Writing Cause and Effect Essays
What is a cause and effect essay?
The basis of cause and effect writing is to show that certain actions cause certain results or effects. As a writer, you can approach the topic two different ways. You can set out to prove that certain known causes will have a certain effect. Or you can approach it from the other direction, setting out to prove that a particular effect was due to certain causes. Be careful to avoid some logical fallacies here. Don’t assume that an effect has only one cause, and don’t assume that a cause has only one effect. Also, don’t assume that because one event precedes another event in time that it necessarily caused the other event. You have to establish the link between the cause and effect, not merely assume it.
How do I write a cause and effect essay?
1. Identify the person, thing, condition, or action that tends to bring about a certain result. 2. Your thesis (main idea) is to explain and prove the cause and effect relationship. 3. If there are multiple causes leading to a certain effect, or multiple effects from certain causes, use these separate causes and effects as your guideline in paragraph formation.
What can I write about?
Does buying “cheap” pay off? Why did dinosaurs become extinct? What caused a particular war? What is the cause of war generally speaking? Why do kids cheat in school? What is the result of cheating in school? What causes global warming? What could be the result of global warming? What are the good and bad effects of “curiosity”? “Experience is the best teacher.” True or false? What causes delinquent children? The Bible says that the truth can make you free. How? What causes stress or depression among teenagers? What will be the future effect(s) of a choice you make today? What are the causes of a particular disease? What are the causes of unhappiness? What are the causes of happiness? How does drinking caffeine affect you? How does smoking