Problem-Solution — causal chains + specific solutions

Question format

"What are the problems caused by X? What solutions can be proposed?" "Why is X happening? How can it be addressed?"

Điểm khó: tránh generic problems/solutions. Band 8 đưa specific, evidence-based.

Structure 4-paragraph

Intro (40-50 từ)

• Sentence 1: Paraphrase issue + acknowledge significance
• Sentence 2: Preview — "This essay examines [main problems] and proposes [type of solutions]"

Body 1: Problems (90-100 từ)

• Topic sentence: name 1-2 key problems
• Develop EACH problem with:
• Cause (why it happens)
• Consequence (immediate effect)
• Wider impact (long-term/systemic)
• Example: real situation illustrating problem

Body 2: Solutions (90-100 từ)

• Topic sentence: introduce 1-2 solutions
• Develop EACH solution with:
• Mechanism (how it works)
• Stakeholders (who implements)
• Outcome (what it solves)
• Address feasibility briefly

Conclusion (40-50 từ)

• Restate problem severity
• Reaffirm solutions can address it

Causal chain example (problem)

"Rapid urbanization is overwhelming developing cities' infrastructure. As rural populations migrate seeking economic opportunity, demand for housing, transport, and sanitation outpaces government capacity to deliver. This creates informal settlements lacking basic services, where residents face health risks from poor sanitation and economic marginalization from limited transit access. The cumulative effect is widening inequality, as urban poor become trapped in cycles of poverty even as cities grow richer overall."

Chain: migration → infrastructure overload → informal settlements → health + economic risks → inequality.

Specific solutions (not generic)

Generic (band 6.5)

• "The government should invest more."
• "People should be more responsible."
• "Education is the solution."