Simple PTE Essay Template (Problem-Solution Essays)

This template is designed for prompts that explicitly ask you to discuss a problem and suggest solutions.

Paragraph 1: Introduction

• Sentence 1: Introduce the Problem: Start by broadly introducing the problem you will be discussing. Establish its relevance and significance.
• Sentence 2: Briefly Explain the Problem: Give a concise overview of the problem and its impact.
• Sentence 3: State Essay Purpose (Problem and Solutions): Clearly state that the essay will discuss this problem and propose potential solutions. This acts as your thesis statement and roadmap.

Paragraph 2: Problem Explanation (Body Paragraph 1)

• Sentence 1: Topic Sentence – Define/Focus the Problem: Clearly state the specific problem you are focusing on in this paragraph.
• Sentence 2 & 3: Explain the Causes of the Problem: Discuss the main reasons or factors that contribute to this problem. Elaborate on the underlying causes.
• Sentence 3 (or Sentence 4): Explain the Effects/Consequences of the Problem: Detail the negative impacts or consequences of this problem. What are the adverse effects on individuals, society, or the environment?

Paragraph 3: Solution 1 and Solution 2 (Body Paragraph 2)

• Sentence 1: Topic Sentence – Introduce Solutions: Transition to solutions and state that you will now propose potential ways to address the problem.
• Sentence 2: Propose Solution 1: Clearly state your first solution to the problem.
• Sentence 3: Explain How Solution 1 Works/Its Benefits: Explain how this solution would work and what positive outcomes it would bring. Why is it a good solution?
• Sentence 4: Propose Solution 2: Clearly state your second solution to the problem.
• Sentence 5: Explain How Solution 2 Works/Its Benefits: Explain how this second solution would work and its potential positive impacts. Why is it also a good solution? (Ideally, solutions should be distinct and address different aspects of the problem or use different approaches.)

Paragraph 4: Conclusion

• Sentence 1: Summarize the Problem and Solutions (Briefly): Briefly recap the problem you discussed and the solutions you have proposed.
• Sentence 2: Concluding Thought/Call to Action (Optional but Effective): Offer a final thought that emphasizes the importance of addressing the problem and implementing solutions. You can express optimism, call for collaborative effort, or highlight the potential benefits of solving the problem.

Why this template is effective for Problem-Solution PTE essays:

• Clear Problem Identification: Directly addresses the prompt by focusing on a specific problem.
• Logical Structure: Provides a natural and easy-to-follow flow from problem to solutions.
• Addresses all Prompt Requirements: Explicitly covers problem explanation and solution proposals.
• Action-Oriented: Encourages you to think practically about solutions and their benefits.
• PTE Time-Efficient: Simple, structured, and allows you to organize your thoughts effectively under timed conditions.

Sample Answer using the Template: Problem – Traffic Congestion in Cities

Essay Question (Implied Problem-Solution): Traffic congestion is a major problem in many cities around the world today. What are the causes of traffic congestion and what measures can be taken to solve this issue?

Sample Answer:

Paragraph 1: Introduction

• Sentence 1 (Introduce Problem): Traffic congestion has become a pervasive and increasingly detrimental issue plaguing urban centers globally.
• Sentence 2 (Briefly Explain Problem): This issue not only leads to frustrating delays for commuters but also incurs significant economic and environmental costs for cities and their inhabitants.
• Sentence 3 (State Essay Purpose): This essay will explore the primary causes of urban traffic congestion and propose practical measures that can be implemented to alleviate this pressing problem.

Paragraph 2: Problem Explanation – Causes of Traffic Congestion

• Sentence 1 (Topic Sentence – Define/Focus Problem): One of the primary causes of traffic congestion is the sheer volume of vehicles on the roads, particularly during peak hours.
• Sentence 2 (Explain Cause 1 – Increased Car Ownership): The rapid increase in private car ownership in many cities, fueled by rising incomes and a preference for personal transportation, has led to roads being overloaded beyond their capacity.
• Sentence 3 (Explain Cause 2 – Inadequate Public Transport): Compounding this issue is often the inadequacy or inefficiency of public transportation systems in many urban areas. When public transport is unreliable, inconvenient, or overcrowded, more people are inclined to rely on private vehicles, further exacerbating congestion.
• Sentence 4 (Explain Effect – Time Waste, Pollution): This heavy traffic flow results in wasted time for individuals stuck in jams, increased fuel consumption, higher levels of air pollution, and reduced overall urban productivity.

Paragraph 3: Solutions to Traffic Congestion

• Sentence 1 (Topic Sentence – Introduce Solutions): Fortunately, there are several effective measures that cities can adopt to mitigate traffic congestion and create more efficient transportation systems.
• Sentence 2 (Propose Solution 1 – Improve Public Transport): Firstly, investing heavily in and improving public transportation is crucial.
• Sentence 3 (Explain Solution 1 – Benefits): Developing comprehensive, reliable, and affordable public transport networks, including trains, buses, and trams, can encourage more people to opt for public transport over private cars, thereby reducing the number of vehicles on the roads.
• Sentence 4 (Propose Solution 2 – Implement Congestion Charging): Secondly, implementing congestion charging schemes in city centers can be highly effective.
• Sentence 5 (Explain Solution 2 – Benefits): Congestion charges, which levy a fee on vehicles entering congested zones during peak times, can disincentivize unnecessary car use, encourage carpooling or public transport use, and generate revenue that can be reinvested in improving transportation infrastructure.

Paragraph 4: Conclusion

• Sentence 1 (Summarize Problem and Solutions): In conclusion, traffic congestion in cities is primarily caused by increased car ownership and inadequate public transport, leading to wasted time and environmental harm. However, this problem can be effectively addressed through solutions such as investing in public transport and implementing congestion charging.
• Sentence 2 (Concluding Thought/Call to Action): By proactively implementing these strategies, urban areas can create more sustainable, efficient, and livable transportation systems, benefiting both the economy and the well-being of their citizens.

Explanation of the Sample Answer with the Template

Let’s see how each part of the sample answer maps to our Problem-Solution template:

Paragraph 1: Introduction – Explained

• “Traffic congestion has become a pervasive and increasingly detrimental issue plaguing urban centers globally.” – Introduce Problem: This sentence broadly introduces the problem of traffic congestion and its global relevance.
• “This issue not only leads to frustrating delays for commuters but also incurs significant economic and environmental costs for cities and their inhabitants.” – Briefly Explain the Problem: This sentence briefly explains the negative impact of traffic congestion – delays and economic/environmental costs.
• “This essay will explore the primary causes of urban traffic congestion and propose practical measures that can be implemented to alleviate this pressing problem.” – State Essay Purpose: Clearly states the essay’s purpose: to discuss causes and propose solutions for traffic congestion. This is the thesis statement.

Paragraph 2: Problem Explanation – Causes of Traffic Congestion – Explained

• “One of the primary causes of traffic congestion is the sheer volume of vehicles on the roads, particularly during peak hours.” – Topic Sentence – Define/Focus Problem: Clearly identifies the core problem: vehicle volume, especially during peak hours.
• “The rapid increase in private car ownership in many cities, fueled by rising incomes and a preference for personal transportation, has led to roads being overloaded beyond their capacity.” – Explain Cause 1 – Increased Car Ownership: Explains the cause – rising car ownership driven by income and preference for personal cars, leading to overloaded roads.
• “Compounding this issue is often the inadequacy or inefficiency of public transportation systems in many urban areas. When public transport is unreliable, inconvenient, or overcrowded, more people are inclined to rely on private vehicles, further exacerbating congestion.” – Explain Cause 2 – Inadequate Public Transport: Explains a second cause – inadequate public transport – and how it pushes people to use private vehicles, worsening congestion.
• “This heavy traffic flow results in wasted time for individuals stuck in jams, increased fuel consumption, higher levels of air pollution, and reduced overall urban productivity.” – Explain Effect – Time Waste, Pollution: Explains the effects of congestion – wasted time, fuel consumption, pollution, reduced productivity.

Paragraph 3: Solutions to Traffic Congestion – Explained

• “Fortunately, there are several effective measures that cities can adopt to mitigate traffic congestion and create more efficient transportation systems.” – Topic Sentence – Introduce Solutions: Transitions to solutions using “Fortunately” and states the intention to propose effective measures.
• “Firstly, investing heavily in and improving public transportation is crucial.” – Propose Solution 1 – Improve Public Transport: Clearly states the first solution: improve public transport. Uses “Firstly” to indicate the first solution.
• “Developing comprehensive, reliable, and affordable public transport networks, including trains, buses, and trams, can encourage more people to opt for public transport over private cars, thereby reducing the number of vehicles on the roads.” – Explain Solution 1 – Benefits: Explains how this solution works – by making public transport attractive, people will switch from private cars, reducing road vehicles.
• “Secondly, implementing congestion charging schemes in city centers can be highly effective.” – Propose Solution 2 – Implement Congestion Charging: Clearly states the second solution: congestion charging. Uses “Secondly” for the second solution.
• “Congestion charges, which levy a fee on vehicles entering congested zones during peak times, can disincentivize unnecessary car use, encourage carpooling or public transport use, and generate revenue that can be reinvested in improving transportation infrastructure.” – Explain Solution 2 – Benefits: Explains how this solution works – by disincentivizing car use through fees, encouraging alternatives, and generating revenue for infrastructure improvement.

Paragraph 4: Conclusion – Explained

• “In conclusion, traffic congestion in cities is primarily caused by increased car ownership and inadequate public transport, leading to wasted time and environmental harm. However, this problem can be effectively addressed through solutions such as investing in public transport and implementing congestion charging.” – Summarize Problem and Solutions: Concise summary of both the main causes of the problem (car ownership, public transport) and the proposed solutions (public transport investment, congestion charging).
• “By proactively implementing these strategies, urban areas can create more sustainable, efficient, and livable transportation systems, benefiting both the economy and the well-being of their citizens.” – Concluding Thought/Call to Action: Offers a positive concluding thought emphasizing the benefits of implementing solutions – sustainable, efficient, and livable cities, benefiting economy and well-being. It encourages proactive implementation.

In summary, the sample answer effectively uses the Problem-Solution template by:

• Clearly identifying and explaining the problem of traffic congestion.
• Providing distinct causes and effects of the problem.
• Proposing two different and practical solutions.
• Explaining how each solution would work and its benefits.
• Concluding with a summary and a positive, action-oriented thought.
• Maintaining a formal and objective tone throughout, suitable for a PTE essay.

This template and sample answer will provide you with a strong structure for tackling Problem-Solution PTE essay questions. Remember to practice applying this template to different problem-solution topics to gain confidence and efficiency in your PTE writing.

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