IELTS Causes and Solution Essay: Society Topics with Sample Answers
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IELTS Writing Task 2 often features society-related topics that require students to express opinions on modern social trends and challenges. Common subtopics include gender roles, aging populations, income inequality, changing family structures, crime and punishment, and the impact of technology on relationships. These questions typically ask whether you agree or disagree with a statement, discuss both views, or explore causes and solutions to social problems. To succeed, candidates should develop balanced arguments, use real-life examples, and present clear opinions supported by logical reasoning.
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Essay Topics
Task
In recent years, more and more people tend to live individually. What are the causes of this trend? Does this have a positive or negative effect on society?
How to approach the essay:
How to Approach the Essay:
• Understand the Question:
Identify two tasks: (1) What are the causes of people living alone? and (2) Is the effect positive or negative on society?
• Structure Your Essay:
| Causes of Independent Living | Challenges of Independent Living |
| • Proximity to urban jobs reduces commute time • Increased social freedom and lifestyle flexibility • Availability of affordable studio apartments | • Weakening family bonds and reduced time with parents/siblings • Lack of support systems for aging individuals • Urban congestion, pollution, delayed marriages, and lower birth rates |
Model AnswerIn recent years, an increasing number of individuals have chosen to live independently rather than cohabiting with their families. This trend can be attributed to the proximity of urban areas to employment opportunities. However, this shift towards solitary living may present a variety of challenges for society in the foreseeable future.
The younger generations are particularly inclined to reside in urban areas, primarily due to the higher concentration of job opportunities in these areas. Living closer to their workplaces not only reduces commuting time but also facilitates social interactions with peers. This newfound independence allows them to pursue their preferred lifestyles without family restrictions. Moreover, the real estate market has responded to this demographic shift by offering a wide range of studio apartments, which are often reasonably priced, making it financially viable for young adults to live alone. As a result, many of them are becoming increasingly self-sufficient, supported by their advanced academic qualifications.
Nevertheless, the trend of living apart from family members carries several repercussions. Individuals who live away from their families may find themselves spending less quality time with their parents and siblings, leading to potential miscommunication and weakened familial bonds. Over time, this separation can exacerbate issues related to aging, as individuals may lack the necessary support systems that family provides. Furthermore, urban areas may face increased congestion and air pollution as more people opt for solitary living arrangements. This lifestyle choice can also contribute to a delay in marriage and a subsequent decline in birth rates, ultimately resulting in a host of community-related challenges stemming from this individualistic trend.
In conclusion, while it is undeniable that living independently has become a prevalent lifestyle choice among younger individuals, this shift poses significant challenges for society in the long run. The freedom to live as one pleases is appealing; however, it is essential to consider the broader societal consequences of this trend.
Essay Questions
Essay Question:
In recent years, more and more people tend to live individually. What are the causes of this trend? Does this have a positive or negative effect on society?
Introduction
Clarity:
• Topic is clearly introduced with recent context.
Thesis:
• Clearly states the cause (urban jobs) and signals a negative societal impact.
Body Paragraphs
Main Ideas:
Cause:
• Urban job opportunities attract youth
• Affordable studio apartments
• Desire for independence and lifestyle freedom
Effect (Negative):
• Weakening family ties
• Reduced support for elderly
• Increased urban congestion and pollution
• Delayed marriage and lower birth rates
Coherence:
• Well-organized, each paragraph addresses one part of the question
• Smooth transitions using logical connectors like “Moreover” and “Nevertheless”
Conclusion
Summary:
• Restates key ideas (independence vs. societal issues)
• Clearly reflects the writer’s stance (mostly negative consequences)
Vocabulary & Grammar
High-Level Vocabulary:
• Cohabiting – living together, typically with family
• Proximity – closeness in distance
• Viable – practical or possible
• Repercussions – negative consequences
• Individualistic – centered on personal independence
Academic Phrases:
• “This trend can be attributed to…”
• “Carries several repercussions…”
• “however, it is essential to consider the …”
Complex Sentences:
• “This newfound independence allows them to pursue their preferred lifestyles without family restrictions.”
• “Over time, this separation can exacerbate issues related to aging, as individuals may lack the necessary support systems that family provides.”
Task
Recently, it is common for people not to know their neighbours. What is the cause of this problem? What can be done to solve this problem?
How to approach the essay:
• Understand the Question:
Identify two parts: (1) What causes people not to know their neighbours? and (2) What are the solutions?
• Structure Your Essay:
Identify two parts: (1) What causes people not to know their neighbours? and (2) What are the solutions?
• Structure Your Essay:
| Causes of Neighbour Disconnection | Proposed Solutions to Promote Connection |
| • Urban housing lacks communal spaces • Rise of digital communication reduces face-to-face interaction • Hectic work schedules limit time for socializing | • Organize community events (e.g., markets, clean-up days, movie nights) • Build shared spaces in apartment complexes (e.g., gardens, lounges) • Promote flexible work hours or remote work to free up personal time |
• Stay Relevant: Focus each paragraph on one task (cause or solution) and support ideas with real-life examples.
• Maintain Logical Flow: Use linking phrases to ensure smooth progression from problems to solutions, ending with a clear summary in the conclusion.
Model AnswerIn contemporary society, it is increasingly common for individuals to lack familiarity with their neighbours. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors, primarily the absence of communal activities and the overwhelming demands of modern work life. Addressing this issue necessitates a collective effort from all members of the community.
A significant contributing factor to this disconnection is the prevalence of urban living, where the majority of individuals reside in apartment blocks that lack communal spaces for interaction. As a result, opportunities to engage with neighbours are limited. In rural areas, villagers connect more easily through activities like walking or meeting at the local market square. In contrast, urban residents have fewer chances for spontaneous interactions. Additionally, the rise of digital communication has led many to prefer online connections over face-to-face conversations with nearby neighbours.
To address this issue, communities should focus on creating structured opportunities for interaction. Local councils could organize regular community events, such as outdoor movie nights, farmers’ markets, or neighbourhood clean-up days, which would encourage residents to interact in informal settings. Additionally, apartment complexes could create shared spaces such as community gardens or lounges to motivate interaction among residents. Workplaces, too, can play a role by offering flexible hours or remote work options that allow employees more time to engage in social activities outside of work. Such initiatives would help break down the physical and social barriers that cause neighbourly isolation and promote a stronger sense of community.
In conclusion, the lack of familiarity among neighbours can largely be attributed to the hectic pace of modern life and the isolating nature of urban living. To mitigate this issue, it is essential to create opportunities for social interaction within communities.
Essay Question:
Recently, it is common for people not to know their neighbours. What is the cause of this problem? What can be done to solve this problem?
Introduction
Clarity:
• Yes – the topic is introduced clearly. It highlights the issue of reduced neighbourly interaction in modern society.
Thesis:
• Yes – it identifies two causes (lack of communal activities and work demands) and hints at the need for a community-based solution.
Body Paragraphs
Main Ideas (Causes and Solutions):
• Cause 1: Urban apartment living → limited communal spaces → reduced opportunities for interaction.
• Cause 2: Rise of digital communication → preference for online over real-life interactions.
• Solution 1: Community events (e.g. movie nights, clean-up days).
• Solution 2: Shared spaces in apartment buildings (gardens, lounges).
• Solution 3: Flexible work schedules to create time for socializing.
Coherence:
• Yes – ideas are logically organized. Paragraphs clearly separate causes and solutions. Transitions between examples and points are smooth.
Conclusion
Summary:
• Yes – it restates both the causes and proposed solutions concisely and clearly reflects the writer’s opinion that community effort is necessary.
Vocabulary & Grammar
High-Level Vocabulary:
• Prevalence – widespread existence or occurrence.
• Familiarity – close acquaintance or knowledge.
• Communal – shared by all members of a community.
• Necessitates – makes something necessary.
• Mitigate – to reduce or lessen the severity of something.
Academic Phrases:
• A significant contributing factor to this disconnection…
• To address this issue, communities should focus on…
• Such initiatives would help break down…
Complex Sentences (examples):
• A significant contributing factor to this disconnection is the prevalence of urban living, where the majority of individuals reside in apartment blocks that lack communal spaces for interaction.
• Workplaces, too, can play a role by offering flexible hours or remote work options that allow employees more time to engage in social activities outside of work.
