with’ a solution

It is crucial that we come up with/find a solution to the housing crisis.

Resolve – this a synonym of solve

It is crucial that we resolve the issue of childhood obesity / The problem of childhood obesity needs to be resolved. 

The best way of resolving the problem of youth unemployment is for the government to create jobs.

Deal with / address

It is important that we deal with/address the problem of income inequality between the rich and poor.

Ø Look at these example sentences.

How to combine work and having children is an issue facing many women.

In my opinion, overpopulation is a pressing problem that needs to be dealt with urgently.

Abortion is a complex issue and there are no easy solutions to it.

The Chinese government needs to deal with the problem of overpopulation.

I tend to believe that unemployment in Britain is only a minor problem.

It is generally accepted that alcoholism is a very serious problem that affects all of society.

The best way of resolving the problem of teenage pregnancies would be to increase the level of education in schools. 

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