how to write a cause and effect essay introduction

Mastering the Art of Cause and Effect Essay Introduction

An introduction sets the stage for your entire essay. It provides context, outline, and a backset for your reason and result paper. If you want to engage your reader with an interesting introduction, you’re in the right place.

This blog is an extensive guide on cause and effect essay introduction that discusses components, examples and composition guides for an essay introduction. However, we will start with a brief overview of cause and effect essays for better context.

Table of Contents

What is a Cause and Effect Essay?

A cause and effect essay examines the reasons and results of an event, situation, or happenings, specifically, the situations that make something happen. The writers identify and explain some aspects and then their influences concisely with the help of strong evidence.

The main purpose of this piece of formal writing is to explore the “How’s” and “Why’s”. Further, an effect essay highlights the underlying factors that may cause a situation and provide potential solutions.

A quality paper requires a powerful cause and effect essay outline that dedicates a fair share of time and effort to its introduction. As it is the first section your audience reads, you must focus on characteristics and structure that can enhance your introduction.

Key Components of a Cause and Effect Essay Introduction

Experts from perfect essay writing suggest that while managing tight deadlines, you must focus on the following elements to write a perfect introduction. So, let’s begin:

(our writers have also compiled an extensive list of cause and effect essay topics that you can use in your next paper.)

Hook Statement

This statement is usually the first sentence of an introduction and hence, the entire essay. The purpose of this sentence is to grab the audience’s attention and keep it to the end. A hook statement can be:

A question

A quotation

Statistic

An anecdote

The hook has to be related to the essay type, such as, if you are writing about “drug abuse”, your hook sentence, if a quotation, should be related to this topic.

Examples of Hook Statement:

Do you know that most drug addiction results from bad influences, as proven scientifically?

It’s not the drugs that make a drug addict; it’s the need to escape reality.

The leading cause of death among most teenagers in the modern world is “suicide”.

His parents always thought he was a perfect and motivated boy until they guessed he was planning to kill himself. They could have prevented this tragedy if they had known his depression.

The length of a hook statement depends on the type of hook statement and the length of the essay you are writing.

Background Information

Background information related to the topic is very important just after the hook statement of this essay. This is because it gives the audience a rough idea of what the essay will discuss. It can be three to four sentences long for a 1000 words essay. However, the length can vary depending on the available information and data on the type of essay and the length of your essay.

Thesis Statement

A thesis is the central claim of your essay. It reveals the writer’s stance and lists the interconnectedness between two objects, events, or places, plus the essay’s primary focus. Your thesis statement explores your paper’s idea and the essay writer’s position.

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Steps on Writing a Cause and Effect Essay Introduction

Here are some steps for writing a solid Introduction to your cause and effect essay . These steps incorporate all the characteristics we have previously discussed.

Step 1: Write your thesis statement.

Writing a compelling thesis statement is an art that needs a lot of time and effort. Naturally, this should be the first box you need to check. In the process, discuss your ideas clearly, concisely and arguable.

Step 2: Come up with your hook

Writing an engaging hook of a cause and effect essay introduction requires patience, practice and creativity. You need to come up with a statement that grabs the reader’s attention and piques their curiosity.

Step 3: Give background information

Your content needs context. As a writer, you must provide some explanation of what the issue is and why it is necessary to discuss it.

Step 4: General outline

Provide a brief overview of the main points you will be discussing in your essay. This will give the reader an idea of what to expect and how your essay will be structured.

Step 5: Transition

An effective essay writing technique is to have coherence throughout the text and that includes your introduction too. Experts always conclude their introduction by smoothly transitioning to the body of the essay.

Examples of Cause And Effect Essay Introduction

Lastly, we will be providing you with some introductory examples of reason and result essays. If you are on the quest of currently composing an effect essay you might as well want to explore some cause and effect essay examples to inspire your writing.

Example 1:

It’s not the drugs that make a drug addict; it’s the need to escape reality. People having low self-esteem use substances that are psychoactive to them to create pleasure in their lives, escape reality, and decrease the constant pain they have been living under. Drugs have different effects due to the pharmacology of it.

A small amount of drugs always acts as a stimulant. A greater amount will act as a sedative. However, many drugs will act as poison and destroy a person. Each drug has a different amount of substances that affect a person to a larger degree.

Health is wealth. You might have encountered this phrase many times, but do you know why health is a major concern for humans? Being overweight is just a medical problem; it also reflects social and psychological problems such as low self-esteem, criticism, lack of enthusiasm etc.

There is a constant spike in obesity cases around the globe (CNN). Despite major awareness campaigns’ success, the issues still seem hard to tackle. In countries like the US and the UK, the obesity rate is growing due to certain causes that must be discovered and resolved.

Example 3:

Many people around the globe are fighting for the truth of global warming. What is global warming? Global warming refers to the rise in the earth’s temperature, a gradual process over several decades.

The early sign of global warming was shown majorly in the 19th century leading to changes in weather, the gradual melting of glaciers, and many other unusual happenings. Such an unusual phenomenon results from activities requiring proper exploration of their effect on certain other phenomena.

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Conclusion:

A strong cause and effect essay introduction can always help elevate your paper. Thus composing these paragraphs with the proper strategy is crucial. With this guide, you’ll surely say goodbye to the lackluster reason and result essays. Remember that exploring further options like online assignment writing service platforms is always good to boost your learning experience. Getting experts to help you compose on custom topics will help you meet tight deadlines and polish your writing skills.

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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.

How To Write A Cause And Effect Essay: Topics, Structure, Examples

If you're a student, chances are you'll encounter a cause and effect essay during your studies. This type of essay is all about exploring the relationship between a specific event (the cause) and its outcomes (the effects). But don't worry, we've got you covered with this easy-to-follow guide that breaks down everything you need to know about what is cause and effect essay and the steps for writing it. So get set to dive into the fascinating world of cause and effect as we equip you with the skills to ace this writing task like a pro!

What is a Cause and Effect Essay: Unique Characteristics from Other Essays

A cause and effect essay is a unique type of essay that focuses on examining the reasons (causes) behind an event or phenomenon and the resulting consequences (effects) that occur as a result. What sets it apart from other essays is its emphasis on establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship between two or more variables.

In a cause and effect essay, the writer analyzes and explains the connections between the causes and effects, providing evidence and supporting details to illustrate the relationship. This type of essay requires critical thinking, logical reasoning, and a structured approach to present the causal chain effectively.

Unlike descriptive or narrative essays that focus on storytelling or presenting facts, cause and effect essays delve into the underlying causes and explore the outcomes, aiming to inform and educate the reader about the relationships between different factors.

Different Types of Cause and Effect Essay Structure

A cause and effect essay is a type of academic writing that explores the reasons (causes) and outcomes (effects) of a particular event, situation, or phenomenon. It aims to analyze the relationship between these causes and effects, providing a comprehensive understanding of how one factor leads to another. When structuring a cause and effect essay, there are several approaches you can take. Here are three common types of cause and effect essay structure from our experts:

Block Structure:
Introduction: Introduce the topic and provide background information.
Body Paragraph 1: Present the causes and their supporting details.
Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the effects and provide evidence or examples.
Conclusion: Summarize the main points and emphasize the overall significance.
Chain Structure:
Introduction: Introduce the topic and its importance.
Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph focuses on a specific cause and its subsequent effects, forming a chain-like progression.
Cause 1: Explain the first cause and its effects.
Cause 2: Describe the second cause and its effects, which may also include the effects of Cause 1.
Cause 3: Discuss the third cause and its effects, which may include the effects of Causes 1 and 2.

Continue this pattern for additional causes if necessary.

Conclusion: Summarize the main causes and effects, highlighting their interconnections.
Causal Chain Structure:
Introduction: Introduce the topic and provide context.
Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph focuses on a specific cause and effect, examining the relationships between them.
Cause 1: Explain the first cause and its immediate effect(s).
Cause 2: Discuss the second cause, which is triggered by the effect(s) of Cause 1 and its subsequent effect(s).
Cause 3: Describe the third cause, influenced by the effect(s) of Cause 2 and its further effect(s).

Continue this pattern for additional causes and effects.

Conclusion: Summarize the causal chain, emphasizing the overall significance and potential long-term effects.

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how to write a cause and effect essay introduction

Cause and Effect Essay Outline

I. Introduction

A. Explanation of cause and effect essays

B. Hook: 'Have you ever wondered how excessive screen time affects academic performance?'

C. Thesis statement: Excessive screen time negatively impacts academic performance due to decreased focus, impaired cognitive abilities, and reduced study time.

II. Body Paragraph 1: Cause 1 - Decreased Focus

A. Topic sentence: Excessive screen time leads to decreased focus.

B. Explanation: Constant exposure to screens can overstimulate the brain and make it harder to concentrate on academic tasks.

C. Example: Studies have shown that students who spend excessive time on electronic devices during study sessions often struggle to maintain their focus, leading to reduced productivity and lower academic performance.

III. Body Paragraph 2: Cause 2 - Impaired Cognitive Abilities

A. Topic sentence: Excessive screen time impairs cognitive abilities.

B. Explanation: Prolonged screen usage can negatively impact cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and critical thinking skills.

C. Example: Research has indicated that excessive screen time, particularly in the form of video games or social media, can hinder the development of cognitive abilities, making it more difficult for students to comprehend complex concepts and retain information.

IV. Body Paragraph 3: Cause 3 - Reduced Study Time

A. Topic sentence: Excessive screen time reduces the amount of time dedicated to studying.

B. Explanation: The allure of screens can distract students and tempt them away from their academic responsibilities.

C. Example: A study conducted at XYZ University found that students who spent more time on social media or streaming platforms were more likely to allocate less time to study, resulting in poor performance on exams and assignments.

V. Conclusion

A. Restate the thesis statement: Excessive screen time has a detrimental effect on academic performance due to decreased focus, impaired cognitive abilities, and reduced study time.

B. Recap the main points discussed in each body paragraph.

C. Final thoughts: Encourage students to manage their screen time wisely to optimize their academic success.

10 Cause and Effect Essay Topics

If you are struggling to come up with a topic for your essay, consider one of these ten great cause and effect essay ideas below. Feel free to also hit us up with your ' write my essay ' request for a professionally crafted paper on your chosen topic.

Discuss the Effects of Social Media on Face-to-Face Communication

Social media has become a ubiquitous part of modern society, with platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram connecting people from all over the world. However, as social media usage has increased, so has concern over its impact on face-to-face communication. Some argue that social media has made it easier for people to stay in touch with friends and family, regardless of distance. Others worry that social media has led to a decline in the quality of face-to-face interactions, with people spending more time on their phones than engaging with those around them. This topic is ripe for exploration and analysis.

Analyze the Reasons Behind the Increased Use of Smartphones by Children

Smartphones have become a ubiquitous part of modern life, with people of all ages relying on them for communication, entertainment, and information. However, there has been a recent trend of children using smartphones at increasingly young ages. Some argue that smartphones can be a valuable tool for education and communication, while others worry that they can be addictive and harmful to children's development. This topic is worth exploring in depth, with a focus on the factors that have led to this trend and its potential long-term effects.

Explore the Impacts of Climate Change on the Natural Environment

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing the world today, with rising temperatures, sea levels, and extreme weather events all having profound impacts on the natural environment. This topic is complex and multifaceted, with a range of potential causes and effects to explore. Some of the key areas to consider might include the impact of climate change on ecosystems, wildlife, and natural resources, as well as the potential long-term consequences for human societies.

Investigate the Effects of Pollution on Human Health

Pollution is a major problem in many parts of the world, with air, water, and soil pollution all having serious consequences for human health. This topic is worth exploring in depth, with a focus on the specific ways in which pollution can impact different aspects of human health, including respiratory health, cardiovascular health, and mental health. Some of the key factors to consider might include the impact of pollution on vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, as well as potential strategies for prevention and mitigation.

Discuss How Social Isolation Can Lead to Mental Health Issues

Social isolation is a growing problem in many parts of the world, with people of all ages and backgrounds feeling increasingly disconnected from their communities and social networks. This topic is worth exploring in depth, with a focus on the specific ways in which social isolation can impact mental health. Some of the key areas to consider might include the impact of social isolation on depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders, as well as potential strategies for prevention and treatment.

Analyze the Reasons Behind the Rise of Populism in Politics

Populism has become an increasingly prominent force in politics in recent years, with populist politicians and movements gaining ground in many parts of the world. This topic is complex and multifaceted, with a range of potential causes and effects to explore. Some of the key areas to consider might include the impact of economic inequality, globalization, and cultural change on the rise of populism, as well as potential strategies for addressing this trend.

Explore the Impacts of the Internet on the Traditional Media Industry

The internet has had a profound impact on the media industry, with traditional forms of media such as newspapers, television, and radio facing increasing competition from online sources. This topic is worth exploring in depth, with a focus on the specific ways in which the internet has disrupted traditional media models. Some of the key areas to consider might include the impact of social media on news consumption, the rise of citizen journalism, and the challenges facing traditional media outlets in the digital age.

Examine the Factors that Lead to the Growth of Online Shopping

Online shopping has become an increasingly popular way for people to purchase goods and services, with e-commerce platforms like Amazon and eBay dominating the retail landscape. This topic is worth exploring in depth, with a focus on the specific factors that have contributed to the growth of online shopping. Some of the key areas to consider might include the impact of convenience and accessibility, the rise of mobile devices, and the changing demographics of consumers.

Investigate the Effects of Globalization on Local Industries

Globalization has had a profound impact on the world economy, with goods, services, and capital flowing more freely across borders than ever before. This topic is worth exploring in depth, with a focus on the specific ways in which globalization has affected local industries. Some of the key areas to consider might include the impact of outsourcing and offshoring on employment, the role of multinational corporations in shaping local economies, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of globalization for different regions of the world.

Analyze The Impact of Social Media on Sleep Quality

Analyzing the impact of social media on sleep quality requires examining various factors related to social media usage and its effects on sleep patterns. Investigate the correlation between the amount of time individuals spend on social media platforms and their sleep quality. Excessive use of social media may lead to delayed bedtime, shorter sleep duration, or disrupted sleep. You can also explore the impact of blue light emitted by electronic devices, including smartphones and tablets, which are commonly used for social media browsing.

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay: Step-by-Step Guide

In this section, we will unravel the essential elements of how to write a cause and effect essay, equipping you with the tips to present a logical and well-supported argument.

Step 1: Choose a Topic

The first step in writing a great cause and effect examples essay is choosing the right topic. Consider something that interests you and is relevant to your academic field. The cause and effect essay topics should also be specific enough to allow for in-depth analysis in your assignment.

Step 2: Conduct Research

Once you have identified your topic, it is important to do extensive research to gather sufficient information to support your arguments. Use scholarly sources such as academic journals, books, or reputable websites to do your research.

Step 3: Develop a Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the core idea of your essay and should be presented in the opening paragraph. It is a single sentence that clearly states the cause and effect relationship you will be discussing in the essay. A well-crafted thesis statement is critical to the success of your essay.

Step 4: Create an Outline

Creating a cause and effect essay outline is a crucial element of the writing process. It helps in organizing your thoughts and providing a clear structure for your essay. Divide your essay into an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

Step 5: Write the Introduction

The introduction is the first paragraph of your essay, and it should catch the reader's attention and provide background information on the topic at hand. The introduction should also include the thesis statement.

Step 6: Write the Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs should discuss the causes and effects of the event or topic at hand. Each paragraph should discuss one specific cause or effect followed by supporting evidence from your research.

Step 7: Write the Conclusion

The cause and effect essay conclusion should restate the thesis statement and provide a summary of your arguments. It should also demonstrate the relationship between the various causes and effects you have discussed.

Step 8: Proofread and Edit

The final step is to proofread and edit your essay. Ensure that your grammar, spelling, and punctuation are all correct and that your ideas are presented in a clear and concise manner.

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Cause and Effect Essay Examples

You can order an essay from professional writers have meticulously crafted a sample essay that delves into the cause and effect relationship between air pollution on human health.

Title: The Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health

Air pollution is a prevalent issue that has detrimental effects on human health. This essay will explore the multiple causes and consequences of air pollution, highlighting the interconnectedness between environmental factors and public well-being.

The primary cause of air pollution is industrial emissions. Factories and power plants release harmful pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, into the atmosphere. These pollutants contribute to the formation of smog, which can be inhaled by individuals, leading to respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer. Furthermore, vehicular emissions also contribute significantly to air pollution, particularly in urban areas with heavy traffic congestion.

The effects of air pollution on human health are alarming. Prolonged exposure to polluted air can cause respiratory diseases, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Studies have also linked air pollution to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, children and the elderly are more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution, as their immune systems are less robust.

Moreover, air pollution has broader societal consequences. It contributes to the degradation of ecosystems, reduces crop yields, and harms biodiversity. It also poses economic burdens by increasing healthcare costs and decreasing productivity due to illnesses and absenteeism.

In conclusion, air pollution has far-reaching effects on human health and the environment. The causes, including industrial emissions and vehicular pollution, directly impact the quality of the air we breathe. The consequences, such as respiratory diseases and cardiovascular problems, highlight the urgent need for measures to mitigate and control air pollution. Efforts to reduce emissions, promote cleaner technologies, and raise public awareness are crucial steps toward safeguarding human health and preserving the environment for future generations.

A Final Perspective

In our exploration of cause and effect essays, we've covered all the essentials. We've defined what is a cause and effect essay, delved into good cause and effect essay topics, and taken a closer look at its structure.

Now, here's the deal: if you put in the time and effort to prepare, your professor will definitely notice and give you the grade you deserve. But hey, we get it! Sometimes these tasks can be confusing and eat up all your time. If that's the case, no worries! You can easily hire an essay writer to lend a hand and enjoy some well-deserved free time without the stress of assignments.

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Cause and Effect Essay

Chapter 3: cause and effect essay, cause and effect.

It is often considered human nature to ask, “why?” and “how?” Parents want to know how a child got sick so they can prevent it from happening in the future. We want to know why a colleague received a pay raise because we want one as well. We want to know how much money we will save over the long term if we buy a hybrid car. Perhaps in your own experience you’ve wondered why you are required to take a certain course in school or what benefit you will gain from it.

Consider your circumstances right now: what kinds of situations are causing you to question what the eventual effects will be? It might be an issue with a roommate, a significant other or a family member. It could be excitement over a job prospect or potential relationship that has you thinking about what the future might hold for you.

These examples identify only a few of the relationships we think about in our lives, but each shows the importance of understanding cause (an event) and effect (the consequences of that event). The relationship between an event and its consequences is called causality.

In this chapter, you will develop your skills in causality writing.

Chapter Outcomes

After completing this chapter, you will be able to:

Determine the purpose and structure of the cause-and-effect essay.
Write a success cause-and-effect essay.
Provided by : Lumen Learning. Located at : http://lumenlearning.com/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
Successful Writing. Provided by : Anonymous. Located at : http://2012books.lardbucket.org/books/successful-writing/s14-08-cause-and-effect.html . License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike

Master Cause & Effect Essays: Examples & Structure Guide

Unlocking the mysteries of cause & effect essays.

If you are a student or even a business professional, understanding the structure and methodology of writing a cause and effect essay is a pivotal skill. Weve prepared this comprehensive guide to help you master the technique of writing compelling essays that illustrate the connection between cause and effect, with clear examples of cause and effect essays and practical tips.

What is a Cause and Effect Essay?

A cause and effect essay is a type of writing that explains how one or more events causes another event or result, the effect. This type of essay explores the underlying reasons behind actions, behaviors, events, or phenomena and their eventual outcomes.

Structure of a Cause and Effect Essay

The cause and effect essay structure can vary, with the basic structure containing an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Let’s dive deeper into each section:

Introduction: This is where you capture the readers attention and preview the cause and effect relationship that will be discussed.
Body paragraphs: Within these paragraphs, you delve into the cause and effect connections. Each paragraph typically focuses on one cause and its subsequent effect.
Conclusion: Here, you wrap up the cause and effect relationship, summarizing the main points and delivering an impactful final thought.

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay

Writing a successful cause and effect essay involves several key steps:

Choose your topic: A good cause and effect essay starts with a captivating subject that prompts readers to think more deeply about the topic.
Research: Gather relevant data about your topic. This will give your essay credibility and depth.
Create an outline: An outline serves as the roadmap for your essay. It helps you organize your thoughts and the cause and effect connections clearly.
Write a compelling introduction: Start your essay with a hook to grab your reader’s attention, then provide a brief overview of the causes and effects that will be discussed.
Construct engaging body paragraphs: Using your outline as a guide, develop each paragraph around one cause and effect relationship. Provide clear examples to illustrate each point.
Craft a satisfying conclusion: Reiterate the cause and effect relationships, summarize the main points, and leave your reader with a final impactful thought.

Example of a Cause and Effect Essay

Below is a practical example of a cause and effect essay :

Introduction: Fast food consumption has been on a steady rise worldwide, leading to an alarming increase in obesity rates.

Body paragraph 1: The convenience of fast food makes it a popular food choice. As more time is spent at work or school, people opt for the quickest meal - fast food.

Body paragraph 2: The high-calorie content in these fast foods leads to weight gain. Over time, consistent consumption can result in obesity.

Conclusion: As hurried lifestyles drive the growth of the fast-food sector, the consequent effect is an escalating obesity epidemic. Awareness and healthier choices can help mitigate this health challenge.

This is a simplified example, and your cause and effect essay may require more depth and research. However, the structure provides a reliable base for how to write a cause and effect essay .

A well-written cause and effect essay is a powerful tool for communicating ideas, uncovering connections, and sparking thought-provoking discussion. With a clear understanding of the structure and methodology behind it, coupled with ample practice, you can truly master the art of writing cause and effect essays.

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A cause and effect essay is concerned with the relationship or sequence between two or more things, events or ideas. This essay explores why something happens (the cause) and what consequences result (the effect).

Cause: The reason for an occurrence, action or event.

Effect: A result, outcome or consequence of a cause.

Example: I was bit by a mosquito and my arm really itches!

Cause: A mosquito bit me.

Effect: My arm itches.

An essay can have multiple causes and effects. Additionally, causes and effects can be sequential in nature, where one leads to another. A good example of this is dominos, where a person knocks over the first, causing all the following dominos to fall over.

It is important to be wary of speculation. Just because an event proceeds another, does not necessitate that it was the cause. Coincidences happen.

Example: Early childhood vaccinations occur during the first 18 months of a child’s life. The first signs of autism appear by 12 to 18 months of age. Most children, when first diagnosed with autism, will have recently received a vaccine. This has led many people to conclude that vaccines cause autism, though there is very little scientific evidence to support that conclusion.

A correlation, or a connection or relationship between two things, can indicate a causational relationship between two things. However, that is not always the case, like in the picture below.

Correlation between Divorce rate in Maine and the Per capita consumption of margarine. The correlation is 99.6%.

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Cause and Effect Essay: Step By Step Writing Guide 🤓| Studyfy

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay

Writing essays is inevitable for all students. And while many of them consider this kind of academic assignment difficult and boring, others truly enjoy writing their essays on the widest array of topics. Do you want to know their secret? It’s simple: they just know how to write essays well! And those who don't also have a solution – they are ready to pay for essay best services to get completed paper without a hassle. Finding the essay writing service out there to fall back on is great but honing your own writing skills will never go amiss.

If you are reading this article, then you’re already on your way to start loving essay writing. By the time you finish reading it, you will have all the necessary instruments at hand to craft an impressive essay of one particular type – that is, a cause and effect essay (sometimes also called cause-effect or reason and result essay).

What Is a Cause and Effect Essay?

It is impossible to do something well without knowing what exactly it is that you have to do. So, let’s start with the basics – the cause and effect essay definition.

A cause and effect essay (also called cause-effect or reason and result essay) is a type of an analytical academic paper in which the relationship between causes and effects of a particular event or phenomenon is being analyzed. It usually answers the questions, “why?” (cause) and “what is the result?” (effect), and utilizes subjunctive mood extensively. If already at this moment you feel you're unlikely to be able to cope with writing an essay yourself – relax and get help from professional dissertation writing services .

How to Make a Correct Cause and Effect Essay Structure

Now that we know what a cause and effect essay is, we can start working on its structure. Having a clear structure is essential for the successful completion of your assignment. So, it’s highly important to devote enough time to this part of the task. If you think it's pretty challenging for you or you simply don't want to spend time on it, you can always look for coursework writing help , custom essay writing and get help from experts in the field.

There are two main ways to structure a cause and effect essay – using a block or a chain pattern. Your essay outline will differ depending on what option you choose.

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Cause and Effect Essay Outline

A cause and effect essay outline consists of a minimum of four sections – an introduction, at least two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each section, in turn, consists of several parts, and their contents vary depending on what pattern – block or chain – you choose.

Let’s start with a block structure. This is how it will look like:

Introduction;
Body paragraph I: cause;
Body paragraph II: effect;
Conclusion.

Depending on your topic and approach, you can focus more on the effects or the causes and have various numbers of both. For example, if you put the main focus on the effects, your outline may look like this:

Body paragraph I: effect #1;
Body paragraph II: effect #2;
Body paragraph III: cause;

If you choose the chain pattern, it will mean that in your body paragraphs, every cause will be immediately followed by its effect. The outline will then be as follows:

Body paragraph I: cause #1 -> effect #1;
Body paragraph II: cause #2 -> effect #2;

In this case, too, the numbers of causes and effects may vary – it is their sequence that matters.

Now, let’s look closer at every section of the structure.

Introduction

Every essay starts with an introduction. In this section, you must introduce your topic to the reader, give some background information, and explain how you’re going to approach the discussion.

This is what an introduction section of a cause and effect essay must include:

Background information;
Thesis statement.

If you’re wondering how to start a cause and effect essay, you can use some of the proven techniques like using a quote, a rhetorical question, or a statement that is surprising or paradoxical. Then, after giving some background information, move on to a thesis statement.

A thesis is the part of your essay in which the main point of discussion is stated. It should be clear and concise and allow no ambiguity.

Example: “The gender gap is still very far from being closed. Globally, gender parity stands at 68.6%, according to the Global Gender Gap Report (2020). In this essay, we’ll look closely at some of the causes and effects of this phenomenon”.

Body Paragraphs (Causes)

Depending on what type of structure you choose, your body paragraphs may be slightly different. But, in any case, they should contain the following elements:

thesis (main cause or effect);
arguments (evidence);
conclusion, and transition to the next section.

These may be arranged in a different way, but their presence is essential. Let’s again turn to our gender inequality topic and see how it works. In the causes section, we will list the various causes of the discussed phenomena:

Cause #1 – societal mindset;
Cause #2 – lack of sufficient childcare;
Cause #3 – lack of political representation.

Each of these causes should be supported by evidence to be persuasive to the reader. This is how it may be put in a paragraph:

“One of the main causes of such inequality is the societal mindset that still regards women as primarily being responsible for providing home comfort and childcare. Most men still expect their wives to stay at home and sacrifice their careers in order to take the majority of household responsibilities (support with evidence – statistical figures, etc.).

Treat the next causes in the same manner.

Body Paragraphs (Effects)

This paragraph is basically the same as the previous one, with the only difference that here, we will discuss the effects of the phenomenon. Let’s continue with our topic:

Effect #1 – higher levels of frustration;
Effect #2 – lower income;
Effect #3 – feelings of insecurity and vulnerability.

Keep in mind that the effects must be direct consequences of your causes – you can’t just pick random facts. You should also make that connection clear in your text.

Example: “Such prejudiced societal mindset regarding women and their role in the society results in higher levels of frustration among women. They feel that they have reached their glass ceiling just because of the fact that they have been born female – i.e., something they just couldn’t affect in any way (support with evidence)”.

Then, go on in the same manner in the next body-effects paragraphs.

After you’ve discussed all the causes and effects that you planned, continue with making a short conclusion. It must contain the following points:

Reiteration of your thesis;
Short summary of the essay’s key points;
Concluding afterthoughts.

This is what it will look like in our case:

“As we see, gender inequality is still a pressing issue in the modern world, and it’s far from being solved. This phenomenon has multiple causes, the most obvious of which are society’s prejudiced attitude, lack of childcare, and lack of political representation for women. The effects of these problems are plausible: women end up feeling frustrated, having lower income, and being generally vulnerable. In order to change the situation, we mustn’t avoid discussions of this issue and should try to find solutions to the problems that cause it”.

Did you like our inspiring Cause and Effect Essay Guide?

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Interesting Cause and Effect Essay Topics

If you’re looking for an interesting topic for cause and effect essay, this section is for you. Listed below are some good cause and effect essay topics on various popular themes – history, politics, society, and more. Use them as examples to brainstorm ideas of your own.

History and politics:

The economic consequences of the Civil War in the U.S.
The collapse of the Soviet Union and its effect on the world’s power balance.
World War II and its effect on the world economy.
Brexit: was it necessary and how it will affect the U.K.
Gender inequality as a major source of stress for modern women.
How having children changes the life of a family.
Social media as the major source of procrastination for students.
Why do people commit crimes?
How outstanding writing skills can help your future career.
Burnout at work as a major career threat.
Why it is important to go to college.
Starting a business as a student. How it can affect your studies and future career.

Environment:

Air pollution as one of the main threats to public health.
The effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the environment.
How melting glaciers in the Arctic affect climate change on our planet.
Multiple effects of global warming on the Earth’s population.
Why we all need to go green right now.

Cause and Effect Essay Examples

Now that you have all the tools necessary to create a good cause and effect essay of your own let’s look at an example to see how all the components work together. Let’s assume that our topic is “Procrastination among college students.” Here, we will use a block structure, and this is how our example cause and effect essay will look like.

Procrastination Among College Students.

Our first paragraph is an introduction. Here we introduce our topic with a hook statement, give some background information, and make a thesis statement.

Procrastination is dangerous for college students. At the same time, it’s extremely common among them: various studies show that up to 95% of college students engage in it from time to time, and almost 50% do this systematically. The causes of this phenomenon are multi-faceted and profound, and it’s vital to discover them in every particular case to be able to fight procrastination effectively. But to start treating procrastination as a problem, students must be aware of its harmful consequences. There are many of them, but one of the most acute ones for college students is its negative effect on their academic performance.

Here, the topic suggests that we have to focus more on the effects than on the causes, so the first body paragraph will be about an effect mentioned in the title. First, we will name the effect and then bring arguments and evidence to support our claim.

Procrastination is putting off things one has to do till the last minute and spending one’s time on some other, less important occupations. When students procrastinate instead of doing their academic assignments, they usually end up not having enough time to complete their tasks properly by the deadline. As a result, they only do what they can in the amount of time left, and the quality of their work may suffer. For most students, it means receiving lower grades than they could have achieved had they spent their time more wisely. And this is not a mere assumption: a study conducted by Warwick Business School has proven that procrastination leads students to lower grades (2019). One may argue that it depends largely on how gifted a student is, but even the talented ones may get to the point when the assignment is so difficult that they cannot do it well quickly.

Our second body paragraph will be about another effect. We will write it using the same scheme as in the previous paragraph.

What’s worse, procrastination can also cause mental health problems among students (Source, year). When a person finds out that they only have several hours to complete an assignment that requires several days to be done well, they are most likely to succumb to anxiety. Science proves this, too: for example, a 2010 study titled “I’ll Go to Therapy, Eventually” found a clear connection between procrastination and poorer mental health. Then, worries about failing to do a task properly resulted in even more anxiety and stress, and if a student eventually gets a lower grade than expected, it may lead to a feeling of guilt, regret, and even to depression, especially if the situation is repeated often.

In the third body paragraph, we will talk about the causes.

It may be tempting to just label students who keep putting off their assignments as sluggards, but there are more complex and profound reasons for procrastination than mere laziness. As A. Chris Heath, MD, a psychiatrist from Dallas, says, procrastination usually happens because the task seems too difficult. It can also be an issue of self-esteem, he adds, – when a person thinks he or she is not good enough to cope with a demanding task. There are many other causes for procrastination among students, like having trouble concentrating or not possessing enough organizational skills. But whatever the reasons are, the results procrastination leads to are always devastating.

Conclusion. Here, we reiterate our thesis, site the significance of the topic, and add some afterthoughts.

As we see now, procrastination is a huge problem for college students. Being considered a result of pure laziness by many, it is often overlooked as a common problem. But this approach can be very dangerous.

In reality, procrastination has deeper roots, and the effects it causes are quite harmful. If treated lightly, systematic procrastination eventually leads college students to lower grades, mental health problems, and poorer overall academic performance.

So, it’s essential for every college student not to ignore the problem and find the causes of procrastination in their particular case as early as possible to be able to avoid its dreadful consequences.

That’s it! Feel free to use this essay as a model to generate your unique cause and effect essay ideas. If you need another example, download cause and effect essay sample here.

Wrapping Up

In this article, we’ve covered all the important issues on how to write a cause and effect essay. After reading it thoroughly, you should know what a cause and effect essay is, how to structure it well, and make an outline that will work. We’ve also explained how to work on every paragraph of your text and provided some good essay topics as well as examples of a cause and effect essay with commentary.

Still puzzled about how to write your cause and effect essay properly? Get instant write a paper for me help from professional editors and writers. With such detailed instruction, you cannot fail, if you are diligent enough to practice writing essays on your own using the information given. Don’t get downhearted if you won’t be able to write a flawless paper from the first try; remember: practice makes perfect. So, put effort into your essay writing, and this will pay you back in the future – not only with excellent marks but with better critical thinking and logical skills, too.

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5.1: Introduction to Cause and Effect Essay

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Cause and Effect

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. We want to know why a colleague received a pay raise because we want one as well. We want to know how much money we will save over the long term if we buy a hybrid car. 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.

In this module, you will develop your skills in cause and effect writing.

Module Outcomes

After successfully completing this module, you should be able to:

Determine the purpose and structure of the cause and effect essay.
Understand how to write a cause and effect essay.

24 Cause and Effect

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 received a pay raise because we want one as well. We want to know how much money we will save over the long term if we buy a hybrid car. 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, a 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.

Consider the causes and effects in the following thesis statements. Identify whether each statement is identifying a cause or an effect. Then, 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 because of the poor economy, it was really because of 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 write about the effects.
Start with the effect and then write 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 writing about the cause of childhood obesity and then move to the effect.

Because cause-and-effect essays determine how phenomena are linked, they make frequent use of certain words and phrases that denote such linkage. See the table below for examples of such terms.

Phrases of Causation

as a result
consequently

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 because of the complex nature of finding links between phenomena. Be sure to have clear evidence to support the claims that you make.

Look at some of the cause-and-effect relationships from Exercise 1. 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

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 by drawing a conclusion based on the information presented. You may find it helpful to think of the conclusion as an answer to the question: “so what” or as a continuation of the statement “and so. . . “. In some cases, may be appropriate to issue a call to action in your essay’s conclusion.

Choose a local issue or topic that concerns you. Examine both the causes and effects of this issue or topic, and write a paragraph that outlines these using the components of a cause and effect essay.

Assignment 1

Choose one of the ideas you outlined in 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.
Start with the cause and then write about the effect.
Start with the effect and then write about the cause.
Strong evidence is particularly important in the cause-and-effect essay because of the complexity of determining connections between phenomena.
Phrases of causation are helpful in signaling links between various elements in the essay.

Cause and Effect Essay Example

Effects of Video Game Addiction

By Scott McLean

Video game addition is a serious problem in many parts of the world today and deserves more attention. It is no secret that children and adults in many countries throughout the world, including Japan, China, and the United States, play video games every day. Most players are able to limit their usage in ways that do not interfere with their daily lives, but many others have developed an addiction to playing video games and suffer detrimental effects.

An addiction can be described in several ways, but generally speaking, addictions involve unhealthy attractions to substances or activities that ultimately disrupt the ability of a person to keep up with regular daily responsibilities. Video game addiction typically involves playing games uncontrollably for many hours at a time—some people will play only four hours at a time while others cannot stop for over twenty-four hours. Regardless of the severity of the addiction, many of the same effects will be experienced by all.

One common effect of video game addiction is isolation and withdrawal from social experiences. Video game players often hide in their homes or in Internet cafés for days at a time—only reemerging for the most pressing tasks and necessities. The effect of this isolation can lead to a breakdown of communication skills and often a loss in socialization. While it is true that many games, especially massive multiplayer online games, involve a very real form of e-based communication and coordination with others, and these virtual interactions often result in real communities that can be healthy for the players, these communities and forms of communication rarely translate to the types of valuable social interaction that humans need to maintain typical social functioning. As a result, the social networking in these online games often gives the users the impression that they are interacting socially, while their true social lives and personal relations may suffer.

Another unfortunate product of the isolation that often accompanies video game addiction is the disruption of the user’s career. While many players manage to enjoy video games and still hold their jobs without problems, others experience challenges at their workplace. Some may only experience warnings or demerits as a result of poorer performance, or others may end up losing their jobs altogether. Playing video games for extended periods of time often involves sleep deprivation, and this tends to carry over to the workplace, reducing production and causing habitual tardiness.

Video game addiction may result in a decline in overall health and hygiene. Players who interact with video games for such significant amounts of time can go an entire day without eating and even longer without basic hygiene tasks, such as using the restroom or bathing. The effects of this behavior pose significant danger to their overall health.

The causes of video game addiction are complex and can vary greatly, but the effects have the potential to be severe. Playing video games can and should be a fun activity for all to enjoy. But just like everything else, the amount of time one spends playing video games needs to be balanced with personal and social responsibilities.

External Links

“ Women in Science ” (https://tinyurl.com/y8pggr7g) by K.C. Cole. The link to the essay is correct. It seems to be titled “Hers” but it is the correct essay.

“ Cultural Baggage ” (https://tinyurl.com/yc7qeuyp) by Barbara Ehrenreich.

Robin Tolmach Lakoff discusses the power of language to dehumanize in “ From Ancient Greece to Iraq: The Power of Words in Wartime” (https://tinyurl.com/y76bt3ah).

Alan Weisman examines the human impact on the planet and its effects in “ Earth without People ” ( https://tinyurl.com/mswazr ).

Attributions

Content taken from Chapter 5 – Rhetorical Modes by Jenifer Kurtz is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License

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2.9 Cause and Effect

[1] the purpose of cause and effect in writing.

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 more complex. 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.

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 is typically organized in one of the following ways:

Start with the cause and then discuss the effects.
Start with the effect and then discuss the causes.

For example, if your essay were on childhood obesity, you could start by discussing the effect of childhood obesity and then the cause or you could start the same essay by discussing the cause of childhood obesity and then move to the effect.

Because cause-and-effect essays determine how phenomena are linked, they make frequent use of certain words and phrases that denote such linkage. See List 2.9.1 “Phrases of Causation” for examples of such terms.

List 2.9.1 Phrases of Causation

As a result
consequently

Look at some of the cause-and-effect relationships from “Exercise 2.” Outline the links you listed. Outline one using a cause-then-effect structure. Outline the other using the effect-then-cause structure.

Practicing Peer Review

Share your outlines with a peer. Is the outline you chose most effective for the discussion? Should you have used the other layout? What is particulary clear about the connection? What seems vague/underdeveloped?

Writing a Cause-and-Effect Essay

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 or effects from least 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 connects your main points and reinforces your thesis.

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.
Start with the cause and then discuss the effect.
Start with the effect and then discuss 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.
2.9 (except where otherwise noted) was borrowed with edits and additions from Writing for Success which was adapted from a work produced and distributed under a Creative Commons license (CC BY-NC-SA) in 2011 by a publisher who has requested that they and the original author not receive attribution. This adapted edition is produced by the University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing. ↵

Composition 1: Introduction to Academic Writing Copyright © by Brittany Seay is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Cause And Effect Essay Guide

Cause And Effect Essay Examples

Best Cause and Effect Essay Examples To Get Inspiration + Simple Tips

What is a Cause and Effect Essay?

A cause and effect essay explores why things happen (causes) and what happens as a result (effects). This type of essay aims to uncover the connections between events, actions, or phenomena. It helps readers understand the reasons behind certain outcomes.

In a cause and effect essay, you typically:

Identify the Cause: Explain the event or action that initiates a chain of events. This is the "cause."
Discuss the Effect: Describe the consequences or outcomes resulting from the cause.
Analyze the Relationship: Clarify how the cause leads to the effect, showing the cause-and-effect link.

Cause and effect essays are common in various academic disciplines. For instance, studies in sciences, history, and the social sciences rely on essential cause and effect questions. For instance, "what are the effects of climate change?", or "what are the causes of poverty?"

Now that you know what a cause and effect is, let’s read some examples.

Cause and Effect Essay Examples for Students

Here is an example of a well-written cause and effect essay on social media. Let’s analyze it in parts to learn why it is good and how you can write an effective essay yourself.

The essay begins with a compelling hook that grabs the reader's attention. It presents a brief overview of the topic clearly and concisely. The introduction covers the issue and ends with a strong thesis statement , stating the essay's main argument – that excessive use of social media can negatively impact mental health.

The first body paragraph sets the stage by discussing the first cause - excessive social media use. It provides data and statistics to support the claim, which makes the argument more compelling. The analysis highlights the addictive nature of social media and its impact on users. This clear and evidence-based explanation prepares the reader for the cause-and-effect relationship to be discussed.

The second body paragraph effectively explores the effect of excessive social media use, which is increased anxiety and depression. It provides a clear cause-and-effect relationship, with studies backing the claims. The paragraph is well-structured and uses relatable examples, making the argument more persuasive.

The third body paragraph effectively introduces the second cause, which is social comparison and FOMO. It explains the concept clearly and provides relatable examples. It points out the relevance of this cause in the context of social media's impact on mental health, preparing the reader for the subsequent effect to be discussed.

The fourth body paragraph effectively explores the second effect of social comparison and FOMO, which is isolation and decreased self-esteem. It provides real-world consequences and uses relatable examples.

The conclusion effectively summarizes the key points discussed in the essay. It restates the thesis statement and offers practical solutions, demonstrating a well-rounded understanding of the topic. The analysis emphasizes the significance of the conclusion in leaving the reader with a call to action or reflection on the essay's central theme.

This essay follows this clear cause and effect essay structure to convey the message effectively:

Read our cause and effect essay outline blog to learn more about how to structure your cause and effect essay effectively.

Free Cause and Effect Essay Samples

The analysis of the essay above is a good start to understanding how the paragraphs in a cause and effect essay are structured. You can read and analyze more examples below to improve your understanding.

Cause and Effect Essay Elementary School

Cause and Effect Essay For College Students

Short Cause and Effect Essay Sample

Cause and Effect Essay Example for High School

Cause And Effect Essay IELTS

Bullying Cause and Effect Essay Example

Cause and Effect Essay Smoking

Cause and Effect Essay Topics

Wondering which topic to write your essay on? Here is a list of cause and effect essay topic ideas to help you out.

The Effects of Social Media on Real Social Networks
The Causes And Effects of Cyberbullying
The Causes And Effects of Global Warming
The Causes And Effects of WW2
The Causes And Effects of Racism
The Causes And Effects of Homelessness
The Causes and Effects of Parental Divorce on Children.
The Causes and Effects of Drug Addiction
The Impact of Technology on Education
The Causes and Consequences of Income Inequality

Need more topics? Check out our list of 150+ cause and effect essay topics to get more interesting ideas.

Tips For Writing a Good Cause and Effect Essay

Reading and following the examples above can help you write a good essay. However, you can make your essay even better by following these tips.

Choose a Clear and Manageable Topic: Select a topic that you can explore thoroughly within the essay's word limit. A narrowly defined topic will make it easier to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
Research and Gather Evidence: Gather relevant data, statistics, examples, and expert opinions to support your arguments. Strong evidence enhances the credibility of your essay.
Outline Your Essay: Create a structured outline that outlines the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. This will provide a clear roadmap for your essay and help you present causes and effects clearly and coherently.
Transitional Phrases: Use transitional words and phrases like "because," "due to," "as a result," "consequently," and "therefore" to connect causes and effects within your sentences and paragraphs.
Support Each Point: Dedicate a separate paragraph to each cause and effect. Provide in-depth explanations, examples, and evidence for each point.
Proofread and Edit: After completing the initial draft, carefully proofread your essay for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Additionally, review the content for clarity, coherence, and flow.
Peer Review: Seek feedback from a peer or someone familiar with the topic to gain an outside perspective. They can help identify any areas that need improvement.
Stay Focused: Avoid going off-topic or including irrelevant information. Stick to the causes and effects you've outlined in your thesis statement.
Revise as Needed: Don't hesitate to make revisions and improvements as needed. The process of revising and refining your essay is essential for producing a high-quality final product.

To Sum Up ,

Cause and effect essays are important for comprehending the intricate relationships that shape our world. With the help of the examples and tips above, you can confidently get started on your essay.

If you still need further help, you can hire a professional writer to help you out. At MyPerfectWords.com , we’ve got experienced and qualified essay writers who can help you write an excellent essay on any topic and for all academic levels.

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A cause and effect essay explores why events happen (cause) and what occurs as an outcome (effect). It's a type of essay that explains connections between different things, events or phenomena. Cause and effect essays should clearly state causal relationships and help readers understand how things are interconnected.

Writing a cause and effect essay is quite a difficult task since not everything can be explained by lookingat the issue from the fist glance. You often should conduct additional research to make sure that your conclusion is right. By using our expert tricks and tips, you can ease your task and prepare an interesting project. This blog post will shed more light on such aspects:

Purpose of a cause and effect essay
Essay outlines
Methods of organizing information
Step-by-step writing process.

Also, get ready to find some examples that will surely come in handy. So let’s get started!

What Is a Cause and Effect Essay: Definition and Purpose

A cause and effect essay is a type of academic writing that defines a causal relationship between two objects, events or phenomena. Its main purpose is to explain the impact of one thing on another one. Writing a paper on causal topics requires a clear definition of the cause-and-effect link. This means that students should identify such situation and share their opinion on the consequences. To prepare for the writing process, you should conduct preliminary research. Prewriting includes 3 preparatory stages:

Choosing an appropriate causal situation
Defining roots and consequences of some phenomena
Offering solutions for negative impact (if there is any).

This information will be enough to cover any issue. But it will take time to prepare necessary evidence. You should use all available sources and write a plan for your paper. Make sure that the accuracy of the received information is beyond doubt. To make your work simpler, you should determine the topic you are particularly interested in. Preparing a project that you aren’t passionate about is a huge mistake that any professional can easily see. Keep reading to find out what makes a cause and effect essay successful and how to write it with ease. In case you are looking for other essays such as problem and solution essays , browse one more of our blogs.

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay

Writing a cause and effect essay requires studying all important details thoroughly since there is no other way to get a comprehensive view of the situation. Students should make the list of reasons for a particular event, and then share observations in a logical order. Here’re several useful suggestions that will help you get started:

Have a brainstorming session. Consider social movements, historical events, or recent trends to come up with an excellent cause and effect essay topic.
Do preliminary research. Research allows you to see what material is available on your topic and helps get the whole picture.
Build an effective thesis statement. Identify a causal relationship and write your essay on the basis of your thesis.
Jot down your main points. This basically means preparing an outline which will be discussed further in this blog post.
Write your rough draft. Expand the critical points listed in your outline to write the draft of your essay.

Keep in mind that it’s you whose work’s result depends on, so make sure that you have prepared convincing arguments.

Create Cause and Effect Essay Outline

Writing an informative piece begins with searching for an unusual topic. But it doesn’t mean that you won’t have to do anything else. Your task is to attract the readers’ attention, and this is impossible to achieve without preparing a structured cause and effect essay outline. Start by developing an informative plan, including these sections:

Introduction At the beginning, provide some memorable fact or news to attract attention. Provide some background and define your thesis statement.
Main body The main task is to convince readers that a chosen causal relationship matters. Specify the reason and how it affects some object or event. Use convincing arguments and don’t forget about the reliability of your information.
Conclusion Wrap up the main causes and effects and explain the significance of your topic. You may leave an open question for further consideration.

Forget about literally copying ideas from other sources. Your paper will be successful if you support each assumption with arguments. The focus on credibility is an important requirement that will enable you to make the right impression.

Cause and Effect Essay Structure

A cause and effect essay structure doesn’t differ from the rules of organizing your ideas in other text forms. Students are still required to come up with an introduction, the main points for body paragraphs, and summarize all presented information. Each block should resonate with your thesis. Generally, a cause and effect essay follows a 5 paragraph essay outline . However, the number of body paragraphs depends on the number of main points. Sometimes, one thing may have multiple effects. In this case, you should be prepared to create more paragraphs. Your finished text must be clear from speculation and guesses. Compiling a cause-and-effect chain is mandatory for the academic paper as well.

Cause and Effect Essay Introduction

Typically, a cause and effect essay introduction includes such elements:

Background information
Thesis statement.

While working on your introduction, keep in mind that you will need to come up with the hook in an essay that will attract your audience’s attention. Then, you should provide some context to get readers familiar with your subject. Finally, you will develop your thesis statement listing causes and effects that will be discussed. If you still don’t have any ideas how to start a cause and effect essay, we recommend reading these tips:

Avoid using parenthetical words. The phrases that will be used in the introduction can be deadly boring, so exclude such expressions as “as everyone knows” or “nowadays”.
Prepare several interesting facts or news. The best introduction you can come up with includes fascinating details. Thus, you will be able to get any attention you want.
Remember your main idea. Don’t deviate from the chosen topic. Be concise and stay on point.

A successful introduction should follow these common recommendations. So make sure you don’t skip our suggestions. Can't work those entire cause-and-effect writing out yet? Don't worry, professional college essay writers are always there for you.

Cause and Effect Essay Body: Block Method

The most difficult thing about writing a cause and effect essay is that readers may not follow all arguments and proofs. To save your work from possible confusion, you can structure your essay using body paragraphs. There are 2 methods to arrange your ideas in your main body:

Block method
Chain method.

The idea behind the block method is to provide arguments that are related to causes of events, and, then, use some evidence to show the effects. With this method, you can divide causal information into several blocks. This can simplify perception of your paper. You will get something like this:

It’s somewhat difficult for beginners to write a cause and effect essay body using this method. There may be too much space between the reasons and effects. However, using this method helps you eliminate any possible confusion in readers. Make a short outline of your presentation and use it to think over some basic structure. This trick will help you focus on the main facts and unbiasedly assess any situation.

Cause and Effect Essay Body: Chain Method

Chain method is another way to organize information in a cause and effect essay body. Unlike the block method, building a chain is much easier for beginners. Since great attention is paid to cause-and-effect links, you should use an appropriate practical chain method. By choosing this option, you can sort out all arguments without missing any important details. Here’s how it will look like:

By following this step-by-step cause and effect description in your project, you’ll be able to select a course and follow it throughout your whole work. As a result, you will draw up the main body that is structured according to academic requirements. You will be able to focus on a certain thought thanks to a clear understanding of your motives. This approach has been developed for students to choose the main idea first and only then proceed to writing their essay. Still, reasons and consequences do not take a back seat since an essay’s structure is united by some common idea.

Cause and Effect Essay Conclusion

Cause and effect essay conclusion is probably the easiest section. Here, students don't have to introduce any new ideas. You will deal with an entirely different task – summarizing your critical points. Make sure you include these details:

Summary of main ideas
Reworded thesis statement
Food for thought.

Since your goal is to study cause-and-effect links, a conclusion is a great section to make some analysis. Students should organize their writing so that readers won’t have any questions after reading it. This being said, your final paragraph should confirm your thesis statement expressed in an introduction. In case you still have some questions, find an appropriate conclusion essay example .

Tips for Writing a Cause and Effect Essay

To make writing a cause and effect essay bring the result you need, use these simple tips:

Look through different cause and effect essay topics . Choosing an unusual one is your lucky ticket, so you should use sensational details.
Listed arguments should confirm your thesis and fit logically into the structure.
Use striking examples to demonstrate cause-and-effect relationships.
Study the existing opinions and make your choice. If you have a different point of view, find some evidence.
Before submitting your paper, proofread it for grammar and stylistic mistakes.
Make your essay title succinct and memorable. However, avoid long titles.

If you aren’t sure about the chosen topic, consult your professor. An expert opinion will help you choose a different direction and achieve the result you need. An irrelevant work is much worse than the one written with errors.

>> Read more: How to Write an Essay

Cause and Effect Essay Examples

Sometimes, all you need is good cause and effect essay examples. Luckily, we have lots of samples available on our website. Feel free to explore our collection of examples in the Sample section or check our ready-made essay below. Use this beautiful opportunity to save your time looking for essays. Alongside cause & effect, StudyCrumb proposes pretty great help with essay of any complexity.

Cause and Effect Essays: Final Thoughts

It takes some effort and practice to master your cause/effect essay writing skills. Choosing a topic, preparing an outline, and searching for reliable arguments takes much time. You can achieve your goal by composing an essay using our guide.

Our experts are ready to offer exceptional writing services and help with any academic paper. Professional approach and timely delivery are far from being the only advantages. Your work will be done by genuine experts who know how to convey any idea and develop a solid justification of cause and effect.

FAQ About Writing a Cause and Effect Essay

1. which are the three types of cause and effect essays.

There are several types of cause and effect essays. To choose a preferable option, you should decide on the kind of work you are going to prepare. Each student can choose any of these 3 types:

One cause and many effects
One effect and many causes
Cause-and-effect chain.

These options are popular, so you should look for a narrative structure that suits your chosen type.

2. Which topic is narrow enough to address in a cause-and-effect essay?

You are assigned an essay, but you don’t understand which topic is narrow enough to address in a cause-and-effect essay? To get an answer, you won’t need to conduct any research since such a direction as Renewable Energy Resources is quite common. The main difficulty is that it will be impossible to cover this topic in a short essay. As your statement, you can use a variety of opinions on the existence of renewable resources.

3. What is the format of a cause and effect Essay?

The format choice affects your paper’s style, so you should decide between two popular options: MLA and APA. The difference is that the chosen cause and effect essay format assumes compliance with specific requirements. Select an applicable style depending on your field of study.

4. How many paragraphs should a cause and effect essay have?

The number of paragraphs in a cause and effect essay depends on the complexity of your topic. For this reason, you should decide on the number of causes and effects that can be covered. Usually, a complete essay consists of:

Introduction
3 Body paragraphs
Conclusion.

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

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Mastering the Art of Cause and Effect Essay Introduction

What is a Cause and Effect Essay?

Key Components of a Cause and Effect Essay Introduction

Hook Statement

Examples of Hook Statement:

Background Information

Steps on Writing a Cause and Effect Essay Introduction

Step 1: Write your thesis statement.

Step 2: Come up with your hook

Step 3: Give background information

Step 4: General outline

Step 5: Transition

Examples of Cause And Effect Essay Introduction

Example 1:

Example 3:

Conclusion:

10.8 Cause and Effect

The Purpose of Cause and Effect in Writing

The Structure of a Cause-and-Effect Essay

Writing a Cause-and-Effect Essay

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How To Write A Cause And Effect Essay: Topics, Structure, Examples

What is a Cause and Effect Essay: Unique Characteristics from Other Essays

Different Types of Cause and Effect Essay Structure

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Cause and Effect Essay Outline

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How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Choose a Topic

Step 2: Conduct Research

Step 3: Develop a Thesis Statement

Step 4: Create an Outline

Step 5: Write the Introduction

Step 6: Write the Body Paragraphs

Step 7: Write the Conclusion

Step 8: Proofread and Edit

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