A Guide to Writing a Cause and Effect Essay

In your academic career, you’ll write a lot of essays. You’ll write some to inform your readers about a topic and others to analyze an idea. Some will argue for or against a specific position, while others will persuade the reader to take action. Authors use various strategies to achieve each of these goals, and one of the strategies they use to inform readers is the cause and effect essay .
As its name implies, a cause and effect essay explains how certain causes result in specific effects. Knowing how to write an effective cause and effect essay is an important skill for students in just about every academic field to develop. Give your writing extra polish Grammarly helps you communicate confidently Write with Grammarly

What is a cause and effect essay?
A cause and effect essay is a type of expository essay that explores its topic by discussing the issue’s causes and consequences. For example, a cause and effect essay about deforestation’s role in climate change might discuss a few of deforestation’s specific causes, like a demand for wood and the clearing of land for grazing pastures, and then explain how these causes create effects that contribute to climate change.
As with other types of expository essays, the purpose of a cause and effect essay is to educate the reader. As an expository essay writer, think of yourself as the informed explainer who gives their readers the information they need to think critically about a topic and reach their own conclusions. Your goal isn’t to persuade, argue, or entertain your readers—although there are instances when authors of argumentative and persuasive essays use cause and effect rhetoric in their writing. It’s also possible to write a creative essay using the cause and effect format. However, within the realm of academic essay writing , a cause and effect essay is an expository piece of writing.
Cause and effect essays are similar to other kinds of expository essays in that they present facts in a clear, logical format. They employ an objective, analytical tone and stay away from flowery and inciting language. This is how they differ from argumentative, persuasive, and descriptive essays. You might use the passive voice more frequently in cause and effect essays than in other kinds of essays, especially in cause and effect essays you write for your science courses.
How to structure a cause and effect essay
Structurally, a cause and effect essay is similar to other types of essays. It starts with an introduction paragraph where you hook your reader, state your thesis, and give a quick preview of the points you’ll make to support your thesis.
Following the introduction, each point supporting your thesis has its own section. Each section can be as short as one paragraph or contain a few paragraphs, depending on how much information you need to convey and whether your essay must adhere to a word count or page limit. There are a few different ways to organize your essay’s body paragraphs. You can discuss each cause, section by section, and then discuss each effect afterward (if there is only one effect, include just a single section about it). Alternatively, you can discuss each cause and effect pair individually, giving each pair its own section.
The best structure for your essay depends on a few factors:
- How many causes you’re including
- How many effects you’re including
- The essay length requirement, if applicable
- How closely related the causes and effects are to each other
For example, if your essay is about a single effect with multiple causes, it might be most logical to discuss all the causes first and then write a section on their shared effect. Or if the causes and effects are more isolated from each other and you need room to explain how they fit into the bigger picture, the logical choice might be to give each cause and effect pair its own section and then tie them together in your essay’s conclusion.
As with other kinds of academic writing, the most logical structure is typically the best approach. If you aren’t sure how to structure your essay, ask your instructor for guidance.
After writing the body paragraphs, write your essay’s conclusion . This final section summarizes the points you made in the body, underscores your thesis, and brings your essay’s position to a logical conclusion.
How to write a cause and effect essay
To write a cause and effect essay, follow the same writing process that you follow when you’re doing other kinds of writing. Start with brainstorming your topic and jotting down any insights you have, questions you want to answer, associations you plan to make between topics, and facts you intend to reference.
After brainstorming , take your notes and create an organized outline . Remember, your essay outline is a guideline for you to follow as you write, not a final script your essay has to follow. List each section as a header in your outline and below it write down the bullet points you plan to cover within that section. Outlining makes it easy to visualize how your final essay will look and to determine where each body paragraph logically fits into the structure.
Once your outline is finished, it’s time to write! But before you dive into your first draft, nail down your thesis statement , if you haven’t already. This is a concise and informative statement that tells the reader exactly what your essay is about. It goes in your introduction paragraph, and each body paragraph that follows should support this statement.
With your thesis statement prepared, write your body paragraphs using your notes from your brainstorming session. Remember what kind of essay you’re writing and frame its body paragraphs accordingly—if a supporting paragraph doesn’t clearly show how its subject is a cause leading to a specific effect, reframe it to fit this format. Remember, you’re only on the first draft, and there will be time to revise it later.
Once you’re finished writing, give your essay time to cool off. Ideally, take about twenty-four hours before you edit it. When you go back and edit, pay close attention to how you’ve presented each cause and effect. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Is the relationship between each cause and associated effect clear?
- Are the causes and effects presented in a logical, coherent manner?
- Does this essay make my position clear?
- Does the essay leave the reader room to draw their own conclusion, or does it attempt to persuade or convince them of my position?
With the answers to these questions in mind, revise your essay to ensure that the content is presented in the clearest, most logical way possible. At this stage, also make sure your essay’s tone is appropriate and that there are not any glaring spelling or grammatical errors. You’ll check for these again when you proofread; the editing stage is primarily for revising your essay’s content.
With a clean, revised second draft in hand, give it another proofread for grammatical mistakes. Grammarly can help you with this. Once it’s cleaned up, you’re ready to submit your work.
Example outline of a cause and effect essay
As we mentioned above, there are a few different ways to structure a cause and effect essay. Here is one:
- Introduction
This format isn’t ideal for every essay, though. In some cases, a format like this makes the content clearer:
When you’re revising your essay, feel free to play around with the format and see which makes more sense for the information you’re writing about. You’ll likely use each of these formats in different essays depending on their specific content.
Cause and effect essay FAQs
A cause and effect essay is an expository essay that explains the relationships between specific conditions and their consequences, often within the context of a big-picture issue. These conditions are known as “causes,” and their consequences are known as “effects.”
What is the purpose of a cause and effect essay?
The purpose of a cause and effect essay is to educate the reader about how specific conditions are linked to certain repercussions.
How do you structure a cause and effect essay?
There are a few different ways to structure a cause and effect essay. Here are two of the most common:


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10.8 Cause and Effect
Learning objectives.
- Determine the purpose and structure of cause and effect in writing.
- Understand how to write a cause-and-effect essay.
The Purpose 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 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.
- The growing childhood obesity epidemic is a result of technology.
- Much of the wildlife is dying because of the oil spill.
- The town continued programs that it could no longer afford, so it went bankrupt.
- More young people became politically active as use of the Internet spread throughout society.
- While many experts believed the rise in violence was due to the poor economy, it was really due to the summer-long heat wave.
Write three cause-and-effect thesis statements of your own for each of the following five broad topics.
- Health and nutrition
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:
- Start with the cause and then talk about the effects.
- Start with the effect and then talk about the causes.
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
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.
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 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.
Key Takeaways
- The purpose of the cause-and-effect essay is to determine how various phenomena are related.
- The thesis states what the writer sees as 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 these two primary ways:
- Start with the cause and then talk about the effect.
- Start with the effect and then talk about the cause.
- Strong evidence is particularly important in the cause-and-effect essay due to the complexity of determining connections between phenomena.
- Phrases of causation are helpful in signaling links between various elements in the essay.
Writing for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.
Cause And Effect Essay Guide

How To Write A Cause and Effect Essay - Outline & Examples
Published on: Jul 1, 2018
Last updated on: Nov 14, 2023

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Writing a cause and effect essay seems complicated and overwhelming, especially if you're unsure about where to start or how to structure your essay.
You might feel stuck, staring at a blank page, or confused by all the rules and guidelines. It's frustrating not to have clear examples and easy explanations to guide you through the process.
But don't worry!
In this blog, we will break down the complexities of cause and effect essays into simple, understandable steps. We will provide clear examples and straightforward tips, making essay writing easy.
Let's read on.

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What is a Cause and Effect Essay
According to cause and effect essay definition:
It is a type of academic writing that explores the reasons behind an event or situation (the cause) and the outcomes or consequences that result from it (the effect).
In this essay, you have to dig deeper into the "why" and "what happens next" aspects of a particular topic.
Understanding Causes and Effects
Consider the below questions to evaluate the effectiveness of a cause and effect essay:
- What are the causes and effects?
- What elements should be emphasized?
- Are there single or multiple effects and causes?
- How to list causes and effects in an essay?
The Purpose of a Cause and Effect Essay
The primary goal of writing a cause and effect essay is to provide insights into how different elements relate to one another. It helps readers comprehend the underlying reasons for certain events or phenomena. It enables you to:
- Uncover Connections: Explore and explain the links between causes and their effects.
- Analyze Events: Break down complex events into manageable parts.
- Illustrate Patterns: Highlight recurring patterns and trends in various situations.
Cause And Effect Essay Structure
A well-structured cause and effect essay outline is crucial for effectively conveying your ideas and insights.
Here's how to craft an organized and compelling cause and effect essay:
How To Write A Cause And Effect Essay
Writing a cause and effect essay can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to explore the relationships between events and their consequences.

To help you craft an effective cause and effect essay, here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Choose the Essay Topic
Begin by choosing a topic that has significance and relevance. Look for subjects with clear cause-and-effect relationships to ensure your essay has a solid foundation.
Consider both personal interests and the potential appeal to your target audience.
Step 2: Conduct Thorough Research
Research is a fundamental step. Gather reliable information, data, and examples related to your chosen topic.
Understanding the causes and effects comprehensively is vital for crafting a well-informed and persuasive essay.
Step 3: Create a Strong Thesis
Your thesis statement is the core of your essay. It should clearly state whether you are focusing on causes, effects, or both.
A well-crafted thesis provides direction for your essay and helps readers understand your essay's purpose.
Step 4: Structure Your Essay with an Outline
An outline serves as a roadmap for your essay. It should detail the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
Each paragraph should have a specific focus on a single cause or effect, ensuring a logical and organized flow.
Step 5: Craft Engaging Introduction
The cause and effect essay introduction is your first impression. Use a compelling hook to capture the reader's attention.
Provide necessary background information to help your audience understand the context.
Clearly state your thesis to set the stage for what's to come in your essay.
Step 6: Develop Detailed Body Paragraphs
The body of your essay is where you explore causes and effects in depth. Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence that introduces a specific cause or effect.
Provide detailed explanations, supporting evidence, and illustrative examples to back your points.
Use smooth transitions to maintain a coherent flow between paragraphs.
Step 7: Address Counter Arguments in the Antithesis Paragraph
To present a well-rounded perspective, include an antithesis paragraph. This section allows you to acknowledge opposing viewpoints related to your topic.
By addressing counter arguments, your essay becomes more comprehensive and persuasive.
Step 8: Write an Effective Conclusion
The conclusion should wrap up your essay effectively. Restate your thesis statement for cause and effect essay to remind readers of your main argument.
Summarize the key insights discussed throughout your essay.
Conclude with a thought-provoking sentence that leaves a lasting impression on your audience.
Cause and Effect Essay Format
In addition to structuring your cause and effect essay effectively, adhering to formatting guidelines is essential.
Here are the key formatting guidelines to follow:
- Font Type: Opt for widely accepted fonts such as Times New Roman or Arial. These fonts are easy to read and maintain consistency in your document.
- Font Size: Keep the text within your essay at a 12-point font size. This standard size ensures that your content is legible and easily comprehensible.
- Line Spacing : You have two choices for line spacing: either 1.5 or double line spacing. Double spacing may be more suitable for lengthy essays, while 1.5 spacing strikes a balance between readability and conservation of space.
- Alignment: Align your text to justify, which means both the left and right margins are straight. This creates a clean and organized appearance for your essay, enhancing its overall professionalism.
- Margins: Maintain one-inch margins on all sides of the document to give your essay a neat and well-structured look.
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Cause And Effect Essay Examples
To gain a better understanding of how cause and effect essays are structured and written, it's often helpful to explore examples of cause and effect essays.
Here are a few cause and effect essay pdfs that you can use as a starting point to guide your writing:
Cause And Effect Essay Sample
Cause And Effect Essay On Global Warming
Cause And Effect Essay On Climate Change
Covid 19 Cause And Effect Essay
Social Media Cause And Effect Essay
Poverty Cause And Effect Essay
Air Pollution Cause And Effect Essay
Cause And Effect Essay Examples College
Looking for more examples? Check out this cause and effect essay examples blog!
Cause And Effect Essay Topics
Selecting the right topic is the foundation of a compelling cause and effect essay.. Here's a collection of thought-provoking topics that can serve as a great starting point for your essay:
- The Causes and Effects of Bullying on Mental Health
- The Impact of Divorce on Children
- The Causes and Effects of Global Warming on Human Health
- The Long term Effects of Peer Pressure on Decision-Making
- The Causes of Stress in the Modern World
- The Impact of Online Shopping on Traditional Retail
- The Causes and Effects of Immigration
- The Causes and Effects of Teenage Rebellion
- The Impact of Cell Phones on Personal Relationships
- The Causes and Effects of Political Polarization
Need more topics? Read our cause and effect essay topics blog!
Tips for Writing Cause and Effect Essays
Crafting a compelling cause and effect essay requires a thoughtful approach. Here are some valuable tips to help you excel in your essay writing process:
- Hook Your Readers: Begin with a compelling hook in your introduction to engage your audience from the start.
- Provide Detailed Explanations: In your body paragraphs, offer detailed explanations, supporting evidence, and examples for causes and effects.
- Use Transitional Phrases: Employ transitional words and phrases to ensure a smooth and logical flow between ideas.
- Consider Opposing Views: Include an antithesis paragraph to acknowledge contrasting viewpoints on your chosen topic.
- Tailor to Your Audience: Think about your target readers and adapt your language and examples to their understanding and interest levels.
- Avoid Plagiarism: Properly cite and reference all sources to maintain academic integrity and prevent plagiarism.
- Maintain Objectivity: Keep an objective tone throughout your essay, focusing on presenting well-supported causes and effects rather than personal opinions.
- Revise for Clarity: Review your essay to ensure that your cause-and-effect relationships are effectively and clearly conveyed.
All in all, this complete guide, examples, and tips will surely help you learn how to write a cause and effect essay step by step. Moreover, it will also refine your skills to get a better grade.
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How To Write Cause And Effect Essay: Writing Guide
01 Jun 2022
Understanding the mechanics of a cause-effect essay is essential for enhancing your academic writing skills. These essays require critical thinking and a solid understanding of structure and format to arrive at conclusions while discussing cause-and-effect relationships. Explore all there is to know about cause and effect writing with our guide. You’ll get an overview, from its definition to helpful tips for crafting compelling pieces.
- A cause-and-effect essay is a tool that dissects the relationship between reasons something happens and its subsequent results
- Three main methods to structure a cause-and-effect essay and practical tips for writing.
- List of essential transitions for this type of essay, outline templates, and cause-and-effect essay sample.
Furthermore, by analyzing how different factors interact and influence each other. You can write a deep comprehension of complex issues and cultivate critical thinking skills that will be valuable in various aspects of your life. So, let us dive in and discover the fascinating world of cause-and-effect essays together!
What Is a Cause and Effect Essay
The cause-and-effect essay examines how one idea, individual, or circumstance impacts another. It can uncover connections that may not be immediately apparent and provide insight into the broader implications of a situation. Formulating a compelling concluding sentence requires extensive research and a thorough understanding of how various factors interact.
It is important to note that these types of essays are complex pieces of writing that require significant effort to produce. For those needing assistance, using a professional cause-and-effect essay writing service is more than just recommended. It can be essential for success. With their expertise in crafting high-quality academic papers, these services can ensure that your paper meets all requirements and help you earn the grade you desire.
In conclusion, it is critical to understand such essays and how to approach them skillfully. It allows you to explore fascinating cause-and-effect essay topics in depth using this unique style of argumentation. Whether examining historical possibilities or current trends in society, such essays provide a powerful tool for gaining insight into complex issues.
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Developing the Ideal Structure for a Cause and Effect Essay
In a cause-and-effect paper, you can organize the body in various ways depending on the purpose and relatedness of causes and effects. The effects-focused approach describes multiple outcomes of a specific reason. The causes-focused method explores different factors contributing to the consequence. The causal chain method analyzes how an initial motive creates a chain reaction leading to other reasons and effects.
Regardless of the chosen method, a well-structured introduction should state the thesis statement and provide an overview. The conclusion should summarize the main points and restate the thesis while emphasizing the findings' significance. Ultimately, the goal is to explore how events or situations affect our lives by examining their underlying causes & effects.
Effects-Focused Method
The effects-focused approach examines how one effect leads to a specific cause. If you choose this method, you should describe multiple consequences of a particular occasion or situation (the selected reason) in separate body paragraphs.
This approach is suitable when a single rationale can produce several ramifications that you explore and analyze independently to provide a comprehensive insight into the overall impact. In short, an effects-focused approach allows you to showcase the full extent of how an occasion or occurrence affects its surroundings.
Causes-Focused Method
It is crucial to begin a causes-focused essay with a clear introduction that explicitly explains how one or more causes lead to a single consequence. This structure sets the tone for the writing and provides readers with a framework for understanding the evidence presented in subsequent paragraphs. Instead of secondary causes, focus on primary reasons in the introduction. So readers can better understand the significance of each piece of evidence and how they all work together to create the final result.
Causal Chain Method
We use the causal chain method when events lead to one another in a logical sequence. This cause-and-effect essay format requires you to devote each body paragraph to an event caused by the preceding event. Then, repeat, leading to the next event. The main causes should build a chain, uniting the first and the last occasion in a logical sequence that explains the cause-and-effect process.
To sum up, the most suitable format for your essay can significantly impact how effectively you convey your ideas. If you find it challenging to write a cause-and-effect essay or are facing time constraints, seek assistance from professional writers at Papersowl.com . We offer tailored services that save time and provide customized support to meet your requirements. With our expert guidance and support, you can rest assured that your essay will succeed!
How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay
Using your outline as a guide, introduce the body of your first draft by ensuring each paragraph has a clear topic sentence that supports your thesis statement.
Choose the Topic You Like
The initial step in creating the effect essay examples is to choose a topic that captures your interest. By doing so, you can make the research process more enjoyable and stay engaged throughout the writing process.
Do Proper Research
Thorough research is crucial for well-informed cause-and-effect essays. Use reputable sources like academic journals, books, and credible websites to support your arguments and shed light on the topic's relationship. This way, you can present a compelling argument that effectively communicates the cause-and-effect relationship to your audience.
Determine Causes and Effects
Analyzing the causes & effects of a topic can help you unfold a clear thesis statement for your essay, develop the body of your work, and highlight significant results related to that one cause. It also enables a more nuanced perspective on complex issues and provides insightful analysis. Moreover, it helps identify potential solutions or areas for further research. Understanding what's causing an issue and proposing specific actions makes it easier to address it or explore new avenues.
Start With an Outline
Before delving into any cause-and-effect essay topics, create an outline to ensure your work is coherent and logically organized. Include all main ideas, especially those related to cause or effect. Each body paragraph should focus on a specific point supported by evidence and examples. Discussing potential counterarguments in your outline can strengthen your argument and anticipate objections from readers.
A concise layout ensures that your essay is easy to follow and effectively conveys your ideas to your audience. To craft an engaging introduction for your cause-and-effect essay, start by grabbing the reader's attention with a hook to set the tone for the rest of your work. It could be in the form of an interesting statistic, anecdote, or quote that relates to your topic. From there, provide some background information on the matter before presenting your thesis statement. This should clearly state the causes and effects you will discuss in your essay.
In the conclusion of your cause-effect essay, you have to summarize the main points of your essay and restate your thesis statement in a way that emphasizes its significance. You can also provide some final thoughts or insights on the topic, leaving the reader with something to ponder.
It is essential to ensure that your conclusion does not introduce new ideas or information but ties everything together and leaves a lasting impression on the reader. By following these tips for crafting an effective cause-and-effect essay outline, you will be well on your way to producing a compelling piece of writing. It will effectively convey your message to your audience. Let us delve into an example:
Introductory Paragraph:
- The prevalence of bullying in schools is staggering, with almost 80% of children affected by this harmful behavior. Addressing this pervasive issue requires our urgent attention and concerted efforts.
- The education system needs to understand the underlying causes of this problem and take proactive measures to address it.
Cause 1: Bullies have problems at home
- Children who experience abuse or neglect at home may act out their frustration on others.
Cause 2: Bullies seek attention
- A common trait among bullies is their tendency to exhibit aggressive behavior to gain attention and establish dominance.
Cause 3: Bullies aspire to their superiority.
- Bullies may resort to aggressive behavior to exert power and control over others. Bullying may originate from deep-seated personal insecurities, creating feelings of inadequacy and powerlessness. They may temporarily feel a sense of superiority and validation by inflicting pain on others. But this ultimately perpetuates a cycle of harm that can have lasting adverse effects on both the victim and the bully.
- Bullying undermines the educational experience for victims, leading to increased anxiety, depression, decreased academic performance, and, tragically, even suicide.
Conclusion:
To effectively tackle the widespread issue of bullying, it is crucial to gain a thorough insight into the underlying root causes. Only after that can we implement effective strategies and interventions to combat this harmful behavior and create safer environments for all. Creating safe learning environments that discourage such behavior requires joint efforts from parents, teachers, and society. By approaching the issue with compassion and insight into its underlying causes, we can significantly reduce the incidence of bullying in schools. And also prevent its negative impact on individuals' physical and mental health.
To ensure consistency throughout the essay, please adhere to the following guidelines for all body paragraphs and the paper outline:
- Times New Roman font
- Double-spacing
- Justified alignment
When structuring your essay, begin with the most significant causes. We recommended that you explore various topic ideas to identify the most compelling ones. Additionally, incorporating multiple effects is permissible. A thorough understanding of cause-and-effect papers is essential for this assignment.
Write a Draft
Using your outline as a guide, introduce your first draft. Ensure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence that supports your cause-and-effect thesis statement .
Proofread Your Work
Finally, proofread every sentence and edit your writing for spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and overall essay coherence. This ensures that your essay is well-written and ready for submission.
Follow these steps to produce an excellent cause-effect essay with compelling arguments highlighting your critical thinking and communication skills.
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Cause and Effect Structure Words
Cause-and-effect essay structure words are terms that show cause-and-effect relationships. To ensure clarity, it is essential to precisely identify the distinct causality (or reason) and the result and use appropriate transitions. It is important to remember that the cause happens first, followed by the outcome.
To follow are some common cause-and-effect structure words. "X" stands for the reasons, while "Y" indicates the outcome.
Remember that using proper structure words can help you communicate your ideas with your readers. It makes it easier for them to understand how different pieces of evidence or actions lead to specific outcomes or consequences.
Example of Cause and Effect Essay
NFT, or non-fungible tokens, have become a hot topic in the world of art, and their impact on the art industry is a cause-and-effect relationship worth exploring.
One of the main effects of NFTs on the art world is the potential for increased revenue for artists. With NFTs, artists can sell their digital art as unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that cannot be replicated, and collectors can purchase them as a form of investment. This has the potential to create a new revenue stream for artists who may have previously struggled to monetize their digital creations.
Another effect of NFTs on art is the potential for greater transparency and authenticity. Because NFTs are created on a blockchain, they provide a secure and verifiable record of ownership and provenance. This can help to reduce the risk of fraud and ensure that artists are properly credited and compensated for their work.
Moreover, the rise of NFTs has also created a new market for digital art, which was previously undervalued or dismissed as less valuable than traditional physical artwork. As a result, digital artists have gained greater recognition and respect within the art world.
However, there are also concerns about the environmental impact of NFTs. The process of creating and selling NFTs requires a significant amount of energy and contributes to carbon emissions. This has led to criticism from some artists and activists who are concerned about the impact on the environment.
Additionally, there are also concerns about the accessibility of NFTs. While they have the potential to provide a new revenue stream for artists, the high cost of purchasing and creating NFTs may exclude many artists and collectors who cannot afford to participate in this market.
In conclusion, the rise of NFTs has had a significant impact on the art world, creating new opportunities for artists to monetize their digital creations and increasing the value and recognition of digital art. However, there are also concerns about the environmental impact of NFTs and the potential exclusivity of this market. As the use of NFTs continues to grow and evolve, it is important to consider these effects and address any negative consequences to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for the art industry.
Writing a cause-and-effect essay can be challenging. It demands critical thinking skills and a comprehensive understanding of its arrangement and format. However, mastering this type of essay is crucial. It helps improve academic writing skills and enables individuals to comprehend complex issues more deeply. Choosing the appropriate structure for the paper can make all the difference in how effectively you communicate your opinion in sentences.
It is key to identify the key reasons and effects of the matter based on thorough research findings to create a clear thesis statement. With the right approach, anyone can compose high-quality cause-and-effect essays. They’ll provide valuable insights into the causal relationship between various pieces of evidence, individuals, or events.
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How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay Properly

Did you know that the butterfly effect, a concept from chaos theory, suggests that the flap of a butterfly's wings in Brazil could set off a tornado in Texas? While this idea may seem whimsical, it underscores the profound interconnectedness of events in our world. In much the same way, crafting a cause and effect essay is about tracing these interconnected threads, connecting dots, and revealing the hidden relationships that shape our experiences.
How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay: Short Description
In this detailed guide, our paper writing service experts will take a close look at the intriguing concept of causality and provide you with practical advice for crafting excellent cause and effect essay examples. These essays won't just give information but will also leave a lasting impression on your readers. Whether you're exploring the realms of science or examining the complexities of our society, join us on this journey as we reveal the key elements for mastering a compelling structure of a cause and effect essay.
Cause and Effect Definition in Essays
What is a cause and effect essay? To truly understand this fundamental concept, we must delve deeper into the intricate web of interconnections that shape our world, all while honing our critical thinking skills. At its core, cause, and effect encapsulates the idea that every action, event, or phenomenon is not isolated but rather part of a vast network of relationships, where each element exerts its influence, creating a ripple effect that resonates through time and space.
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To define cause and effect, we must go beyond recognizing simple relationships, as it involves deciphering the subtle mechanisms that drive these connections. It's akin to peering beneath the surface of a calm pond and discovering the currents that stir beneath. In essence, it's the exploration of why things happen and the exploration of the repercussions that follow.
Imagine a stone cast into that tranquil pond: the cause. As it strikes the water's surface, it sends ripples outward, affecting the entire pond. The expanding ripples symbolize the effect, demonstrating how a single action can set off a chain reaction, altering the course of events. This is the essence of causality—a perpetual dance of actions and reactions where nothing occurs in isolation.
Cause and Effect Essay Examples
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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How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay with Easy Steps
Crafting compelling cause and effect paragraph examples involves a systematic approach. Follow these ten valuable steps to navigate the intricacies of writing a thought-provoking essay that explores the web of causality.
1. Select a Focused Topic
- Choose a specific cause and effect relationship that piques your interest.
2. Dig for Causal Links
- Research thoroughly to uncover hidden connections and evidence.
3. Create a Clear Thesis
- Craft a precise thesis statement to guide your essay's direction.
4. Organize Chronologically
- Structure your essay in a logical, time-based order for clarity.
5. Utilize Transition Words
- Employ transitional phrases for smooth transitions between causes and effects.
6. Support with Evidence
- Back your claims with credible data, examples, and statistics.
7. Show Chain Reactions
- Reveal how one cause can trigger multiple effects, and vice versa.
8. Analyze Root Causes
- Go beyond surface-level explanations to explore underlying factors.
9. Consider Alternative Causes
- Address counterarguments to strengthen your essay's credibility.
10. Conclude with Impact
- Summarize key points and emphasize the broader significance of your analysis.
Cause and Effect Essay Structure: 2 Common Types
When organizing your essay, you have various structural approaches at your disposal. Let's explore two commonly used types of a cause and effect essay structure:
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- Block Structure
The block structure is a straightforward and organized way to present the causes and effects in a cause and effect essay. In this approach, you first dedicate one section to discussing all the causes, including multiple causes within each category, and then another section to explore all the effects. This clear separation provides a distinct and easily digestible presentation of your ideas.
When employing the block structure, you can delve deeply into each category, thoroughly examining the causes and effects separately. This approach is particularly useful when you want to offer in-depth analysis and emphasize the significance of each aspect of the causal relationship. It allows your readers to grasp the full scope of each element before moving on to the next.
- Chain Structure
In contrast, the chain structure in cause and effect essays emphasizes the interconnected nature of events and their ripple effects. This approach showcases how one cause leads to a specific effect, which then becomes the cause of subsequent effects in a continuous chain. It's a powerful way to illustrate the complexity and depth of causal relationships.
The chain structure can be particularly effective when you want to emphasize the sequence of events or when you're dealing with intricate cause-and-effect scenarios. It allows you to demonstrate how actions set off a series of reactions, highlighting the domino effect that ultimately leads to a particular 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.
Cause and Effect Essay Outline
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
- Hook: Start with an engaging statement or fact. Example: 'Did you know that stress can significantly impact your overall health?'
- Background Information: Provide context for your topic. Example: 'In today's fast-paced world, stress has become an increasingly prevalent issue.'
- Thesis Statement: Clearly state the main cause and its corresponding effects. Example: 'This essay will explore the causes of stress and their profound negative effects on physical and mental health.'
II. Body Paragraphs
- Topic Sentence: Introduce the first cause you'll discuss. Example: 'One major cause of stress is heavy workload.'
- Supporting Details: Provide evidence and examples to support the cause. Example: 'For instance, individuals juggling multiple job responsibilities and tight deadlines often experience heightened stress levels.'
- Transition: Link to the next cause or move on to the effects.
- Topic Sentence: Introduce the first effect. Example: 'The effects of chronic stress on physical health can be devastating.'
- Supporting Details: Present data or examples illustrating the impact. Example: 'Studies have shown that prolonged stress can lead to cardiovascular problems, including hypertension and heart disease.'
- Transition: Connect to the next effect or cause.
C. Causes (Continued)
- Topic Sentence: Introduce the next cause in a new cause and effect paragraph. Example: 'Another significant cause of stress is financial strain.'
- Supporting Details: Explain how this cause manifests and its implications. Example: 'Financial instability often results in anxiety, as individuals worry about bills, debts, and their financial future.'
- Transition: Prepare to discuss the corresponding effects.
D. Effects (Continued)
- Topic Sentence: Discuss the effects related to financial strain. Example: 'The psychological effects of financial stress can be profound.'
- Supporting Details: Offer real-life examples or psychological insights. Example: 'Depression and anxiety are common consequences of constant financial worries, affecting both mental well-being and daily life.'
III. Conclusion
- Restate Thesis: Summarize the main cause and effects. Example: 'In summary, the heavy workload and financial strain can lead to stress, impacting both physical and mental health.'
- Closing Thoughts: Reflect on the broader significance of your analysis. Example: 'Understanding these causal relationships emphasizes the importance of stress management and financial planning in maintaining a balanced and healthy life.'
Cause and Effect Essay Topics
Selecting the right topic involves recognizing cause and effect key words that can serve as a gateway to crafting an engaging and impactful essay. In this section, we present 10 unique and thought-provoking topics that offer you the opportunity to explore fascinating relationships and their profound consequences:
- The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Decision-Making : Explore how a lack of sleep influences our ability to make sound decisions and its effects on daily life.
- The Effect of Fast Fashion on Environmental Degradation : Investigate how the fast fashion industry's practices contribute to environmental pollution and resource depletion.
- The Link Between Childhood Imagination and Creative Problem-Solving in Adulthood : Analyze how childhood imaginative play influences an individual's problem-solving skills in later life.
- The Causal Relationship Between Smartphone Dependency and Decreased Face-to-Face Communication : Examine how excessive smartphone use affects interpersonal relationships and face-to-face communication.
- The Effects of Food Additives on Human Health : Delve into the health consequences of common food additives and preservatives in our diets.
- The Influence of Art Education on Academic Performance : Investigate whether participation in art programs positively impacts students' overall academic achievements.
- The Butterfly Effect in Global Economics : Explore how a seemingly minor economic event in one country can have widespread international economic repercussions.
- The Connection Between Early Exposure to Nature and Environmental Stewardship : Analyze how childhood experiences in nature influence an individual's commitment to environmental conservation.
- The Impact of Music on Mood and Emotional Well-being : Examine how different types of music can affect our emotional states and overall mental health.
- The Ripple Effect of Positive Acts of Kindness : Investigate how small acts of kindness can lead to a chain reaction of positivity in society.
Final Considerations
In conclusion, a firm grasp of the cause and effect essay definition, along with mastery of the writing process, empowers you to systematically reveal the complex web of causality in diverse subjects. With this step-by-step guide, you are not only equipped to inform, engage, and inspire your readers but also adept at navigating the art of structured and impactful storytelling. If you prefer 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.
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Cause and Effect Essay Outline: Types, Examples and Writing Tips
20 June, 2020
9 minutes read
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!

What is a Cause and Effect Essay?
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.
Types of the Cause and Effect Essay
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:
1. Many causes, one effect
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:
- Introduction
- Cause #3 (and so on…)
- The effect of the causes
2. One cause, many effects
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:
- Effect #3 (and so on…)
3. Chain of causes and effects
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:
- Effect #1 = Cause #2
- Effect #2 = Cause #3
- Effect #3 = Cause #4 (and so on…)
Cause and Effect Essay Outline Example
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 !
How do I start writing once I have drafted the structure?
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!
Tips and Common Mistakes from Our Expert Writers
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Common Essay Structures / Patterns of Development
Cause and effect.
Cause and effect is just what it says. You might write an essay that searches out the causes of something. Or you might write an essay that investigates a variety of effects that stem from a particular event or condition. Writing about causes and effects deals with identifying “reasons why” and/or “results.”

When you write an essay using a cause and effect pattern, know that you can either focuses on causes, or focus on effects, or some combination of both. The important thing to remember is that this pattern calls for logical thinking in dealing with causes, and logical probabilities in explaining effects. Don’t fall into a logical fallacy by assuming simple and/or incorrect causation. Instead, make sure that you link causes and effects logically, carefully considering both evidence and probability.
As you develop a focus and working thesis for a cause and effect essay, you might ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I want to focus on effects of a particular cause? If so is there a main effect that’s broken down into smaller pieces, or are there multiple effects of equal weight?
- Do I want to focus on the causes of a particular event, issue, etc.? If so, is there one primary cause that’s broken down into smaller pieces, or are there multiple causes of equal weight?
It will help if you list causes/effects, or create a mind map as you prewrite for an essay applying a cause and effect pattern.
Remember that your topic should be focused enough to yield some depth and insight, yet broad enough to be developed. Writing in general about the causes of the 2008 global financial crisis may be unproductive, because the multiple and complex nature of those causes cannot be dealt with briefly and might require a book with multiple chapters instead of a relatively brief college essay. Or writing about the proposed effect of the World Health Organization’s initiative to eliminate rabies by 2030 through dog vaccinations and more available health education may be unproductive, because the effect is very focused and can be stated in a few sentences. On the other hand, writing about the effects of the 2008 crash on Baby Boomers’ retirement plans, or writing about causes of rabies in rural areas in India, may be more productive, as these foci can be tackled within the framework of a college essay.
View the following video for more information about cause and effect essays.
Here are some graphic organizers for cause and effect essays.

Cause and Effect in Action
Make sure to read sample Cause and Effect essays in the Sample Essays section of this text.
- Cause and Effect. Authored by : Susan Oaks. Provided by : Empire State College, SUNY OER Services. Project : College Writing. License : CC BY-NC: Attribution-NonCommercial
- image of falling dominoes being stopped. Authored by : CSchmidt-EC. Provided by : Pixabay. Located at : https://pixabay.com/en/dominoes-domino-barricade-hand-1902622/%20 . License : CC0: No Rights Reserved
- video Cause and Effect essay. Provided by : EAP Foundation. Located at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMD7VjsHfBA . License : Other . License Terms : Standard YouTube License

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Cause & effect essays Aka reason and result
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.
What are cause & effect essays?

For another look at the same content, check out YouTube » or Youku » , or this infographic » .

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.
- Discuss the causes and effects of global warming ['cause and effect' essay]
- Explain the high death rate in Chernobyl ['causes' only essay]
- Discuss the WTO and its effects on the Chinese economy ['effects' only essay]
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.
Cause and Effect Structure Words
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.
- The first cause of (Y) is (X)
- The next reason is (X)
- Because of (X), (Y)
- As a result of (X), (Y)
- As a consequence of (X), (Y)
- because/since/as (X)
- to result from (X)
- (X) results in (Y)
- to be the result of (X)
- (Y) is due to (X)
- Owing to (X), (Y)
- (Y) is because of (X)
- (Y) is the effect of (X)
- (Y) is the consequence of (X)
- Worsening pollution levels in cities are due to the increased use of cars.
- Because of the increased use of cars, pollution levels in cities are worsening.
- As a result of the increased use of cars, pollution levels in cities are worsening.
- The effect of the increased use of cars is a worsening of pollution levels in cities.
- The first effect of (X) is (Y)
- Another result of (X) is (Y)
- As a result, (Y)
- As a consequence, (Y)
- Consequently (Y)
- Therefore, (Y)
- (X) causes (Y)
- (X) has an effect on (Y)
- (X) affects (Y)
- (X) is one of the causes of (Y)
- (X) is the reason for (Y)
- Cars are used increasingly for urban transport. As a consequence , pollution levels in cities are worsening.
- Increased use of cars for urban transport adversely affects pollution levels in cities.
- Increased use of cars for urban transport is one of the causes of worsening pollution levels in cities.
Example essay
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.
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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.
Writing Cause and Effect Essays for English Learners
- Writing Skills
- Pronunciation & Conversation
- Reading Comprehension
- Business English
- Resources for Teachers
- TESOL Diploma, Trinity College London
- M.A., Music Performance, Cologne University of Music
- B.A., Vocal Performance, Eastman School of Music
Cause and effect composition is a common type of writing in English that shows up often on important tests and is, therefore, necessary to master. Develop your cause and effect writing skills by first reviewing the structures and practices of standard essay writing and then diving into what makes a successful cause and effect essay.
Cause and Effect Writing
As when writing any other essay, you need to use evidence and examples as well as attention-grabbing techniques when doing cause and effect writing. The key difference between standard essays and cause and effect essays is that cause and effect composition addresses topics or problems by outlining the causes and effects, or reasons and results, of several components of a topic.
Cause and effect essays are generally organized by problems, outcomes, and possible solutions. Though cause and effect writing isn't exclusively used to address problems, this type of composition often involves writing prose that proposes solutions to an issue—cause and effect writers can use the consequences of various occurrences to speculate about how to solve a dilemma.
No matter what the purpose of your cause and effect essay, the first thing you need to do to start writing is brainstorm.

Brainstorm Topics
Step 1: Come up with ideas. Get started brainstorming topics right away—the objective of brainstorming is to generate as many ideas as possible before writing. Brainstorming helps you think creatively about a cause and effect topic in order to come up with something that you truly want to write about. Don't get caught writing about a topic that doesn't interest you because you didn't take the time to brainstorm.
When brainstorming for cause and effect essays specifically, be sure to think of both reasons and results. Follow each idea from its cause to its effect to make sure that your arguments are well-founded so that you don't waste time on ideas that won't go anywhere.
The following cause and effect example ideas show the results of a successful brainstorming session.
Write an Outline
Step 2: Create an outline. An outline provides a map for your writing and you should never try to write an essay without one. Some teachers even require you to write an outline before you are allowed to start an introductory or body paragraph because they improve the quality of writing so significantly.
Use ideas from your brainstorming session to "jot down", or quickly write, ideas for how your whole essay might progress (these do not have to be in complete sentences). An outline makes organizing much easier but does not have to be rigid—feel free to make changes as needed. See the following cause and effect essay outline example for help.
Title: How Fighting Fast Food Can Help End Obesity
I. Introduction
- Hook: Statistic about obesity
- Thesis statement: Obesity has become the number one threat to good health in developed countries.
II. Body Paragraph 1: Availability and overeating
- Fast food is everywhere
- Impossible to ignore
- Buy too much fast food too often because it's everywhere
- Obesity, heart problems, diabetes, etc.
- Easier to resist when you have a plan
- Meal prep, take different routes, etc.
III. Body Paragraph 2: Affordability and overspending
IV. Body Paragraph 3: Convenience
V. Conclusion
- End obesity by teaching people how dangerous fast food can be
Cause and Effect Language
Step 3: Choose the right language. Now you can write a great cause and effect essay using your outline. There are several language formulas that can effectively show cause and effect relationships, so take the time to choose the best ones for your piece. As always, vary your sentence structures for a smoother read and use plenty of evidence to write a convincing essay, then try some of these phrases to take your cause and effect arguments to the next level.
Cause Language
- There are several reasons for...
- The main factors are...
- The first cause is...
- [Cause] leads to or might lead to [effect]
- This often results in...
Effect Language
- Before [cause]...Now [effect]...
- One of the results/outcomes of [cause] is...Another is...
- A primary effect of [cause] is...
- [Effect] often occurs as a consequence of [cause].
Linking Language
Make your cause and effect essay more coherent with linking language—or sentence connectors—that make the relationships between causes and effects crystal clear.
Use the following conjunctive adverbs to smoothly transition from one idea to the next in your cause and effect writing.
- In addition
- Consequently
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Cause and Effect Essay Topics

That’s why cause-and-effect essays are one of the most commonly assigned writing assignments in all of academia. They test a student’s ability to draw connections and make logical arguments as well as research abilities and writing skills.
They can be very enjoyable to write if you know the fundamentals of essay writing, understand what this type of essay requires, and choose the right topic. In this article, you’ll get a brief overview of what a cause and effect essay is, tips on how to choose the right topic, and a list of over 150 topics to inspire you!
What is a Cause and Effect Essay?
A cause and effect essay is a writing assignment that asks you to explore the causes of certain events and link them to their outcomes. These types of essays can be focussed on the causes, the effects, or both. They can follow the typical 5 paragraph essay format, or they can have more body paragraphs than usual, depending on the complexity of the topic chosen.
How to Choose a Cause and Effect Essay Topic
Since the entire paper will be about the causes and effects of your topic, choosing the right topic is vitally important for this type of essay. Sometimes teachers give a general theme to follow which makes it easier to choose a specific topic. Having the freedom to choose any topic you want can be daunting but as long as you keep the following points in mind, you’ll find an excellent topic to write about.
- If you’ve been assigned a theme, spend time brainstorming several ideas to get a unique and interesting topic.
- Get ideas about what you want to write about from articles you’ve recently read. This will also give you a headstart on research.
- Take a broad topic and narrow it down to specific issues and relationships.
- The scope of your essay shouldn’t be too broad or too narrow. Think about your word count and choose a topic you can explore properly within that limit.
- You should always have facts and research to back up any claims you’re making, so choose a topic that has credible information available.
- Use personal conversations and experiences to narrow down the list of potential topics.
- Make sure there are a clear cause and effect relationship to explore in your topic.
- Always try and choose a topic that you feel personally interested in. Passion will make the research more enjoyable, make your writing more interesting, and cut down on the amount of time you spend on the assignment.
Cause and Effect Essay Topics List for Students
Cause and effect essay topics for high school.
20 topics for cause and effect essay for high school students related to their experiences and chosen to match the level of complexity expected.
Can student activism cause changes in the world?
What is the impact of growing up a child of divorce?
What are the main causes of anxiety in high school?
What are the effects of having very rich or famous parents?
How does having a messy room impact productivity?
What are the reasons that comic book movies rarely get Academy Awards?
Why is music better today, or why was it better in the past?
Why do students cheat?
What are the effects of playing group sports on social bonding?
What should people do to avoid getting sick?
Can online shopping cause shopping addiction?
Why are some video games more fun than others?
Why are oil spills so bad for marine ecosystems?
Why does weight have such a large impact on self-esteem?
What is the effect of family vacation on family relationships?
Why are people afraid of trying new things?
Why should humans protect endangered species?
How does theoretical physics affect the real world?
What are the long-term effects of vaping?
Is there a connection between bullying culture and school violence?
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Cause and Effect Essay Topics for College Students
Here’s a collection of 20 unique topics for college-level papers that will benefit from research and deep analytical skills.
Why do so many Americans still live in poverty?
What is the impact of underage drinking?
How does fasting impact your overall health?
What would be the difference if an asteroid impacted land or ocean?
Why do we buy so many things we don’t need?
What is the UN doing to combat modern-day slavery?
What is the impact of religious oppression in a country?
Why do sports and physical activity release endorphins?
Why is Japan more technologically advanced than many countries in the world?
How has the internet affected education in remote villages in developing nations?
How did Christianity shape colonialism?
Why is it dangerous not to finish a course of prescription medication?
What are the effects of picture and video apps on self-esteem?
Should standardized testing have such a large impact on a student’s future?
What is the impact of colonialism on modern-day Africa?
What is the impact of distance learning on mental health?
What are the benefits of studying in a group versus studying alone?
Is it possible to date and still be focused on academics?
Do violent movies and video games lead to real-life violence?
What is the impact of being raised in a multi-generational household?
Cause and Effect Essay Topics for Middle School
These 20 topics are perfect for teenagers to think about and should inspire them to write a fantastic essay.
What is the effect of bullying on school culture and school spirit?
Why is it important to think about the environment?
What are the effects of spending time in nature?
What were the causes of World War II?
How has Covid-19 changed your daily routine?
What would happen if everybody did only what they wanted to?
What is the connection between music and mathematics?
How can social media and the internet reduce loneliness?
Why was the invention of the steam engine so important?
Describe a society where people learned to get along with each other.
Should famous people who say or do bad things lose their fans?
Why do countries close to the equator usually have spicy food?
What has been the effect of rap lyrics on poetry?
What are some of the benefits of colonizing Mars?
How do video games affect academic achievement?
What is the role of parental punishment on motivation?
What are the benefits of celebrating holidays from different religions?
What is the fallout from posting an unpopular story on Instagram?
How can you build a successful social media channel?
How does having a fun teacher affect student motivation?
Cause and Effect Essay Topics for Elementary Level
While these types of essays can become very complex, it is important for young children to start understanding the connection between things and exploring causes and effects at an early age. Here are 20 topics perfect for kids!
Why is it important to learn to share?
Why is it important to eat a good breakfast?
What have you learned from your favorite cartoon character?
How does the weather impact your mood?
Why should children get more time to play?
How do you feel after getting a good night’s sleep?
Why should Santa Claus bring you the toys you want?
What would you do if you saw an injured animal?
Why are birthdays important?
Why is riding a bike good for the environment?
How would having a smartphone improve your life?
How does being an older brother or sister make you different?
How does being a younger brother or sister make you different?
Why is it important to learn math?
Do having pets make you more responsible?
What are the effects of bullying on the bully?
What is the impact of your favorite Marvel superhero on the plot of the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
What are the causes and effects of being popular?
Why is littering bad for society?
Why is it important to eat vegetables?
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Cause and Effect Essay Topics Ideas
Fun cause and effect essay topics.
20 good cause and effect essay topics that are just plain fun to think about!
How are esports going to change the future?
What would it be like to give up all social media as a high school student?
Should people with more money be taxed at a higher rate?
Are periodic revolutions good for the progression of society?
How does smiling affect how long you live?
What are the benefits of owning a pet?
What started the domestication of animals by humans?
How has the use of cell phones affected in-person interaction?
What would be the impact on society if people could directly vote for every important issue?
What makes Elon Musk such a magnetic person?
What would the world be like if Facebook never existed?
Why are young people better at gaming than older people?
How is virtual reality going to change entertainment?
Why have science fiction movies become so popular over the last decade?
What responsibilities should social media influencers automatically be aware of?
What was the impact of Star Wars on the film industry?
How did YouTube change the way humans create and consume media?
Would Harry Potter have been less popular if the main character was a woman?
What effect does the language you speak have on the way you think?
What would the impact of raising the minimum wage be?
Easy Cause and Effect Essay Topics
You don’t have to write something too complicated to get a good grade! Here are 20 easy essay topic examples for your paper.
What are the main causes of teenage smoking?
How do school uniforms improve cohesion and morale?
What is the impact of sweet fruit juices on health?
What role does the media have on public opinion?
What are the benefits of traveling abroad?
Do people feel better after crying?
Does using a smartphone right before sleeping negatively impact sleep quality?
Why is it more difficult for immigrants to find a job?
What are the effects of working out too much?
Does online dating make people have lower social skills?
How can improving time management reduce stress?
What is the impact of family stability on academic performance?
How does attending college impact lifelong earning potential?
Why is Google the most popular search engine?
How is carbon dioxide a greenhouse gas?
Why was the #Metoo movement so important?
What are the benefits of reading for pleasure as a child?
How has globalization impacted the role of women in societies?
What are the negative impacts of sound pollution?
How can a single species impact large ecosystems?
Personal Cause and Effect Essay Topics
Go over these 20 essay topics to write an essay that relies more on self reflection and personal growth.
How has your favorite book impacted your life?
Is parenthood always a rewarding experience?
How does being selfish eventually impact oneself negatively?
What are the impacts of optimism on happiness?
How can a single individual make a significant change in the world?
How can meditation improve quality of life?
How has guilt affected your life personally?
How do people do bad things without realizing it?
Why are people afraid of commitment?
How does being in an abusive relationship impact both people?
What is the impact of being a minority on self-identity?
What is the connection between overthinking and depression?
How has the most significant relationship in your life shaped you?
How does getting older impact the ability to learn new things?
Why do people chase a feeling of control?
What are the impacts of living with someone with a mental disorder?
How long does it take to get over a serious breakup?
What are the reasons you want to be rich?
What would make you happy?
What is the best way of using social power?
Interesting Cause and Effect Essay Topics
20 interesting essay topics that will make your essay stand out amongst the crowd.
What are some of the ways the world would have been different if the axis powers won WWII?
Do strikes and protests work effectively for different types of issues?
What would happen to coastal populations if ocean levels increased by 2 meters?
How much do tv shows and movies impact the way people think about other countries?
What has been the impact of rising internet penetration rates in developing countries?
What social care measures should countries implement in the face of catastrophes like Covid-19?
What is the connection between science and religion?
What would you do if you could become president of the world for 1 year?
How do phytoplankton in the ocean impact life on Earth?
Why is going to college an indicator of long-term happiness?
Why are certain video games popular amongst certain groups?
How does someone decide which music genre is their favorite?
How is artificial intelligence going to change the military and therefore the world?
What makes someone exceptional in their chosen field?
What are the most important characteristics of a good boss?
Can escapism be beneficial in situations such as trauma?
Does living together before marriage hurt or harm the long-term relationship?
What effect do different colors have on mood?
Is the continued growth of technology going to make people value in-person events more?
How has the first amendment impacted countries around the world?
Controversial Cause and Effect Essay Topics
Here are 20 controversial topics to think about. Be warned! You’ll have to do really solid research and make your point eloquently.
What was the impact of American foreign policy during the Cold War?
Does stem cell research have the potential to save millions of lives?
How do genetically modified crops impact the human body?
How do increasing temperatures impact rates of transmissible diseases?
How do oil-producing companies and their lobbies impact the search for renewable energy?
How do fashion companies end up employing children in sweatshops?
Can pizza now be considered an American food?
How do kings, queens, or any form of royalty impact the society of a country?
What are some of the negative outcomes of social Darwinism?
Why did the communism of the Soviet Union fail?
What has China’s one-child policy done to advance economic growth in the country?
How have sedition laws been used to censor free speech?
If artificial intelligence develops sentience, should they be given human rights?
How does a bad president impact that country's international reputation?
What are the roots of Russia’s aggressive international policies?
What are the negative impacts of the introduction of nonnative species?
What are the effects of gun regulation laws on murder rates around the world?
Are certain drugs beneficial for psychiatric treatment?
What was the root of the eugenics movement around the world in the early 1900s?
What has the impact of animal testing been on human health?
Final Thoughts
If you want to delve deep into a particular topic and analyze the causes and effects, a cause and effect essay is the perfect choice for you. It can be a fascinating process if you choose the right topic. This article has provided you with 180 topics to consider and guidelines on selecting a topic. If you need any help with coursework writing , research paper writing service , or custom essay writing , Studyfy's team of professional writers and dissertation writing services can guide you in the right direction. Additionally, their essay editing and proofreading services can help you improve your essay and make it stand out. Choose Studyfy, the best essay service , to help you achieve academic success.
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How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay: Step by Step Guide
Every professor expects students to know how to write a cause and effect essay. They might explain, but if you’re here, then this explanation wasn’t sufficient. Don’t be concerned, as our guide will answer each question you might have in less than ten minutes. We got some of our best experts to combine their experience and share their insights with students. If you aren’t interested in gaining them and want quick help, contact us and tell us, “Please write my essay on a specific topic.” But if you’re determined to do it personally, look at our guide, see examples scattered throughout this text, and by the end of it, your knowledge of how to write such an essay will be absolute.
Cause and Effect Writing and Its Purpose
What is the cause and effect essay? It’s a paper exploring reasons and their results; you must identify factors that lead to a specific consequence and underline the logical connection between them. Professors love assigning this task to their students because it stimulates their critical thinking, as few other exercises do.
You have to choose a topic, research it, understand why it happened, and explain this process from its inception to its implications. Connecting points and educating yourself along with your readers is the central goal of this assignment. It might be complex and boring, especially if you choose the wrong topic, but with some knowledge and patience, you’ll be a master before you know it.
Six Steps that Will Help Prepare You for Successful Essay Writing
Before and when they’re writing cause and effect essays, students must cover several productive writing stages. There are only six of them. Each of them is simple, and together, they form an impressive paper.
- Brainstorm and come up with a topic. Sometimes students receive a prompt from their professor. In this case, they might look for an article review writing service because they have no interest in reading the assigned article, never mind reviewing it. But if you’re free to make your own choices, decide on a unique topic for your cause-and-effect paper, something you find truly curious. Brainstorm by going through your interests, speaking with friends, or browsing online topics for perfection. Remember that you must have both a cause plus an effect for exploring.
- Make up a strong thesis. Thesis plays such an important role in writing that students have to develop it first and foremost. Inside a standard cause and effect essay structure, the thesis will take place at the end of the introduction. It’s a summary of your paper confined to just one single sentence. It should be powerful, and it must directly engage your readers in your argument. We’re going to give you an example. Our chosen essay topic is “The Impact that Unhealthy Dynamics in a Family Have on a Person’s Future Romantic Relationships.” A possible thesis could be: “Unhealthy family dynamics cause people to have unsatisfying romantic relationships in their future, as obvious in the example of Vivien from the regarded case study.”
- Arrange points from the thesis into body paragraphs. The next step lies in placing each aspect of your thesis into its own cause and effect paragraph. We suggest creating an outline: it is a quick process, and it will hardly take you ten minutes, but its value will last for as long as you’re working on a final version of your essay. Outlines ground you; they preserve your ideas and remind you of them any time they begin to slip your mind. Create it, make it of any length, and you’ll see how much it simplifies your life later.
- Create your first draft. Most students are impatient to know how to start a cause and effect essay: they don’t want to waste their time on drafts. Unfortunately, it’s an important step that we wholeheartedly recommend you follow. Writing a draft takes maybe an hour, but once you do it, you’ll leave the hardest steps behind. It won’t be difficult to expand your already-crafted points, add quotes from relevant research, and polish any rough edges. Checking which of these nuances are necessary is what students should do next.
- Review it in search of any issues. Check the draft of your cause and effect research paper thoroughly. Identify any problems with it. Some points may sound weak; some paragraphs are more convincing than others, or the conclusion is ineffective. If you need, take a break and return to re-reading your essay.
- Correct them and expand the draft. At this stage, you can finally focus on writing your cause and effect expository essay. Correct every weakness you identified during previous steps in your draft and start working on each paragraph, starting with the introduction. Add details to your ideas, create links, and elaborate on conclusions. Ensure your word count corresponds to the number of words your professor requires.
Structure of a Cause and Effect Essay
The cause-and-effect paper doesn’t differ from any other essay in structure. It must have at least three well-defined paragraphs: introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction and conclusion should constitute about 10% of your word count. Start your introduction with a hook: it’s the very first sentence. It must be impressive, and it should awaken curiosity in your audience. After that, describe your topic’s background. Mention how an issue emerged and which causes commonly contribute to it. You already know how to write a cause and effect thesis — it comes last in the introduction, and it must create a layout for your future exploration.
The body is the most responsible part. It’s heavy with content, and it must begin with a special opening sentence that links back to the thesis statement. Never include direct quotes in it: make it clear what your paragraph will focus on. Afterward, introduce research and explanations, and cite sources you use correctly. Finish it with a closing sentence that summarizes what you’ve just discussed. If you face problems at any stage, consult our college paper writing service at any time. The conclusion is the final section that must remind readers of your thesis and the major outcomes you’ve reached. Specify the connection between your reason and its effect.
Types of Cause and Effect Papers You Could Pick
Unless college professors specify their requirements, students could choose their preferred cause and effect essay format. There are three kinds of it. We’ll discuss them all while giving you some quick examples:
- Effect-Focused Essay. In these papers, the effect dominates the entire show. While students should still discuss causes, most of their attention goes toward what consequences they have. Imagine a topic about the problem of drinking coffee often. A cause would be excessive coffee drinking, while the effect would be insomnia, irritability, and headaches. In such an essay, students would have to discuss the issue of coffee drinking in one paragraph before moving on to its effects, exploring them in detail, and dedicating a separate paragraph to each.
- Cause-Focused Essay. In the cause and effect essay definition, no focus goes toward a specific part, but if you want to concentrate on a cause in particular, nothing is stopping you. Take a topic about inefficient policies at school leading to aggravated incidents of bullying among students. If you plan on emphasizing the policies, do it by listing each of them and dedicating several paragraphs to them. Mention the bullying as the result of such policies quickly, without stopping to expand it or go into details.
- Casual Chain Method Essay. This is an interesting model that allows students to describe causes and effects one by one, alternating between them repeatedly. Instead of focusing on a certain cause or a specific consequence, you build a whole chain of them. Here is a fitting scenario: your colleague fell sick, and you had to take up their work shift; because of this, you didn’t have time to do your homework, so you decided to get essays for sale from experts. Your colleague’s illness is a cause that led to extra work for you — this is one chain of cause and effect; an insufficient amount of free time resulted in you ordering your paper from third parties. This is a second chain of causes and effects.
Pick any model from above. They are all efficient.
Example of Your Cause and Effect Outline
Hopefully, you know why outlines are crucial by now. We want to give you an even more explicit idea by sharing an outline for our hypothetical essay. It’s going to mention every key part of the ideal paper structure briefly:
Introduction
Hook: “Wounds left in a childhood continue to fester decades after they were inflicted.”
Background: Research shows that children who grow up surrounded by unhealthy dynamics are usually incapable of forming healthy romantic relationships in adulthood.
Thesis statement: Unhealthy dynamics within families cause people to have unsatisfying romantic relationships in their future, as obvious in the example of Vivien from the regarded case study.
Body paragraph: Proving how people with childhood traumas struggle with forming solid romantic bonds on the example of a case study.
As a case study showed, having toxic relationships in one’s childhood leaves a negative impact on a person’s ability to build their own healthy family.
Five Ideas of Topics for Your Cause and Effect Paper
If you need ideas for your essay on cause and effects, we have a couple of suggestions. Here are five topics that could inspire you. We offered explanations for them, too, to help you make your decision more easily.
- How Writing Fanfiction Can Affect People’s Skills
Explore how writing fanfiction is a cause that has different effects on people, such as improving their writing skills, helping them learn a new language, preparing them for criticism, and so on.
- The Effect PTSD Has on Sleep Patterns
Focus on PTSD or its effects, like insomnia and nightmares. You could also focus on both to the same degree.
- How Serial Killers Are Made
Trace the link between abusive childhood and violence that progresses in some abused children, with them going after animals first, then moving on to people.
- What Led Hitler toward Power
Describe what caused Hitler to nearly succeed in conquering half of the world, such as weak global policies, the stupidity of the USSR, and the greediness of the USA.
- Why It Might Be Difficult for Rabbits to Bond with Humans
Emphasize that rabbits are prey animals and their nature affects their attitude toward humans, making them scared and wary.
Practical Cause and Effect Essays Examples
Our collection of samples has numerous cause-and-effect papers, all free. You can find them on different topics and see how they should sound. If you are too impatient, we present an immediate short sample below. It focuses on the topic we already introduced about unhealthy childhood complicating people’s ability to build romantic relationships.
Wounds left in childhood continue to fester decades after they were inflicted. Research by Miliens (2022) shows that children who grew up surrounded by unhealthy dynamics usually cannot form healthy romantic relationships in adulthood. They might become abusers by themselves, manipulating their partners and creating another cycle of toxic communication. Unhealthy family dynamics cause people to have unsatisfying romantic relationships in the future, as obvious in the example of Vivien from the regarded case study.
The case study focusing on a girl named Vivien demonstrates that children who do not have healthy role models might be unable to create a positive romantic bond as they mature. According to Miliens (2022), children are extremely vulnerable to influence. He performed a case study, and one of its participants was Vivien, aged 21. As a child, she had a domineering mother and an obedient father who did everything his wife told him. He was working, cooking, and cleaning the house while the mother was focused on her hobbies. Vivien did not receive sufficient attention from either of her parents and when she was 18, she began a relationship of her own. She expected her boyfriend to do everything and cater to her every whim; instead of communicating her feelings, she tried to give commands. When her boyfriend disagreed, she shouted, cried, and threatened suicide, which is a common manipulation technique (Miliens, 2022). Thus, after watching the unhealthy dynamic between her parents, Vivien tried to enforce the same model on her boyfriend, creating a new cycle of abuse.
Children who watched their parents engage in unhealthy relationships often cannot build an appropriate relationship themselves. Vivien’s example from a case study by Miliens (2022) proves it. Toxic role models she observed in her childhood became the cause that brought the negative effect of her creating a failing relationship in her adulthood. Therapy might be helpful in addressing these problems in such people.
Enjoy Writing Your Paper Now that You Have Knowledge for It
You know how to write a cause and effect essay introduction; you understand what the body entails and what steps to take to craft a compelling paper. If we answered all your questions, start creating right away. Consult our experts if you need more tangible help or advice, and keep our guide close because it belongs to you now. Let it help you complete your homework effectively.
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Cause And Effect Essay Writing

Cause and Effect Essay - Complete Guide With Examples
14 min read
Published on: Mar 13, 2020
Last updated on: Jul 20, 2023

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Do you find it difficult to identify and explain the connections between events and their outcomes in your writing?
Many students struggle with identifying strong cause and effect relationships or organizing their ideas in a clear and logical way. This can lead to frustration, poor grades, and a lack of confidence in their writing abilities.
However, with the right guidance and approach, students can master the art of cause and effect essay writing.
By breaking down the process into manageable steps and learning how to analyze and communicate connections effectively.
In this blog, we'll provide you with tips and tricks to master the art of cause and effect essay writing and achieve academic success.
So let’s get started!
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What is a Cause and Effect Essay?
According to the Cause and Effect Essay Definition:
âA cause and effect essay is a piece of writing style as rhetorical that studies and discusses the events or concepts and their results.â
This essay is structured around the goal of exploring events that lead to specific outcomes.
When writing a cause-and-effect essay for academics, it is essential to deeply research specific causes and why those causes lead to certain results. Because of this, cause and effect is also known as a reason and result essay.
Purpose of Writing a Cause and Effect Essay
The cause-and-effect essay that you draft can do one of the following two things:
- It can study the ways in which one or multiple effects are observed from a specific cause
- It can study the ways in which one or more causes lead to a certain effect
Depending on the topic and the writerâs preference, either of the methods can be used to draft a cause-and-effect essay.
Like all types of essay , this also requires the writer to understand the topic and its structure. Your content will be effective if you have enough knowledge about the subject matter and the essay structure.
Cause and Effect Essay Outline
If you want to write a good cause-and-effect essay, it is easy to do if you create an outline first.
An outline is like a plan for your essay. It will help make your essay effective because the basic structure of an essay is its outline.
Here is a format of cause and effect essay outline for your ease.
Want to learn how to create a proper outline for your next cause and effect essay? Read out this blog on cause and effect essay outline !
Cause and Effect Essay Structure
Without the proper structure, your essay will be a collection of raw data, which will be useless to the readers.
There are two types of structures for cause-and-effect essays:
- Focus-on-effects
- Focus-on-causes method
Focus-on-Effects Structure
Structure for a focus-on-effects method for your cause-and-effect essay:
Focus-on-Causes Structure
Structure for a focus-on-causes method for your cause-and-effect essay:

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How to Start a Cause and Effect Essay?
To write professionally, you can not jump to the writing process of your essay instantly. A good cause-and-effect essay requires substantial planning and execution to be properly drafted.
Hereâs how to start your cause-and-effect essay:
- Choose a topic
- Select a technique
- Develop a thesis statement
- Conduct research
- Organize the data
To take each prewriting step effectively, it is vital to understand them thoroughly.
The first and foremost step to take when drafting an essay is to come up with a good topic. The importance of a topic in your cause and effect essay can not be underestimated. Choose a good topic that you think is interesting enough to write an essay on.
The best way to pick a topic for your cause and effect essay is to analyze your interests and the audience. Write something you are passionate about and make sure that the audience is interested to know about it as well.
Once you have a topic in hand, select a technique through which you will address it and will structure your essay. Some of the topics will be drafted using focus-on-effects or focus-on-causes technique while others can use block or chain methods.
A block or chain method studies the effects and causes simultaneously. According to the block structure, all the causes are discussed first while the effects are given afterward. For a chain structure, every cause if followed by its effect.
Both of these techniques help in drafting a professional cause and effect essay. Although, a block structure is used for essays that are shorter in length while a chain method works the best for longer ones.
When you have a topic in hand you will know what stance to take over it. Your stance will be the major thesis statement on which the whole essay will be drafted. Forming a strong thesis statement is essential for creating an effective essay.
All body paragraphs will be drafted to support this significant argument, so it should be meaningful and strong.
Once you have decided on your thesis statement, start collecting information to back it up. Conduct extensive research to gather facts and supporting evidence in order to prove the thesis statement.
It is important to keep in mind that the information gathered should be from credible sources . Consult sources like journals, books, and research papers for authentic and credible information.
The collected raw information needs to be arranged in a proper structure in order to be understandable.
How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay Step by Step ?
After planning the essay and taking all the required pre-writing steps, move on to the writing process. Follow the writing procedure provided below to draft a compelling cause-and-effect essay.
Cause and Effect Essay Introduction
The first section to draft is the essayâs introduction. This part will be the first thing that the reader will be reading so it should be interesting. The introduction should be well-drafted if you want your audience to read the entire document.
An essay introduction contains the following information:
- Hook statement
- Precise and relevant information
- Thesis Statement
An introductory paragraph starts using a hook statement to grab the readerâs attention. This statement can be a fact, anecdote, funny information, or statistics, depending on the nature of the topic.
After providing a catchy hook statement , give some relevant background information about the topic. Make sure to not reveal important facts and only give away the introductory information.
At the end of the introduction section, the thesis statement is provided. This is to let the audience know why the specific essay is drafted and what to expect from the writing.
Keep in mind that the purpose of the first section is to introduce the topic. Keep it simple yet informative to motivate the readers to read the whole essay.
Cause and Effect Essay Body Paragraphs
After drafting the essay introduction, write the body paragraphs. The body of your cause-and-effect essay will contain all the gathered information that will support your main thesis statement.
Structure your body paragraphs according to the chosen method or technique. All the paragraphs in the body section should contain the following things:
- Topic sentence
- Explanation
- Transition words
Each paragraph in the body section is started with a topic sentence . It is an opening sentence of the paragraph in which the main point is stated that is to be discussed in that specific paragraph.
Next, explain the point made in the topic sentence. If you have stated a cause, elaborate on it and discuss providing facts. Alter your course of action according to the structure. Support the point made in a topic sentence with strong evidence and logical examples.
One element that makes cause and effect essays different from other types is the frequent use of transition words. The transition words tie the whole discussion together and maintain a smooth flow of the content.
Cause and Effect Essay Conclusion
The conclusion section of a cause and effect essay is drafted like that in other types of essays. It includes a summary of the strongest points in the content and a restated thesis statement.
The purpose of restating the thesis statement is to remind the audience of the writerâs main stance and how it is proved. Close your discussion by providing suggestions, opinions, and CTAs.
Proofread and Edit the Essay
Once you have written your essay, proofread it at least twice to make sure that the content is flawless. Recheck every small detail such as spelling mistakes, vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, structure, and tone to make sure that you have drafted a perfect piece.
Make edits if required before submitting your cause and effect essay to the instructor.
Cause And Effect Essay Examples
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 Template (PDF)
Cause and Effect Essay Sample
How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay - Examples
Cause and Effect Essay for 6th Grade
Cause and Effect Essay Examples - Elementary School
Cause and Effect Essay Examples for High School
Cause and Effect Essay Examples for Middle School
Cause and Effect Essay Examples - College
Cause and Effect Essay on Smoking
Cause and Effect Examples on Poverty
Cause and Effect Essay on Covid-19
Simple Cause and Effect Essay Examples
Bullying Cause and Effect Essay
Cause and Effect Essay - IELTS
Personal Cause and Effect Essay Examples
5 Paragraph Cause and Effect Essay Examples
Climate Change Cause and Effect Essay
Cause and Effect Essay on Pollution
Cause and Effect Essay on Global Warming
Social Media Cause and Effect Essay
Obesity Cause and Effect Essay
Poverty Cause and Effect Essay
Good Cause and Effect Essay Topics
Choosing a good topic for an essay is mandatory. A good topic allows the writer to draft a successful essay. When students have several assignments due, they can not spend time thinking and coming up with a great topic.
A list of ideas is provided below to help students decide on a good theme for their essays.
Cause and Effect Essay Topics About Education
- What is the role of social media in education?
- How to improve the educational system of charter schools?
- How does a college education offer better life?
- The effect of poverty on the educational development of children.
- What effect do fine arts have on students?
- The main causes of bullying in educational establishments.
- Effect of online schooling on students
- The positive effect of professional education
- Good education and its effects
- Homeschooling has negative effects on kids
Cause and Effect Essay Topics On Social Media
- The impact of social media and other social networks on a childâs academic performance.
- The impact of addiction to social media on kids
- Why are teenagers most affected by social media?
- How excessive use of cell phones affects teenagers?
- Influence of social media on youngsters.
- What are the benefits of social media?
- How can social media make us feel great about ourselves?
- Spending too much time on social media
- Good use of social media
- What are the effects of being on social media?
History Cause and Effect Essay Topics
- What were the causes and effects of colonialism?
- The causes and effects of World War II
- The role of ancient Rome and Greece in history
- Womenâs employment during the Great Depression.
- Discuss the effects of the civil rights movement.
- How did Abraham Lincoln affect American history?
- History of taxes.
- What are the reasons for globalization?
- The culture of colonization and subcultures.
- American and Uk history
Politics Cause and Effect Essay Topics
- What is the cause and effect of political correctness?
- Describe the politics of Putin against the neighboring states.
- The political decisions lead to high hostilities
- Personal religious beliefs and political opinions
- Causes and consequences of the U.S. governmentâs efforts
- Putin's politics against the neighboring countries
- What is the cause of increased militancy?
- The political drawbacks of declaring war on Iraq
- What affects countriesâ decisions on immigration?
- The political decisions lead to the high hostilities
Social Occurences Cause and Effect Essay Topics
- Impact of playing violent video games on a childâs psychology
- Causes and effects of depression in the United States
- How does human behavior influence the climate?
- Causes and effects of advertisement on the brand image
- How reality-based TV shows impact the behaviors of teenagers.
- How physical activities influence mental health
- Causes and effects of deforestation
- The impact of having an emotional support animal on mental health
- How does negative publicity influence a personâs image?
- What are the main causes of police brutality?
You are in writer’s block and cannot think creatively? Check out this cause and effect essay topics blog!
Tips to Write a Cause and Effect Essay
Learning the correct writing process for your essay is not enough. There are some additional elements that professionals use to create a perfect document.
To help you draft yours correctly, expert essay writers of CollegeEssay.org have provided some tips and tricks to follow.
- Choose a topic that is significant and important to you and for your reader.
- Mind mapping is essential, so brainstorm creative ideas before collecting information.
- Identify the purpose of your assignment and keep it in mind the whole time while drafting the essay.
- Use strong supporting evidence collected from credible sources.
- Make sure to work according to the outline and avoid adding irrelevant information.
- Proofread your essay thoroughly to make your essay flawless.
- Use plagiarism checkers to ensure the originality and authenticity of your content.
You can also check out this video for a complete guide on cause and effect essay:
Learning the basic writing and outlining process is essential if you wish to score well. If your outlining is accurate, the writing process of your cause and effect essay will become way easier.
Many students face difficulties while drafting essays as they have a plethora of assignments to deal with. So spending a lot of time on one assignment is not an option for them which makes them provide low-quality work.
Get assistance from our AI writing tool if you are in a similar situation and cannot meet the deadlines.
CollegeEssay.org is a professional writing company that provides quality services and assistance to students. Expert writers can provide high-quality assistance if you require help writing a simple expository essay , narrative essay , or complex college essay.
In order to get help from our experienced and qualified writers, place your order today. Avail of amazing discounts and offers to get custom academic writing service in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to know cause and effect.
Knowing what cause and effect scenarios are is helpful to students. They should understand that there's always an event responsible for the consequence it brings about, one of which can be known as a "cause." Creating analytical thinkers with this ability will help them solve complex problems in their lives or work.
What is the main purpose of a cause and effect essay?
The purpose of the cause and effect essay is to determine how various phenomena or events affect one another.
How do you end a cause and effect essay?
In order to summarize your essay, you must include cause-effect points. These should be reminders of how each idea ties into the whole and helps make sense of what was written before.
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10 Cause and Effect Essay Examples to Inspire Your Writing
Cause and effect essays are common in school and require students to look at why something happened and what came from it. These types of essays can be challenging to write, especially for students who are new to the genre. Fortunately, there are many cause and effect essay examples available to help guide you through the writing process. That being said, we have compiled a list of 10 excellent cause and effect essay examples that are sure to inspire your writing.
Table of Contents
10 Examples to Help You Get an Idea of How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay

These cause and effect essay examples cover a variety of topics and illustrate different approaches to the structure and content. Let’s get to read them all!
Example 1: Extract of the Cause and Effect Essay on Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity is a serious issue that’s becoming more and more common in many parts of the world. According to the World Health Organization, it has become a worldwide epidemic, with over 40 million children under five who are overweight or obese. This essay looks into the causes of childhood obesity and how it affects the health and well-being of kids.
One of the main causes of childhood obesity is a sedentary lifestyle. Children who spend too much time watching television, playing video games, or using electronic devices are at higher risk of becoming overweight or obese. The lack of physical activity can also contribute to a slower metabolism, which means that the body burns fewer calories.
Another reason is the unhealthy diet. Kids can be at risk of obesity because of their diet. Unhealthy foods that are high in calories, fat, and sugar are easier to get and cheaper, so children tend to eat more of them. The sizes of fast food and restaurant meals have grown too, which means children are eating bigger portions than before, which leads to them putting on weight.
Childhood obesity can have serious consequences. Kids who are obese are more likely to have health issues like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and sleep apnea. They may also face low confidence, depression, and social exclusion due to bullying and being judged. And the effects of childhood obesity can last into adulthood, affecting physical and mental health, as well as school performance and social life.
In a nutshell, childhood obesity is a complex issue with multiple causes and negative effects. To address this problem, it is essential to promote healthy lifestyles, including regular physical activity and a balanced diet. Parents, schools, and governments can play a crucial role in creating supportive environments that encourage healthy behaviors and prevent childhood obesity. By addressing the root causes of childhood obesity, we can help children live healthier, happier lives.’
Example 2: Extract of the Cause and Effect Essay on Smoking
The average lifetime of a smoker is much less than the non-smoker. Knowing this fact, our society is still diving into this evil. Smoking is the cause of many deaths, higher than car accidents and this is validly proved by research. It is the cause of lung cancer, gums problems, social problems, etc.
Despite the causes of smoking, its effects are also evident in passive smokers. The smoke from the burning end is more hazardous than the filtered one. Hence, a passive smoker will always have ten times more sufferings than an active smoker.
Smoking not only has physical effects on health but also emotional and social effects. Smokers may experience anxiety, depression, and a decreased sense of taste and smell. They may also face social stigmatization and discrimination due to the negative effects of secondhand smoke on those around them.
Smoking is a harmful habit that has severe consequences on health, society, and the environment. The addiction to nicotine and the social and cultural factors surrounding smoking make it difficult for smokers to quit. To prevent the negative effects of smoking, it is essential to raise awareness of its harmful effects, promote smoking cessation programs, and implement policies that restrict smoking in public places. By reducing the prevalence of smoking, we can improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
Example 3: Extract of the Cause and Effect Essay on Social Media
Even though social media has been a huge help for businesses, especially these days, it also has its downsides. Recent research shows that younger people are spending more time on social media than on their school work, leading to a bad habit of being glued to their phones.
Studies have shown that social media use can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness. It can create unrealistic expectations of life and a sense of inadequacy and inferiority among users. The constant pressure to present a perfect life online can also lead to self-esteem issues and a fear of missing out (FOMO).
Social media is a huge part of life these days, but it has some notable effects on how we live. It’s made communication easier, but at the same time, it’s made us less likely to meet up in person and use our social skills. It can also have an impact on our mental health, plus it can spread false info and make people more divided. Knowing about these things is important so we can sensibly use social media and avoid any bad consequences.

Example 4: Extract of the Cause and Effect Essay on excessive non-work-related activities:
Distraction is the biggest harm to modern-day children. Nothing has affected them more than excessive non-work-related activities. Children in today’s world are more inclined toward adventure and glamor of things than being involved in their curricular activities. The advantages and disadvantages of non-work-related activities are seen in the consequences of it for the students.
Distraction is not just to draw one’s attention away, but also to confuse by unclear instructions and excessive non-work-related activities. Not just the causes, but the effects are manyfold too. Ranging from demotivation, and less mental growth, to disqualification, ill-mannerism, and many others.
Example 5: Extract of the Cause and Effect Essay on Television and its role in Changing Our Way of Living
Since it first came out in 1954, TV has totally changed our lives. When color TV was invented in 1962, people went crazy for it. It’s changed the world in ways that were never seen before. We now spend more time inside, we watch TV with our families, our habits and routines have been completely altered, we exercise less and don’t interact with people as much as we used to. There are plenty of other effects too.
Example 6: Extract of the Cause and Effect Essay on Stress
Stress is something that happens when we face demands from outside, like our job, relationships, or money problems. But when stress becomes too much or lasts too long, it can really hurt our bodies and our minds. The root of it all is how we feel about a problem or challenge – that’s what sets off our body’s reaction to fight or take off.
The effects of stress on the body are numerous and can lead to a range of health problems. Chronic stress can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. It can also weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and diseases. In addition, stress can cause muscle tension, headaches, and digestive problems.
Though it’s often seen as a negative thing, stress can actually have some positive effects. Eustress, or positive stress, can help you reach your goals and do even better. It can also help you grow and become stronger.
Stress is a natural reaction to the things life throws at us, but too much of it can have a bad impact on our physical and mental well-being. Prolonged stress can cause a bunch of health issues, from heart disease to mental health disorders. But it can also push us to grow and work toward our goals. It’s important to learn how to deal with stress to avoid the bad and make the most of the good.
Example 7: Extract of the Cause and Effect Essay on Good Health
Being healthy is super important for living a good life. It’s about more than just not being sick; it’s about feeling good physically, mentally, and socially. What affects our health can vary, from our lifestyle choices to our genetics, the environment we live in, and how easy it is to access healthcare. In this essay, we’ll look at the reasons why health is affected and what the consequences are.
Should we prioritize our health? Absolutely! Health should come before anything else. It’s not just about exercising, eating right, and so on, but it also comes from developing positive relationships. You’d be surprised how having good connections can do more for your health and longevity than just focusing on physical activities.
Looking after your health is really important – it’s influenced by things like your lifestyle, genes, environment, and how easy it is to get healthcare. Having healthy habits and being able to get healthcare easily is really important for keeping fit and well. Choosing unhealthy lifestyles and not being able to get healthcare properly can lead to bad health and cost more in the long run. Individuals and society must prioritize looking after their health to be happy and enjoy life.
Example 8: Extract of the Cause and Effect Essay on Optimistic People vs. Pessimistic People
Optimistic and pessimistic people are two contrasting personality types that affect how individuals approach and perceive life. Optimists tend to focus on the positive aspects of life, whereas pessimists tend to focus on the negative. The way people approach life can have a profound impact on their overall well-being, relationships, and success. In this essay, we will explore the causes and effects of optimistic and pessimistic attitudes.
The research shows that optimistic people are typically healthier than pessimistic folks. But why is that? It’s because optimistic behavior helps people stay motivated after setbacks, and prevents them from getting discouraged. The cheerful attitude of optimists helps them view problems with a positive outlook and try to find solutions. On the other hand, pessimistic people are a bit better at dealing with their stress.
Having an optimistic or pessimistic outlook affects your life. Those who are more optimistic tend to be in better mental and emotional health, have happier relationships, and be more successful. On the other hand, pessimists tend to suffer more in terms of their mental and emotional health, relationships, and success. It all comes down to the way you view and react to events, as well as how you perceive the world around you. Knowing the causes and consequences of these attitudes can help you make changes in your behavior and thinking that will positively impact your overall health and success.
Example 9: Extract of the Cause and Effect Essay on Air Pollution
Air pollution is a major environmental issue the world faces today. It’s caused by a mix of human activities, natural processes, and industrial practices, and it can have a range of negative effects on our health, the environment, and the economy. In this essay, we’ll take a look at the causes and consequences of air pollution.
The main reason for air pollution is burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. This releases harmful stuff like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter into the air, which can cause health problems like breathing issues, heart disease, and even cancer.
The industry is a major contributor to air pollution. Manufacturing and mining can release a bunch of pollutants, like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, into the air. These pollutants can cause breathing issues and even cancer, which is really bad for human health.
Air pollution is a big ECO problem that can have serious consequences for our health, the environment, and the economy. Burning fossil fuels, driving, and industrial processes all contribute to air pollution and its effects are wide-reaching and serious. To really tackle this issue, it’s going to take a lot of work from people, businesses, and governments across the globe.
Example 10: Extract of the Cause and Effect Essay on Bullying
Bullying is a major issue in schools and communities all over the world. It’s a kind of aggressive behavior that involves purposefully hurting someone either physically, psychologically, or socially. The reasons and consequences of bullying can be complicated, but it can have long-term, serious negative effects on those who are victimized. In this essay, we’ll delve into the causes and effects of bullying.
The consequences of bullying can be really serious. People who are bullied can end up feeling really anxious, depressed and have a low opinion of themselves, and in some cases, it can even lead to suicide. Bullying can also mess up school performance, making it hard for victims to focus or even make it to school. In the worst cases, bullying can even cause physical harm and long-term health issues.
Bullying can be extremely damaging, not just for the individuals involved, but for society as a whole. People may be scared to speak up or ask for help if they’re feeling threatened, which can create an atmosphere of fear and suspicion. Bullying can also lead to divisions and disputes within communities. Ultimately, it’s a complex issue that can have a huge range of negative impacts.
Get Help with Your Cause and Effect Essay from a Pro!
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Conclusion
Cause and effect essays are a great way for you to explore how different events and phenomena are connected. You can make it interesting with examples and evidence to back up your claims. Hopefully, these ten cause and effect essay examples were helpful to get your creative juices flowing. Just ensure to choose a topic that you are passionate about, make a good outline, keep your focus on the main idea, and use simple yet powerful language.
Of course, you can trust our experts to craft you this essay or any other academic assignment ranging from research paper writing, college paper writing, to biography writing and more.
An argumentative essay is when you present a debatable point of view and back it up with evidence. On the contrary, a cause and effect essay looks at how certain events are connected and how one event can cause another.
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Get top 100 cause and effect essay topics now.

When you need the best cause and effect essay topics on the Internet, all you have to do is read this blog post. We have a list of the best 100 cause and effect topics and these topics are updated periodically. You can get some ideas from our list right now, as it has just been updated for June, 2020. On top of the free topics, you also get to see why choosing a great topic is entirely in your best interest. Read on!
The Importance of Interesting Cause and Effect Essay Topics
Most students underestimate the importance of interesting cause and effect essay topic ideas. We don’t know why, but many students still prefer to get topics from the first three pages that pop up in Google’s SERPs. They probably don’t realize that at least a couple of their classmates will pick the exact same topics. You may thing that you have a good cause and effect topic and later realize that 5 other students have chosen that same topic for their essays. Here is why you need to come up with a 100% original cause and effect essay topic idea:
- Your professor is bored of reading essays on the same plain old topics. When he sees a new topic, it’s like a breath of fresh air. Don’t underestimate how important this can be for your grade.
- Interesting cause and effect paper topics have been shown by many studies to get higher grades. Why? It’s probably because professors tend to award bonus points for originality and uniqueness.
- Consistently finding good cause and effect topics shows your professors that you really take the essay seriously. After all, you’re willing to dedicate a lot of time and effort to finding the most interesting things to talk about.
Where Can You Get Some Topics for Cause and Effect Essay?
Now that you know how important some original, fun cause and effect essay topics can be, it’s time to find the best of them. Of course, nobody expects you to spend hours every day thinking about topics. You are free to use the Internet. It’s an invaluable source of information, to be honest. There are several ways to get some really good topics:
- You can go to the school library and read journals, articles and other writings to try to find topics for cause and effect essay. You’ll be able to find many ideas there, but it takes time to go through all the materials.
- You can read newspapers and scientific articles online. New, intriguing research is being done every day, so you are almost guaranteed to find something interesting to write about sooner or later.
- You can try to ask people to make some suggestions on blogs and forums. You can get some ideas from genuine experts, but it will take time.
- You can read our list and pick a cause and effect topic for free. You are free to reword it just the way you like. And remember, we update the list periodically so we can help as many students as possible with original topics. Don’t hesitate to take a closer look at feminist essay topics .
Our Free List of Cause and Effect Essay Ideas
Without further ado, here is our list of 100% original cause and effect essay topics, updated for 2020. Pick a topic for cause and effect essay and start writing right now!
Social Media/Internet Cause and Effect Topics
Need some excellent social media/internet cause and effect topics? Look no further than our free list of topics:
- The effect of cell phones on US youth.
- The cause and effect of cyber bullying.
- Why is Google the largest search engine?
- The effects of identity theft.
- Are social media sites losing popularity? Why?
- Cause or playing video games and its effects.
- Social media and its effects on teens.
Fun Cause and Effect Essay Topics
Of course, we have some very interesting and fun cause and effect essay topics for you. Pick any of these and start writing right now:
- The causes why men are afraid to commit.
- Does a happy marriage have an effect on mental health?
- The causes why video games are so popular.
- The effects of eating your veggies.
- The cause and effect of a low grade on your essay.
- The use of screens to write instead of pen and paper.
- The effects of wearing a school uniform.
Culture Cause and Effect Topics
Looking for culture cause and effect topics? We have some of them in our list, of course. Just pick the best one:
- Does mass media cause a bias effect?
- Skinny models are causing a spike in anorexia cases.
- Discuss China’s one-child-per-family policy.
- Does college affect a student’s skills?
- The effects of going to the theatre regularly.
- Do some people learn foreign languages faster?
- Reality shows have a negative impact on youths.
Very Good Cause and Effect Essay Topics
Looking for very good cause and effect essay topics? Want the best topics? Here are some ideas for you:
- Hormonal changes are causing mood swings.
- Is your career influenced by bad eating habits?
- Personal relations are improved by humor.
- Stress can be reduced by regular exercise.
- Children are unhealthy because of junk food.
- Doing lots of homework doesn’t get you better grades.
Health Cause and Effect Ideas
When it comes to health cause and effect ideas, you won’t find better topics than ours. Check them out below:
- Causes and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Energy levels drop when eating junk food.
- The causes of Parkinson’s disease.
- Joint problems are caused by obesity.
- The cause of stress and its effects on health.
- Obesity is impacting the healthcare system in the US.
- The main causes of cardiovascular disease.
Easy Cause and Effect Essay Topics
Don’t want to spend an entire day writing the essay? Just pick one of our easy cause and effect essay topics:
- The effects of pollution in Europe.
- How dangerous are earthquakes?
- The main causes of racism.
- The effect of telling a lie.
- The cause of the tsunami.
- Has your favorite book influenced you?
- The effect your pet has on you.
Cause and Effect Essay Topics for College Students
Here are some cause and effect essay topics for college students that you will really appreciate:
- Why did you choose your major?
- The causes and effects of World War II.
- Water vapors can cause a greenhouse effect.
- The causes and effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Multitasking causes an increase in stress.
- Strict immigration policies are causing severe tensions in the US.
Relationships Cause and Effect Ideas
Discussing relationships can be an excellent choice for an essay. Pick one of our relationships cause and effect ideas:
- Many breakups are caused by financial problems.
- How a parent’s behavior influences his or her kids.
- Affordable housing causes an increase of happy couples.
- Can a friendship end because of poor communication?
- Facebook can ruin your relationship.
- The effect of a Lottery win on relationships.
- The effect of smartphones of relationships.
Cause and Effect Paragraph Topics
Looking to write just a cause and effect paragraph? No problem! Here are some cause and effect paragraph topics:
- The effect of the Internet on high school students.
- What causes you to get low grades?
- Families are affected by vacations.
- Illegal deforestation is causing global warming.
- Should we conserve water?
- The dangers of being bullied.
Cause and Effect Speech Topics
Need to write a speech? We have plenty of cause and effect speech topics. Check them out below:
- Is your personal information private?
- The effects of illegal immigration on the US.
- The effects of the Coronavirus on the UK.
- Which is more loyal, a dog or a human?
- The main causes of global warming.
- The effects of a positive mindset.
- Good food really makes you happy.
Environment Cause and Effect Topics
Discussing the environment can be very interesting, so we have an entire section with environment cause and effect topics:
- What causes forest fires in the US?
- The effects of water conservation.
- What causes natural disasters?
- Do forecasts help prevent natural disasters?
- Why do some fish go extinct?
- The extinction of the dinosaurs.
- The effects of city pollution on humans.
Smoking Cause and Effect Topics
Is smoking really that bad? What about the menthol in cigarettes? Pick one of our smoking cause and effect topics and start writing:
- The effects of heavy smoking.
- Is pancreatic cancer deadly?
- The causes of not having medical insurance.
- Does nicotine affect your brain?
- The effects of quitting smoking.
- The causes why people start smoking.
Cause and Effect Topic Ideas for High School
Perhaps you want something easier, more appropriate for high school students. Check out our cause and effect topic ideas for high school students:
- The causes of acne.
- Do children suffer from social anxiety?
- The effects of cheating on your tests.
- What causes rivalry between siblings?
- The causes of teenage rebellion.
- Why do people want to travel so much?
Education Cause and Effect Ideas
Want to make a change? Pick one of these education cause and effect ideas and present your opinion to your professor:
- Does college education give you a better life?
- The causes of cheating at exams.
- The effect of standardized tests on students.
- Why do students consider school boring?
- Are single-sex classrooms necessary?
- The effect of homeschooling on a child.
- Do professors burn out?
Social Problems Cause and Effect Topic Ideas
There will always be social issues to be discussed. Choose one of the social problems cause and effect topic ideas and make a change:
- Why are men earning more than women in the US?
- The effect of food insecurity on people.
- What causes extreme poverty in the UK?
- What causes widespread racism views?
- The causes of poor sanitation.
- Why are disabled people unable to get good jobs?
- Should children watch news reports?
Need More Cause and Effect Ideas?
Didn’t manage to find the perfect topic in our list of cause and effect topic ideas? Don’t worry about it! You can still get some help and avoid spending another day looking for a topic elsewhere. Our seasoned academic writers can send you an entire list of topics and you can pick the best one. We move very fast, so you can expect to get the list in no time. And remember, our writers are genuine experts and hold degrees in various fields. Get the help you need right now!


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A cause and effect essay is a type of expository essay that explores its topic by discussing the issue's causes and consequences.
Written by Caleb S. Best Cause and Effect Essay Examples To Get Inspiration + Simple Tips 9 min read Published on: Jan 23, 2023 Last updated on: Nov 15, 2023 You need to write a cause and effect essay for your assignment. Well, where should you start? Establishing a relationship between causes and effects is no simple task.
Contents 10.8 Cause and Effect Learning Objectives Determine the purpose and structure of cause and effect in writing. Understand how to write a cause-and-effect essay. The Purpose of Cause and Effect in Writing It is often considered human nature to ask, "why?" and "how?"
What is a Cause and Effect Essay According to cause and effect essay definition: It is a type of academic writing that explores the reasons behind an event or situation (the cause) and the outcomes or consequences that result from it (the effect).
01 Jun 2022 Understanding the mechanics of a cause-effect essay is essential for enhancing your academic writing skills. These essays require critical thinking and a solid understanding of structure and format to arrive at conclusions while discussing cause-and-effect relationships.
The cause-and-effect writing process requires critical thinking and an orderly cause-and-effect essay outline. Follow these six steps to write a cause-and-effect paper. 1. Brainstorm Essay Topics. Coming up with a good cause-and-effect topic involves observing the world and speculating about possible causes for what you see.
Sometimes called reason and result essays, cause and effect essays are a type of essay that explores how an event or situation came into being (the cause) and what happens or transpires because of that event or situation (the effect). The purpose of these types of essays is to explore the "why" or "how" of a situation. Advertisement
A cause and effect essay is structured around the goal of discovering and discussing events that lead to certain results. When writing a cause and effect essay, you should be sure that you have researched the specific causes and are confident that you're demonstrating why they lead to particular results.
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.
How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay: Short Description In this detailed guide, our paper writing service experts will take a close look at the intriguing concept of causality and provide you with practical advice for crafting excellent cause and effect essay examples.
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.
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.
On the other hand, writing about the effects of the 2008 crash on Baby Boomers' retirement plans, or writing about causes of rabies in rural areas in India, may be more productive, as these foci can be tackled within the framework of a college essay. View the following video for more information about cause and effect essays.
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.
3.1: Introduction to Cause and Effect Essay. Many college assignments ask students to look at the causal relationships between events. Students need to explain the reasons behind an event (the causes) or the results of the event (the effects). The following are sample writing prompts from various academic disciplines that require cause-effect ...
Step 1: Come up with ideas. Get started brainstorming topics right away—the objective of brainstorming is to generate as many ideas as possible before writing. Brainstorming helps you think creatively about a cause and effect topic in order to come up with something that you truly want to write about.
Cause-Effect Essays A toxic algal bloom from fertilizer ... Objectives To learn how to write a cause-effect essay To use effective transitions in cause-effect writing To use verb tenses consistently To recognize and avoid sentence fragments What are the causes and effects of pollution? 94967_ch06_ptg01_hires_132-159.indd 133 5/22/14 5:41 PM.
What is a Cause and Effect Essay? A cause and effect essay is a writing assignment that asks you to explore the causes of certain events and link them to their outcomes. These types of essays can be focussed on the causes, the effects, or both.
These cause-and-effect relationships are simple and straightforward. But as you continue your education, your language arts teachers may ask you to tackle complex assignments. Many students feel puzzled when they're asked to write an essay on cause and effect. Fortunately, cause-and-effect writing follows a simple pattern.
The cause-and-effect paper doesn't differ from any other essay in structure. It must have at least three well-defined paragraphs: introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction and conclusion should constitute about 10% of your word count. Start your introduction with a hook: it's the very first sentence.
Cause and Effect Essay Body Paragraphs. After drafting the essay introduction, write the body paragraphs. The body of your cause-and-effect essay will contain all the gathered information that will support your main thesis statement. Structure your body paragraphs according to the chosen method or technique.
Fortunately, there are many cause and effect essay examples available to help guide you through the writing process. That being said, we have compiled a list of 10 excellent cause and effect essay examples that are sure to inspire your writing. Table of Contents 10 Examples to Help You Get an Idea of How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay
100 Best Cause And Effect Essay Topics For Students Get Top 100 Cause and Effect Essay Topics Now! When you need the best cause and effect essay topics on the Internet, all you have to do is read this blog post. We have a list of the best 100 cause and effect topics and these topics are updated periodically.