Introduction
Understanding how to write a cause and effect essay in IELTS Writing Task 2 is essential for anyone aiming for Band 8 or higher. This page includes a full Band 8 sample essay on a common IELTS topic, a grammar focus on tag questions, and five academic-level vocabulary words with examples. You’ll also find helpful internal links to deepen your skills across the Writing section.
If you’re aiming to upgrade your writing fast, explore these companion guides:
- IELTS Writing Task 2: Essay Structures and Types
- How to Write a Strong Thesis in IELTS Essays
- IELTS Band Descriptors Explained
- IELTS Vocabulary by Topic
- Band 7 and Band 8 Writing Samples
IELTS Task 2 Question (Cause & Effect):
Stress-related illnesses are becoming more common in modern society.
What are the main causes of this problem, and what are the effects?
Band 8 Sample Essay
Stress-related health issues have become a widespread concern in recent years. This essay will argue that this trend is largely due to the pressures of overwork and social disconnection, because modern lifestyles often prioritize productivity over well-being and technology over human contact.
One major cause of this rise in stress-related illnesses is the relentless pace of professional life. Many individuals work long hours and face constant pressure to meet performance targets. This environment fosters chronic stress, which weakens the immune system and contributes to physical and mental health problems. In addition, people today are more digitally connected but socially isolated than ever before. The decline in face-to-face interaction can leave individuals without the emotional support networks needed to manage anxiety, can’t it?
The effects of stress are both immediate and long-lasting. Physically, stress contributes to conditions such as hypertension, digestive problems, and fatigue. Psychologically, it can lead to depression, burnout, and difficulty concentrating. In the long term, this can decrease workplace productivity and increase public health costs, placing pressure on national healthcare systems.
In conclusion, this essay has argued that stress-related illnesses are mainly caused by overwork and social isolation, and the effects include serious physical and mental health problems. Governments and employers must take action to create healthier environments, or the crisis will only deepen.
Grammar Focus: Tag Questions
Tag questions are useful for adding emphasis or inviting subtle agreement in formal writing when used sparingly.
Structure:
- Positive statement → negative tag
- Negative statement → positive tag
From the essay:
“The decline in face-to-face interaction can leave individuals without emotional support, can’t it?”
Examples for IELTS Writing:
- These challenges affect mental health, don’t they?
- Stress levels are increasing worldwide, aren’t they?
Tag questions add tone variation and are suitable for essays on social issues, health, or lifestyle — but use them once or twice at most.
IELTS Vocabulary: Cause and Effect Topic (Band 8 Level)
| Word | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic | Continuing for a long time; persistent | Chronic stress can damage the immune system over time. |
| Burnout | Physical or mental collapse due to overwork | Many professionals experience burnout from excessive workloads. |
| Hypertension | High blood pressure, often linked to stress | Long-term anxiety can lead to hypertension and heart disease. |
| Social disconnection | Lack of meaningful relationships | Social disconnection is a key factor in rising stress levels. |
| Productivity-driven culture | A mindset where output is valued above well-being | In a productivity-driven culture, people often ignore signs of exhaustion. |
Cause-and-effect essays require precise use of connectors to clearly express relationships between ideas. Using a variety of logical connectors not only improves coherence but also boosts your Grammatical Range and Accuracy (a key IELTS Band Descriptor).
Common Cause Connectors:
- because
- due to
- since
- as a result of
Examples:
- Many people experience stress because they work long hours.
- Stress-related illnesses are increasing due to modern work pressures.
Common Effect Connectors:
- therefore
- as a result
- consequently
- this leads to
Examples:
- The lack of social interaction leads to emotional exhaustion.
- Consequently, many workers report feelings of burnout.
Tip for Band 8 Writing:
Use a mix of basic and advanced connectors. Avoid repeating “because” — alternate with “since” or “due to.” Avoid starting every paragraph with “This is because…” — vary your placement.
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| IELTS Writing Task 2 Overview | /ielts-writing-task-2-overview |
| Band 8 IELTS Essay Samples | /ielts-band-8-writing-samples |
| IELTS Grammar for Task 2 | /ielts-grammar-writing-task-2 |
| Thesis Statement Strategies | /ielts-how-to-write-a-thesis |
| IELTS Vocabulary by Topic | /ielts-vocabulary-lists |
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| IELTS essay on stress and health | IELTS essay sample | IELTS thesis statement guide |
| IELTS tag questions in essays | IELTS grammar | IELTS writing task 2 causes and effects |
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Continue building your IELTS writing skills with these expert-level resources:
- IELTS Opinion, Discussion, and Problem–Solution Essay Samples
- Full IELTS Writing Band Descriptors Explained
- How to Structure High-Scoring Task 2 Essays
- Grammar Essentials for IELTS Writing
- Free PDF Guide: IELTS Power Writing — 10 High-Impact Essay Openings
This essay is part of our IELTS Power Writing system, built by a teacher with over 25 years of experience. Our mission is to help learners write with clarity, structure, and confidence — and move from Band 6.5 to Band 8 using real tools that work.
IELTS 5 to 6 