IELTS Writing Task 2. Task 2 Cause and Effect Essays

Transcription

1 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. 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...). 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.

2 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 3) too many people use their cars b) Military service for men c) People moving to cities ii) army is stronger 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. 1

3 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. 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. 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. 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. Introduction 1) General Background - C 2) Essay topic 3) Thesis Body Paragraph 1 4) Topic Sentence - causes 5) 1 st Cause 6) Explanation 7) Result 8) 2 nd Cause 9) Example + Condition + Result 10) Result Body Paragraph 2 11) Topic Sentence - effects 12) 1 st Effect 13) Example 14) Result 15) 2 nd Effect 16) Condition + Result 17) Result Conclusion 18) Thesis again 19) Summary of causes & effects 20) Opinion/Advice 2

4 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 Two of the main causes are The most important one is that The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of results in 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. 3

5 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) 4

6 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, CO 2-6) 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 - 5

7 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. 6

8 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. 7

9 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. 8

10 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. 9

11 Gerunds can be useful for writing about the essay topic in your essay, but they are not always necessary. Look at the examples below: Topic is already a gerund 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. No need to change it Topic is already a noun 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? No need to change it The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of childhood obesity. Topic is a clause (Subject + Verb) 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. Change the verb to a gerund Topic is a negative clause (Subject + Auxiliary Verb + not + Main Verb) Some people do not like to use technology. What are some of the causes and effects of this? Cut the auxiliary verb and change the main verb to a gerund The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of people not liking to use technology. Topic is a negative clause (Subject + Be Verb + not + Adjective +Noun) Nowadays, many workers are not local people. What are some of the causes and effects of this? Change the be verb to a gerund and move it to after not The following essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of workers not being local people. 10

12 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. 11

13 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. 12

14 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. 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. 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. 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. Introduction 1) General Background - C 2) Essay topic 3) Thesis Body Paragraph 1 4) Topic Sentence - causes 5) 1 st Cause 6) Explanation 7) Result 8) 2 nd Cause 9) Example + Condition + Result 10) Result Body Paragraph 2 11) Topic Sentence - effects 12) 1 st Effect 13) Example 14) Result 15) 2 nd Effect 16) Condition + Result 17) Result Conclusion 18) Thesis again 19) Summary of causes & effects 20) Opinion/Advice 13

15 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. 14

16 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. 15

17 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, CO 2 - 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 16

18 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. 17

19 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 V overusing 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 Adj environment 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 N significant 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. 18

20 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 N dangerous Adj 1. Driving too fast is dangerous. 2. There are many dangers related to speeding. importance N important 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 N coastal 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. 19

21 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. 20

22 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. 21