I nte r nati o nal e n g LI s h lan g uag e testi n g syste m

riting

 

about

 

causes

 

and

 

effects

Some IELTS Task 2 descriptions will request the student outline the causes and 

effects of a certain subject.  In most cases, the cause and effect essay question is 

responded to using a discussion essay structure.  This essay structure allows the 

student to objectively look at the causes of a certain subject in the first supporting 

paragraph and the effects of the same subject in the second supporting paragraph.  

Take the following question and answer as an example:

The world’s air pollution levels are rising year on year.  Discuss what you 

feel are the causes and effects of this disturbing trend.

The growing level of airborne pollutants has proven to be a major obstacle for human-

ity in the 21st century.  To address this issue, encouraging popular understanding 

is a paramount first step.  This essay will examine the major causes and effects of