How to Write an IELTS Task 2 Essay: Cause Type | Solved Essays for IELTS PDF Download

• The Cause Type essay, often referred to as a Cause and Effect or Causes and Solutions essay, is a common question type in IELTS Writing Task 2.
• In this essay, you are presented with a specific issue or problem, and your task is to identify and explain its causes, and sometimes discuss its effects or propose solutions, depending on the prompt.
• You are expected to provide clear, logical reasons for why the issue occurs, supported by relevant examples or evidence, and address any additional requirements (e.g., effects or solutions) systematically.

How to Approach the Cause Type Essay?

• Identify Causes: Explain the main reasons behind the issue with logical reasoning and examples.

• Address Effects (if asked): Discuss the consequences or impacts of the issue, providing clear examples.

• Propose Solutions (if asked): Suggest practical solutions to mitigate the issue, supported by reasoning.

How Is It Different from Other IELTS Essay Types?

The Cause Type essay differs from other essay types in key ways:

Unlike the Agree/Disagree essay, which requires defending a personal stance, or the Discuss Two Opinions essay, which compares opposing viewpoints, the Cause Type essay focuses on analysing the reasons behind an issue and, when prompted, its consequences or solutions, requiring an analytical rather than argumentative approach.

What to Keep in Mind When Writing This Type of Essay

Here are key strategies and points to remember:

1. Address All Parts of the Prompt

• Identify and explain at least two main causes of the issue.

• If asked, discuss effects or propose solutions, ensuring each part is developed equally.

2. Provide Clear Explanations

• Avoid vague causes; explain why and how each cause contributes to the issue.

• Use specific examples or evidence to support your points.

3. Use a Logical Structure

A typical structure includes:

• Introduction: Paraphrase the prompt and outline the causes (and effects/solutions if required).

• Body Paragraph 1: Explain the first cause (or causes), with supporting examples.

• Body Paragraph 2: Explain the second cause (or effects/solutions), with examples.

• Conclusion: Summarize the main points and, if relevant, restate the significance of addressing the issue.

4. Support Your Analysis

• Use real-world examples, statistics, or scenarios to justify causes, effects, or solutions.

• Avoid generalizations; aim for specific, well-developed points.

5. Stay Formal and Academic

• Use formal language, avoiding contractions (e.g., “do not” instead of “don’t”) and slang.

• Employ linking words like “due to,” “as a result,” “consequently,” “to address this,” and “for instance” to ensure smooth transitions.

6. Time Management

• Spend 5 minutes planning, 30-35 minutes writing, and 5 minutes reviewing.

• Ensure your essay is at least 250 words.

What the Question Looks Like

Here are typical Cause Type prompts:

• Many cities are experiencing high levels of air pollution. What are the causes of this problem, and what are its effects?

• The number of people working from home has increased. What are the reasons for this trend, and what are its impacts on society?

• Obesity is becoming a major health issue in many countries. What are the causes of this problem, and how can it be addressed?

What the Examiner Expects

You are expected to:

• Clearly identify and explain the causes of the issue, with logical reasoning and examples.

• Address any additional requirements (effects or solutions) fully and systematically.

• Write at least 250 words in a formal, academic style.

• Use effective paragraphing, linking devices, and a range of vocabulary and grammar.

Recommended Structure

Here’s a simple and effective 4-paragraph structure:

1. Introduction (40-50 words)

• Paraphrase the prompt to introduce the issue and its causes (and effects/solutions if required).

• Outline that you will discuss the causes and any additional aspects.

Example:
Air pollution is a growing concern in many urban areas. This essay will examine the primary causes of this issue, including industrial emissions and vehicle use, as well as its effects on public health and the environment.

2. Body Paragraph 1 - Causes (90-110 words)

• Start with a clear topic sentence identifying the main causes.

• Explain one or two causes in detail, showing how they contribute to the issue.

• Provide a relevant example or evidence.

Example:
One major cause of air pollution is the high volume of industrial emissions. Factories release harmful pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide, into the atmosphere, degrading air quality. Additionally, the widespread use of private vehicles contributes significantly, as exhaust fumes from cars increase carbon monoxide levels. For instance, cities like Delhi experience severe smog due to heavy traffic and industrial activity.

3. Body Paragraph 2 - Effects or Solutions (90-110 words)

• Present the effects or solutions with a clear topic sentence.

• Explain the impacts or proposed solutions, with reasoning and examples.

• Example (Effects):
  Air pollution has severe consequences for both public health and the environment. Poor air quality leads to respiratory issues, such as asthma, particularly among children and the elderly. Moreover, pollutants contribute to environmental degradation, including acid rain, which damages ecosystems. For example, polluted air in Beijing has been linked to increased hospital admissions for lung-related illnesses.

Example (Solutions):
To address air pollution, governments should implement stricter regulations on industrial emissions and promote cleaner energy sources. Additionally, encouraging public transport use can reduce vehicle-related pollution. For instance, cities like London have introduced low-emission zones, significantly improving air quality.

4. Conclusion (30-40 words)

• Summarize the causes and effects/solutions briefly.

• Emphasize the importance of addressing the issue, without introducing new ideas.

Example:
In conclusion, industrial emissions and vehicle use are primary causes of air pollution, leading to health issues and environmental damage. Effective regulations and public transport initiatives are essential to mitigate this pressing problem.

Tips to Score High

• Address All Tasks: Ensure you cover causes and any additional requirements (effects or solutions) equally to meet Task Response criteria.

• Use Linking Words: Employ phrases like “due to,” “as a result,” “to tackle this,” “for example,” and “in conclusion” to enhance coherence.

• Avoid Informal Language: Maintain a formal tone, avoiding slang or contractions (e.g., use “cannot” instead of “can’t”).

• Plan Before Writing: Spend 3-5 minutes outlining causes and effects/solutions to ensure a logical structure.

• Stay Within the Word Limit: Aim for 260-280 words to meet the minimum 250-word requirement without overwriting.

By following this structure and these tips, you can effectively address the Cause Type essay, meeting the IELTS examiner’s expectations for a well-analysed, clearly structured response with robust reasoning and examples.