4 steps to write cause-and-effect essays for IELTS Academic
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How to write IELTS cause-and-effect essays

How to write IELTS cause-and-effect essays

There are different types of essays in IELTS Academic Writing Task 2. They can be divided into advantages and disadvantages essays, opinion essays,  two-views-and-opinion essays, mixed and cause-and-effect essays. Many students and candidates fail to get the desired score because they are not aware of how to approach the task. We are going to look at what makes a good essay, and you will learn how to unpack the cause-and-effect essay task in order to write an appropriate response.

What is the task about?

Not understanding what to do in the task and not knowing what two write as well as not identifying the type of an essay correctly might lead to losing the scores. This means it is crucial to identify the type of essay in IELTS Writing task 2. The tasks for cause-and-effect essays can have different wordings. For example:

 

  • What in your opinion are the primary causes of this? What are the main effects of this …?
  • Discuss the causes and effects of this … trend.
  • Why do people do that? What are the results of such actions?

 

In cause-and-effect essays, you will be given a problem and asked to write about the main causes of this problem as well as discuss what effects it might have. 

The task above looks at the problem of people who use the Internet to look for ways to cure different medical conditions instead of seeing the doctor. In your essay, you will have two write about 2 or 3 reasons why they do so as well as think about 2 or 3 effects such behaviour might lead to. Moreover, you will have to provide examples. 

If you do all three items, you are likely to get a higher score for the Task Achievement criterion.

READ ABOUT: IELTS two-views-and-opinion essay tips

What is the strategy for writing the cause-and-effect essay?

The cause-and-effect essay requires you to think critically about the problem and outline your ideas orderly. You are likely to complete the task successfully if you follow the steps we suggest. 

Step 1. Analysing the task.

As it has already been said, your success depends on understanding the task. That is why you have to read the statement carefully and underline key information in it. Next, read the questions and identify what they ask you to write about. Paraphrasing the statement for yourself using simple language will help you understand it better.

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Step 2. Planning your essay.

While planning your essay you should decide on the number of paragraphs. Your essay will consist of the introduction, main body, and conclusion. 

Next, spend a few minutes on brainstorming ideas for your essay. Think about the details or examples to support your ideas and answer the questions in the task, and take notes. 

For example, your notes might look like this:

 

Introduction
  • people look for advice about their health online
  • the essay will discuss the reasons and effects of such a trend
Paragraph 1 WHY people do this
Idea 1it takes less time than to visit a doctor,e.g. you can avoid blood tests, check up, etc. and do everything by clicking a mouseIdea 2you can find reviews on the Internet, e.g. people write about symptoms, medicines they had and where to buy them
Paragraph 1 CONSEQUENCES

Idea 1

reviews can be unreliable (non-professional) => waste your time and money

Idea 2

without doctor’s prescription => it can get worse => new condition+complications

Conclusion
  • convenient but dangerous
  • seeing a doctor is safer

Step 3. Writing an essay.

At this stage, we recommend that you keep looking at the task and the plan of your essay. This will help you stay on topic and write only relevant ideas. 

Usually, we start writing an essay with an introduction. However, if you are struggling with writing it, leave some space, and write the body of your essay. You will return to the introduction later. Here you will have to paraphrase the task and write what the essay will discuss.

It is recommended that the main body of your cause-and-effect essay consists of 2 paragraphs:

  • in body paragraph 1, answer question 1 by giving a topic sentence and details / examples 
  • in body paragraph 2, answer question 2 by giving a topic sentence and details / examples

In the case with our essay, your first paragraph will answer the question ‘Why are people looking for ways to cure their medical conditions on the Internet?’. The second paragraph will answer the question ‘What are the consequences of looking for ways to cure their medical conditions on the Internet?’.

Finally, write the conclusion where you need to summarize the answers to questions 1 and 2.

Step 4. Checking your essay.

This is the essential step in doing any writing assignment. It is also the best way to increase your score within a few minutes. After you finished writing your essay, check it for:

  • spelling
  • your typical mistakes
  • repetition of vocabulary and linkers.

Read our guide on how to check your IELTS Writing

READ ABOUT: What will the examiner be listening for at the IELTS Speaking test?

Essay structure

The way you organize your essay will help the examiner follow your thoughts and will also give you a better score for coherence and cohesion. Remember to structure your writing in paragraphs. Here is the outline of the cause-and-effect essay structure:

 

INTRODUCTION:

  • paraphrase the topic
  • what will be discussed
MAIN BODY

Paragraph 1:

  • Topic sentence answering question 1
  • Idea 1
  • Detail/Example
  • Idea 2
  • Detail/Example

Paragraph 2:

  • Topic sentence answering question 2
  • Idea 1
  • Detail/Example
  • Idea 2
  • Detail/Example
CONCLUSION:

  • Summary of answers to questions 1 and 2
  • Opinion / advice

 

Go to our course to find the sample answer to this and many other tasks. You will also learn and practise strategies for all four skills tested in IELTS: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. Our platform provides instant feedback from experienced IELTS experts. At the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to take a mock test and receive feedback on what should be improved and what you are good at. 

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