Dance Concert
CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY Cause and effect essays are usually taught in high school and introductory college writing courses. This type of essay does just as the title suggests; it explains the cause(s) of a problem and details the resulting effect(s). These few steps can help you write this type of essay. Suggestions: Step 1: Present an event, phenomenon or trend. This will be the cause and the starting point of your essay. You should explain the background of the cause in significant detail so your reader understands the basis of your paper. Step 2: Explain the effects of your event, phenomenon or trend.
You should continually refer back to the cause to make links and connections between the cause and effect. Links and connections will help your audience effectively process the cause and effect. Step 3: Limit your major points. While there may be multiple causes or multiple effects in any given relationship, limit your points depending on the length of your essay. Too many points will only confuse your reader. Step 4: Organize your essay effectively. A good model to follow is a thesis statement that presents your event, phenomenon or trend at the beginning of the essay.
Each subsequent body paragraph should start with a topic sentence that explains the cause or effect up for discussion. Step 5: End with a recap of the causes and effects discussed in your essay. In complicated essays like cause and effect, it’s important to revisit the major points and the overall idea of your essay so the reader can tie together your thoughts. Sample Outline for Cause & Effect Essay (see example topics): Write an essay exploring causes, effects, or both of choosing to attend college. Write an essay exploring the effects of text-messaging, cell-phone use, or e-mail use in your life.
Write an essay exploring causes, effects, or both of stress in your life (limit this to one situation) Write an essay exploring the beneficial or problematic effects of high school sports on athletes, families, communities, etc. Write an essay exploring causes, effects, or both of a major life decision you have made or will make soon. Write an essay exploring effects of having the parent or parents you have had. Think about how your life has been affected and/or who you have become (“Parent” means whoever raised you). 1. Introduction Paragraph: a. Capture attention with the first sentence (could include a quote). b.
Give necessary background information. c. Explain the situation in a transitional sentence. d. Give a clear thesis statement. (What are you trying to prove? Examples: “Unfair stereotypes cause problems. ” “Homelessness is a big problem in Tennessee. ”) e. Summarize the 3 main points to be covered (What 3 causes or effects are you going to discuss? ) See examples: These days many people like to _____. There are three main causes of ______ in America: ______, ______, and ______. There are three main effects of in America: ______, ______, and ______. There are three main reasons why people like to_____: _____, _____, and _____. . First Body Paragraph: Topic Sentence–One cause/effect/reason why…………………………………………… a. Support/example 1 b. Support/example 2 c. Closing sentence 3. Second Body Paragraph: Topic Sentence–Another cause/effect/reason why………………………………… a. Support/example 1 b. Support/example 2 c. Closing sentence 4. Third Body Paragraph: Topic Sentence–A third cause/effect/reason why………………………. ………… a. Support/example 1 b. Support/example 2 c. Closing sentence 5. Conclusion Paragraph: a. Summarize main points b. Restate thesis statement c. Suggest a solution, give moral of the story, add commentary, and/or additional thoughts
