Band 8 IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer & Structure | Cause & Effect Essay

Band 8 IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer & Structure | Cause & Effect Essay

IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Write a Cause & Effect Essay Step by Step

In this video, you’ll learn how to write a Band 8 Cause & Effect essay for IELTS Writing Task 2 with a complete step-by-step structure breakdown: Smaller Family Sizes Topic

I will give you a full sample answer, explaining how to organize your ideas clearly and use advanced vocabulary to boost your score.

• Understand how to paraphrase the question effectively

• Identify and explain causes and effects logically

• Use sophisticated vocabulary and expressions confidently

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For the full sample answer, vocabulary list with definitions, and sentence examples to help you review and study more effectively.
Here➡️ Cause & Effect Structure Smaller Family Sizes Topic

📝The Question:

As countries have developed there has been a trend towards smaller family sizes.

Why does this happen?

How does this affect society?

Introduction – Identify the Trend and Its Importance

Start by rephrasing the topic. Clearly state there is a trend, what is causing it, and that it has effects.

In recent decades, many developed countries have seen a clear decline in average family size. This trend can be attributed to a range of economic, social, and cultural changes and carries significant implications for the future of society.

Paragraph 1 – Explain the Causes

Identify and explain the main reasons why family sizes are decreasing. Cover more than one cause and connect them logically. Use linking words like in addition, moreover, and this reflects to keep ideas flowing. Include real-life examples to support abstract points.

One major reason for this trend is the rising cost of living in developed countries. Urban life often comes with high expenses in housing, education, and healthcare, making it financially burdensome for couples to raise multiple children. In addition, as societies modernize, educational and professional aspirations, especially among women, often lead to delayed marriages and fewer births, as more people prioritise career development and pursue personal goals before settling down. This reflects growing individualism, where people increasingly value independence and self-fulfilment, for example, choosing to travel, build a business, or continue education rather than start a family early. Moreover, in many cultures, the traditional emphasis on large families is gradually diminishing due to increased personal freedom and access to contraception.

Paragraph 2 – Explain the Effects

Explain the short- and long-term consequences of smaller family sizes. Explain both immediate and future impacts. Use cause–effect language like result in, lead to, and pose to clearly show connections.

This shift has both short- and long-term effects on society. In the short term, smaller families may contribute to a more manageable distribution of resources such as schooling, housing, and public services. However, over time, a consistently low birth rate can result in an ageing population, which places pressure on healthcare systems and pension schemes. A shrinking workforce can also affect economic productivity, especially in sectors that rely on younger employees. In the long term, this could pose challenges for national development and require strategic planning to maintain a balanced population, such as investing in childcare support, encouraging higher birth rates through parental benefits, or adjusting retirement policies to extend workforce participation.

Conclusion – Summarise and Reflect

Don’t just repeat points — paraphrase. Try to end with a thoughtful insight that links everything together.

In conclusion, the trend toward smaller families is largely attributed to economic pressures and changing social values. While this may offer some immediate advantages in terms of resource allocation, it also presents significant challenges for future population balance and economic growth.

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