sample cause and effect essay ielts

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• General practice
• Task 1 Academic
• Task 1 General
• Task 2 (essay)

How to write cause/effect essays in IELTS?

Cause and effect essay questions in IELTS Writing task 2 give you a problem and ask you to state the main causes of this problem and discuss its possible effects .

In this lesson you will see:

• how to generate ideas for causes and effects
• band 9 answer structure for causes/effects essay
• cause/effect model essay

This is an example of cause/effect IELTS writing task 2 question:

Today more people are overweight than ever before.

What in your opinion are the primary causes of this?

What are the main effects of this epidemic?

Generating ideas

After you’ve read the question, you can clearly determine the problem: growing number of overweight people .

But before you start to write your essay, it’s a good idea to think of 2-3 causes and 2-3 possible effects of the problem.

Causes of obesity :

• inactive lifestyle (relying on cars instead of walking, fewer physical demands at work, inactive leisure activities)
• unhealthy eating habits (eating fast-food, drinking high-calorie beverages, consuming large portions of food, eating irregularly)

Effects of obesity :

• physical health problems
• loss of productivity
• depressions and mental disorders

Now, after we’ve generated the main ideas for causes and effects, it’s time to use these ideas in our essay.

Band 9 answer structure

As you know, there are many ways to structure your essay, but we’ll use a structure that has been approved by many IELTS examiners to be high-scoring and coherent .

Band-9 essay structure :

Introduction

Body paragraph 1 - causes

Body paragraph 2 - effects

Let’s take a look at each of these sections in detail.

Write your introduction in two sentences:

Nowadays the number of overweight people is constantly growing.

This essay will discuss the main reasons of this epidemic and then describe the possible effects of the problem.

In my opinion, the foremost causes of obesity are inactive lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits.

Today more and more people rely on cars instead of walking, have less physical demands at work and prefer inactive leisure activities. This results in burning less calories and gaining weight.

Moreover, the problem is accentuated by the growing number of people, who eat irregularly and consume large portions of high-calorie food. For example, about 50% of the adult population in Europe with so-called disordered eating suffer from obesity.

The possible effects of this problem include physical health problems and loss of productivity.

First of all, obesity results in incorrect functioning of the human body and contributes to the risk of developing some chronic illnesses. For example, as body fat percentage increases, the person’s metabolism worsens, which in turn may result in diabetes or heart diseases.

Secondly, overweight people are very unhealthy and often suffer from stress and tiredness. This lessens their work capacity and results in lower productivity. For example, it has been proven that an obese person needs to put more effort to complete some task than a person with normal weight.

For the conclusion you need simply to restate the problem and sum up the causes and effects that you described in your body paragraphs:

To sum up, obesity is a big problem that affects a lot of people nowadays. It’s mainly caused by inactive lifestyle and eating disorders and results in severe health problems and loss of productivity.

Model essay

Nowadays the number of overweight people is constantly increasing. This essay will discuss the main reasons of this epidemic and then describe the possible effects of the problem.

In my opinion, the foremost causes of obesity are inactive lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits. Today more and more people rely on cars instead of walking, have less physical demands at work and prefer inactive leisure activities. This results in burning less calories and gaining weight. Moreover, the problem is accentuated by the growing number of people, who eat irregularly and consume large portions of high-calorie food. For example, about 50% of the adult population in Europe with so-called disordered eating suffer from obesity.

The possible effects of this problem include physical health problems and loss of productivity. First of all, obesity results in incorrect functioning of the human body and contributes to the risk of developing some chronic illnesses. For example, as body fat percentage increases, the person’s metabolism worsens, which in turn may result in diabetes or heart diseases. Secondly, overweight people are very unhealthy and often suffer from stress and tiredness. This lessens their work capacity and results in lower productivity. For example, it has been proven that an obese person needs to put more effort to complete some task than a person with normal weight.

To sum up, obesity is a big problem that affects a lot of people nowadays. It’s mainly caused by inactive lifestyle and eating disorders and results in severe health problems and loss of productivity.

(251 words)

Cause and Effect Essay IELTS

Mastering the cause and effect essay IELTS segment can set you on the path to high scoring writing success.

• Crucial Components : Master the fundamentals of a compelling introduction , thesis statement, and impactful conclusions .
• Skillful Structuring : Understand how to weave coherent and logically structured body paragraphs for your cause and effect essay .
• Effective Examples : Learn from top-scoring IELTS essays , handling cause and effect with finesse.

Elevate your cause and effect essay IELTS writing with precision and clarity.

Understanding the Cause and Effect Essay in IELTS

Key elements of a high-scoring ielts cause and effect essay, step-by-step guide to writing a cause and effect essay for ielts, choosing your cause and effect essay topic for ielts, common mistakes to avoid in ielts cause and effect essays, practical examples of ielts cause and effect essays, enhancing your practice with real ielts cause and effect topics, resources for further improvement, conclusion: crafting a compelling narrative for ielts success.

In the IELTS exam, the ability to construct a cohesive and insightful cause and effect essay can set you apart from the crowd. This essay format requires you to delve into the roots of an issue and examine the potential or actual consequences. The examiners are looking for your capacity to dissect and evaluate complex matters, organize your thoughts, and express them with clarity.

What Makes a Cause and Effect Essay

A cause and effect essay is your chance to display analytical prowess by linking an event, situation, or decision to its results. IELTS topics span a broad spectrum, from environmental issues to social phenomena. Your role is to draw a clear linear path from ’cause’ to ‘effect,’ ensuring each is substantiated with evidence or sound reasoning. Here’s what you need to include:

• Clear Thesis Statement: A sharp, concise thesis will direct your essay. It should delineate the cause and its ensuing effects.
• Logical Structure: Transparency is crucial. Your essay needs distinct sections that present causes, effects, and a conclusion tying them together.
• Substantiated Arguments: Each point should be backed by facts, statistics, or real-world examples.
• Cohesion and Coherence: Seamless transitions and well-organized paragraphs are the bedrocks of a compelling essay.

The Role in IELTS Writing Assessment

IELTS examiners score your essay on several critical fronts. The official IELTS scoring guidelines outline that task response, cohesion and coherence, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy all play a part in your final score. A well-argued cause and effect essay checks these boxes, demonstrating a firm grasp of the language and the essential skills of critical thinking and effective communication.

To ace the IELTS cause and effect essay, pay attention to these non-negotiable elements:

Introduction and Thesis Statement

You set the stage with an engaging opening that introduces your topic. Then, present a thesis statement that encapsulates the main causes and their effects, serving as a roadmap for your essay.

Body Paragraphs with Clear Arguments

Dedicate body paragraphs to discussing each cause and its direct effects. Transition words such as ‘because,’ ‘due to,’ and ‘thus’ are critical in knitting your arguments together.

Conclusion That Resonates

Conclude with a summary that doesn’t just repeat the thesis but instead, echoes its significance in context. Your conclusion is your final word on the subject, so make it count.

Writing a methodical cause and effect essay involves a structured approach. Here’s how to master the process:

• Comprehend the Prompt: Make sure you fully grasp what the question asks of you.
• Brainstorm Ideas: Jot down all potential causes and effects before starting.
• Research and Organize: Gather your data and align your thoughts coherently.
• Craft the Outline: A skeleton outline can guide your writing and keep you on track.
• Write with Clarity: Be direct and avoid overly complex sentences that could confuse the reader.
• Review and Revise: Look over your work with a critical eye, considering both the small details and the overall composition.

Following this guide ensures not a step is missed in crafting a logically and linguistically sound essay. It can be helpful to reference a step-by-step structure as you practice, keeping the essential elements in check as you write.

Selecting an optimal topic for your essay is a calculated decision. Aim for a subject that is not only interesting to you but also rich with possible causes and effects, allowing for a more nuanced discussion.

Strategies for Topic Selection:

• Reflect on Current Events: Tapping into recent news or trending issues can provide a timely and pertinent focal point for your essay.
• Capitalize on Your Knowledge: If you’re particularly well-versed in a subject, use this to your advantage for a more in-depth analysis.
• Think Broadly: Causes and consequences can be social, economic, environmental, or even personal. Broad thinking can uncover unique angles.

Sourcing topics that resonate with the IELTS format is also crucial for practice. Scouring lists of IELTS essay topics can familiarize you with the range of subjects you might encounter.

A strategic approach to your topic selection married with a keen understanding of writing a cause and effect essay positions you well for IELTS excellence. It’s about connecting the dots in a logical, well-expressed manner, and with the right preparation, you’ll be ready to do just that.

When crafting your cause and effect essay for the IELTS, it’s imperative to be aware of and steer clear of common pitfalls. These mistakes can muddy your clarity and reduce the overall quality and coherence of your essay.

Overgeneralizing the Causes or Effects

Remember, every cause should have a tangible, traceable effect. Avoid making sweeping generalizations that you cannot support with concrete examples or evidence.

• Concise Evidence: Ensure that each cause is linked to a specific, undeniable effect.
• Narrow Down: Aim for depth, not breadth, when discussing causes and effects.

Muddled Essay Structure

A confused structure can lead to a lack of clarity and coherence, which can detract from the strength of your argument. Use transition words effectively and construct paragraphs so that each one builds upon the last.

• Strategic Layout: Order your paragraphs sensibly, leading the reader through your argument step by step.
• Transition Smoothly: Use transition words and phrases to ensure the natural flow and progression of ideas.

Grammatical Inaccuracies

Regular grammatical errors can have an adverse impact on your credibility and make it more difficult for the reader to follow your line of reasoning.

• Proofread Thoroughly : Go over your essay multiple times to catch any grammatical errors or typos.
• Grammar Tools : Make use of grammar checking tools to find and correct mistakes you might have overlooked.

A common issue highlighted by ELT teaching resources is the misuse of transitions, where the relationship between cause and effect is obscured rather than clarified by their use. Be selective and purposeful with your word choice to maintain coherence and cohesion.

Dissecting high-scoring cause and effect essays can illuminate the strengths that you need to emulate in your writing. These essays can serve as a blueprint, guiding you through the nuances of creating a well-structured and analytical response.

Examining a Strong Sample Essay

Take, for example, an essay discussing the impact of a sedentary lifestyle. The writer’s success lies in their ability to:

• Identify specific causes : Outline the prevalence of sedentary jobs and the rise of digital entertainment as primary causes.
• Detail concrete effects : Demonstrate how these habits increase health risks such as obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Perusing practical examples on platforms such as IELTS-UP can provide you with insights into how successful essays are crafted, from how the thesis is formed to how each paragraph logically flows into the next.

Practice is paramount in mastering the IELTS cause and effect essay, and it’s essential to use actual IELTS prompts to hone your skills.

Ways to Practice Effectively:

• Sample Essays : Write essays using real IELTS prompts and compare your work with high-scoring samples.
• Peer Review : Exchange essays with a study partner and give each other constructive feedback.

Incorporate a variety of common essay topics for IELTS into your practice, so you encounter a breadth of subject matter and learn to quickly adapt your thinking to different scenarios.

In your journey to IELTS success, quality resources can make all the difference. Here are a few you may find useful:

• IELTS Official Practice Materials : Direct from the test makers, these materials offer the best replication of test conditions.
• Online Writing Courses : Consider enrolling in a course tailored to IELTS writing for structured guidance and feedback.
• Language Apps : Make use of apps to improve grammar and vocabulary daily.

Select resources that cater to your learning style and focus on the skills you need to improve the most. Consistent practice with the right tools can significantly bolster your cause and effect essay crafting abilities.

Your cause and effect essay for the IELTS is more than just an academic exercise—it’s an opportunity to articulate a compelling narrative that showcases your language skills and critical thinking. Each paragraph should contribute to this narrative, clearly explicating the causes and delineating their effects in a manner that’s both informative and engaging.

Embrace the process of crafting these essays as part of your IELTS journey. With practice, vigilance against common errors, and a commitment to continual improvement, you can not only achieve the score you desire but also enhance your overall ability to communicate effectively in English. Your success in the IELTS cause and effect essay is a milestone on the path to fluency and confidence in your language skills.

Master cause and effect essay IELTS writing techniques to excel in your exam with expert tips and comprehensive guidance.

How To Write A Cause And Effect Essay

One of the first things you should do is read the marking criteria  to see what the examiners expect. This is really important, as you need to know what they are looking for in the band 7+ boxes. 

If you would like to purchase a 30 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >

WRITING TASK 2 Cause/Effect STRUCTURE

TIP >>  It is very important that spend a full 40 minutes on this task as the score you get for writing task 2 is two-thirds of your total writing score. You also need to write a minimum of 250 words and use your own ideas. 

IT IS A 4-PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE >>

Paragraph 1 – the introduction.

This is the introduction to the essay and where you should start off by paraphrasing the question. 

This means that you rewrite the question in your own words using synonyms. You can’t just copy the question again or use the same words in the question. Paraphrase and show off your vocabulary knowledge by using synonyms. When practising your essay writing, use an online thesaurus  to help you. This is a great tool and can help you to learn many new words.

There are two sentences you need in the introduction >>

Paragraph 2 – Main Body Paragraph 1

In this paragraph, you should describe a specific cause.

Paragraph 3 –  Main Body Paragraph 2

In this paragraph, you should write about the effect.

Paragraph 4 – The Conclusion

Sample cause/effect essay >>, writing task 2 band score 9 criteria >>, related posts, cause and effect essay examples, ielts cause/effect essay sample 1 – crime, leave a comment cancel reply.

How to Write ‘Causes (Reasons) and Effects’ Type of Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2

In “causes and effects” type of essay, IELTS examiners want you to discuss the causes or reasons of the problem in one paragraph.The likely effects of that problem in the second paragraph separately. Therefore, it is important that you find out relevant points of causes (reasons) and effects for IELTS Writing . Please note that in this question, you should not make any paragraph about solutions.

Let’s look at an example:

Obesity in children is a serious problem in a number of countries..

What are the causes of obesity in children?

Discuss the possible alarming effects of this problem in the future.

With this type of essay, you have two points to be discussed: 1. Causes of obesity in children in developed countries.

2. Effects of obesity in the future in developed countries.

You must discuss both of them by giving reasons and support them with examples.

If you do not discuss any of the above two points in the essay, you will lose marks.

So, in this type of essay, you must explain both the points.

How to structure it?

The essay can be structured mainly in 4 paragraphs as follows:

Introduction

Causes & Reasons

Further structuring of the paragraphs can be done as follows:

a. Introduction

Paraphrase the Question

Outline the sentence

b. -Body Paragraph 1 (Causes (reasons))

State the cause (reason)

Explain how it is the cause (reason)

Write an example

c. (Effects)

State the likely effect

Explain how this can be the possible effect

d. Conclusion

Sentence 1- Write summary of the main points Here, Four paragraphs are sufficient to explain your point of view. So,You may use any other structure you are comfortable with.This structure is approved by the IELTS examiners to help the students write in an effective and cohesive manner.

Sample Question:

Also, You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Here, Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Sample Answer:

Here, Over the past few years, developed countries have encountered various cases of children suffering from the problem of obesity. This essay will discuss the possible causes for this increasing problem among children and also suggests the possible consequences that may result in case of negligence.

Furthermore, To embark upon, one of the main causes of obesity among children is poor diet as they are often seen eating junk food. At almost every corner of the street, one can found restaurants offering mouth tempting fast foods. Kids at home also are found to eat processed food because their parents do not find sufficient time for preparing the food. For example, packaged foods are purchased and kept in fridge for days. This food is not fresh and healthy. Hence affects their health, leading to build up of fat and compromising their fitness.

As a result, there are many possible consequences faced by the children. One such ill-effect is the risk of developing health related severe diseases like diabetes. So,This kind of debilitating illness implies that the child would need to be injected with insulin for the whole life. Moreover, overweight children are often found to be bullied . For example, many overweight kids are found disturbed facing the negative stigma of being obese

Here,On the whole, it is evident that there are various causes responsible for obesity among children and can lead to serious consequences in the future. Also, It is the duty of their parents and relatives to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to prevent this problem from getting worst in the future.

(279 words)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

Useful vocabulary for causes (reasons).

• One of the causes/The reason is that
• Because/Since
• Due to this/Because of/Owing to/Lead to
• As a result/Lead to the problem/Can attribute to

Useful vocabulary for Effects

• Consequence of/As a result of/Because of/Due to
• Make/Create/Change/Effect/Affect/Result
• Risk of/Leading to

Write an essay of about 250 words on the following topics. Use the vocabulary mentioned above. 1. Also,There are a number of skin-whitening products available in the market. State the reasons why people are using these products? Discuss the possible negative outcomes of using these products.

2. Here,With the advancement of technology, social interaction among people has affected to a greater extent. What are the reasons of reduced social interaction? Suggest whether this would lead to a positive or negative effect in the future.

3. So,Almost everybody nowadays is found using personal vehicle for travelling purpose. What are the reasons of this increasing trend? Explain what negative outcomes may be faced in the society due to this.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Causes/Solutions Sample Essay

The “cause and solution” style of IELTS Writing Task 2 question presents a common social problem; your job is to identify the causes of the problem and propose ways the problem could be solved. For more information on this type of Writing Task 2 question, including tips and tricks, you can go to Magoosh’s guide to the different kinds of IELTS Writing Task 2 questions . And here in this post, we’ll go through a full causes and solutions model question and sample response.

The response itself is written at the band 9 level. After you read the essay, there is more explanation as to why this essay gets top marks. And to write a similarly high scored essay, check out our IELTS Writing Task 2 template .

Causes/Solutions Model Essay

This essay is a response to the sample prompt immediately below.

Sample Task

Many large cities around the world lack affordable housing. What problems does a lack of affordable housing cause? How can these problems be overcome? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Sample Essay (Band 9)

In almost every part of the world, expensive housing is closely associated with urban life. This is the underlying cause of many different problems, and civic planners are struggling to find solutions. I believe that the biggest, most important problem caused by high housing prices is homelessness. In my opinion, this problem can be addressed through rent control and welfare payments to low-income people.

Expensive urban housing leads to homelessness both directly and indirectly. The housing costs themselves cause some people to lose their homes, but such costs also drive up general prices, which can indirectly cause homelessness. For example, if a grocery store itself pays high rent, it must charge everyone more for food. This in turn forces landlords to charge more for rent in order to feed themselves. Once that happens, their tenants may have trouble paying the higher rent while also paying for more expensive food.

To reduce homelessness and make it easier for people to afford housing, I propose a twofold solution: limits on rent prices and increased welfare payments to the poor. Legally limiting rent fees will make housing much more affordable, while welfare payments can help people deal with the high costs of other goods. To give an example, if the government provides low-income people extra money for food, those people, in turn, have more room in their budget to pay rent. By employing both approaches, rent costs are directly reduced, and costs that compete with rent also go down.

In short, while expensive housing and homelessness are serious problems in cities, regulations and public assistance can help. The right kind of regulations will not only reduce the price of housing but also reduce general cost of living. This kind of government action is a win-win for everyone, whether they are homeless or not.

Word count: 300

Explanation of the Score

This essay meets all of the requirements for Band 9 in Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy; these are the categories seen in the official IELTS Writing Task 2 band descriptors . To understand this essay’s strengths, carefully read the level 9 descriptors in that document. And to further understand why an essay might receive a band 9, see the detailed score report at the bottom of Magoosh’s sample band 9 discussion essay for IELTS Writing Task 2 .

Additional Model Essays for Task 2

Would you like to see sample essays for all of the most common Writing Task 2 question types on the IELTS? At the links below, Magoosh has you covered!

• Advantage/Disadvantage Essay
• Two-Part Question Essay
• Discussion Essay
• Agree/Disagree Essay

David is a Test Prep Expert for Magoosh TOEFL and IELTS. Additionally, he’s helped students with TOEIC, PET, FCE, BULATS, Eiken, SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT. David has a BS from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and an MA from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. His work at Magoosh has been cited in many scholarly articles , his Master’s Thesis is featured on the Reading with Pictures website, and he’s presented at the WITESOL (link to PDF) and NAFSA conferences. David has taught K-12 ESL in South Korea as well as undergraduate English and MBA-level business English at American universities. He has also trained English teachers in America, Italy, and Peru. Come join David and the Magoosh team on Youtube , Facebook , and Instagram , or connect with him via LinkedIn !

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IELTS – Step by Step

Everything you need to achieve your desired ielts score. step-by-step., sample ielts essay band 9 – cause and effect.

More children across the world are becoming overweight. This is a serious problem for many countries. Discuss some causes and effects of this problem. Give reasons for your answer, and include any relevant example from your own knowledge or experience.

NB  On IELTS you are expected to write at least 250 words on Task 2. Try not to write more than 300 words. Many of the essays that you will find here are much longer. This is done with a view to giving you more ideas and vocabulary on the topic. You can easily shorten the sample essays on my website by removing either additional supporting details or one of the arguments and its supporting details.

As the prevalence of overweight among children is increasing at an alarming rate , affecting low-  and middle-income countries the most,  childhood obesity has come to be seen  as one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century.  It is felt that this disturbing trend  mainly comes as a result of modern lifestyle. Alarmingly, unless measures are taken to curb swelling obesity rate, the consequences might be dire.

It has long been recognized by general practitioners that lifestyle issues – poor eating habits and  lack of physical activity –  are the main contributors to childhood obesity.  Indeed, numerous studies link regular consumption of high-fat, high-sugar  foods to weight gain. These include fast foods, baked and deep-fried goods, and vending machine snacks which are readily available in schools and are highly affordable, making them a popular go-to choice among children. Not less important is the fact that children nowadays spend significantly more time in sedentary activities compared to the previous generation. As a result, they do not burn off the calories from food they consume. This is corroborated by  research such as that conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics which  reaffirmed that children who are less physically active between  the ages of 9 and 12 are more likely to become overweight by  12 than are their peers who engage in regular  exercise.

What makes childhood obesity particularly troubling are dire consequences that it can entail. The extra pounds often start children on the path to health issues that used to be considered adult problems , including but not limited to diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. This in turn, can shorten life spans of the current generation  of children, a concern which has been voiced frequently in the United States after similar claims were made in The New England Journal of Medicine. Moreover, research indicates that children and adolescents who carry too many extra pounds often suffer from low self-esteem and depression . Indeed, there is evidence to suggest that overweight children are more likely to be teased, bullied, ridiculed by their peers, and excluded from friendship groups. As a result, such children tend to have less confidence in their social skills and appearance and have a more negative self-image than normal-weight peers. Therefore, extra pounds are both, health and emotional hazard.

To conclude, childhood obesity, which partially comes as a results of poor lifestyle and nutrition choices , is an alarming trend since overweight children are  prone to incurable chronic diseases and low self-esteem . Thus,  unless the multiple factors that create the obesogenic world are addressed , life expectancy as well as quality of life are likely to decline the world over.

If you want to learn how to write essays like this and improve your IELTS Writing skills, you can book a Writing Workshop, or a Tutoring Session with me. If you want to have your writing evaluated and enhanced , click here .

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How to answer cause and effect questions

Home  »  IELTS academic task 2 » How to answer cause and effect questions

Cause-and-effect questions are different because they are easier to miss-read.

What is actually a cause-and-effect question can be answered incorrectly as a problems-and-effects or a problem-and-solution.

However, this can be easily solved by carefully reviewing the question.

What kinds of questions are cause-and-effect?

Firstly, the wording actually varies quite a bit even within this question type.

There is a variety of language that can be used, and this can cause confusion.

Spend some time to ask yourself:

• Have I truly understood this question?
• Do I understand what they are asking me for?

You have to make sure that you carry that question with you throughout the essay.

Sample question 1:

More and more children are becoming obese. What are the causes of this and what are the effects?

This could easily be interpreted as problem - solution, but that is absolutely not what the question has asked.

It's asking what are the causes for childhood obesity?

(Why are children in the world getting heavier and heavier?).

And then what are the effects of this?

What are the effects of childhood obesity?

This is even more specific than discuss this problem and then suggest solutions.

It is incredibly important to answer the question being asked.

Example question 2

Nowadays we have become a throwaway society with where it is common to throw away devices and gadgets instead of repairing them. Why is this happening and what are the effects of this?

Again the wording is a little different.

The examiner is asking you WHY is this happening?

Make sure to NOT writing this is a problem, we must say why it is happening.

And for the second paragraph:

What results from this (throw away society)?

Example question 3

People spend less time at home than they used to. What are the reasons for this change and what are the effects on society and individuals?

Here we are looking for reasons.

The wording has changed a little bit, but in essence, the information they want is the same.

Why is this happening?

What are the causes of this?

And then, of course, they asked for the effects.

You are lucky if you have this type of question in the exam

These types of questions are helpful because they are essentially telling you how to frame your answer.

They're making it specific, which is all your planning taken care of.

Click here to find out how to plan your essay for these types of questions.

Audio tutorial

You can download or listen to the audio version here:

| Direct Download Here  |  Stitcher  |  iTunes  |  Spotify  |  Soundcloud  |  Transcript  |

Tutorials and Tips to Prepare for Task 2

• How to Get Ideas for Task 2
• Extremely Useful Sentences for Task 2
• Five Powerful Sentence Structures to use in your IELTS Writing test
• How to use comparisons in Task 2
• Concession Paragraphs for “do I agree/disagree essays”
• How to write an IELTS Essay Conclusion
• IELTS Cohesion and Coherence
• 3 ways to paraphrase for your Task 2 introduction
• Marking Criteria for IELTS Writing
• Topics Sentences for Your Essays
• 7 Ways to Improve your Sentences in Your IELTS Essays
• Grammar for IELTS Writing
• Academic Collocations for Task 2

• Free Essay Band Score Evaluation
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IELTS Task 2 Sample Answer- Health and Fitness

In some countries the average weight of people is increasing and their levels of health and fitness are decreasing.

What do you think are the causes of these problems and what measures could be taken to solve them?

A template is something that can be used over and over again to produce something. Template IELTS answers are normally very bad and I tell people never to use them because they don’t answer the question properly, but there is one exception.

In problem and solution Task 2 answers or causes and solutions Task 2 answers, you will normally use the following 4 paragraph structure :

Problem Solution :

1. Introduction

2. Problems

3. Solutions

4. Conclusion

Causes Solution:

For the third paragraph for both essays we can use a template answer. Let’s look at a sample essay first.

In some nations, people are getting heavier and standards of health and well-being are falling. This essay will suggest that the principal cause of these issues is the type of nourishment they are eating and submit a government education program as a viable solution, followed by a reasoned conclusion.

The main cause of the health crisis currently affecting so many individuals is over-consumption of poor quality sustenance. Convenience food and junk food, such as microwave dinners, chocolate bars, McDonald’s and pizza, have become a ubiquitous part of modern life. Eating too much of these high-fat meals causes many to gain weight and this has knock-on effects on someone’s general wellness. For example, the movie ‘Super Size Me’ demonstrated that a person who eats this kind of food all the time will not only get fat but also suffer from such things as raised blood pressure and even fatty liver disease.

The most practical solution to this problem is a government-sponsored awareness campaign. An effective advertising campaign could warn of the dangers of a poor diet and hopefully, raise awareness amongst the public.  This raised awareness of the problem would lead many people starting a healthier regime. For example, the U.K. recently lobbied their citizens to eat 5 pieces of fruit and vegetables a day and this resulted in a dramatic decrease in obesity-related illnesses such as stroke and heart disease.

In summary, the current health crisis has been caused by an over-reliance on unhealthy food and states should curtail this by educating men and women on how to make healthier choices.

(250 words)

You will notice in the third paragraph I suggest that a government advertising campaign is the best solution. Luckily, for most problems- and I say most because there are always exceptions- a government campaign that educates people about the issue is always a good solution.

We can, therefore, use the following template:

The most practical solution to this problem is a government-sponsored awareness campaign. An effective advertising campaign could warn of the dangers of [X] and hopefully, raise awareness amongst the public.  For example, the U.K. recently lobbied their citizens to [Y] and this resulted in [Z].

All you have to do is think about your particular question and then replace X, Y and Z.

Let’s try this with another question.

Question-  In many countries schools have severe problems with student behaviour.

What do you think are the causes of this?

What solutions can you suggest?

The most practical solution to this problem is a government-sponsored awareness campaign. An effective advertising campaign could warn of the dangers of student misbehaviour and hopefully, raise awareness amongst the public.  For example, the U.K. recently lobbied their citizens to teach their children about the importance of respecting teachers and this resulted in a dramatic improvement.

As you can see, I have used the same template paragraph but changed X, Y and Z to meet the requirements of my particular question.

I hope you found this post useful. I also have a complete lesson on IELTS problem solution essays that you might find useful.

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• Cause & Effect Essay

IELTS Cause and Effect Essay: Skin Whitening

This cause and effect essay is about the issue of skin whitening products: why people are using them and their possible dangers for health and society.

Take a look at the question:

In many parts of the world today there is a profitable market for products which lighten or whiten people’s skin. Outline the reasons for using such products and discuss what effects they have in terms of health and society.

There are three things you must discuss:

• The reasons why they are used
• Their effects on health
• Their effects on society

This causes and effects essay has been organized into two body paragraphs. The first dicussing the reasons, and the second discussing the effects on health and society.

There are other ways to organize it of course. For example, you could have three paragraphs, each discussing one of the points above.

Cause and Effect Essay

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

In many parts of the world today there is a profitable market for products which lighten or whiten people’s skin.

Outline the reasons for using such products and discuss what effects they have in terms of health and society.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.

Write at least 250 words.

Cause and Effect Essay - Model Answer

In many countries, particularly places like Asia, skin whitening products are incredibly popular and provide huge profits for the companies involved in their sale. This essay will examine the reasons why people use these products and the effects this has on people’s health and on society.

The principal reason that people use skin whitening products is because whiter skin is seen to be more desirable than darker skin. To understand why, we need to firstly look at history. In ancient times, those people of a higher status tended to stay indoors, whilst people of a lower status worked outside, usually farming. As a result, those people who were indoors had much lighter skin, which means that whiter skin is now associated with having a higher status than dark skin. Another reason, which is partly related to this, is the desire for the ‘Western’ look. For example, plastic surgery to creat western eyelids and noses is common in Asia, and the white skin is part of this. These beliefs and images are also perpetuated in the media, with adverts showing people with white skin as more successful and attractive.

However, despite the fact that having whiter skin may improve a person’s self-esteem, these products can have negative effects. Regarding health, there are reports that people are harming their skin permanently as some products bought over the counter have prescription-strength ingredients. For instance, some contain steroids or toxins which can severely damage the skin and other parts of the body. In terms of society, there are also detrimental effects. Such behaviour perpetuates the belief that ‘white’ is better than ‘black’, and thus those with darker skin may experience discrimination.

In conclusion, people use whitening products due to the fact that white skin, usually through the media, is portrayed as more desirable. However, steps should be taken to change this image as the drawbacks of this are clear, with potentially dangerous consequences for people’s future health and society as a whole.

(328 Words)

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More Cause & Effect Essays:

Having Children Later in Life Essay: What effects does this have?

Having Children Later in Life Essay: This IELTS essay is on causes (or 'reasons') and effects. You have to explain why men and women are deciding to have children later on in their life, and then explain how this can impacts those families and society.

Causes and Effects Essay: Why is obesity in children increasing?

Causes and effects essay: This causes and effects model essay is about obesity in children. You specifically have to talk about the causes (reasons) of the increase in overweight children, and explain the effects (results) of this.

Time Away from Families Essay: What are the reasons and effects?

In this time away from families essay you have to discuss the reasons why people have to spend more time away and how this effects the family and the individual.

Family Size Essay: Why is there a trend towards smaller families?

Family Size Essay: Learn how to write and structure excellent essays for IELTS. There are two parts that need to be answered: Why there is a trend towards smaller family sizes in countries that are developing and how this affects society in those countries.

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Ielts writing task 2 sample 348 - discuss the cause and effects of widespread drug abuse by young people, ielts writing task 2/ ielts essay:, people in all modern societies use drugs, but today’s youth are experimenting with both legal and illegal drugs, and at an early age. some sociologists claim that parents and other members of society often set a bad example. discuss the cause and effects of widespread drug abuse by young people. make any recommendations you feel are necessary to help fight youth drug abuse..

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How to Identify & Answer Cause and Effect Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2

In this article, we'll discuss Cause & Effect question types and look at how to identify them and what essay structure you should use to answer them. After learning about this question type, you'll get a chance to look at some practice questions and a complete sample essay.

• How to identify Cause and Effect question types in IELTS Writing Task 2
• Vocabulary for the Cause and Effect essay
• The essay structure for the Cause and Effect essay
• Free IELTS Writing Task 2 Cause and Effect Sample Questions and Model Essays
• More IELTS Writing Task 2 Cause and Effect Practice Questions

How to Identify IELTS Writing Cause and Effect Question Types

In IELTS writing task 2, there are 6 different question types , so it's important you know how to answer each IELTS writing question type to prepare you for anything IELTS can throw at you.

So how do I know if it's a Cause & Effect?

It's not hard! Whenever you see a question that gives you a problem or situation, and asks you to describe its causes and effects , you know you're dealing with a Cause and Effect question type. Let's look at an example of this.

Many children who are home-schooled are not prepared for university at the same rate of children in government funded schools. What do you think are the causes of this? What effects will this have on society?

As you can see, the question is asking for the causes and effects, so it's fairly simple to identify.

Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Advantage & Disadvantage Question Types

Before we look at how to structure your essay for a Cause and Effect question, let's learn the words that we can use in this type of essay to show "cause" and "effect". The videos below teach you how to use the words that show "cause" and "effect" with proper prepositions and common collocations.

Now let's look at how to structure your essay for a Cause and Effect question.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Structure - Cause and Effect

Below are three types of outlines that are frequently used for Cause and Effect essays:

In general, Outline A is used most often and is “fool-proof”. In terms of scoring, all three of these examples would be considered as a cohesive and logical process to use. Also, it is extremely important that each cause has its own effect. In other words, if you mention two causes, be sure to mention two corresponding effects.

Let’s take a closer look at how each paragraph should be written in Outline A.

• Rewritten Question
• Introduction of Specific Topics
• Topic Sentence – This will introduce the cause(s)
• Explanation/Detail of Cause 1
• Example of Cause 1
• Explanation/Detail of Cause 2
• Example of Cause 2
• Topic Sentence – This will introduce the effect(s)
• Explanation/Detail of Effect 1
• Example of Effect 1
• Explanation/Detail of Effect 2
• Example of Effect 2
• Summary of the Main Points (2 sentences)
• Something Important about this Topic (1-2 sentences)

In short, here is what the final Paragraph would look like for Outline A:

Now we’ve learned the paragraph outline, let’s look at an example using Outline A.

IELTS Writing Cause and Effect Sample Question and Model Essay

Introduction:

Health problems including heart disease, obesity, and diabetes are becoming more widespread in developed countries. There are several reasons contributing to this problem, as well as potentially drastic long-term effects. (30 words) Paragraph 1:

Lifestyle choices are important and major causes of poor health in developed countries. These days, it is perhaps easier and cheaper to follow an unhealthy diet. For example, the recent boom in fast food restaurants and chains has enticed people to eat at these establishments rather than cooking healthy meals at home. Stress is another factor that has contributed to poor health. The fast-paced corporate culture and competitive work atmosphere make for a difficult work-life balance, resulting in little to no time for eating healthy or taking care of oneself. (90 words) Paragraph 2:

These lifestyle choices will have drastic long-term effects. If generations continue to partake in these unhealthy habits, they will continue on for generations to come. For instance, parents who have diabetes or are prone to obesity have a higher chance of passing these conditions on to their children, and so on. Consequently, these health problems could result in a higher cost of living. Due to increased demand for services, it is only natural that the health care industry would charge higher prices to its clients, resulting in higher costs. (89 words) Conclusion:  

Poor lifestyle choices, ranging from unhealthy diets and higher stress, have certainly contributed to the decrease in health standards. If not properly taken care of, these problems could cause harmful long-term effects to future generations in terms of disease and a higher cost of living. (45 words)

This section presents a list of common IELTS Writing Task 2 - Cause & Effect questions. If you want to prepare for the IELTS Writing Test, these questions are a must study.

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