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Level 4
IELTS Writing Task 2
Task 2 – Cause and Effect Essays Task 2 on the IELTS exam may require you to discuss the causes associated with an essay topic and list some effects. It may additionally ask you to give your opinion about it. You need to produce an essay that has an introduction, at least two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. In this section you will:
understand the structure of a cause and effect essay
practice planning and organising your ideas.
review the meaning and use of some common linkers.
do writing practice.
To get a band 5 or 5.5 in IELTS, you need to:-
• answer all parts of the essay question prompt.
• organise your writing into paragraphs including an introduction, body and a conclusion.
• use some good linkers.
• use suitable vocabulary with good range, spelling and correct word forms.
• have some simple sentences, some compound sentences (using linkers words like and
& but), some complex sentences (e.g. …., who..., that..., which..., if...).
1
TASK 2: CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAYS
Match the causes and effects that go with the essay topics.
Causes Essay Topic Effects 1) people want jobs
a) Global warming i) death
2) need to protect the country
b) Military service for men
ii) army is stronger
3) too many people use their cars
c) People moving to cities
iii) rising sea levels
4) burning fossil fuels d) Childhood obesity iv) women develop the
country 5) bad driving e) Traffic jams in cities v) air pollution 6) playing computer games instead of sports
f) High levels of stress vi) overcrowding
7) too much work to do g) Women studying at
university vii) rise in diabetes
8) it is free
h) Car accidents viii) cannot relax
TASK 2: CAUSES AND EFFECTS Look at the sentences in the box below. Which ones are causes of stress and which ones are effects of stress? The first one has been done for you as an example.
1. The main one is that it can affect people’s health. Effect
2. The most important one is that employers give their workers too much responsibility.
3. In addition, stress results in some people taking up bad habits, such as smoking or
drugs, to feel better.
4. The main one is that people are too busy nowadays.
5. Another cause of stress is that people have to take care of a family member who is old
or very sick.
6. The most important one is that it causes mental problems, such as depression.
7. The main one is that stressed people often cannot sleep well.
8. The most important one is that it can lead to family breakups.
2
Stress is a major problem in many countries around the world. What are some of the causes and
effects of stress? Look at the essay structure in the box on the right. Order the pieces of each paragraph in the box on the left to match the essay structure. The first one has been done for you as an example.
A) Stress is common in modern society and it is not good for people’s mental wellbeing. It is an important issue because of its possible impact on individuals, families and societies.
B) The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of stress.
C) Mental health is as important as physical health.
Introduction
1) General Background - C
2) Essay topic
3) Thesis
D) As a result, they cannot relax and they have high stress levels.
E) Consequently, they become stressed and dissatisfied with life.
F) Another cause of stress is that people have to take care of a family member who is old or very sick.
G) The most important one is that employers give their workers too much responsibility.
H) To begin with, there are several causes of stress.
I) This is a problem because when workers cannot finish their work, they feel worried.
J) For example, if people have to look after an old person all the time, they may feel like they cannot do what they want in their life.
Body Paragraph 1
4) Topic Sentence - causes
5) 1st Cause
6) Explanation
7) Result
8) 2nd Cause
9) Example + Condition +
Result
10) Result
K) In addition, stress results in some people taking up bad habits, such as smoking or drugs, to feel better.
L) For example, people who have too much stress can develop high blood pressure and heart problems.
M) Stress has some significant effects.
N) If they develop an addiction, they may focus on it and neglect their families.
O) Hence, their family life may suffer.
P) The main one is that it can affect people’s health.
Q) Because of this, they may have to stop working, or they may even die.
Body Paragraph 2
11) Topic Sentence - effects
12) 1st Effect
13) Example
14) Result
15) 2nd Effect
16) Condition + Result
17) Result
R) Therefore, I believe that people should find a way to reduce stress by exercising or doing things that they like.
S) In conclusion, stress has several causes and effects.
T) Two of the main causes are overworked employees and looking after elderly or sick people in the family, while the resulting effects are problems which are health-related and developing addictions.
Conclusion
18) Thesis again
19) Summary of causes &
effects
20) Opinion/Advice
3
Stress is a major problem in many countries around the world. What are some of the
causes and effects of stress?
Put the linking language from the box into the right place in the essay below:
has several causes and effects Another cause of is that
The main one is that In conclusion has some significant effects.
while the resulting effects are In addition Therefore, I believe that
To begin with, there are several causes of results in
Two of the main causes are The most important one is that
The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of
Mental health is as important as physical health. Stress is common in modern society and it is not good
for people’s mental wellbeing. It is an important issue because of its possible impact on individuals, families
and societies. 1) ___________________________________________________________________________
______________________________stress.
2) ______________________________________________________ stress. 3) __________________
________________________________________ employers give their workers too much responsibility. This is
a problem because when workers cannot finish their work, they feel worried. As a result, they cannot relax
and they have high stress levels. 4) __________________________ stress 5) ________________________
people have to take care of a family member who is old or very sick. For example, if people have to look after
an old person all the time, they may feel like they cannot do what they want in their life. Consequently, they
become stressed and dissatisfied with life.
Stress 6) _____________________________________ 7) ___________________________________
______________it can affect people’s health. For example, people who have too much stress can develop
high blood pressure and heart problems. Because of this, they may have to stop working, or they may even
die. 8) ________________________________, stress 9) ____________________ some people taking up bad
habits, such as smoking or drugs, to feel better. If they develop an addiction, they may focus on it and neglect
their families. Hence, their family life may suffer.
10)______________________________________, stress 11) ________________________________
_________________. 12) ____________________________________________ overworked employees and
looking after elderly or sick people in the family, 13) ______________________________________________
problems which are health-related and developing addictions. 14) ___________________________________
__________________________ people should find a way to reduce stress by exercising or doing things that
they like.
4
Traffic jams are a major problem in many cities around the world. What are some of the causes and effects of traffic jams in cities?
Causes Essay Topic Effects
1) Too many people use their cars
2) Not enough people use public transport
Traffic jams in
cities
1) Air pollution
2) More accidents
Use the essay topic, causes, effects and linking language to complete each paragraph.
The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of
Nowadays, cities all around the world are growing quickly. Traffic jams are common in big cities and
this problem is increasing. It is an important issue because of its possible impact on people and the
environment. 1) ____________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________.
The most important one is that Another cause of traffic jams is that To begin with, there are several causes of
2) _______________________________________________________________. 3) _______________
________________________________________________________________________________________.
This is a problem because when everyone drives on the roads together, there is not enough space for them
all. As a result, the streets become blocked with cars. 4) ___________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________ .
For example, if people do not use public transport, there may be more people driving their cars on the roads.
Consequently, there will be more traffic jams.
In addition have some significant effects. The main one is that result in
5)________________________________________________. 6) ______________________________
______________________________. For example, cities which have a lot of traffic jams usually do not have
clean air. Because of this, it may affect the health of people who live there. 7) _________________________
_________________________________________________. If too many cars are on the roads, they may be
all very close together. Hence, it is easier for them to hit each other and this could be dangerous for drivers.
while the resulting effects are In conclusion Therefore, I believe that
Two of the main causes are have several causes and effects.
8) __________________________________________________. 9) ____________________________
__________________________________________________________________________, 10) ___________
_________________________________________________________________________. 11) ____________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
5
Global warming is one of the most serious issues that the world is facing today. What are some of the causes and effects of global warming?
Find a word or words in each paragraph to match the meanings below. Then, decide if they are nouns, verbs or adjectives.
Today, there are many environmental problems in the world. One of these is global warming, which is the gradual increase in average temperature around the world. It is an important issue because of its possible impact on people. The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of global warming. 1) connected to nature - 5) regular/normal -
2) connected to the world - 6) serious -
3) rising temperature - 7) problem/topic -
4) slow - 8) effect -
To begin with, there are several causes of global warming. The most important one is that too many
people burn fossil fuels, such as oil and coal, for energy. This is a problem because burning these fuels produces carbon dioxide. For example, every day billions of people use cars which burn petrol and add more carbon dioxide gas into the air. Because carbon dioxide traps heat, this leads to higher global temperatures. Another cause of global warming is that people are cutting down more and more trees. Trees remove carbon dioxide from the air, so if there are fewer trees, there may be more carbon dioxide in the air. 1) e.g. oil - 4) catches and holds -
2) power - 5) high temperature -
3) a gas, CO2 - 6) take away -
Global warming has some significant effects. The main one is that sea levels are rising. This is because snow and ice in many parts of the world are melting faster and going into the sea. For instance, the ice in the North Pole is now much smaller than it used to be. If sea levels rise too much, some cities and farmland on the coast may go underwater. In addition, global warming results in stronger storms such as hurricanes and cyclones. When the sea is warmer, more water goes up into the clouds and this makes more powerful storms. Consequently, there is more heavy rain and more flooding. 1) very, very important - 5) very, very bad weather -
2) amount of water in the sea - 6) very, very bad weather -
3) turning from ice to water - 7) strong -
4) edge of the land and the sea - 8) too much water on the land -
In conclusion, global warming has several causes and effects. Two of the main causes are people overusing fossil fuels and cutting down trees, while the resulting effects are sea levels rising and more dangerous storms. Therefore, I believe that people who need energy should use less fossil fuels and more solar power. 1) using something too much - 3) unsafe -
2) consequent - 4) energy from the sun -
6
TASK 2: CAUSES AND EFFECTS ESSAY VOCABULARY – WORD FORMS Often, you can tell how different parts of speech (e.g. verbs, nouns, adjectives) by how they end. The table below shows some common endings of verbs, adjectives and nouns.
Verbs Adjectives Nouns
~ ise/ize advertise ~ ed excited ~ ance/ence attendance
~ ate communicate ~ ing exciting ~ ation/tion education
~ ify satisfy ~ al cultural ~ sion occasion
~ ial beneficial ~ ure pressure
~ ic public ~ ment development
~ ous / ious religious ~ age marriage
~ y hungry ~ er/ee employer / employee
~ able preventable ~ ness kindness
~ ful helpful ~ ty sensitivity
~ ing smoking
Write the word form (Noun, Verb or Adjective) under each word and then put the words into the correct sentences below.
energy energetic energise
1. _______________________ people are always active.
2. Teachers sometimes play games because they want to _______________________ their students.
3. Finding clean, cheap _______________________ is a major goal for many scientists.
flood flooded flooding
1. You should never drive your car into a _______________________ wadi.
2. _______________________ in wadis is a big problem when it rains.
3. Heavy rains in India _______________________ Bangladesh every year.
7
trapping traps trapped
1. Carbon dioxide _______________________ the sun’s heat in the air.
2. Carbon dioxide _______________________ the sun’s heat is the major cause of global warming.
3. High carbon dioxide levels result in more _______________________ heat in the air.
overuse overusing
1. If people _______________________ water now, there might not be enough left for the future.
2. _______________________ water is a serious problem in many countries.
environmental environment
1. Most of the world’s _______________________ problems are caused by people.
2. Parents want their children to grow up in a safe _______________________.
powerful power power
1. Big waves at the beach can be very _______________________.
2. Cheap _______________________ is something which all people want.
3. Now, we use a lot of fossil fuels to _______________________ our cars and factories.
significance significant
1. Global warming could cause many _______________________ problems for the world.
2. In the future, we may all see the _______________________ of the way the poles are melting now.
8
warm warming warms warmth
1. In fall, the sun feels _______________________.
2. Global _______________________ will cause major problems for our children and grandchildren.
3. The sun’s heat _______________________ the Earth.
4. In winter, birds like to sit in the _______________________ of the morning sun.
dangers dangerous
1. Driving too fast is _______________________.
2. There are many _______________________ related to speeding.
importance important
1. It is _______________________ to drive carefully.
2. To have a balanced life, we must not forget the _______________________ of a healthy diet and
exercise.
result resulting results
1. Smoking is unhealthy. The _______________________ effects can include lung cancer or heart
disease.
2. The _______________________ of global warming could be more cyclones.
3. More carbon dioxide in the air _______________________ in higher temperatures.
coast coastal
1. _______________________ areas could have more problems with flooding if the sea level rises.
2. People like to live on the _______________________ so they can look at the sea.
9
TASK 2: CAUSES AND EFFECTS ESSAY GRAMMAR – GERUNDS (VERB-ING FORMS AS NOUNS)
Look at sentences 1 to 6 below and underline the subjects and verbs. The first one has been done for you as an example.
1. Overusing water is becoming a serious problem in many countries.
Subject (Gerund) Verb (Present Continuous)
2. Flooding in wadis is a big problem when it rains.
3. Trapping heat in the air makes the Earth warmer.
4. Burning fossil fuels produces carbon dioxide.
5. Global warming will cause major problems for our children and grandchildren.
6. Driving too fast is dangerous.
Grammar: A gerund is a noun. It can be in the subject or object of a sentence. It can be one word or
in a group of words. To make a gerund, use verb-ing. It may look like a verb, but it is a noun!
Smoking causes cancer Subject Object
Doctors don’t recommend pregnant women smoking. Subject Object
Look at the essay question and the essay below. Is the gerund (global warming) in the subject or object?
Global warming is one of the most serious issues that the world is facing today. What are some of the causes and effects of global warming?
Today, there are many environmental problems in the world. One of these is global warming, which is the gradual increase in worldwide average temperature. It is an important issue because of its possible impact on people. The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of global warming.
To begin with, there are several causes of global warming. The most important one is that too many people burn fossil fuels, such as oil and coal, for energy. This is a problem because burning these fuels produces carbon dioxide. For example, every day billions of people use cars which burn petrol and add more carbon dioxide gas into the air. Because carbon dioxide traps heat, this leads to higher global temperatures. Another cause of global warming is that people are cutting down more and more trees. Trees remove carbon dioxide from the air, so if there are fewer trees, there may be more carbon dioxide in the air.
Global warming has some significant effects. The main one is that sea levels are rising. This is because snow and ice in many parts of the world are melting faster and going into the sea. For instance, the ice in the North Pole is now much smaller than it used to be. If sea levels rise too much, some cities and farmland on the coast may go underwater. In addition, global warming results in stronger storms such as hurricanes and cyclones. When the sea is warmer, more water goes up into the clouds and this makes more powerful storms. Consequently, there is more heavy rain and more flooding.
In conclusion, global warming has several causes and effects. Two of the main causes are people overusing fossil fuels and cutting down trees, while the resulting effects are sea levels rising and more dangerous storms. Therefore, I believe that people should use less fossil fuels and more solar power.
10
Gerunds can be useful for writing about the essay topic in your essay, but they are not always necessary. Look
at the examples below:
Essay Question: Global warming is one of the most serious issues that the world is facing today.
What are some of the causes and effects of global warming?
The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of global warming.
Essay Question: Childhood obesity is one of the most serious health issues that developed
countries are facing today. What are some of the causes and effects of childhood obesity?
The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of childhood obesity.
Some people get married young. What are some of the causes and effects of this?
The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of people getting married young.
Some people do not like to use technology. What are some of the causes and effects of this? The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of people not liking to use technology.
Nowadays, many workers are not local people. What are some of the causes and effects of this?
The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of workers not being local people.
Topic is already a gerund
No need to change it
Topic is already a noun
No need to change it
Topic is a clause (Subject + Verb)
Change the verb to a gerund
Topic is a negative clause (Subject + Auxiliary Verb + not + Main Verb)
Cut the auxiliary verb and change the main verb to a gerund
Topic is a negative clause (Subject + Be Verb + not + Adjective +Noun)
Change the ‘be’ verb to a gerund and move it to after ‘not’
11
Practise writing the essay topic with a gerund. Nowadays, many people move to live in big cities. What are some of the causes and effects of this?
1) The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of ________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________.
Nowadays, many people have high levels of stress. What are some of the causes and effects of this?
2) The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of ________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________.
Nowadays, many women study at university. What are some of the causes and effects of this?
3) The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of ________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________.
Nowadays, men have to do military service. What are some of the causes and effects of this?
4) The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of ________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________.
Nowadays, some people do not want women to work. What are some of the causes and effects of this?
5) The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of ________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________.
Nowadays, some employers do not want to hire applicants who do not have work experience. What are some of the causes and effects of this?
6) The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of ________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________.
Nowadays, some children are not healthy. What are some of the causes and effects of this?
7) The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of ________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________.
Nowadays, some people are not careful drivers. What are some of the causes and effects of this?
8) The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of ________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________.
12
Task 2: Cause and Effect Essay – Practice Topics
Below are some IELTS Task 2 questions. Check that you understand the underlined words. Some of these words and topics come out again and again in the IELTS exam. Plan your essays by drawing boxes to show how you would organise each one.
1. In some countries young people have little leisure time and are under a lot of pressure to work hard in their studies. What do you think are the causes of this? What are some effects?
2. The percentage of overweight children in western society has increased by almost 20% in the last ten years. Discuss the causes and effects of this disturbing trend.
3. In many parts of the world today there is a profitable market for products which lighten or whiten people’s skin. Outline the reasons for using such products and discuss what effects they have in terms of health and society.
4. As countries have developed there has been a trend towards smaller family sizes. Why does this happen? How does this affect society?
5. Many men and women are making the decision to have children later in life. Why is this trend occurring? What are the impacts of this development on both family and society?
6. Today’s youth are experimenting with both legal and illegal drugs at an early age. Some sociologists claim that parents and other members of society often set a bad example. Discuss the cause and effects of widespread drug abuse by young people.
13
Stress is a major problem in many countries around the world. What are some of the causes and effects of stress?
Look at the essay structure in the box on the right. Order the pieces of each paragraph in the box on the left to match the essay structure. The first one has been done for you as an example. ANSWERS
C) Mental health is as important as physical health. A) Stress is common in
modern society and it is not good for people’s mental wellbeing. It is an
important issue because of its possible impact on individuals, families and
societies. B) The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects
of stress.
Introduction
1) General Background - C
2) Essay topic
3) Thesis
H) To begin with, there are several causes of stress. G) The most important
one is that employers give their workers too much responsibility. I) This is a
problem because when workers cannot finish their work, they feel worried.
D) As a result, they cannot relax and they have high stress levels. F) Another
cause of stress is that people have to take care of a family member who is old
or very sick. J) For example, if people have to look after an old person all the
time, they may feel like they cannot do what they want in their life. E)
Consequently, they become stressed and dissatisfied with life.
Body Paragraph 1
4) Topic Sentence - causes
5) 1st Cause
6) Explanation
7) Result
8) 2nd Cause
9) Example + Condition +
Result
10) Result
M) Stress has some significant effects. P) The main one is that it can affect
people’s health. L) For example, people who have too much stress can
develop high blood pressure and heart problems. Q) Because of this, they
may have to stop working, or they may even die. K) In addition, stress
results in some people taking up bad habits, such as smoking or drugs, to feel
better. N) If they develop an addiction, they may focus on it and neglect their
families. O) Hence, their family life may suffer.
Body Paragraph 2
11) Topic Sentence - effects
12) 1st Effect
13) Example
14) Result
15) 2nd Effect
16) Condition + Result
17) Result
S) In conclusion, stress has several causes and effects. T) Two of the main
causes are overworked employees and looking after elderly or sick people in
the family, while the resulting effects are problems which are health-related
and developing addictions. R) Therefore, I believe that people should find a
way to reduce stress by exercising or doing things that they like.
Conclusion
18) Thesis again
19) Summary of causes &
effects
20) Opinion/Advice
14
Stress is a major problem in many countries around the world. What are some of the
causes and effects of stress? ANSWERS
Mental health is as important as physical health. Stress is common in modern society and it is not good for people’s mental wellbeing. It is an important issue because of its possible impact on individuals, families and societies. 1)The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of stress.
2)To begin with, there are several causes of stress. 3)The most important one is that
employers give their workers too much responsibility. This is a problem because when workers cannot finish their work, they feel worried. As a result, they cannot relax and they have high stress levels. 4)Another cause of stress 5)is that people have to take care of a family member who is old or very sick. For example, if people have to look after an old person all the time, they may feel like they cannot do what they want in their life. Consequently, they become stressed and dissatisfied with life.
Stress 6)has some significant effects. 7)The main one is that it can affect people’s health. For
example, people who have too much stress can develop high blood pressure and heart problems. Because of this, they may have to stop working, or they may even die. 8)In addition, stress 9)results in some people taking up bad habits, such as smoking or drugs, to feel better. If they develop an addiction, they may focus on it and neglect their families. Hence, their family life may suffer.
10)In conclusion, stress 11)has several causes and effects. 12)Two of the main causes are
overworked employees and looking after elderly or sick people in the family, 13)while the resulting
effects are problems which are health-related and developing addictions. 14)Therefore, I believe that
people should find a way to reduce stress by exercising or doing things that they like.
15
Traffic jams are a major problem in many cities around the world. What are some of the
causes and effects of traffic jams in cities? ANSWERS
Nowadays, cities all around the world are growing quickly. Traffic jams are common in big
cities and this problem is increasing. It is an important issue because of its possible impact on people
and the environment. 1)The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of traffic
congestion in cities.
2)To begin with, there are several causes of traffic jams in cities. 3)The most important one is
that too many people use their cars at the same time. This is a problem because when everyone
drives on the roads together, there is not enough space for them all. As a result, the streets become
blocked with cars. 4)Another cause of traffic jams is that there are not enough people who use public
transport. For example, if people do not use public transport, there may be more people driving their
cars on the roads. Consequently, there will be more traffic jams.
5)Traffic jams have some significant effects. 6)The main one is that they can produce air
pollution. For example, cities which have a lot of traffic jams usually do not have clean air. Because
of this, it may affect the health of people who live there. 7)In addition, traffic jams result in more
accidents. If too many cars are on the roads, they may be all very close together. Hence, it is easier
for them to hit each other and this could be dangerous for drivers.
8)In conclusion, traffic jams have several causes and effects. 9)Two of the main causes are
too many people using cars and not enough people using public transport, 10)while the resulting
effects are air pollution and an increase in accidents. 11)Therefore, I believe that people should use
public transport more and drive their own cars less.
16
Global warming is one of the most serious issues that the world is facing today. What are
some of the causes and effects of global warming? Answers
Find a word or words in each paragraph to match the meanings below. Then, decide if they are nouns, verbs or adjectives.
Today, there are many environmental problems in the world. One of these is global warming, which is the gradual increase in average temperature around the world. It is an important issue because of its possible impact on people. The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of global warming. 1) connected to nature – environmental adj 5) regular/normal - average adj
2) connected to the world – global adj 6) serious – important adj
3) rising temperature – warming noun 7) problem/topic – issue noun
4) slow – gradual adj 8) effect – impact noun
To begin with, there are several causes of global warming. The most important one is that too many
people burn fossil fuels, such as oil and coal, for energy. This is a problem because burning these fuels produces carbon dioxide. For example, every day billions of people use cars which burn petrol and add more carbon dioxide gas into the air. Because carbon dioxide traps heat, this leads to higher global temperatures. Another cause of global warming is that people are cutting down more and more trees. Trees remove carbon dioxide from the air, so if there are fewer trees, there may be more carbon dioxide in the air. 1) e.g. oil - fossil fuels noun 4) catches and holds – traps verb
2) power – energy noun 5) high temperature – heat noun
3) a gas, CO2 - carbon dioxide noun 6) take away – remove verb
Global warming has some significant effects. The main one is that sea levels are rising. This is because snow and ice in many parts of the world are melting faster and going into the sea. For instance, the ice in the North Pole is now much smaller than it used to be. If sea levels rise too much, some cities and farmland on the coast may go underwater. In addition, global warming results in stronger storms such as hurricanes and cyclones. When the sea is warmer, more water goes up into the clouds and this makes more powerful storms. Consequently, there is more heavy rain and more flooding. 1) very, very important – significant adj 5) very, very bad weather – hurricanes noun
2) amount of water in the sea - sea levels noun 6) very, very bad weather – cyclones noun
3) are turning from ice to water – are melting verb 7) strong – powerful adj
4) edge of the land and the sea – coast noun 8) too much water on the land – flooding noun
In conclusion, global warming has several causes and effects. Two of the main causes are people overusing fossil fuels and cutting down trees, while the resulting effects are sea levels rising and more dangerous storms. Therefore, I believe that people who need energy should use less fossil fuels and more solar power. 1) using something too much – overusing noun 3) unsafe – dangerous adj
2) consequent – resulting adj 4) energy from the sun - solar power noun
17
TASK 2: CAUSES AND EFFECTS ESSAY VOCABULARY – WORD FORMS ANSWERS Often, you can tell how different parts of speech (e.g. verbs, nouns, adjectives) by how they end. The table below shows some common endings of verbs, adjectives and nouns.
Verbs Adjectives Nouns
~ ise/ize advertise ~ ed excited ~ ance/ence attendance
~ ate communicate ~ ing exciting ~ ation/tion education
~ ify ~ al cultural ~ sion occasion
~ ial beneficial ~ ure pressure
~ ic public ~ ment development
~ ous / ious religious ~ age marriage
~ y hungry ~ er/ee employer / employee
~ able preventable ~ ness kindness
~ ful helpful ~ ty sensitivity
~ ing smoking
Write the word form (Noun, Verb or Adjective) under each word and then put the words into the correct sentences below.
energy energetic energise
N
Adj
V
1. Energetic people are always active.
2. Teachers sometimes play games because they want to energise their students.
3. Finding clean, cheap energy is a major goal for many scientists.
flood flooded flooding
V
Adj
N
1. You should never drive your car into a flooded wadi.
2. Flooding in wadis is a big problem when it rains.
3. Heavy rains in India flood Bangladesh every year.
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trapping traps trapped
N
V
Adj
1. Carbon dioxide traps the sun’s heat in the air.
2. Carbon dioxide trapping the sun’s heat is the major cause of global warming.
3. High carbon dioxide levels result in more trapped heat in the air.
overuse overusing
V
N
1. If people overuse water now, there might not be enough left for the future.
2. Overusing water is a serious problem in many countries.
environmental environment
Adj
N
1. Most of the world’s environmental problems are caused by people.
2. Parents want their children to grow up in a safe environment.
powerful power power
Adj
V
N
1. Big waves at the beach can be very powerful.
2. Cheap power is something which all people want.
3. Now, we use a lot of fossil fuels to power our cars and factories.
significance significant
N
Adj
1. Global warming could cause many significant problems for the world.
2. In the future, we may all see the significance of the way the poles are melting now.
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warm warming warms warmth
Adj
N
V
N
1. In fall, the sun feels warm.
2. Global warming will cause major problems for our children and grandchildren.
3. The sun’s heat warms the Earth.
4. In winter, birds like to sit in the warmth of the morning sun.
dangers dangerous
N
Adj
1. Driving too fast is dangerous.
2. There are many dangers related to speeding.
importance important
N
Adj
1. It is important to drive carefully.
2. To have a balanced life, we must not forget the importance of a healthy diet and exercise.
result resulting results
N
Adj
V
1. Smoking is unhealthy. The resulting effects can include lung cancer or heart disease.
2. The result of global warming could be more cyclones.
3. More carbon dioxide in the air results in higher temperatures.
coast coastal
N
Adj
1. Coastal areas could have more problems with flooding if the sea level rises.
2. People like to live on the coast so they can look at the sea.
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TASK 2: CAUSES AND EFFECTS ESSAY GRAMMAR – GERUNDS (VERB-ING FORMS AS NOUNS) ANSWERS
Look at sentences 1 to 6 below and underline the subjects and verbs. The first one has been done for you as an example.
1. Overusing water is becoming a serious problem in many countries.
Subject (Gerund) Verb (Present Continuous)
2. Flooding in wadis is a big problem when it rains.
3. Trapping heat in the air makes the Earth warmer.
4. Burning fossil fuels produces carbon dioxide.
5. Global warming will cause major problems for our children and grandchildren.
6. Driving too fast is dangerous.
Look at the essay question and the essay below. Is the gerund (global warming) in the subject or object?
Global warming is one of the most serious issues that the world is facing today. What are some of the
causes and effects of global warming?
Today, there are many environmental problems in the world. One of these is global warming, which
is the gradual increase in worldwide average temperature. It is an important issue because of its possible
impact on people. The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of global warming.
To begin with, there are several causes of global warming. The most important one is that too
many people burn fossil fuels, such as oil and coal, for energy. This is a problem because burning these fuels
produces carbon dioxide. For example, every day billions of people use cars which burn petrol and add more
carbon dioxide gas into the air. Because carbon dioxide traps heat, this leads to higher global temperatures.
Another cause of global warming is that people are cutting down more and more trees. Trees remove
carbon dioxide from the air, so if there are fewer trees, there may be more carbon dioxide in the air.
Global warming has some significant effects. The main one is that sea levels are rising. This is
because snow and ice in many parts of the world are melting faster and going into the sea. For instance, the
ice in the North Pole is now much smaller than it used to be. If sea levels rise too much, some cities and
farmland on the coast may go underwater. In addition, global warming results in stronger storms such as
hurricanes and cyclones. When the sea is warmer, more water goes up into the clouds and this makes more
powerful storms. Consequently, there is more heavy rain and more flooding.
In conclusion, global warming has several causes and effects. Two of the main causes are people
overusing fossil fuels and cutting down trees, while the resulting effects are sea levels rising and more
dangerous storms. Therefore, I believe that people should use less fossil fuels and more solar power.
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Practise writing the essay topic with a gerund. Answers Nowadays, many people move to live in big cities. What are some of the causes and effects of this?
9) The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of people moving to live in big cities.
Nowadays, many people have high levels of stress. What are some of the causes and effects of this?
10) The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of people having high levels of stress.
Nowadays, many women study at university. What are some of the causes and effects of this?
11) The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of women studying at university.
Nowadays, men have to do military service. What are some of the causes and effects of this?
12) The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of men having to do military service.
Nowadays, some people do not want women to work. What are some of the causes and effects of this?
13) The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of people not wanting women to work.
Nowadays, some employers do not want to hire applicants who do not have work experience. What are some of the causes and effects of this?
14) The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of employers not wanting to hire applicants who do not have work experience.
Nowadays, some children are not healthy. What are some of the causes and effects of this?
15) The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of children not being healthy.
Nowadays, some people are not careful drivers. What are some of the causes and effects of this?
16) The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of people not being careful drivers.
