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IELTS Writing - Task 2 - Causes and Solutions

IELTS
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Lectures for Writing
Task 2 - Causes and Solutions

IELTS Writing Task 2 — Causes/Solutions

  • Writing
  • Task 2
  • Causes/Solutions

IELTS Writing Task 2 Overview

Task 2 consists of the following:

  • ① A writing prompt that presents a viewpoint, argument, or problem

  • ② One to three questions related to that prompt

Topics can vary widely, covering areas such as culture, government, social sciences, the environment, and technology. You must write a formal essay of at least 250 words in response to the prompt within 40 minutes.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types

The following five types of questions may appear:

  • Agree or disagree with a particular viewpoint or argument
  • Discuss two opposing views
  • Describe the advantages or disadvantages of a topic
  • Explain the causes of a problem and provide solutions
  • Address a given situation divided into two parts (Two-part Question)

Causes and Solutions Overview

Causes and Solutions questions consist of two key elements.

Writing Prompt

  • Concerns the reasons or causes of a problem and how that problem can be solved or prevented
  • A problem faced by a group or society
  • Consists of 1–2 sentences

Questions

One or two questions are presented, asking how the problem can be addressed. Typical instructions include:

  • "What are the causes of this? How can this problem be solved?"
  • "What solutions can you suggest to deal with this problem?"
  • "What measures could be taken to prevent this?"

Strategy for Writing Causes and Solutions

  1. STEP 1. Understand the Task

    The key is to describe relationships:

    • Show the causes that lead to the problem
    • Show that the solutions you propose actually solve the problem
    • Support every point clearly and logically

  2. STEP 2. Plan Your Answer (4–5 Paragraph Structure)

    Use a minimum of four paragraphs, and expand to five if necessary.

    • Introduction
    • 2–3 body paragraphs
      • Explanation of causes: 1–2 paragraphs
      • Explanation of solutions: 1 paragraph
    • Conclusion

  3. STEP 3. How to Write Each Paragraph

    Introduction

    • Paraphrase the prompt
    • Provide a preview of the essay, including:
      • The causes of the problem
      • The problem and the solutions you will propose

    Body Paragraphs

    Consist of 2–3 paragraphs on causes and 1 paragraph on proposed solutions. Each paragraph should include:

    • A topic sentence
    • An explanation of the cause or solution

    Conclusion

    Summarize the following three elements:

    • The causes
    • The problem
    • The solution

Things to Keep in Mind

  • 1. Spend 40 minutes

    Since Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1, allocate about 40 minutes to it

  • 2. Plan your answer

    Spend a few minutes brainstorming your answers, explanations, and examples to create an outline

  • 3. Use a variety of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and vary your sentence structures appropriately

  • 4. Proofread

    In the final few minutes, check for grammatical errors and typos, and make sure your writing is clear and coherent

  • 5. Be sure to double-check that your conclusion accurately paraphrases the answers presented in your introduction, and that your essay exceeds 250 words