Hustlers IELTS | Cambridge IELTS 15 General Training (Test 2) | Band 7–9 Problem–Solution Essay
This task is a classic IELTS trick.
Many candidates see the word “cause” and start writing about the causes of sleeplessness (caffeine, phones, stress). But that is not what the question asks.
The question is asking:
- What problems are CAUSED BY lack of sleep? (effects/consequences)
- What can be done about it? (solutions)
If you misunderstand that, Task Response drops immediately.
The Task
Nowadays many people complain that they have difficulties getting enough sleep.
- What problems can lack of sleep cause?
- What can be done about lack of sleep?
(Cambridge IELTS 15, General Training Test 2)
Hustlers IELTS Planning (The Fast 4-Step Method)
Step 1: Understand the task
You are writing about:
- problems caused by lack of sleep (not causes of insomnia)
- solutions to help people sleep
Step 2: Decide your position (your answer)
Problems:
- poor concentration
- poor health
- bad mood / irritability
Solutions:
- medication (short-term help)
- evening habits / sleep routine (strong long-term solution)
Step 3: Extend ideas (add precision)
- Concentration matters in high-focus jobs: drivers, doctors
- Sleep helps the body rejuvenate and heal
- Mental health impact: irritability, short temper
- Solutions include: melatonin, chamomile tea, wind down, avoid screens
Step 4: Structure
- Introduction
- Problems
- Solutions
- Conclusion
Simple. Examiner-friendly. High scoring.
Band 7–9 Model Essay
People are increasingly reporting difficulties sleeping, often as a result of our modern 24/7 lifestyle. This essay will consider the problems caused by lack of sleep, along with some solutions.
Lack of sleep obviously causes tiredness, but perhaps more importantly, a reduced ability to concentrate. When tired, the brain will struggle to focus for any length of time and this can be a serious issue for workers who need to concentrate intensely, such as drivers and doctors. Sleep also helps the body to rejuvenate and heal, so anyone who gets inadequate sleep may start suffering from poor health. Indeed, studies show that lack of sleep may contribute to diabetes and cancer. In addition to physical health, failing to get a good night’s sleep can also affect your mental health. Tired people are more prone to irritability and a short temper.
A couple of broad solutions may help people who can’t get enough sleep. The first is medication. Powerful drugs like temazepam can assist people in getting to sleep, while levels of the natural sleep-inducing hormone, melatonin, can be taken in tablet form. But even herbal remedies can help: a drink of chamomile tea in the evening, for example, can help ready the body and mind for sleep. A second, and perhaps better, solution may be to develop evening habits that prepare you for sleep. People need to wind down and relax during the evening if they are to get to sleep properly, so we should avoid computer screens or any activities that may stimulate the brain. Reading a good novel can be one of the best sleep aids for many people.
To conclude, lack of sleep can impact both physical and mental health, but medication and a relaxing evening routine can help overcome the problem.
(295 words)
Why This Essay Scores High
1) It answers the actual question
It focuses on consequences (concentration, health, mood) rather than “why people can’t sleep.”
2) It links problems to real-life contexts
Drivers and doctors are strong examples because sleep loss becomes a public safety risk, not just a personal inconvenience.
3) Solutions are realistic and layered
Medication is presented as an option, but routine and habits are presented as a better long-term approach. That’s balanced, mature reasoning.
High-Value Vocabulary & Collocations (Use These)
- reporting difficulties sleeping
- our modern 24/7 lifestyle
- problems caused by lack of sleep
- reduced ability to concentrate
- struggle to focus
- for any length of time
- workers who need to concentrate intensely
- rejuvenate and heal
- inadequate sleep
- failing to get a good night’s sleep
- affect your mental health
- irritability / a short temper
- medication
- powerful drugs
- sleep-inducing hormone (melatonin)
- tablet form
- herbal remedies
- chamomile tea
- ready the body and mind for sleep
- habits that prepare you for sleep
- wind down
- avoid computer screens
- stimulate the brain
- overcome the problem
Hustlers IELTS Final Word
This question rewards candidates who read precisely and write selectively:
- 3 strong effects
- 2–3 strong solutions
- clear structure
- no off-topic paragraphs