Cause/Effect Essay
Definition
A cause and effect essay focuses on why things happen and
what their results or consequences are.
Causes are the reasons why something happened. Effects are the direct results or
consequences of an event. The study of causes
and effects are central to many disciplines:
science, history, sociology, psychology, etc.
Choosing a Subject
Consider recent experiences, conversations, and headlines
for possible ideas. It can focus on
current events, political or social events, or developments in medicine or
technology. It can also focus on every
day events. For example, what happens
when you procrastinate? Or, what are the
effects of eating too much junk food?
Thesis Development
A thesis statement in a cause and effect essay usually
focuses on causes or effects but not on both.
The thesis statement should offer your opinion or stand about a cause or
an effect. Remember, a good thesis
statement should be short and to the point, contain one clear main idea, and
take a stand or express your opinion.
Organization
Cause/effect essays generally focus on the causes of the
effects of an event, problem, or phenomenon.
Some essays examine both causes and effects. The thesis announces whether the cause or the
effects will be examined, and the supporting sentences or paragraphs develop
those causes or effects.
Tips on Writing
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Before you start
writing, determine whether you will be covering the cause, effects, or both.
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List all of the
causes and effects you can think of for the situation.
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Examine each
cause or effect to determine whether it is a direct cause or effect of your
event. Keep in mind the difference
between direct and indirect causes and effects.
–
When examining
causes and effects, decide the value and importance of each item.
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Clearly establish
the relationships between the cause and the effect.
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Avoid mistaking
coincidence for cause and effect.
–
Avoid
oversimplification.
–
Don’t confuse affect
for effect
–
Affect is a
verb meaning “to influence.”
–
Effect is
usually used as a noun meaning “result.”
–
When used as a
verb, effect means “to make or to
cause to happen.”
Essay Guidelines
–
Due dates: Pre-Write due February 20; Rough Draft due March
6; Final Draft due March 20/
–
Essay
length: 700 – 900 words (between 3 and 6
pages)
–
Rough drafts can
be typed or hand-written, but must be double-spaced.
–
Final draft
format:
–
Typed (if this is
not possible, please let me know)
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1 inch margins
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Name and date on
the upper right hand corner
–
Number the pages
on the lower right hand corner
–
Title centered
above the text of the essay
