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The Cause and effect essay is another common essay type, either as an essay type on its own, or as part of a larger essay which includes one or more paragraphs examining causes and effects. This page gives information on what a cause and effect essay is , how to structure this type of essay, and how to use cause and effect structure words (transition signals) for this type of essay. There is also an example cause and effect essay on the topic of women at work, as well as some exercises to help you practice this area.
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A cause and effect essay looks at the reasons (or causes) for something, then discusses the results (or effects). For this reason, cause and effect essays are sometimes referred to as reason and result essays. They are one of the most common forms of organisation in academic writing. Sometimes the whole essay will be cause and effect, though sometimes this may be only part of the whole essay. It is also possible, especially for short exam essays, that only the causes or the effects, not both, are discussed. See the examples below.
There are two main ways to structure a cause and effect essay. These are similar to the ways to structure problem-solution essays , namely using a block or a chain structure. For the block structure, all of the causes are listed first, and all of the effects are listed afterwards. For the chain structure, each cause is followed immediately by the effect. Usually that effect will then be the cause of the next effect, which is why this structure is called 'chain'. Both types of structure have their merits. The former is generally clearer, especially for shorter essays, while the latter ensures that any effects you present relate directly to the causes you have given.
The two types of structure, block and chain , are shown in the diagram below.
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Cause and effect structure words are transition signals which show the cause and effect relationships. It is important to be clear which is the cause (or reason) and which is the effect (or result), and to use the correct transition word or phrase. Remember that a cause happens first , and the effect happens later .
Below are some common cause and effect structure words. X is used to indicate a cause, while Y is used to indicate the effect.
Below is a cause and effect essay. This essay uses the block structure . Click on the different areas (in the shaded boxes to the right) to highlight the different structural aspects in this essay, i.e. Causes, Effects, and structure words. This will highlight not simply the paragraphs, but also the thesis statement and summary , as these repeat the causes and effects contained in the main body.
Title: More and more women are now going out to work and some women are now the major salary earner in the family. What are the causes of this, and what effect is this having on families and society?
In the past, most women stayed at home to take care of domestic chores such as cooking or cleaning. Women's liberation and feminism have meant that this situation has been transformed and in contemporary society women are playing an almost equal role to men in terms of work. This has had significant consequences , both in terms of the family , for example by improving quality of life and increasing children's sense of independence , and also for society itself with greater gender equality . The main reasons behind the increase of women in the workplace are women's liberation and feminism. The women's liberation movement originated in the 1960s and was popularised by authors such as Simone de Beauvoir. As a consequence of this, new legislation emerged, granting women equal rights to men in many fields, in particular employment. Because of feminist ideas, men have taken up roles which were previously seen as being for women only, most importantly those related to child rearing. As a result of this, women have more time to pursue their own careers and interests. These have led to some significant effects, both to family life and to society as a whole. Although the earning capacity of a woman in her lifetime is generally much less than that of a man, she can nevertheless make a significant contribution to the family income. The most important consequence of this is an improved quality of life. By helping to maintain a steady income for the family, the pressure on the husband is considerably reduced, hence improving both the husband's and the wife's emotional wellbeing. Additionally, the purchasing power of the family will also be raised. This means that the family can afford more luxuries such as foreign travel and a family car. A further effect on the family is the promotion of independence in the children. Some might argue that having both parents working might be damaging to the children because of a lack of parental attention. However, such children have to learn to look after themselves at an earlier age, and their parents often rely on them to help with the housework. This therefore teaches them important life skills. As regards society, the most significant impact of women going to work is greater gender equality. There are an increasing number of women who are becoming politicians, lawyers, and even CEOs and company managers. This in turn has led to greater equality for women in all areas of life, not just employment. For example, women today have much stronger legal rights to protect themselves against domestic violence and sexual discrimination in the workplace. In conclusion, the increasing number of women at work has brought about some important changes to family life, including improved quality of life and increased independence for children, as well as affecting society itself. It is clear that the sexes are still a long way from being equal in all areas of life, however, and perhaps the challenge for the present century is to ensure that this takes place.
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Below is a checklist for cause and effect essays. Use it to check your own writing, or get a peer (another student) to help you.
The essay is a essay | ||
An appropriate is used, either or | ||
Cause and effect are used accurately | ||
The essay has clear | ||
Each paragraph has a clear | ||
The essay has strong support (facts, reasons, examples, etc.) | ||
The conclusion includes a of the main points |
Find out how to write problem-solution essays in the next section.
Go back to the previous section about compare & contrast essays .
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Author: Sheldon Smith ‖ Last modified: 16 January 2022.
Sheldon Smith is the founder and editor of EAPFoundation.com. He has been teaching English for Academic Purposes since 2004. Find out more about him in the about section and connect with him on Twitter , Facebook and LinkedIn .
Compare & contrast essays examine the similarities of two or more objects, and the differences.
Cause & effect essays consider the reasons (or causes) for something, then discuss the results (or effects).
Discussion essays require you to examine both sides of a situation and to conclude by saying which side you favour.
Problem-solution essays are a sub-type of SPSE essays (Situation, Problem, Solution, Evaluation).
Transition signals are useful in achieving good cohesion and coherence in your writing.
Reporting verbs are used to link your in-text citations to the information cited.
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Learning objectives.
It is often considered human nature to ask, “why?” and “how?” We want to know how our child got sick so we can better prevent it from happening in the future, or why our colleague a pay raise because we want one as well. We want to know how much money we will save over the long term if we buy a hybrid car. These examples identify only a few of the relationships we think about in our lives, but each shows the importance of understanding cause and effect.
A cause is something that produces an event or condition; an effect is what results from an event or condition. The purpose of the cause-and-effect essay is to determine how various phenomena relate in terms of origins and results. Sometimes the connection between cause and effect is clear, but often determining the exact relationship between the two is very difficult. For example, the following effects of a cold may be easily identifiable: a sore throat, runny nose, and a cough. But determining the cause of the sickness can be far more difficult. A number of causes are possible, and to complicate matters, these possible causes could have combined to cause the sickness. That is, more than one cause may be responsible for any given effect. Therefore, cause-and-effect discussions are often complicated and frequently lead to debates and arguments.
Use the complex nature of cause and effect to your advantage. Often it is not necessary, or even possible, to find the exact cause of an event or to name the exact effect. So, when formulating a thesis, you can claim one of a number of causes or effects to be the primary, or main, cause or effect. As soon as you claim that one cause or one effect is more crucial than the others, you have developed a thesis.
Consider the causes and effects in the following thesis statements. List a cause and effect for each one on your own sheet of paper.
Write three cause-and-effect thesis statements of your own for each of the following five broad topics.
The cause-and-effect essay opens with a general introduction to the topic, which then leads to a thesis that states the main cause, main effect, or various causes and effects of a condition or event.
The cause-and-effect essay can be organized in one of the following two primary ways:
For example, if your essay were on childhood obesity, you could start by talking about the effect of childhood obesity and then discuss the cause or you could start the same essay by talking about the cause of childhood obesity and then move to the effect.
Regardless of which structure you choose, be sure to explain each element of the essay fully and completely. Explaining complex relationships requires the full use of evidence, such as scientific studies, expert testimony, statistics, and anecdotes.
Because cause-and-effect essays determine how phenomena are linked, they make frequent use of certain words and phrases that denote such linkage. See Table 10.4 “Phrases of Causation” for examples of such terms.
Table 10.4 Phrases of Causation
as a result | consequently |
because | due to |
hence | since |
thus | therefore |
The conclusion should wrap up the discussion and reinforce the thesis, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of the relationship that was analyzed.
Be careful of resorting to empty speculation. In writing, speculation amounts to unsubstantiated guessing. Writers are particularly prone to such trappings in cause-and-effect arguments due to the complex nature of finding links between phenomena. Be sure to have clear evidence to support the claims that you make.
Look at some of the cause-and-effect relationships from Note 10.83 “Exercise 2” . Outline the links you listed. Outline one using a cause-then-effect structure. Outline the other using the effect-then-cause structure.
Choose an event or condition that you think has an interesting cause-and-effect relationship. Introduce your topic in an engaging way. End your introduction with a thesis that states the main cause, the main effect, or both.
Organize your essay by starting with either the cause-then-effect structure or the effect-then-cause structure. Within each section, you should clearly explain and support the causes and effects using a full range of evidence. If you are writing about multiple causes or multiple effects, you may choose to sequence either in terms of order of importance. In other words, order the causes from least to most important (or vice versa), or order the effects from least important to most important (or vice versa).
Use the phrases of causation when trying to forge connections between various events or conditions. This will help organize your ideas and orient the reader. End your essay with a conclusion that summarizes your main points and reinforces your thesis. See Chapter 15 “Readings: Examples of Essays” to read a sample cause-and-effect essay.
Choose one of the ideas you outlined in Note 10.85 “Exercise 3” and write a full cause-and-effect essay. Be sure to include an engaging introduction, a clear thesis, strong evidence and examples, and a thoughtful conclusion.
The cause-and-effect essay can be organized in one of these two primary ways:
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20 June, 2020
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Author: Tomas White
This is a complete guide on writing cause and effect essays. Find a link to our essay sample at the end. Let's get started!
A cause and effect essay is the type of paper that the author is using to analyze the causes and effects of a particular action or event. A curriculum usually includes this type of exercise to test your ability to understand the logic of certain events or actions.
If you can see the logic behind cause and effect in the world around you, you will encounter fewer problems when writing. If not, writing this kind of paper will give you the chance to improve your skillset and your brain’s ability to reason.
“Shallow men believe in luck or in circumstance. Strong men believe in cause and effect.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson
In this article, the Handmade Writing team will find out how to create an outline for your cause and effect essay – the key to successful essay writing.
Before writing this kind of essay, you need to draft the structure. A good structure will result in a good paper, so it’s important to have a plan before you start. But remember , there’s no need to reinvent the wheel: just about every type of structure has already been formulated by someone.
If you are still unsure about the definition of an essay, you can take a look at our guide: What is an Essay?
Generally speaking, there are three types of cause and effect essays. We usually differentiate them by the number of and relationships between the different causes and the effects. Let’s take a quick look at these three different cases:
This kind of essay illustrates how different causes can lead to one effect. The idea here is to try and examine a variety of causes, preferably ones that come from different fields, and prove how they contributed to a particular effect. If you are writing about World War I, for example, mention the political, cultural, and historical factors that led to the great war.
By examining a range of fundamental causes, you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge about the topic.
Here is how to structure this type of essay:
This type of cause and effect essay is constructed to show the various effects of a particular event, problem, or decision. Once again, you will have to demonstrate your comprehensive knowledge and analytical mastery of the field. There is no need to persuade the reader or present your argument . When writing this kind of essay, in-depth knowledge of the problem or event’s roots will be of great benefit. If you know why it happened, it will be much easier to write about its effects.
Here is the structure for this kind of essay:
This is the most challenging type. You need to maintain a chain of logic that demonstrates a sequence of actions and consequences, leading to the end of the chain. Although this is usually the most interesting kind of cause and effect essay, it can also be the most difficult to write.
Here is the outline structure:
Let’s take a look at an example. Below, you will find an outline for the topic “The causes of obesity” (Type 1) :
As you can see, we used a blended strategy here. When writing about the ever-increasing consumption of unhealthy food, it is logical to talk about the marketing strategies that encourage people to buy fast food. If you are discussing fitness trainers, it is important to mention that people need to be checked by a doctor more often, etc.
In case you face some issues with writing your Cause and Effect essay, you can always count on our Essay Writers !
If you start by structuring each paragraph and collecting suitable examples, the writing process will be much simpler. The final essay might not come up as a classic five paragraph essay – it all depends on the cause-effect chain and the number of statements of your essay.
In the Introduction, try to give the reader a general idea of what the cause and effect essay will contain. For an experienced reader, a thesis statement will be an indication that you know what you are writing about. It is also important to emphasize how and why this problem is relevant to modern life. If you ever need to write about the Caribbean crisis, for instance, state that the effects of the Cold War are still apparent in contemporary global politics.
Related Post: How to write an Essay introduction | How to write a Thesis statement
In the Body, provide plenty of details about what causes led to the effects. Once again, if you have already assembled all the causes and effects with their relevant examples when writing your plan, you shouldn’t have any problems. But, there are some things to which you must pay particular attention. To begin with, try to make each paragraph the same length: it looks better visually. Then, try to avoid weak or unconvincing causes. This is a common mistake, and the reader will quickly realize that you are just trying to write enough characters to reach the required word count.
Moreover, you need to make sure that your causes are actually linked to their effects. This is particularly important when you write a “chained” cause and effect essay (type 3) . You need to be able to demonstrate that each cause was actually relevant to the final result. As I mentioned before, writing the Body without preparing a thorough and logical outline is often an omission.
The Conclusion must be a summary of the thesis statement that you proposed in the Introduction. An effective Conclusion means that you have a well-developed understanding of the subject. Notably, writing the Conclusion can be one of the most challenging parts of this kind of project. You typically write the Conclusion once you have finished the Body, but in practice, you will sometimes find that a well-written conclusion will reveal a few mistakes of logic in the body!
Be sure to check the sample essay, completed by our writers. Use it as an example to write your own cause and effect essay. Link: Cause and effect essay sample: Advertising ethic issues .
Check out Handmadewriting paper writing Guide to learn more about academic writing!
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Published September 27, 2020. Updated May 19, 2022.
A cause and effect essay explains why events happen (causes), what results (effects), and the relationship between the cause and effect(s).
Cause and effect essays are commonly structured in four ways: causal chain, causes, effects, and causes and effects. Once you decide on a structure, you should choose your topic. You may already have some causes and/or effects in mind. Brainstorm to come up with ideas. Brainstorming helps you think more about your topic and gives you a good selection of causes and effects to choose from. Choose what causes and effects to focus on. Develop a discussion of the causes and effects to build a case for the plausibility of these causes and effects and their relationship.
Worried about your writing? Submit your paper for a Chegg Writing essay check , or for an Expert Check proofreading . Both can help you find and fix potential writing issues.
Cause and effect essays are commonly structured in four ways:
Start by considering the length of your essay and other requirements. Follow the focus and topic assigned by your instructor. Otherwise, choose the option that is best for you.
A causal chain follows a specific sequence of causes and effects. It starts with an initial topic and then moves forward, identifying a specific effect of this topic. This effect, then, causes another effect, and so on down the chain.
Topic → leads to A → leads to B → leads to C → final effect
A causal chain is a good structure if you want to build up to a certain key effect of the topic and show the reader the steps it takes to get there.
The causal chain structure works well for either a short (2-3 pages) or a long (4+ pages) essay, depending on how many steps you need to discuss to reach the final effect.
When you focus on causes, start with a topic you’re interested in and think about what caused it? In a way, you’re looking backward to understand the factors that caused something or that keep it happening.
Causes → Topic
This is good for a short essay because the scope is limited to focusing on causes.
If you focus on effects, start with a topic and work forward by asking what happens due to this event or topic? What are its effects?
Topic → Effects
Effects may be in the future. For example, if a certain law is passed, what will be the most likely outcome? We can’t know for sure until it happens, but we can use existing factors and logical reasoning to make a case for certain possibilities.
You could also focus on effects that are occurring or that have occurred. For example, what effects do video games have on a certain age group? This might also allow you to focus your analysis on an existing debate. In this example, the nature of the effects of video games on children is a common topic of debate.
This is good for a short essay because what you are covering is limited to effects.
With this focus, you’d consider what makes something happen and what its effects are.
Causes → Topic → Effects
If you are writing a longer essay, you could consider discussing both causes and effects. This wider scope could result in a more thorough examination of the topic. But make sure not to set yourself up to do too much. You don’t have to touch on every cause and effect you brainstorm. Rather, your focus should relate to your purpose. Remembering your focus allows you to screen out the causes and effects that aren’t relevant to your purpose.
The cause and effect structure is good for a longer essay (4 or more pages) because you’ll have to cover more material.
Now that you’ve decided on a focus, what do you want to write about? Your assignment prompt might give you some direction, but if the essay is open-topic, consider what you’d be interested in writing about. Here are some ideas to help you choose:
You want to have an end goal, a purpose. You’re discussing causes and effects, but why? To show people what? To convince people of what? For example, you could analyze effects for the purpose of showing that video games help teenagers develop good teamwork and decision-making skills.
At first, you might think about what you want to learn or explore. Maybe you’ve found that jobs in a career field you’re interested in are increasing or decreasing, and you’d like to explore the causes for that. Maybe you’d like to explore the effects of companies allowing employees to work from home. If your research leads you to conclude that these effects are mostly positive, you might focus your purpose on convincing employers to offer more work-from-home flexibility. To do that, you’d analyze the effects.
Consider your audience can help you focus your topic and develop content. What are the relevant characteristics of your audience? What are their likely questions, concerns, or biases? Answering these questions helps you decide what to focus on. If your audience is owners or leaders of a struggling business, you could analyze the causes of their poor sales to help them improve. This example shows the connection between audience and purpose.
A phenomenon is something noteworthy or special that stands out. The topic could be from pop culture, science, current events, or anything else. You could make an argument for the causes of a movie’s popularity or explore why a particular age group favors a certain social media platform. Topics are everywhere!
Trend , as used here, doesn’t mean a fad, but rather, something that rises or falls in popularity over time.
If you write on a trend, decide the beginning and end of the period you will be discussing. For instance, the rise of women in the workforce starting from WWII makes sense because with men fighting in the war, women had to step into several key industries normally dominated by men. However, if you tried to discuss significant causes of the increase of women in the workforce from WWII to the present, you’d probably find that to be too long of a period of time to discuss thoroughly.
You may already have some causes and effects in mind. Keep brainstorming to come up with more. You won’t write about everything, but brainstorming helps you think more about your topic and gives you a good selection of causes and effects to choose from.
As you brainstorm, consider different types of causes and effects.
Surface causes and effects are obvious. They come immediately to mind, and their connection to the topic is clear or well-known. For example, the connection between smoking and lung damage. Because of this, surface causes and effects usually don’t need extensive development. While they could have a role in your essay, you wouldn’t want to focus solely on obvious causes and effects.
These are not immediately obvious. This doesn’t mean they’re baseless “conspiracy theory” ideas, but that they’re not things people would immediately know or think of. They might be more complicated or even rarely acknowledged on a conscious level. These might not even occur to you until you’ve done more research and thought more about the topic. Below-the-surface causes and effects take more work to develop in an essay, but they are generally more intriguing.
Immediate causes and effects happen right before or after the topic. Because of this proximity, they are often more obvious, although they are not necessarily simple.
These happen well before or after the topic. You’ll have to think about the length of time that makes sense for your topic. If you are considering the increase of women in the workforce, considering WWII probably makes sense, even though it was over seventy years ago. However, if you are speculating about the causes of the popularity of Facebook, seventy years in the past is too far.
Perpetuating causes not only make something happen but also keep it going as well. Such causes perpetuate the topic.
Use these ideas to help you decide what causes and effects to focus on:
Before you turn in that paper, don’t forget to cite your sources in APA format , MLA format , or a style of your choice.
You are looking for connections between the causes and the effects of the topic. You’re building a case for the plausibility of these causes and effects.
Have a working thesis in mind. You’ll probably refine it as you go.
Make sure to avoid the false causality logical fallacy . This can also be expressed as “coincidence doesn’t equal causation.” That one event precedes another does not make the first event a cause of another. It’s up to you as the writer to establish a firm causal link.
Think about the order in which you present the causes and effects. There might be some that form a foundation for understanding others. There might also be a chronological sequence, especially if you are following a causal chain. You might also choose to develop your most compelling cause or effect.
By Ericka Scott Nelson. Ericka earned a MA in English from the University of California, Riverside. She teaches composition at a community college.
Cause And Effect Essay Writing
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Published on: Mar 13, 2020
Last updated on: Mar 25, 2024
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Are you struggling to wrap your head around cause and effect essays? Don’t worry; you’re not alone.
These essays might seem complex at first glance, but with the right approach, they can become easier to write.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll look into what cause and effect essays are, how to structure them, and provide valuable tips and examples to help you understand this type of writing.
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A cause and effect essay is a type of essay writing that explores the relationship between events, actions, or phenomena (causes) and their outcomes or consequences (effects) .
In this type of essay, the writer analyzes how one event leads to another, providing insights into the underlying causes and the resulting effects. Cause and effect essays aim to explain the connections between various occurrences and explain the reasons behind certain outcomes.
They often require critical thinking, careful analysis, and the use of evidence and examples to support arguments.
You may confuse cause-and-effect essays with compare and contrast essays . While cause and effect essays focus on analyzing the relationship between events, compare and contrast essays examine similarities and differences between two or more subjects or ideas.
There are two main structural types commonly used to write a cause and effect essay: the block structure and the chain structure.
In the block structure, the writer first discusses all the causes of the event in one section, followed by a separate section dedicated to discussing all the effects.
This cause and effect essay format allows for a clear separation between the causes and effects, making it easier for the reader to understand the relationships between them.
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Use the block structure when:
In the chain structure, each cause is followed immediately by its corresponding effect(s), creating a chain-like sequence of events.
This structure emphasizes the direct relationship between each cause and its effect, providing a more immediate and interconnected narrative.
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Use the chain structure when:
Creating an outline is essential for organizing your thoughts and structuring your cause and effect essay effectively.
Here's a basic outline to guide you through the writing process:
Start with an attention-grabbing statement or question to engage the reader. Provide context and background information on the topic. Clearly state the main causes and effects you will discuss in your essay.
Introduction to Causes Introduce the first cause you will discuss. Provide an explanation of the cause and its significance. Support your explanation with relevant examples or evidence.Introduce the effects resulting from the first cause. Discuss the consequences or outcomes of the cause. Provide examples or evidence to illustrate the effects. Repeat the above structure for each additional cause and its corresponding effects. Summarize the main causes and effects discussed in the essay. Highlight the connections between the causes and effects. End with a thought-provoking statement or suggestion for further exploration of the topic. |
Need a detailed outline guide? Be sure to check out our blog on " Cause and Effect Essay Outline " for a comprehensive breakdown of how to organize your essay.
Writing a cause and effect essay involves examining the reasons (causes) and outcomes (effects) of a particular event, phenomenon, or situation. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you craft an effective cause and effect essay:
Start by selecting a topic that interests you and has clear cause-and-effect relationships. It could be a social issue, scientific phenomenon, historical event, or any other subject with identifiable causes and effects.
For example, "The Effects of Climate Change on Wildlife Populations" or "Causes of Obesity in Developed Countries."
Gather relevant information and evidence to support your thesis statement . Look for credible sources such as academic journals, books, government reports, and reputable websites.
Ensure you have a thorough understanding of both the causes and effects related to your chosen topic.
Craft a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the main causes and effects you will discuss in your essay. Your thesis should provide a roadmap for the reader and clearly state your position on the topic.
For instance, "The rise in carbon emissions from human activities is leading to severe consequences for global ecosystems."
Create a structured outline that organizes your ideas and arguments logically. Divide your essay into introduction , body paragraphs (each discussing a specific cause or effect), and conclusion .
Each body paragraph should focus on one cause or effect and provide supporting details and evidence.
Begin with an engaging introduction that provides background information on the topic and introduces your thesis statement.
Hook the reader's attention with an interesting fact, statistic, or anecdote related to your topic. Clearly state the purpose of your essay and preview the main points you will discuss.
In recent years, the proliferation of social media platforms has revolutionized the way people communicate, connect, and consume information. While these platforms offer numerous benefits such as instant communication and global networking, they have also been associated with various negative effects on mental health. This essay explores the causes behind the rise of social media and its detrimental effects on individuals' mental well-being. |
In the body paragraphs, explore the causes or effects of the topic in detail. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the cause or effect you will be discussing.
Then, provide evidence and examples to support your claim. Use data, statistics, expert opinions, and real-life examples to strengthen your arguments. Make sure to explain the causal relationship between the factors you're discussing.
One of the primary causes behind the surge in social media usage is the widespread availability of smartphones and internet access. With the advent of affordable smartphones and widespread internet connectivity, people have constant access to social media platforms, leading to increased usage. Additionally, the addictive nature of social media interfaces, characterized by endless scrolling and notifications, further fuels this phenomenon. As individuals spend more time on social media, they become increasingly dependent on these platforms for social validation, entertainment, and information.
The excessive use of social media has been linked to various detrimental effects on mental health, including increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Constant exposure to carefully curated images and lifestyles on social media can create unrealistic expectations and foster feelings of inadequacy among users. Moreover, the prevalence of cyberbullying and online harassment on these platforms can exacerbate existing mental health issues and lead to social withdrawal. Studies have shown a correlation between heavy social media usage and poor sleep quality, as individuals often sacrifice sleep to engage with online content, further compromising their mental well-being. |
Use transition words and sentences to smoothly transition between paragraphs and maintain coherence throughout your essay.
These transitions help guide the reader through your arguments and ensure a logical flow of ideas.
Summarize the main points of your essay in the conclusion and restate your thesis statement. Reflect on the significance of your findings and emphasize the importance of understanding the causes and effects of the topic.
Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion; instead, offer insights or suggestions for further research or action.
In conclusion, the rise of social media has had profound implications for individuals' mental health, driven by factors such as increased smartphone usage and the addictive nature of social media platforms. While social media offers unparalleled opportunities for communication and connection, its negative effects on mental well-being cannot be ignored. It is essential for individuals to strike a balance between online and offline interactions and practice mindfulness while using social media to mitigate its adverse effects on mental health. Additionally, further research and awareness efforts are needed to address the underlying causes and consequences of excessive social media usage in society. |
Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy. Make sure each paragraph contributes to the overall argument and that your ideas are well-supported by evidence.
Once you've made revisions and edits, finalize your essay by formatting it according to the guidelines provided by your instructor or publication.
Double-check citations and references to ensure they are accurate and properly formatted according to the required citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).
When writing a cause and effect essay for the first time, it is recommended to go through a few examples. It will help you understand the structure and how to use a method effectively.
The following are some of the great cause and effect examples free to use.
Cause and Effect Essay
Cause and Effect Essay Sample
Climate Change Cause and Effect Essay
Poverty Cause and Effect Essay
Air Pollution Cause and Effect Essay
Here are some cause and effect essay topics:
These topics reflect current societal concerns and offer opportunities for in-depth analysis of cause-and-effect relationships. If you need more such ideas check out our cause and effect essay topics blog!
Here are additional tips for writing a cause and effect essay:
To conclude, writing a cause and effect essay can be a rewarding experience that allows you to look into complex issues. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide and applying your critical thinking skills, you can create compelling essays that inform and engage your audience.
But if you are in a time crunch do not hesitate to take professional help. CollegeEssay.org provides a top cause and effect essay writing service for those students who are having a hard time meeting deadlines. We'll help you with your cause and effects essays for the best grades.
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Writing essays is inevitable for all students. And while many of them consider this kind of academic assignment difficult and boring, others truly enjoy writing their essays on the widest array of topics. Do you want to know their secret? It’s simple: they just know how to write essays well! And those who don't also have a solution – they are ready to pay for essay best services to get completed paper without a hassle. Finding the essay writing service out there to fall back on is great but honing your own writing skills will never go amiss.
If you are reading this article, then you’re already on your way to start loving essay writing. By the time you finish reading it, you will have all the necessary instruments at hand to craft an impressive essay of one particular type – that is, a cause and effect essay (sometimes also called cause-effect or reason and result essay).
It is impossible to do something well without knowing what exactly it is that you have to do. So, let’s start with the basics – the cause and effect essay definition.
A cause and effect essay (also called cause-effect or reason and result essay) is a type of an analytical academic paper in which the relationship between causes and effects of a particular event or phenomenon is being analyzed. It usually answers the questions, “why?” (cause) and “what is the result?” (effect), and utilizes subjunctive mood extensively. If already at this moment you feel you're unlikely to be able to cope with writing an essay yourself – relax and get help from professional dissertation writing services .
Now that we know what a cause and effect essay is, we can start working on its structure. Having a clear structure is essential for the successful completion of your assignment. So, it’s highly important to devote enough time to this part of the task. If you think it's pretty challenging for you or you simply don't want to spend time on it, you can always look for coursework writing help , custom essay writing and get help from experts in the field.
There are two main ways to structure a cause and effect essay – using a block or a chain pattern. Your essay outline will differ depending on what option you choose.
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A cause and effect essay outline consists of a minimum of four sections – an introduction, at least two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each section, in turn, consists of several parts, and their contents vary depending on what pattern – block or chain – you choose.
Let’s start with a block structure. This is how it will look like:
Depending on your topic and approach, you can focus more on the effects or the causes and have various numbers of both. For example, if you put the main focus on the effects, your outline may look like this:
If you choose the chain pattern, it will mean that in your body paragraphs, every cause will be immediately followed by its effect. The outline will then be as follows:
In this case, too, the numbers of causes and effects may vary – it is their sequence that matters.
Now, let’s look closer at every section of the structure.
Every essay starts with an introduction. In this section, you must introduce your topic to the reader, give some background information, and explain how you’re going to approach the discussion.
This is what an introduction section of a cause and effect essay must include:
If you’re wondering how to start a cause and effect essay, you can use some of the proven techniques like using a quote, a rhetorical question, or a statement that is surprising or paradoxical. Then, after giving some background information, move on to a thesis statement.
A thesis is the part of your essay in which the main point of discussion is stated. It should be clear and concise and allow no ambiguity.
Example: “The gender gap is still very far from being closed. Globally, gender parity stands at 68.6%, according to the Global Gender Gap Report (2020). In this essay, we’ll look closely at some of the causes and effects of this phenomenon”.
Depending on what type of structure you choose, your body paragraphs may be slightly different. But, in any case, they should contain the following elements:
These may be arranged in a different way, but their presence is essential. Let’s again turn to our gender inequality topic and see how it works. In the causes section, we will list the various causes of the discussed phenomena:
Each of these causes should be supported by evidence to be persuasive to the reader. This is how it may be put in a paragraph:
“One of the main causes of such inequality is the societal mindset that still regards women as primarily being responsible for providing home comfort and childcare. Most men still expect their wives to stay at home and sacrifice their careers in order to take the majority of household responsibilities (support with evidence – statistical figures, etc.).
Treat the next causes in the same manner.
This paragraph is basically the same as the previous one, with the only difference that here, we will discuss the effects of the phenomenon. Let’s continue with our topic:
Keep in mind that the effects must be direct consequences of your causes – you can’t just pick random facts. You should also make that connection clear in your text.
Example: “Such prejudiced societal mindset regarding women and their role in the society results in higher levels of frustration among women. They feel that they have reached their glass ceiling just because of the fact that they have been born female – i.e., something they just couldn’t affect in any way (support with evidence)”.
Then, go on in the same manner in the next body-effects paragraphs.
After you’ve discussed all the causes and effects that you planned, continue with making a short conclusion. It must contain the following points:
This is what it will look like in our case:
“As we see, gender inequality is still a pressing issue in the modern world, and it’s far from being solved. This phenomenon has multiple causes, the most obvious of which are society’s prejudiced attitude, lack of childcare, and lack of political representation for women. The effects of these problems are plausible: women end up feeling frustrated, having lower income, and being generally vulnerable. In order to change the situation, we mustn’t avoid discussions of this issue and should try to find solutions to the problems that cause it”.
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If you’re looking for an interesting topic for cause and effect essay, this section is for you. Listed below are some good cause and effect essay topics on various popular themes – history, politics, society, and more. Use them as examples to brainstorm ideas of your own.
History and politics:
Environment:
Now that you have all the tools necessary to create a good cause and effect essay of your own let’s look at an example to see how all the components work together. Let’s assume that our topic is “Procrastination among college students.” Here, we will use a block structure, and this is how our example cause and effect essay will look like.
Procrastination Among College Students.
Our first paragraph is an introduction. Here we introduce our topic with a hook statement, give some background information, and make a thesis statement.
Procrastination is dangerous for college students. At the same time, it’s extremely common among them: various studies show that up to 95% of college students engage in it from time to time, and almost 50% do this systematically. The causes of this phenomenon are multi-faceted and profound, and it’s vital to discover them in every particular case to be able to fight procrastination effectively. But to start treating procrastination as a problem, students must be aware of its harmful consequences. There are many of them, but one of the most acute ones for college students is its negative effect on their academic performance.
Here, the topic suggests that we have to focus more on the effects than on the causes, so the first body paragraph will be about an effect mentioned in the title. First, we will name the effect and then bring arguments and evidence to support our claim.
Procrastination is putting off things one has to do till the last minute and spending one’s time on some other, less important occupations. When students procrastinate instead of doing their academic assignments, they usually end up not having enough time to complete their tasks properly by the deadline. As a result, they only do what they can in the amount of time left, and the quality of their work may suffer. For most students, it means receiving lower grades than they could have achieved had they spent their time more wisely. And this is not a mere assumption: a study conducted by Warwick Business School has proven that procrastination leads students to lower grades (2019). One may argue that it depends largely on how gifted a student is, but even the talented ones may get to the point when the assignment is so difficult that they cannot do it well quickly.
Our second body paragraph will be about another effect. We will write it using the same scheme as in the previous paragraph.
What’s worse, procrastination can also cause mental health problems among students (Source, year). When a person finds out that they only have several hours to complete an assignment that requires several days to be done well, they are most likely to succumb to anxiety. Science proves this, too: for example, a 2010 study titled “I’ll Go to Therapy, Eventually” found a clear connection between procrastination and poorer mental health. Then, worries about failing to do a task properly resulted in even more anxiety and stress, and if a student eventually gets a lower grade than expected, it may lead to a feeling of guilt, regret, and even to depression, especially if the situation is repeated often.
In the third body paragraph, we will talk about the causes.
It may be tempting to just label students who keep putting off their assignments as sluggards, but there are more complex and profound reasons for procrastination than mere laziness. As A. Chris Heath, MD, a psychiatrist from Dallas, says, procrastination usually happens because the task seems too difficult. It can also be an issue of self-esteem, he adds, – when a person thinks he or she is not good enough to cope with a demanding task. There are many other causes for procrastination among students, like having trouble concentrating or not possessing enough organizational skills. But whatever the reasons are, the results procrastination leads to are always devastating.
Conclusion. Here, we reiterate our thesis, site the significance of the topic, and add some afterthoughts.
As we see now, procrastination is a huge problem for college students. Being considered a result of pure laziness by many, it is often overlooked as a common problem. But this approach can be very dangerous.
In reality, procrastination has deeper roots, and the effects it causes are quite harmful. If treated lightly, systematic procrastination eventually leads college students to lower grades, mental health problems, and poorer overall academic performance.
So, it’s essential for every college student not to ignore the problem and find the causes of procrastination in their particular case as early as possible to be able to avoid its dreadful consequences.
That’s it! Feel free to use this essay as a model to generate your unique cause and effect essay ideas. If you need another example, download cause and effect essay sample here.
In this article, we’ve covered all the important issues on how to write a cause and effect essay. After reading it thoroughly, you should know what a cause and effect essay is, how to structure it well, and make an outline that will work. We’ve also explained how to work on every paragraph of your text and provided some good essay topics as well as examples of a cause and effect essay with commentary.
Still puzzled about how to write your cause and effect essay properly? Get instant write a paper for me help from professional editors and writers. With such detailed instruction, you cannot fail, if you are diligent enough to practice writing essays on your own using the information given. Don’t get downhearted if you won’t be able to write a flawless paper from the first try; remember: practice makes perfect. So, put effort into your essay writing, and this will pay you back in the future – not only with excellent marks but with better critical thinking and logical skills, too.
How to write a scholarship essay.
Ever wondered how things are connected in our world? Think of the butterfly effect—where a butterfly's wings in Brazil can set off a tornado in Texas. It's a quirky idea, but it shows how events are intertwined. Writing a cause and effect essay is like unraveling these connections, connecting the dots to reveal how things influence each other and shape our experiences.
In this guide, experts from our paper writing service will explore the concept of causality and share practical tips for creating great cause and effect essays. These essays won't just provide information—they'll leave a lasting impression on your readers.
A cause and effect essay is a form of writing that aims to explore and explain the relationships between different events, actions, or circumstances. The central idea is to investigate why certain things happen (causes) and what results from those occurrences (effects). It's like peeling back the layers to reveal the interconnectedness of events, understanding the domino effect in the narrative of life.
Here's a breakdown of the key components:
When crafting such an essay, you're essentially acting as a storyteller and investigator rolled into one. Your goal is to guide the reader through the web of interconnected events, providing insights into the 'why' and 'what happens next.'
Understanding how to write a cause and effect essay is like putting together a puzzle. Here are ten simple steps to help you write an engaging essay that looks into how things are connected.
1. Select a Specific Topic
2. Explore Causal Links
3. Craft a Clear Thesis Statement
4. Organize Chronologically or by Significance
5. Utilize Transitional Phrases
6. Support Arguments with Credible Evidence
7. Illustrate Chain Reactions
8. Analyze Root Causes
9. Consider Alternative Causes
10. Conclude with Impact
When setting up your essay, you can choose from different structures to make it organized. Let's look at two common types of cause and effect essay structures:
The block structure is a clear and organized way to present causes and effects in your essay. Here, you dedicate one section to discussing all the causes, covering multiple causes within each category. After that, you have another section to explore all the effects. This separation makes your ideas easy to understand.
Using the block structure allows you to dive deep into each category, thoroughly looking at causes and effects separately. It's handy when you want to give a detailed analysis and show the importance of each part of the causal relationship. This way, readers can fully grasp each element before moving on.
On the other hand, the chain structure focuses on how events are connected and create ripple effects. It highlights how one cause leads to a specific effect, and that effect becomes the cause of more effects in an ongoing chain. This method is potent for illustrating the complexity of causal relationships.
The chain structure works well when you want to emphasize the sequence of events or deal with intricate cause-and-effect scenarios. It allows you to show how actions trigger a series of reactions, displaying the domino effect that leads to a specific outcome.
Regardless of the structural style you choose, if you require assistance with your academic paper, reach out to us with your ' write my paper for me ' request. Our experienced team is ready to tailor your paper to your specific requirements and ensure its excellence.
Creating an effective cause and effect essay begins with a well-structured outline. This roadmap helps you organize your thoughts, maintain a logical flow, and ensure that your essay effectively conveys the causal relationships between events. Below, we'll outline the key components of the essay along with examples:
I. Introduction
II. Body Paragraphs
C. Causes (Continued)
D. Effects (Continued)
III. Conclusion
To help you grasp cause and effect essay writing with clarity, we have prepared two distinct essay examples that will guide you through the intricacies of both block and chain structures. Additionally, should you ever find yourself requiring assistance with academic writing or descriptive essays examples , simply send us your ' write my research paper ' request. Our expert writers are here to provide the support you need!
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Choosing a good topic starts with recognizing cause and effect key words. Here are 10 interesting topics that let you dig into fascinating connections and their important consequences:
Knowing what a cause and effect essay is and how to write it helps you uncover connections in different topics. With this guide, you can share your ideas in a clear and impactful way.
Meanwhile, if you're in need of a reaction paper example , rest assured we have you covered as well. So, seize this opportunity, put your thoughts on paper logically, and witness your essays leaving a lasting and influential mark.
Don't procrastinate when you can cause an effect on your grades right now!
Daniel Parker
is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.
is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.
Writing for success: cause and effect.
This section will help you determine the purpose and structure of cause and effect in writing.
It is often considered human nature to ask, “why?” and “how?” We want to know how our child got sick so we can better prevent it from happening in the future, or why a colleague received a pay raise because we want one as well. We want to know how much money we will save over the long term if we buy a hybrid car, or how long we will live if we exercise daily. These examples identify only a few of the relationships we think about in our lives, but each shows the importance of understanding cause and effect.
A cause is something that produces an event or condition; an effect is what results from an event or condition. The purpose of the cause-and-effect essay is to determine how various phenomena relate in terms of origins and results. Sometimes the connection between cause and effect is clear, but often determining the exact relationship between the two is very difficult. For example, the following effects of a cold may be easily identifiable: a sore throat, runny nose, and a cough. But determining the cause of the sickness can be far more difficult. A number of causes are possible, and to complicate matters, these possible causes could have combined to cause the sickness. That is, more than one cause may be responsible for any given effect. Therefore, cause-and-effect discussions are often complicated and frequently lead to debates and arguments.
Use the complex nature of cause and effect to your advantage. Often it is not necessary, or even possible, to find the exact cause of an event or to name the exact effect. So, when formulating a thesis, you can claim one of a number of causes or effects to be the primary, or main, cause or effect. As soon as you claim that one cause or one effect is more crucial than the others, you have developed a thesis.
The cause-and-effect essay opens with a general introduction to the topic, which then leads to a thesis that states the main cause, main effect, or various causes and effects of a condition or event.
The cause-and-effect essay can be organized in one of the following two primary ways:
For example, if your essay were on childhood obesity, you could start by talking about the effect of childhood obesity and then discuss the cause or you could start the same essay by talking about the cause of childhood obesity and then move to the effect.
Regardless of which structure you choose, be sure to explain each element of the essay fully and completely. Explaining complex relationships requires the full use of evidence, such as scientific studies, expert testimony, statistics, and anecdotes.
Because cause-and-effect essays determine how phenomena are linked, they make frequent use of certain words and phrases that denote such linkage. Certain transitional words and phrases aid in keeping the reader oriented in the sequencing of a story. Some of these phrases are listed here:
Phrases of Causation
as a result | consequently |
because | due to |
hence | since |
thus | therefore |
The conclusion should wrap up the discussion and reinforce the thesis, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of the relationship that was analyzed.
Be careful of resorting to empty speculation. In writing, speculation amounts to unsubstantiated guessing. Writers are particularly prone to such trappings in cause-and-effect arguments due to the complex nature of finding links between phenomena. Be sure to have clear evidence to support the claims that you make.
Choose an event or condition that you think has an interesting cause-and-effect relationship. Introduce your topic in an engaging way. End your introduction with a thesis that states the main cause, the main effect, or both.
Organize your essay by starting with either the cause-then-effect structure or the effect-then-cause structure. Within each section, you should clearly explain and support the causes and effects using a full range of evidence. If you are writing about multiple causes or multiple effects, you may choose to sequence either in terms of order of importance. In other words, order the causes from least to most important (or vice versa), or order the effects from least important to most important (or vice versa).
Use the phrases of causation when trying to forge connections between various events or conditions. This will help organize your ideas and orient the reader. End your essay with a conclusion that summarizes your main points and reinforces your thesis.
Effects of Video Game Addiction
By Scott McLean
Video game addition is a serious problem in many parts of the world today and deserves more attention. It is no secret that children and adults in many countries throughout the world, including Japan, China, and the United States, play video games every day. Most players are able to limit their usage in ways that do not interfere with their daily lives, but many others have developed an addiction to playing video games and suffer detrimental effects.
An addiction can be described in several ways, but generally speaking, addictions involve unhealthy attractions to substances or activities that ultimately disrupt the ability of a person to keep up with regular daily responsibilities. Video game addiction typically involves playing games uncontrollably for many hours at a time—some people will play only four hours at a time while others cannot stop for over twenty-four hours. Regardless of the severity of the addiction, many of the same effects will be experienced by all.
One common effect of video game addiction is isolation and withdrawal from social experiences. Video game players often hide in their homes or in Internet cafés for days at a time—only reemerging for the most pressing tasks and necessities. The effect of this isolation can lead to a breakdown of communication skills and often a loss in socialization. While it is true that many games, especially massive multiplayer online games, involve a very real form of e-based communication and coordination with others, and these virtual interactions often result in real communities that can be healthy for the players, these communities and forms of communication rarely translate to the types of valuable social interaction that humans need to maintain typical social functioning. As a result, the social networking in these online games often gives the users the impression that they are interacting socially, while their true social lives and personal relations may suffer.
Another unfortunate product of the isolation that often accompanies video game addiction is the disruption of the user’s career. While many players manage to enjoy video games and still hold their jobs without problems, others experience challenges at their workplace. Some may only experience warnings or demerits as a result of poorer performance, or others may end up losing their jobs altogether. Playing video games for extended periods of time often involves sleep deprivation, and this tends to carry over to the workplace, reducing production and causing habitual tardiness.
Video game addiction may result in a decline in overall health and hygiene. Players who interact with video games for such significant amounts of time can go an entire day without eating and even longer without basic hygiene tasks, such as using the restroom or bathing. The effects of this behavior pose significant danger to their overall health.
The causes of video game addiction are complex and can vary greatly, but the effects have the potential to be severe. Playing video games can and should be a fun activity for all to enjoy. But just like everything else, the amount of time one spends playing video games needs to be balanced with personal and social responsibilities.
Cause And Effect Essay Writing
Cause And Effect Essay
Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023
By: Leanne R.
11 min read
Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.
Published on: Jun 9, 2020
A cause and effect essay is another type of expository essay explaining why one thing happens and how it affects the other.
Cause and effect essay writing is based on how an event or thing affects another event. Such essays explain this cause and effect relationship between different things and inform the readers about it.
These effects could both be short and long term.
This blog will make you understand how to write a cause and effect essay step by step and will also provide samples to help you.
On this Page
In this world, everything is inherently interconnected.
The rain makes the soil wet, and the plants grow. In the domino effect, when one domino is toppled, it hits the next, and then the next, and so forth, etc.
To understand the question of what does cause and effect mean, this essay will explore the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of a situation.
Cause and effect essay definition states that such an essay serves to illustrate why certain things occur or situations arise. It also examines the consequences of those events, actions or phenomena.
School students and college students equally struggle with writing correctly structured essays that depict precise and factual information.
If you are a high school or college student; chances are that you will have to write this type of essay.
Staying on this website will equip you with the skills to analyze the events and deliver an impactful cause and effect essay.
The theme of this essay type revolves around the causes and multiple effects of certain issues, problems or situations.
At a basic level, these essays are of three types.
1. Effect-Focused Method
The analysis is focused on one or multiple effects that the occurrence of an event has had.
2. Cause-Focused Method
The analysis is focused on the different causes that lead to the event.
3. Causes and Effects-Focused Method
The analysis is focused on both the causes and the effects. The reason why something happened and the impacts it had.
The major aim of these essays is to develop student’s skills in analyzing the events in depth.
These essays test the ability of students to present analytical and problem-solving skills involving various topics that impact our lives and our societies.
Effective topics may revolve around the following subject matters: social, political, medical, environmental and food-related issues. Cause and effect essay topic for college is mostly based on these subjects.
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There are 2 main structures of writing a cause and effect essay. You need to choose one before starting your essay.
1. Block structure
In a block structure essay, you will first write all the causes and then all the effects of your topic.
In block structure, there can be an effect-focused essay or a cause-focused essay.
Here is a visual representation of a block structure for your essay
Cause 1 |
Cause 2 |
Cause 3 |
Effect 1 |
Effect 2 |
Effect 3 |
2. Chain Structure
In the chain structure, you have to write a cause followed by its effect. Every cause should be followed by its possible effect. This is what your essay will look like if you follow the chain structure.
Cause and Effect 1 |
Cause and Effect 2 |
Cause and Effect 3 |
Some of the effective essay topics can be written efficiently by following the block structure. While some others fit into the chain structure.
It all depends on the choice and expertise of the students to present their points in an effective and convincing manner.
Before moving towards writing an essay, drafting an outline is quite important. It is essential in the case of writing a cause and effect essay because students have to consider the causes and effects of some issue or situation, without missing anything.
An essay outline provides the chance of following a specific guideline to ensure all the instructions are followed efficiently.
In order to write a cause and effect essay outline , you can follow this simple structure.
Writing based on personal beliefs and opinions shatters the whole purpose of such essays. You can’t make a logical argument regarding the cause and effects of a particular situation or action.
You therefore need sound reasoning and authentic examples to prove your point.
Staying on this website will allow you the opportunity of learning the tips to create impactful content.
1. Choose an Engaging and Significant Essay Topic
Selecting a topic is the easiest but trickiest part.
Students often get confused when it comes to how to write a cause and effect essay. Because they choose a topic for a cause and effect essay, which sets them for failure.
If you plan to choose the title “My Visit to my Grandparents’ House” and think it is correct as you will write the effects of your visit in the essay, then you are wrong!
Your topic should be based on logic and you should create a connection between the events.
For instance, if you choose the title “Effect of grandparents on my personality”, then this is an effective topic.
Cause and effects of the second world war on the United States or anorexia nervosa are also perfect effect essay topics.
Looking for more topics for your cause and effect essay?
Feel free to explore these cause and effect essay topics and pick any topic of your choice.
2. Start Your Research
After topic selection, move to the research section.
First tip: don’t go straight to the paper and start writing your first draft. Take a deep breath and analyze all aspects of the topic.
Ask questions! Why? What? How? When?
Look at the present state of the topic. Inspect the previous stages and analyze future effects!
The more you research the more familiar you will become with the topic at hand. And it will help understand different aspects of your topic, giving you better ideas to write.
Along with reading different journals, scholarly articles, books for information, another helpful source is cause and effect essay samples. Go through different samples written by other students, this will not only give you insight about your topic, but will also help understand the essay structure better.
3. Craft a Thesis Statement
Once you have decided on your topic and gathered relevant information, the next step is to craft a thesis. The thesis statement of your essay will inform the reader why you chose the particular topic, its importance and the purpose of the paper.
Keep in mind that your thesis shouldn’t be personal. Consider the feelings of your audience and they should also be able to resonate with it. Give reasons as to why you care about a particular issue, that others will understand as well.
Go check out this article for a better understanding of writing a thesis statement
4. Write a Rough Draft
Don’t rush to put words down on paper.
Collect your thoughts and write down all the ideas and important points on paper. Your rough draft can be based only on these key points.
Don’t worry about making it perfect at this stage. Just jot down your thoughts, assemble them and perfect it later.
To write an effective essay, a structured outline should be followed. Once you are done writing, it is essential to polish your final draft.
5. Write a Cause and Effect Essay Introduction
You must have heard the phrase “the first impression is the last impression.” Similarly, the impression that your essay introduction leaves on the reader decides whether they will read further or not.
To make sure that the reader is impressed by your opening lines and is intrigued to learn more, use an attention grabber – hook.
A hook sentence acts as a tool to attract the reader’s attention, motivating them to read further. There are different types of hook sentences that you can use depending on your topic. Learn more about them from our blog on hook examples.
The next step is making your audience/reader familiar with the essay topic. Begin with a general introduction to the topic followed by the thesis statement. Understand the difference between cause and effect before you start writing. Give a general idea of your topic in the first paragraph.
The most important part of the introduction is the thesis statement. A thesis statement is the foundation of your essay and informs the reader of the purpose of writing the essay. Relate your topic to the current situation and its importance.
6. Compose and Arrange the Body Paragraphs
It is important to provide plenty of details you have collected on your topic regarding the causes and effects of your topic.
Assemble all the data with relevant examples to create credibility in your academic writing. The cause and effect essay should be based entirely on facts.
Link the causes to the effects using transitional words in your body paragraphs.
Successfully linking causes and effects depends on the approach you are following for your essay.
You may use either one of the structures mentioned above to present the causes and effects of your topic.
7. End with a Powerful Conclusion
Restate the thesis statement that you proposed in the introductory paragraph in the last paragraph. A well-written and precise conclusion gives closure to the entire argument and context of the essay.
Cause and effect essays are easy to write, just stay focused and try to create impact through your words and use of evidence.
Doing so will create chaos in your essay and the reader won’t be able to understand the information stated in the paragraphs.
When writing the body section, dedicate each paragraph to separate the ideas.
Every paragraph should have a separate topic sentence that clearly defines its purpose. Now you can start your essay writing .
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Following are a few cause and effect essay samples which will help you explore cause and effect essay prompts.
CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY SAMPLE
CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY EXAMPLE
CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY ON DIVORCE
Here are some good cause and effect essay topics:
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What is the main purpose of a cause and effect essay.
Cause and effect papers use strong analytical skills to examine the reasons for or outcomes of an event. These are often written as a way in which someone could potentially discover how something happened.
Such as why one particular decision led them down their current path-or if there were any other factors involved that caused the said outcome
Knowledge is power. Understanding how a single event can result in multiple effects, and then pinpointing that one cause for each of those results will help the students develop into analytical thinkers with the ability to work on their own.
A person who can think about the interconnected causes and effects of social events will be more successful in their day-to-day life. It's no surprise, then, that if you have this skill set your chances for success with solving real-world problems are much greater!
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Glossary of Grammatical and Rhetorical Terms
In composition , cause and effect is a method of paragraph or essay development in which a writer analyzes the reasons for—and/or the consequences of—an action, event, or decision.
A cause-and-effect paragraph or essay can be organized in various ways. For instance, causes and/or effects can be arranged in either chronological order or reverse chronological order. Alternatively, points can be presented in terms of emphasis , from least important to most important, or vice versa.
This section will help you determine the purpose and structure of cause and effect in writing.
It is often considered human nature to ask, “why?” and “how?” We want to know how our child got sick so we can better prevent it from happening in the future, or why a colleague received a pay raise because we want one as well. We want to know how much money we will save over the long term if we buy a hybrid car, or how long we will live if we exercise daily. These examples identify only a few of the relationships we think about in our lives, but each shows the importance of understanding cause and effect.
A cause is something that produces an event or condition; an effect is what results from an event or condition. The purpose of the cause-and-effect essay is to determine how various phenomena relate in terms of origins and results. Sometimes the connection between cause and effect is clear, but often determining the exact relationship between the two is very difficult. For example, the following effects of a cold may be easily identifiable: a sore throat, runny nose, and a cough. But determining the cause of the sickness can be far more difficult. A number of causes are possible, and to complicate matters, these possible causes could have combined to cause the sickness. That is, more than one cause may be responsible for any given effect. Therefore, cause-and-effect discussions are often complicated and frequently lead to debates and arguments.
Use the complex nature of cause and effect to your advantage. Often it is not necessary, or even possible, to find the exact cause of an event or to name the exact effect. So, when formulating a thesis, you can claim one of a number of causes or effects to be the primary, or main, cause or effect. As soon as you claim that one cause or one effect is more crucial than the others, you have developed a thesis.
The cause-and-effect essay opens with a general introduction to the topic, which then leads to a thesis that states the main cause, main effect, or various causes and effects of a condition or event.
The cause-and-effect essay can be organized in one of the following two primary ways:
For example, if your essay were on childhood obesity, you could start by talking about the effect of childhood obesity and then discuss the cause or you could start the same essay by talking about the cause of childhood obesity and then move to the effect.
Regardless of which structure you choose, be sure to explain each element of the essay fully and completely. Explaining complex relationships requires the full use of evidence, such as scientific studies, expert testimony, statistics, and anecdotes.
Because cause-and-effect essays determine how phenomena are linked, they make frequent use of certain words and phrases that denote such linkage. Certain transitional words and phrases aid in keeping the reader oriented in the sequencing of a story. Some of these phrases are listed here:
Phrases of Causation
as a result | consequently |
because | due to |
hence | since |
thus | therefore |
The conclusion should wrap up the discussion and reinforce the thesis, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of the relationship that was analyzed.
Be careful of resorting to empty speculation. In writing, speculation amounts to unsubstantiated guessing. Writers are particularly prone to such trappings in cause-and-effect arguments due to the complex nature of finding links between phenomena. Be sure to have clear evidence to support the claims that you make.
Choose an event or condition that you think has an interesting cause-and-effect relationship. Introduce your topic in an engaging way. End your introduction with a thesis that states the main cause, the main effect, or both.
Organize your essay by starting with either the cause-then-effect structure or the effect-then-cause structure. Within each section, you should clearly explain and support the causes and effects using a full range of evidence. If you are writing about multiple causes or multiple effects, you may choose to sequence either in terms of order of importance. In other words, order the causes from least to most important (or vice versa), or order the effects from least important to most important (or vice versa).
Use the phrases of causation when trying to forge connections between various events or conditions. This will help organize your ideas and orient the reader. End your essay with a conclusion that summarizes your main points and reinforces your thesis.
Effects of Video Game Addiction
By Scott McLean
Video game addition is a serious problem in many parts of the world today and deserves more attention. It is no secret that children and adults in many countries throughout the world, including Japan, China, and the United States, play video games every day. Most players are able to limit their usage in ways that do not interfere with their daily lives, but many others have developed an addiction to playing video games and suffer detrimental effects.
An addiction can be described in several ways, but generally speaking, addictions involve unhealthy attractions to substances or activities that ultimately disrupt the ability of a person to keep up with regular daily responsibilities. Video game addiction typically involves playing games uncontrollably for many hours at a time—some people will play only four hours at a time while others cannot stop for over twenty-four hours. Regardless of the severity of the addiction, many of the same effects will be experienced by all.
One common effect of video game addiction is isolation and withdrawal from social experiences. Video game players often hide in their homes or in Internet cafés for days at a time—only reemerging for the most pressing tasks and necessities. The effect of this isolation can lead to a breakdown of communication skills and often a loss in socialization. While it is true that many games, especially massive multiplayer online games, involve a very real form of e-based communication and coordination with others, and these virtual interactions often result in real communities that can be healthy for the players, these communities and forms of communication rarely translate to the types of valuable social interaction that humans need to maintain typical social functioning. As a result, the social networking in these online games often gives the users the impression that they are interacting socially, while their true social lives and personal relations may suffer.
Another unfortunate product of the isolation that often accompanies video game addiction is the disruption of the user’s career. While many players manage to enjoy video games and still hold their jobs without problems, others experience challenges at their workplace. Some may only experience warnings or demerits as a result of poorer performance, or others may end up losing their jobs altogether. Playing video games for extended periods of time often involves sleep deprivation, and this tends to carry over to the workplace, reducing production and causing habitual tardiness.
Video game addiction may result in a decline in overall health and hygiene. Players who interact with video games for such significant amounts of time can go an entire day without eating and even longer without basic hygiene tasks, such as using the restroom or bathing. The effects of this behavior pose significant danger to their overall health.
The causes of video game addiction are complex and can vary greatly, but the effects have the potential to be severe. Playing video games can and should be a fun activity for all to enjoy. But just like everything else, the amount of time one spends playing video games needs to be balanced with personal and social responsibilities.
Writing for Success
Understand how to write a cause-and-effect essay.
It is often considered human nature to ask, “why?” and “how?” We want to know how our child got sick so we can better prevent it from happening in the future, or why our colleague a pay raise because we want one as well. We want to know how much money we will save over the long term if we buy a hybrid car. These examples identify only a few of the relationships we think about in our lives, but each shows the importance of understanding cause and effect.
A cause is something that produces an event or condition; an effect is what results from an event or condition. The purpose of the cause-and-effect essay is to determine how various phenomena relate in terms of origins and results. Sometimes the connection between cause and effect is clear, but often determining the exact relationship between the two is very difficult. For example, the following effects of a cold may be easily identifiable: a sore throat, runny nose, and a cough. But determining the cause of the sickness can be far more difficult. A number of causes are possible, and to complicate matters, these possible causes could have combined to cause the sickness. That is, more than one cause may be responsible for any given effect. Therefore, cause-and-effect discussions are often complicated and frequently lead to debates and arguments.
Use the complex nature of cause and effect to your advantage. Often it is not necessary, or even possible, to find the exact cause of an event or to name the exact effect. So, when formulating a thesis, you can claim one of a number of causes or effects to be the primary, or main, cause or effect. As soon as you claim that one cause or one effect is more crucial than the others, you have developed a thesis.
Consider the causes and effects in the following thesis statements. List a cause and effect for each one on your own sheet of paper.
Write three cause-and-effect thesis statements of your own for each of the following five broad topics.
The cause-and-effect essay opens with a general introduction to the topic, which then leads to a thesis that states the main cause, main effect, or various causes and effects of a condition or event.
The cause-and-effect essay can be organized in one of the following two primary ways:
For example, if your essay were on childhood obesity, you could start by talking about the effect of childhood obesity and then discuss the cause or you could start the same essay by talking about the cause of childhood obesity and then move to the effect.
Regardless of which structure you choose, be sure to explain each element of the essay fully and completely. Explaining complex relationships requires the full use of evidence, such as scientific studies, expert testimony, statistics, and anecdotes.
Because cause-and-effect essays determine how phenomena are linked, they make frequent use of certain words and phrases that denote such linkage. See Table 10.4 “Phrases of Causation” for examples of such terms.
as a result | consequently | because | due to |
hence | since | thus | therefore |
The conclusion should wrap up the discussion and reinforce the thesis, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of the relationship that was analyzed.
Be careful of resorting to empty speculation. In writing, speculation amounts to unsubstantiated guessing. Writers are particularly prone to such trappings in cause-and-effect arguments due to the complex nature of finding links between phenomena. Be sure to have clear evidence to support the claims that you make.
Look at some of the cause-and-effect relationships from Exercise 2. Outline the links you listed. Outline one using a cause-then-effect structure. Outline the other using the effect-then-cause structure.
Choose an event or condition that you think has an interesting cause-and-effect relationship. Introduce your topic in an engaging way. End your introduction with a thesis that states the main cause, the main effect, or both.
Organize your essay by starting with either the cause-then-effect structure or the effect-then-cause structure. Within each section, you should clearly explain and support the causes and effects using a full range of evidence. If you are writing about multiple causes or multiple effects, you may choose to sequence either in terms of order of importance. In other words, order the causes from least to most important (or vice versa), or order the effects from least important to most important (or vice versa).
Use the phrases of causation when trying to forge connections between various events or conditions. This will help organize your ideas and orient the reader. End your essay with a conclusion that summarizes your main points and reinforces your thesis.
Choose one of the ideas you outlined in Note 10.85 “Exercise 3” and write a full cause-and-effect essay. Be sure to include an engaging introduction, a clear thesis, strong evidence and examples, and a thoughtful conclusion.
Cause and Effect Copyright © 2016 by Writing for Success is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.
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Words and phrases such as "because," "as a result," "therefore," and "consequently" can help signal the cause and effect relationships in your writing. 5. Proofreading and Editing. After completing the initial draft of your essay, take the time to thoroughly proofread and edit your work. Look out for any grammar, spelling, or ...
The structure of a cause and effect essay plays a crucial role in effectively conveying the relationship between causes and their corresponding effects. By following a well-defined structure, you can ensure that your essay is organized and easy to follow, allowing your readers to fully grasp the cause and effect connections that you are ...
Learn the general format and the block method of writing a cause and effect essay that answers the "how" and "why" questions. See an example of an essay that examines the causes and effects of fast food popularity.
Learn how to write cause and effect essays, which examine the reasons and results of something. Find out the two main structures, the transition signals and a sample essay on women at work.
Learn how to determine the purpose and structure of cause and effect in writing, and how to write a clear and convincing cause-and-effect essay. Find out how to organize your essay by cause or effect, use phrases of causation, and provide strong evidence.
The Structure of a Cause and Effect Essay. The cause-and-effect essay opens with a general introduction to the topic, which then leads to a thesis that states the main cause, main effect, or various causes and effects of a condition or event. The cause-and-effect essay can be organized in one of the following two primary ways:
How to Write a Cause-and-Effect Essay. Written by MasterClass. Last updated: Jun 7, 2021 • 2 min read. Cause-and-effect essay structure is a way of exploring relationships between ideas and events. Explore.
Writing a Cause-and-Effect Essay. Choose an event or condition that you think has an interesting cause-and-effect relationship. Introduce your topic in an engaging way. End your introduction with a thesis that states the main cause, the main effect, or both. Organize your essay by starting with either the cause-then-effect structure or the ...
The Structure of a Cause-and-Effect Essay. The cause-and-effect essay opens with a general introduction to the topic, which then leads to a thesis that states the main cause, main effect, or various causes and effects of a condition or event. The cause-and-effect essay can be organized in one of the following two primary ways:
Learn how to write a cause and effect essay by choosing the right structure, providing relevant examples and avoiding common mistakes. Find out the definition, types and structure of cause and effect essays with an outline example and a sample essay.
Step 1: Choose a Focus. Cause and effect essays are commonly structured in four ways: Causal chain. Causes. Effects. Causes & effects. Start by considering the length of your essay and other requirements. Follow the focus and topic assigned by your instructor. Otherwise, choose the option that is best for you.
Cause And Effect Essay Structure. Introduction: Hook: Start with an attention-grabbing statement or question to engage the reader. Background Information: Provide context and background information on the topic. Thesis Statement: Clearly state the main causes and effects you will discuss in your essay. Body Paragraphs: Paragraph 1: Introduction to Causes Topic Sentence: Introduce the first ...
Cause and Effect Essay Outline. A cause and effect essay outline consists of a minimum of four sections - an introduction, at least two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each section, in turn, consists of several parts, and their contents vary depending on what pattern - block or chain - you choose. Let's start with a block structure.
3. Cause and effect essays that focus on the effects of an event. Sometimes your cause and effect essay will focus on both causes and effects. When writing a cause and effect essay that includes both causes and effects, it can be difficult to remain focused. Therefore, it might be better to narrow down your subject on one cause and one effect.
A cause and effect essay is a form of writing that aims to explore and explain the relationships between different events, actions, or circumstances. The central idea is to investigate why certain things happen (causes) and what results from those occurrences (effects). ... Cause and Effect Essay Structure Types. When setting up your essay, you ...
The Structure of a Cause and Effect Essay. The cause-and-effect essay opens with a general introduction to the topic, which then leads to a thesis that states the main cause, main effect, or various causes and effects of a condition or event. The cause-and-effect essay can be organized in one of the following two primary ways:
Cause and Effect Essay Structure. There are 2 main structures of writing a cause and effect essay. You need to choose one before starting your essay. 1. Block structure. In a block structure essay, you will first write all the causes and then all the effects of your topic. In block structure, there can be an effect-focused essay or a cause ...
Definition. In composition, cause and effect is a method of paragraph or essay development in which a writer analyzes the reasons for—and/or the consequences of—an action, event, or decision. A cause-and-effect paragraph or essay can be organized in various ways. For instance, causes and/or effects can be arranged in either chronological ...
The cause-and-effect essay opens with a general introduction to the topic, which then leads to a thesis that states the main cause, main effect, or various causes and effects of a condition or event. The cause-and-effect essay can be organized in one of the following two primary ways: Start with the cause and then discuss the effects. Start ...
The Structure of a Cause and Effect Essay. The cause-and-effect essay opens with a general introduction to the topic, which then leads to a thesis that states the main cause, main effect, or various causes and effects of a condition or event. The cause-and-effect essay can be organized in one of the following two primary ways:
A cause and effect essay is a type of essay that explores how an event came into being and what transpires because of that event. We guide you through writing one with examples. ... You might see some slight variations in the structure of a cause and effect essay, but for the most part, you're looking at a pretty rigid outline.
THE STRUCTURE OF A CAUSE-AND-EFFECT ESSAY. The cause-and-effect essay opens with a general introduction to the topic, which then leads to a thesis that states the main cause, main effect, or various causes and effects of a condition or event. The cause-and-effect essay can be organized in one of the following two primary ways:
The Structure of a Cause-and-Effect Essay. The cause-and-effect essay opens with a general introduction to the topic, which then leads to a thesis that states the main cause, main effect, or various causes and effects of a condition or event. The cause-and-effect essay can be organized in one of the following two primary ways: