Examiner approved and written by Geoffrey. I have over 25 years of IELTS experience, this essay shows exactly what examiners look for in a Band 7+ response.”
If you’re preparing for the IELTS Writing Task 2 exam, mastering the problem–solution essay format is essential. This page provides a Band 7+ sample essay on traffic congestion — a common IELTS topic — along with a full vocabulary list, useful sentence structures, and tips to help you write clear, high-scoring responses.
Whether you’re aiming for Band 7 or higher, this example shows you how to:
- Write a strong thesis using “because” to show cause
- Avoid weak phrases like “some people think”
- Use high-impact vocabulary relevant to urban transport and infrastructure
- Structure your essay with clear problem and solution paragraphs
Let’s look at the full essay and breakdown below.
Topic:
Many cities today are facing serious traffic congestion problems.
What are the main causes of this problem? What solutions can you suggest?
Band 7+ Sample Essay (With SEO-Optimized Keywords)
Traffic congestion is a growing issue in urban areas, negatively affecting daily life, productivity, and the environment. This challenge exists because many cities lack efficient public transport systems and have prioritized private car use over sustainable planning. However, multiple high-impact solutions can help reduce this issue.
A key cause of urban traffic congestion is the overdependence on private vehicles. In cities without affordable, punctual, and extensive public transport options, residents often rely on cars, increasing the number of vehicles on the road. In addition, poor city planning has resulted in long commutes, with residential, commercial, and educational areas being far apart. This leads to traffic gridlock, especially during rush hour.
To solve these problems, city governments must upgrade public transportation infrastructure. Fast, reliable, and comfortable services such as subways, buses, and trams can offer realistic alternatives to driving. Cities can also implement congestion pricing, as seen in London and Singapore, which charges drivers for entering high-traffic zones. Finally, promoting flexible working hours or remote work can reduce peak-hour traffic.
In conclusion, traffic congestion is caused by inadequate public transport and poorly designed urban systems, but through smart investments in infrastructure and behavioral policy changes, cities can become more mobile, efficient, and environmentally sustainable.
IELTS Task 2 Vocabulary – Urban Transport & Solutions:
| Word / Phrase | Meaning & Use Case Example |
|---|---|
| Traffic gridlock | A situation where traffic cannot move at all. Gridlock is common in developing megacities. |
| Overdependence | Relying too much on something. Many cities show overdependence on private vehicles. |
| Congestion pricing | A fee charged to enter busy zones. Congestion pricing discourages non-essential driving. |
| Punctual | On time. Punctual buses improve trust in public transport systems. |
| Infrastructure | Basic physical systems (e.g., roads, subways). Investing in infrastructure is vital. |
| Flexible working hours | Adjusted work times to reduce peak traffic. Flexitime helps spread out travel demand. |
| Urban sprawl | City growth without planning. Urban sprawl increases commuting distances. |
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This Band 7+ IELTS Writing Task 2 Problem–Solution essay covers traffic congestion in urban areas, featuring exam-ready vocabulary, real examples, and a clear thesis using “because” to show cause. If you’re looking to improve your IELTS essay writing and learn how to structure high-scoring Task 2 responses, this page is for you.
Explore more:
- [IELTS Band 7 Sample Essays with Vocabulary]
- [IELTS Writing Task 2: Agree or Disagree Format]
- [How to Use Cause & Solution Structures in IELTS]
Want to go deeper?
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“IELTS Power Writing: 10 High-Impact Openings for Task 2 Essays”
Includes:
- Model openings for 4 essay types
- Vocabulary breakdowns
- Band 6 to 7 upgrades
“Most students make one small mistake that holds their Band 6.5 essay back. You’ll see how to fix it in the sample below.”
“By the end of this page, you’ll know how to write a clear thesis, structure your ideas, and upgrade your vocabulary — all using this one topic.”
Problem–Solution IELTS Writing Task 2 with Vocabulary (Band 7+ Sample)
Topic:
In many cities, housing shortages are becoming a serious issue.
What are the causes of this problem? What can be done to solve it?
If you’re preparing for the IELTS Writing Task 2 exam, mastering the problem–solution essay structure is essential. This page provides a full Band 7+ sample IELTS essay on housing shortages, including high-scoring vocabulary, a clear thesis, and actionable ideas for improvement.
Sample Band 7+ Problem–Solution Essay
The shortage of affordable housing in urban areas has become a growing concern in recent years. I believe this problem exists because rapid urbanization has outpaced infrastructure development and property prices are inflated by speculative investment. However, several practical steps can be taken to address this issue.
One major cause is the rapid migration of people into cities in search of better employment opportunities. This has led to increased demand for housing, while supply remains limited due to slow construction rates and bureaucratic zoning laws. Another contributing factor is the role of property investors who purchase multiple units, not to live in, but to profit from rising prices. This drives up costs and leaves many residents unable to afford basic housing.
To solve this issue, governments should implement strict regulations to prevent real estate speculation and prioritize building low-cost housing units. For instance, imposing taxes on vacant properties or limiting the number of homes an individual can own would discourage hoarding. Additionally, streamlining the building permit process would speed up construction and make housing more accessible to average citizens.
In conclusion, housing shortages are caused by both population growth and speculative investment, but targeted policy reforms and infrastructure planning can help create more equitable urban living conditions.
IELTS Vocabulary for Housing & Urban Development
| Word / Phrase | Meaning / Use Example |
|---|---|
| Affordable housing | Housing that is reasonably priced for average incomes. |
| Urbanization | Growth of cities due to population movement. |
| Speculative investment | Buying property to make profit, not for personal use. |
| Zoning laws | Legal regulations that determine land use. |
| Real estate hoarding | Owning multiple properties for profit, limiting supply. |
| Infrastructure planning | Coordinated development of roads, housing, utilities. |
Keep Improving Your IELTS Writing:
Explore more Band 7+ essay samples and writing tools to help you prepare with confidence:
- ✍️ [Opinion Essay Samples – Band 7+]
- 🧠 [How to Write a Strong Thesis in IELTS Task 2]
- 🧱 [IELTS Vocabulary Lists by Topic]
- 🔍 [IELTS Band Descriptors Explained]
- 📘 [IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Types Overview]
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This page is part of our comprehensive IELTS Power Writing series — built by a teacher with 25 years of exam prep experience. Everything is designed to help you write clear, confident, Band 7+ essays using real strategies that examiners respect.
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