cause and effect ielts essay

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• 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)

IELTS Writing Task 2  Causes and Effects: Sample Answer

Requirements

This question type is very similar to causes and solutions and requires you to identify causes or reasons of an issue or problem and discuss the effects it has. The topics are usually social and nothing controversial.

The wording of the questions can vary. For example....

“What do you think are the reasons for this?”  “Why is this happening?”

“What are the consequences of this trend?”  “How does this affect the country?”

Sample Answer

Nowadays, professionals from developing countries have a tendency to emigrate to richer countries to find employment. This essay will discuss both the causes of this phenomenon and the issues that affect the nations they are leaving. 

The primary reasons skilled employees from emerging nations seek work in more developed countries are a higher standard of living along with professional development. For instance, the average monthly salary for a white-collar worker, such as a teacher, in a developing country pales in comparison to their counterparts in so-called first world nations even though they perform identical duties and responsibilities. Additionally, outdated facilities and equipment in poor states hampers the ability of professionals such as doctors to practice contemporary medicine and improve their skills.      

The effect this trend has on developing countries is invariably negative, particularly with regards to the nation’s social and economic development. According to Scientific American magazine, every year, more than 4,000 foreign graduates of international medical schools come to the United States for a residency program and very few return home to take up employment in their native countries. This brain drain denies countries the talents of their brightest and best and limits a country’s ability to progress as they are continuously faced with the challenge of retaining the most able professionals.

In conclusion, a comfortable material lifestyle coupled with the opportunity to advance one’s career are the main reasons why professionals migrate to richer countries. The countries they leave behind struggle to find suitably qualified replacements and thus suffer from social and economic stagnation.

Sample: Causes and Effects. PDF

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How to write an IELTS Task 2 causes and measures essay

By ielts-jonathan.com on 28 March 2023 0

What measures can be taken to reduce this essay

The advice I am giving here is only   the approach that I took to answering and writing this IELTS question from Cambridge English IELTS.

It is perfectly possible to answer the question differently with diffferent ideas and development.

However, I consider my aproach and structure to be the best method for the type of information and the time allowed to get a IELTS 7+ or more for this  question.

Thinking about the structure

1️⃣ Introduction: Start with a hook, provide background information, and clearly state your opinion/argument. Aim for 2-3 sentences.

2️⃣ Body paragraphs: Divide your essay into 2-3 body paragraphs, each with a clear topic sentence. In this example, you only need two body paragraphs : one to discuss the causes and then the second to discuss the possible measures. Use examples, data, and evidence to support your argument. Aim for 5-7 sentences per paragraph.

3️⃣ Conclusion: In a typical essay you should summarize your main points, restate your opinion/argument, and provide a final thought or recommendation. Aim for 2-3 sentences. In this example, a conclusion is not needed. 🙂 

📊 Measuring your writing: IELTS essays are graded based on 4 criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Make sure you address each of these criteria in your writing to maximize your score.

👍 Don’t forget to practice regularly and get feedback from a teacher or tutor to improve your writing skills.

Thinking about a plan

📝 Writing an IELTS essay for a cause can be challenging, but with the right planning and measurement, you can achieve success! Here are some tips:

1️⃣ Start by understanding the prompt and the cause you want to write about. This will help you stay focused and on-topic throughout your essay.

2️⃣ Make a plan for your essay. This should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Decide what points you want to make and in what order you will present them.

3️⃣ Use evidence to support your points. This can include statistics, examples, and quotes from experts. Make sure your evidence is relevant to your cause and supports your argument.

4️⃣ Measure the effectiveness of your essay by reviewing it after you’ve finished. Ask yourself if you’ve made a clear and compelling argument, if your evidence supports your points, and if you’ve effectively addressed any counterarguments.

5️⃣ Finally, don’t forget to proofread your essay for grammar and spelling errors. These can distract from your message and hurt your overall score.

👍 With these tips, you can plan and measure your IELTS essay for a cause effectively. 

Writing: the process

First of all, I re-read the question to make sure I was on topic and then jotted down a few basic reasons for this development (and I noted a few expanding points with examples). 

I also did the same with the measures that could be taken – writing my proposal solution with an expanding point and examples as to how this would benefit workers and employees. 

Then I got to work on writing my hook and introductory paragraph . I decided to keep this quite short and to the point so I did not ramble .

I decided I would explain why this development has happened by contrasting typical past working conditions and patterns with the results of education, aspiration and opportunities that many people have nowadays .

I kept this as brief as I could while maintaining coherence so my point was clear.

I moved onto the first body paragraph that should deal with a more detailed explanation of the causes of the development.

I introduced and expanded on my first point that people who can afford to do so tend to move away from their work areas that have high pollution to suburbs with less pollution and better services. 

They may also move away and prefer to commute because the accommodation is more affordable.

I expanded on the idea that for some they may have to follow the relocation of their workplace and this might require them to travel a greater distance.

My final point was about developments in work and in the USA and UK at least, many people who work in service industries now need to commute to where large numbers of people gather such as airports, railway stations or entertainment areas of cities.

For my final paragraph , I realize I need to be more speculative and talk about proposals that some people may feel are not the best solution. 

So I should be cautious in my suggestions so I don’t spoil the tone of my essay.

I also realize that I should not be too specific and I don’t want to make proposals that are too personal to my situation as it is not the same for everyone!

Again, I follow my formula of introducing an idea , expanding on it and giving examples where I can.

I have four ideas in total:

1️⃣  near new factories or large workplaces, new housing for the people who work there could be built.

2️⃣  where people is lower paid work have to work where the cost of living is very high, subsidised accommodation might suit some people

3️⃣  improvements in transportation systems and infrastructure can speed up the travel time and potentially reduce the costs of travel and reduce the amount of time wasted through travel

4️⃣ finally, for some people in certain lines of work, it may be a suitable option to allow them to work at least some of the time from their home, reducing the need to waste time traveling to the workplace.

👍 There is no need to write a conclusion for a cause and measure essay as effectively the proposal in the measures section IS your conclusion . 🙂 

So now read my essay and see how I link all my points together . 

What IELTS band essay would this be?

IELTS Task 2 Cause and Measure Question

In many countries the distance that workes travel between their workplace has increased, so a lot of time is spent travelling to and from the workplace.

What do you think are the causes of this are?

What measures can be taken to reduce this time?

My Sample Answer for this IELTS question

In the past people often lived close to where they worked, for example in villages near to farms or in small towns by the sea where trade could provide work opportunities. In some cases, whole communities have grown up around industrialised areas, meaning there was little reason to travel far to work. However, with an ever increasingly educated population and changes in the type of employment, people may have access to better paid work which often requires travelling to other towns or bigger cities. Those with a good education may establish careers in the cities and afford the choice to live away from their work in the suburbs and countryside. They choose to commute as their families benefit from lower pollution and better services than found in the cities. Conversely, in cities where the cost of living is high, even those with quite well-paid jobs may find housing near their work unaffordable and may have to travel far to live where housing and rents are cheaper. For some people, traditional work has moved from the community or been transferred to other areas away from the home. In order to earn a living, they may find that it is necessary to travel longer distances while family or other commitments remain. Finally, working patterns and the type of work available may have changed. For those increasing numbers who work in service industries, travel is a requirement to the location where the customers are located. As the service industry traditionally provides low-paid jobs, travel is often required from affordable areas to city centres. A number of solutions could be suggested to reduce this travelling time depending on the circumstances. One suggestion could be that when building new factories or industrial areas, companies should consider providing low-cost housing nearby. This has been the case in the past where famous garden cities in the UK have been created for the local workforce. In some countries, companies already provide quality housing for their workers. Another suggestion could be that affordable good quality accommodation or housing aimed at workers in cities could mean that people in service industries are nearer the workplace during the working week. Investment in efficient, reliable and high-speed public transport could also reduce traffic congestion and shorten the time that workers spend travelling to and from work. A final suggestion for the type of work which does not require a physical presence is employers could encourage home working for employees. Tasks that rely on technology such as accountancy, on-line teaching or providing advice could be completed from home using basic technology, and activities such as conferencing and meetings can also be conducted on-line and at home as well. 445 Words

Second, simpler version 

People have often lived close to where they worked. In some cases, whole communities have grown up around industrialised or agricultural areas, meaning there was little reason to travel far to work. However, an ever increasingly educated population and changes in the type of employment may mean access to better paid work requires travelling to other towns or bigger cities. The educated may establish careers in the cities and choose to live away from their work in the suburbs or countryside, benefiting from lower pollution and better services than found in the cities. Conversely, even those with quite well-paid jobs may find housing unaffordable and will travel to where housing and rents are cheaper. For others, traditional work has moved from the community or been transferred to other areas which may require travelling longer distances. Finally, working patterns and the type of work available have changed. For those who work in generally low-paid service industries, travel is a requirement to where customers are located which is generally in unaffordable city centres.  A number of solutions could be suggested to reduce this travelling time depending on the circumstances. One suggestion is that when companies create employment opportunities, they could consider providing low-cost housing nearby as is the case where famous garden cities in the UK have been created for the local workforce. In some countries, companies already provide quality housing for their workers. Investment in efficient, reliable and high-speed public transport could also reduce traffic congestion and shorten the time that workers spend travelling to and from work.  A final suggestion could be that employers encourage home working for employees. As covid has shown, tasks that rely on technology such as accountancy, on-line teaching or providing advice or meetings can easily be completed from home using basic technology. Words 297

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How to write an IELTS cause and effect essay

By ieltsetc on July 1, 2018

The IELTS cause and effect essay is one of the easier 'types' and you can prepare the collocations that you need beforehand. Here are some high-level collocations.

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3 Cause and Effect Essay Examples For Your IELTS Exam Preparation

If you are wondering how to write a cause and effect essay while preparing for your IELTS exam, this guide will serve as a roadmap. Writing a cause and effect essay for IELTS preparation involves structuring your response to demonstrate a clear understanding of the topic, logical organization of ideas, and effective language use. 

Here’s a step-by-step guideline to help you:

Understand the Prompt

Read the essay prompt carefully to identify the cause-and-effect relationship you need to discuss.

Brainstorm Ideas 

Organize your thoughts before starting the actual writing process. List potential causes and effects related to the given topic.

Structure Your Essay 

Write a short Introduction, followed by two paragraphs Cause and Effect with maximum two causes, and finally conclude the essay by summarizing it. 

Use Appropriate Vocabulary 

Include a variety of vocabulary to showcase your language skills. Use cause-and-effect transitions like “because,” “due to,” “as a result,” “consequently,” etc.

Proofread and Revise

Review your essay for flow, grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and coherence. Make sure the word count is between 250-300 words.

Outline To Be Followed:

Introduction.

• Causes (Maximum 2 Causes)
• Effects (Maximum 2 Effects)

Example # 1.

Topic: The Link Between Overeating, Sedentary Lifestyle, and Weight Gain

In today’s fast-paced world, the prevalence of sedentary lifestyles and overconsumption of food has become a significant health concern. This essay explores the causes and effects of gaining weight when individuals indulge in excessive eating without incorporating regular physical activity into their routines.

Causes of Weight Gain

• Cause 1: Overconsumption of Calories

One of the primary causes of weight gain is the overconsumption of calories. Modern diets often consist of highly processed and calorie-dense foods that contribute to an imbalance between the calories consumed and the calories burned. The accessibility of high-calorie snacks and large portion sizes further exacerbates this issue.

• Cause 2: Sedentary Lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle, characterized by prolonged periods of sitting and minimal physical activity, is a significant contributor to weight gain. With the rise of desk jobs, technology-driven entertainment, and increased screen time, individuals are engaging in fewer activities that burn calories. The lack of regular exercise diminishes the body’s ability to maintain a healthy weight.

Effects of Weight Gain

• Effect 1: Obesity and Health Risks

The most immediate effect of excessive eating and insufficient exercise is obesity. Obesity is associated with various health risks, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension. As a result of accumulation of excess body fat can lead to inflammation and metabolic imbalances, heightening the risk of chronic health conditions.

• Effect 2: Psychological Impact

Weight gain can have a profound psychological impact on individuals. The societal emphasis on body image and the stigma surrounding obesity can contribute to low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and even the development of eating disorders. Due to this, the psychological consequences of weight gain extend beyond physical health, affecting mental well-being.

The cause and effect essay examples IELTS is about gaining weight due to overeating and a sedentary lifestyle underscore the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to diet and exercise. By fostering healthy habits and making conscious choices, individuals can prevent the detrimental effects of weight gain on both physical and mental health.

Example # 2.

Topic: The Impact of Human Activities on Climate Change and Its Environmental Consequences

Climate change, a phenomenon of increasing concern, is intricately linked to various human activities and natural processes. This cause and effect essay IELTS examples explores the causes and effects of climate change on the environment. The rise in global temperatures, primarily due to human-induced factors, has far-reaching consequences that necessitate urgent attention and action.

Causes of Climate Change

• Cause 1: Excessive Emission of Greenhouse Gasses

One of the main causes of climate change is the excessive emission of greenhouse gasses. The burning of fossil fuels for energy, deforestation, and industrial activities contribute significantly to the escalating levels of these gasses in the atmosphere. These human activities disrupt the natural balance, trapping heat and leading to the warming of the Earth.

• Cause 2: Deforestation

Moreover, deforestation amplifies the problem as trees play a crucial role in absorbing CO2 during photosynthesis. As forests diminish, the capacity to absorb these gasses decreases, exacerbating the greenhouse effect. The rapid industrialization and increased reliance on non-renewable energy sources further intensify the release of pollutants into the atmosphere, creating a vicious cycle of environmental degradation.

Effects of Climate Change

• Effect 1: Melting of Polar Ice Caps and Glaciers

One of the most evident consequences is the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers. The rise in global temperatures causes these icy expanses to shrink, contributing to rising sea levels. Consequently, coastal areas face the imminent threat of inundation, jeopardizing ecosystems and human settlements.

• Effect 2: Extreme Weather Events

Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves, have become more frequent and severe due to climate change. These events not only pose a direct threat to human lives but also result in widespread destruction of infrastructure and agricultural land.

The causes and effects of climate change are intricately linked to human activities that release excessive greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. The consequences are far-reaching, impacting ecosystems, weather patterns, and the livelihoods of people around the world. Urgent global action is imperative to mitigate these effects, transition towards sustainable practices, and preserve the environment for future generations.

Example # 3.

Topic: The Impact of Technology on Social Interaction

In the contemporary digital era, the proliferation of technology has significantly altered the dynamics of social interaction. This IELTS cause and effect essay example digs into the causes and effects of technology’s impact on the way people communicate and connect. While technological advancements have brought convenience and connectivity, they have also engendered profound changes in the quality and depth of interpersonal relationships.

Causes of Transformation in Social Interaction

• Cause 1: Presence of Smartphones

The primary cause of the transformation in social interaction is the ubiquitous presence of smartphones and social media platforms. These tools offer instantaneous communication and connection, eliminating the barriers of time and space. Additionally, the allure of virtual interactions often draws individuals away from face-to-face communication, as the digital realm provides a curated and controlled environment for social engagement.

• Cause 2: Constant Influx of Information

Moreover, the rapid pace of technological development contributes to a constant influx of information and stimuli, creating a culture of constant connectivity. As a result, individuals may find themselves engrossed in their devices, diverting attention from the immediate physical environment and interpersonal engagements.

Effects of Transformation in Social Interaction

• Effect 1: Decline In Emotional Attachments

The effects of technology on social interaction manifest in various ways, with one notable consequence being a decline in the depth and authenticity of relationships. Virtual connections, while convenient, often lack the nuances and emotional richness of face-to-face communication.

• Effect 2: Culture of Comparison

Furthermore, the prevalence of social media fosters a culture of comparison and superficiality. People may present idealized versions of their lives online, contributing to feelings of inadequacy and fostering a disconnect between virtual personas and authentic selves. The constant exposure to curated online content can lead to a sense of isolation and an erosion of genuine human connection.

The causes and effects of technology on social interaction underscore the complex interplay between convenience and the potential erosion of genuine human connection. While technology offers unparalleled convenience and connectivity, it is crucial to navigate its impact consciously. Balancing digital interactions with meaningful face-to-face communication is imperative to maintain the authenticity and depth of interpersonal relationships in this tech-dominated era.

Izzah Ahmed

This is Izzah, a content writer and editor who creates SEO-friendly content and has experience in academic writing. Backed by 10 years of experience in writing and editing, she is equipped with the skill to create content that is backed by thorough research and has impeccable structure.

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IELTS Cause Effect essays: Stop exaggerating your arguments

A lot of IELTS teachers tell students that their “ideas don’t matter”, but this is simply NOT true. Yes, you are free to agree or disagree with any question (so there is no “right” opinion) but if you need a high IELTS score, then it is extremely important that your ideas are both relevant and convincing. In this week’s blog, I want to show you how to drastically improve the quality of the arguments in your essay by giving ideas that are less dramatic, which can be a real problem in IELTS Cause Effect essays in particular!

IELTS ideas that are relevant and convincing

I expect most of you know that “relevant” just means having ideas that address the question, but what does “convincing” mean? Well, it means having arguments that make the examiner nod his or her head in agreement because they are REALISTIC. The mistake that students make again and again is giving arguments that are just too DRAMATIC (and, therefore, not convincing at all).

Often, this is because students try to give BIG reasons for trends, rather than focusing on more subtle explanations. As I said, this is usually a problem in IELTS Cause Effect Essays. Take this question  for example:

In many countries, the tradition of having family meals together is disappearing. Why is this happening? What will the effects of this be on the family and society?

Most students are able to cope with the first question fairly well. Why are people eating together less? Often I am given these very good arguments:

• In most households today, both parents work and simply do not have enough time to prepare a meal that can be eaten around a table. 👏👏👏
• People tend to eat more often outside the home i.e. children eat at school / parents in a canteen 👍👍👍
• Children take part in after school activities and so coordinating one meal that can be eaten by everybody at the same time is hard. 👌👌👌

Great – all of these arguments are relevant and convincing i.e. I accept that these are REAL reasons for this trend. The problems start when students have to think of the effects of this problem. Most are able to see that not eating as a family can have a negative impact on family structures. However, when it comes to explaining what that negative effect is, almost all students come up with EXTREME arguments:

• Children of families who do not eat together turn to crime and often commit murder . –  REALLY? 😳😳😳
• Children from families that have disintegrated usually end up being drug addicts . – REALLY? 🤔🤔🤔
• Parents who do not eat together get divorced . – REALLY? 🤯🤯🤯

These are real arguments given by my students in recent weeks but, I want you to ask yourself, ARE THESE TRUE?  Do you really think that the main reason for youth crime is not having a family meal? Or that children who eat in front of the TV always become addicted to drugs? Or that the divorce rate is affected by a lack of family meals? I don’t! I think that these are over-simplified arguments that are far too extreme to be convincing (and therefore won’t score more than a 6.0 for Task Response).

The really sad thing here is that these students are actually on the right path to a good idea – they have just gone way too far. All they need to do is bring their arguments one or two steps back to something more realistic and widely accepted. To do this, ask yourself “why” you think these arguments are true:

• Why do children “commit crimes”? Well, probably because they weren’t supervised closely enough by their parents and so problems weren’t spotted.
• Why do people get divorced? It is probably because they don’t spend enough quality time with each other and so start to drift apart.
• Do you see? Once we move a step back from the DRAMATIC ideas of crime and divorce and start digging a bit deeper into why these problems could come about, we actually arrive at some very good more subtle arguments. Let’s turn these ideas into a paragraph:

Unfortunately, this trend can lead to a number of negative outcomes. Firstly, when families sit down and eat together every day, it is easy for the parents to see subtle changes in their children’s behaviour that could be warning signs of an underlying problem. For example, they might be experiencing some difficulties at school such as bullying, or they may have fallen out with friends. Once family members eat separately, the opportunity for daily observation is lost and, as a result, younger family members’ problems can go unrecognised. Over time, this can lead to them becoming depressed or acting out in other ways, which could affect their schoolwork or their ability to interact with others in society in general. In the same way, if the adult members of the family both work long hours, then a shared meal might be the only time that they have to really connect each day. Thus, not having this meal can result in them becoming distanced. In the worst cases, this might lead to the breakdown of communication and even, eventually, in divorce.

Can you see the difference? I have taken the same ideas (crime and divorce) but have developed them in a much more realistic and convincing way! Notice that I have kept “divorce”, but I have shown that it is the final worst case scenario rather than the inevitable end. Honestly, I still think that this argument is a bit too dramatic, but at least now it is more convincing as I have given a REASON for this idea.

So, if you are struggling for ideas for your IELTS Cause Effect Essays, my advice is don’t fall back on EXTREME arguments to support your ideas. Try to take a step back and offer the examiner an opinion that is more reasoned and less dramatic. If you can do this, you will be far more likely to get a 7.0 or even an 8.0 or 9.0 for Task Response.

Plus, the lessons are interactive, so you will pause and participate in every lesson. But that’s not the best part! Once you become my student, you will be able to message me with any questions you have at any time , so you won’t be on the IELTS journey on your own anymore! And, every writing package now includes access to our free daily live lessons for reading, speaking, and listening.  🚀

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IELTS Cause/Effect Essay Sample 2 – Health

In this post, we will look at a cause/effect essay  example from the IELTS writing task 2 test. Students often ask if the questions are repeated year after year and the answer is no, but the topics are. There are so many questions written each year, you may find your practice answering various questions on different topics. For example, you could write essays to answer questions about education or the environment, which benefits you because you learn vocabulary associated with those topics and develop ideas that can help you in your writing test.

Practising writing IELTS task 2 essays  on a range of topics is a great way to learn new vocabulary for those topics, but also to practice your essay structures . You begin to develop your ideas around those topics, thinking of examples and giving your opinions.

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Physicians advise their older patients to conduct physical workouts frequently but many of them do not follow the guidance given. Firstly, this essay will discuss the main cause of the problem and secondly will give suggestions on how to inspire them to have more regular activity.

On the one hand, the main cause of older people not completing enough exercise is that they are often suffering from various aches and pains within their body. Older people possibly associate exercise with strenuous activity, whereas tailored programs for their age group are more likely to be given. Having a weaker body can also contribute to the root of the problem because they are afraid they might injure themselves while doing certain movements. For example, DOH Philippines reported in 2017, that 7 out of 10 geriatric causes of hospitalizations are because of accidents involving strenuous activities.

On the other hand, proper instruction from experienced instructors could inspire older people to exercise. Wushu and Zumba gold are now famous amongst old people because they offer light movements to music and are fun group activities. By attending group classes with friends this can also encourage them to see it as more of a social meeting. For instance, a survey conducted by Workout magazine reported in 2016 that 75% of women aged 60+ joined Zumba gold classes instead of having a one to one personal trainer.

In conclusion, older people should be encouraged to move their bodies, with light, fun and group exercises. Many of them may feel inspired to follow a regular fitness program with encouragement from peers.

(Word count – 263 / Band score 8)

The following video will give you contains sample Essay in audiovisual format.

Instructor Feedback on IELTS CAUSE AND EFFECT Question Essay: Health

• Task Achievement  – The essay provides an answer to the question asked, supported by relevant examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion  – The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs and each main body paragraph only has one main idea. There are cohesive links between the main body paragraphs .
• Lexical Resource  – There is evidence of a wide range of vocabulary, with no errors in the text.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy  – The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences have a wide range of structures. 

Want to check more Cause and Effect Essay Samples? Check the IELTS Cause/Effect Question Essay Examples

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IELTS Podcast

Pass IELTS with expert help.

11 IELTS Cause and effect essay topics in 2020

In this tutorial Ellen looks at IELTS cause and effect essay TOPICS and certain aspects of the question to be on the lookout for in the IELTS exam .

In this podcast you will learn:

• some examples of  Task 2 cause and effect essay IELTS topics
• different examples of language and phrases used in the prompt
• how not to confuse this question type with other 2 question types
• how to organize your IELTS essay
• how to develop your essay so you can create a FULLY developed task 2
• and other tips and tricks to help you succeed.

Take a look at some more IELTS task 2 sample essays and our IELTS essay correction service to get valuable feedback.

You can download or listen to the audio version here:

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

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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Cause and Effect

 A cause-effect relationship is a relationship in which one event (the cause) makes another event happen (the effect). A good example is an alarm clock. The alarm rings (the cause) and you wake up (the effect). 

The most common words to express cause and effect are because and so . Because introduces the cause; so introduces the effect.

I woke up because my alarm went off .

    effect                            cause

My alarm went off so I woke up . 

      cause                          effect

Being able to describe cause-effect relationships is a crucial skill for academic writing. The following phrases will help you to do this. 

In these two examples, you first use the phrase, state the effect (in italics) , and then the cause (underlined).

One reason ( for )

One of the causes ( of )

One reason for traffic congestion is inadequate public transportation .

One of the causes of traffic congestion is inadequate public transportation .

When using the following phrases, you first state the effect , then a comma, the phrase and then the cause .

Due to 

Blood sports should be made illegal , owing to the high level of suffering they cause animals .

Blood sports should be made illegal , due to the high level of suffering they cause animals .

 With these phrases you first state the cause , the phrase and then the effect . 

Causes 

Smoking causes/leads to a number of illnesses, such as cancer and diabetes . 

A poor work ethic can lead to fewer career opportunities.

With these phrases you first state the effect , then the phrase, and then the cause . 

A result of

Brought about by

Global warming is a result of / brought about by many factors .

Pollution is a result of / brought about by heavy traffic .

⇨ Look at how some of these phrases are used in the following passage. 

Reading for Pleasure… and Success!

For ESL learners, developing a reading habit is a prerequisite for success.

To achieve a mastery of the English language – or indeed any language, it is important to read for pleasure. Good exam marks are often the result of having a reading habit. One reason for this is that when students read, they learn new vocabulary in context. Furthermore, learning to enjoy reading leads to students spending more of their time immersed in books, which improves their English. 

My ebook 'IELTS Essay Writing'  contains exercises to go with this lesson - Click here -   https://ieltsdavid.com/shop/ols/products/ielts-essay-writing-by-david-richards  

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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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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