How to Structure a Cause and Solution Essay for IELTS Writing Task 2
In a Cause and Solution essay, your task is to:
Explain the primary causes of a given problem.
Suggest specific solutions to address those causes.
Sample IELTS Question:
The influence of human beings on the world's ecosystem is leading to the extinction of species and loss of biodiversity.
What are the primary causes of loss of biodiversity?
What solutions can you suggest?
Word Count: Write at least 250 words
Time: You have 40 minutes to complete this task.
Essay Structure:
Introduction Paragraph
Supporting Paragraph 1: Causes
Supporting Paragraph 2: Solutions
Conclusion Paragraph
Now, I will break down each section, step by step, to help you achieve a score of 7+ for this essay type.
1. Introduction Paragraph
Introduction Sentence:
Start by paraphrasing the topic to introduce the issue.Example: Human activities are having a devastating impact on the world’s ecosystems, resulting in the extinction of various species and a significant reduction in biodiversity.
Outline Statement:
Briefly mention what the essay will cover (the causes and solutions).Example: This essay will explore the main causes of biodiversity loss and propose some practical solutions to address the problem.
2. Supporting Paragraph 1: Causes
Cause 1:
Introduce the first cause of biodiversity loss.Example: One of the primary causes of biodiversity loss is deforestation, which destroys natural habitats and displaces wildlife.
Discussion or Example of Cause 1:
Provide more detail or an example.Example: For instance, the Amazon rainforest, home to a rich variety of species, has been severely impacted by large-scale logging operations. This deforestation disrupts ecosystems, leading to the extinction of numerous plants and animals.
Cause 2:
Introduce the second cause.Example: In addition to deforestation, pollution is another significant cause of biodiversity loss.
Discussion or Example of Cause 2:
Further elaborate or give an example.Example: Marine ecosystems, in particular, are being destroyed by pollution. Plastic waste, industrial chemicals, and oil spills have devastated marine life, pushing many species to the brink of extinction.
3. Supporting Paragraph 2: Solutions
Solution 1:
Propose the first solution to address one of the causes.Example: To combat deforestation, governments should introduce stricter regulations on logging and provide incentives for sustainable practices, such as reforestation.
Discussion or Example of Solution 1:
Provide more detail or an example.Example: Countries like Costa Rica have demonstrated success in preserving biodiversity by implementing extensive conservation projects and promoting eco-friendly agricultural methods.
Solution 2:
Introduce the second solution.Example: Furthermore, addressing pollution will require stronger environmental laws to reduce waste and regulate industrial activities.
Discussion or Example of Solution 2:
Further explain the solution with an example.Example: Several countries have already made progress by banning single-use plastics and encouraging recycling programs, which has significantly reduced plastic pollution in oceans.
4. summary Paragraph
NOTE - you need a summary here not a conclusion. You should write conclusions for essays that ask you for your opinion and summaries for ones that do not.
Summarize the Main Causes:
Briefly restate the main causes of the problem.Example: In summary, deforestation and pollution are two of the leading causes of biodiversity loss.
Summarize the Main Solutions:
Briefly restate the proposed solutions.Example: To address these problems, it is essential to enforce stricter environmental regulations and promote sustainable practices to protect and restore biodiversity.
Final Model Essay (290 Words):
The influence of human beings on the world’s ecosystem is causing the extinction of species and a significant loss of biodiversity. This is a serious issue that threatens not only wildlife but also the balance of ecosystems that humans rely on. In this essay, I will discuss the primary causes of biodiversity loss and propose some solutions to address this growing problem.
One of the main causes of biodiversity loss is deforestation, which destroys natural habitats and displaces wildlife. For example, large-scale logging in the Amazon rainforest has devastated the homes of countless species, pushing them toward extinction. Additionally, when forests are cleared, ecosystems that depend on the complex interrelationship of flora and fauna are disrupted. This deforestation is largely driven by human demand for agricultural land, urban expansion, and raw materials. Moreover, another major cause is pollution, particularly in the form of plastic waste, industrial chemicals, and oil spills. Marine biodiversity, for instance, has been severely impacted by plastic debris and toxic substances, which poison aquatic life and disrupt entire marine ecosystems.
To combat deforestation, governments must introduce stricter regulations on logging and provide incentives for sustainable forestry practices. For instance, reforestation programs and the promotion of eco-friendly agriculture can help restore destroyed ecosystems. In addition, countries like Costa Rica have demonstrated success through large-scale conservation efforts. To address pollution, stricter environmental laws should be enforced to reduce plastic use and regulate industrial waste. Several nations have successfully reduced pollution by banning single-use plastics and promoting recycling initiatives.
To summarize, while deforestation and pollution are the leading causes of biodiversity loss, these challenges can be addressed through stronger environmental regulations and sustainable practices. By taking immediate action, we can protect the biodiversity that is essential to the planet's survival.
Key Points to Remember:
Paraphrase the question in the introduction.
Include two causes and two solutions, explaining each with specific examples.
Use transition words to connect ideas clearly (e.g., In addition, Moreover, Furthermore).
Ensure your essay has at least 250 words (aim for 270-290 for safety).
By following this structure and approach, you'll be well-prepared to write a high-scoring Cause and Solution essay for IELTS Writing Task 2.
In Part 1 of the IELTS Writing test, you may be asked to describe a process. While process questions are less common than charts or graphs, they do appear occasionally. Fortunately, process questions are generally easier to answer, though many people overlook preparing for them. This is a missed opportunity, as it doesn’t take long to become familiar with these types of questions and learn how to respond effectively.