cause and effect thesis statement

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Cause and Effect Thesis Statement

A cause and effect thesis statement comprises a sentence or a couple of sentences. It states the main idea، focusing on the cause and effect. relationship

What is Cause and Effect Thesis Statement

Table of Contents

A cause and effect thesis statement comprises a sentence or a couple of sentences. It states the main idea or argument of the essay and focuses on the cause and effect relationship between two or more events, actions, or phenomena. It also explains how one factor influences or leads to another.

It presents the overall purpose and direction of the essay . It indicates that the essay is going to examine the causes of a specific event or phenomenon and discuss the effects or consequences resulting from that event or phenomenon.

How to Write Cause and Effect Thesis Statement

Every thesis statement has its own specific tips for writing. Here are some steps to follow to write a cause and effect thesis stateme nt.

It must be kept in mind that these steps are only for illustrative purposes and not definition ones. Every person has his/her own individual approach to writing a thesis statement. You can adapt the steps and examples that suit your specific essay topic and content.

Parts of Cause and Effect Thesis Statement

Types of cause and effect thesis statements, examples of cause and effect thesis statement.

It must be noted that the revised and edited thesis statements aim to provide more specific and focused cause-and-effect relationships.

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WRITE A THESIS STATEMENT FOR A CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY

If you are a student at college or university, you know that there are certain particularities in formulating a cause and effect essay thesis statement. But, it can be a real challenge for one to understand the essence of that phrase. Or, even if you do so, on practice, things may go differently. Many students are sweating over the issue of how to express their main thought, show the relevance of the subject matter, and engage the reader by only one sentence. And, since we are talking about a cause-effect assignment, we should remember about meeting its purpose as well. This way, the thesis statement should also reflect the interdependence of events or phenomena that you are going to discuss and, what's important, prove throughout the writing.

In this article, we will dwell on the role of the thesis statement in the process of writing this specific type of essay. In our guide, we will discuss the main features of a strong thesis and provide you with several examples. With our recommendations, you can be confident in the highest rate for your writing assignment.

But first things first, and let us remind ourselves of the general definition of the thesis statement. It is your one main idea, a central claim of an academic paper you are working on. In cause-effect writing, this statement establishes an interconnection between a phenomenon or event and its effects. Or, it can highlight the interdependence of consequences and their reasons. Through a solid thesis statement, you clarify that the impact (effects) you focus on have particular sources (causes), or you show that the subject of the text may develop and result in a certain way and have specific outcomes. To illustrate the theory, let us consider one particular phenomenon. For instance, you have to write an essay on drug addiction. Here, a good thesis statement will claim that this issue is a cause of various problems in society. You will have to gather reliable information to prove your point. Then, the task is to arrange the details that clear any "what if's." Or, you can emphasize certain aspects of our lives that can lead to drug addiction.

Core Idea of Cause and Effect Statements

Let's recall the major aspect of thesis statement development. Are there any formal criteria that you will need to meet for preparing a relevant and clear main idea? Well, there are. Your thesis statement needs to:

Be precise and coherent. That should be a message which you can develop and support throughout the text.
Show an interconnection between one cause and its effects or one effect and its causes.
Be well-organized(one sentence long). The reader should be able to understand the focus of your writing from one phrase.
Be academically arguable. There should be space for the discussion - you cannot just provide obvious things in your topic sentence.

Now, you have recalled the specifics and requirements you need to meet for formulating a sound idea. But, applying theoretical knowledge in practice is, in many perspectives, quite a challenging task. Below, we would like to offer you several examples of good thesis statements for effect and cause assignment.

Examples of Statements for Cause and Effect Writings

Look through the following essay ideas. With the help of those, you can formulate a perfect statement for a cause-effect assignment and decide what the crucial message of your assignment will look like.

We have developed six thesis statements that are focused on different issues. Some of them emphasize the consequences, and others show the reasons for a certain phenomenon development.

There can be other claims made about various subjects, their effects, or causes - that's all about your imagination, academic specialty, and professor's requirements. But the main idea should become clear to you through these thesis statement examples. The crucial message of your essay ought to be based on a relation of a cause to its effects or vice versa. The discussion of such relationships can be conducted through different strategies, and the major thing to remember is providing relevant and trustworthy evidence. Your thesis should be academically provable through various research, experiment, and other studies. Otherwise, the entire paper cannot be assessed well.

Hopefully, this has made things a bit clearer to you. Creating a good cause and effect thesis statement is a fundamental stage of any academic writing. Without formulating such a statement, you will hardly be able to come up with a relevant assignment. The quality of that one sentence is also a significant point for grading rubrics for your essay. So, you cannot just fail at this stage.

Topics to Consider

Also, we would like to offer a few cause and effect topics for your assignment. If you don't know how to formulate a central statement for your essay, look through the prompts below - may be, some of them will inspire you to come up with a brilliant idea or theory that you are ready to prove.

Bulling in school causes mental issues in children.
Today's industries' philisophy ruins the reasonable perception of real beauty.
Video-games are the reason for aggressive behavior in children and teenagers.
The development of online marketplaces makes it easy to deceive customers.
Low moral principles cause homelessness in the country.

If you still doubt, don't forget that we are always online to lend you a helping hand. On WayWriting.com, you can cooperate with experts who know how to prepare the best thesis for a cause-effect essay and can provide you with professional academic assistance you deserve.

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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.

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6.6: Cause and Effect

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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

Exercise \(\PageIndex{1}\)

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.

Exercise \(\PageIndex{2}\)

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.

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 \(\PageIndex{1}\): “Phrases of Causation” for examples of such terms.

Table \(\PageIndex{1}\): 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.

Exercise \(\PageIndex{3}\)

Writing a Cause-and-Effect Essay

Effects of Video Game Addiction

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.

Online Cause-and-Effective Essay Alternatives

Lawrence Otis Graham examines racism, and whether it has changed since the 1970s, in The “Black Table” Is Still There :

http://scremeens.googlepages.com/TheBlackTableessay.rtf

Robin Tolmach Lakoff discusses the power of language to dehumanize in From Ancient Greece to Iraq: The Power of Words in Wartime :

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/18/science/essay-from-ancient-greece-to-iraq-the-power-of-words-in-wartime.html

Alan Weisman examines the human impact on the planet and its effects in Earth without People :

http://discovermagazine.com/2005/feb/earth-without-people

Exercise \(\PageIndex{4}\)

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 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.

Cause and Effect in Writing for Success by University of Minnesota is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 unless where otherwise noted.

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!

Cause and Effect Essay Sample

Be sure to check the sample essay, completed by our writers. Use it as an example to write your own cause and effect essay. Link: Cause and effect essay sample: Advertising ethic issues .

Tips and Common Mistakes from Our Expert Writers

Check out Handmadewriting paper writing Guide to learn more about academic writing!

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Chapter 10 Rhetorical Modes

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

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.

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.

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

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 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.
Successful Writing. Authored by : Anonymous. Provided by : Anonymous. Located at : http://2012books.lardbucket.org/books/successful-writing/ . License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike

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Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements

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Tips for Writing Your Thesis Statement

1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing:

An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.
An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.
An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.

If you are writing a text that does not fall under these three categories (e.g., a narrative), a thesis statement somewhere in the first paragraph could still be helpful to your reader.

2. Your thesis statement should be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and should be supported with specific evidence.

3. The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper.

4. Your topic may change as you write, so you may need to revise your thesis statement to reflect exactly what you have discussed in the paper.

Thesis Statement Examples

Example of an analytical thesis statement:

The paper that follows should:

Explain the analysis of the college admission process
Explain the challenge facing admissions counselors

Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement:

Explain how students spend their time studying, attending class, and socializing with peers

Example of an argumentative thesis statement:

Present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college

college writing help

Composing a good thesis statement for a cause and effect essay.

While it may only be one or two sentences, the thesis statement of any paper is an absolutely vital part of that paper. And, it is especially important in a cause and effect essay, as the rest of the paper follows from it. This informative article will explain to you how to compose a great thesis statement for a cause and effect essay.

What is a cause and effect essay?

Obviously, it’s always important to know what you need to do before you try to do it. Therefore, you should learn a bit about cause and effect essays before you start working on yours. This type of paper is a formal academic work in which you’re supposed to describe an event (the cause) and the results of that event (the effect). In addition, you’re expected to support your point of view by providing supporting facts and examples. If you decide that you still need some more information on the topic, you can read a decent book about academic writing, or look on a reputable website online.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement (also called the hypothesis) is a sentence that gives a very short summary of the main point of the paper. It may be in the form of two sentences, or even a question, depending on the type of paper. The hypothesis is usually the last sentence of the introduction, and it helps explain to the reader exactly what the rest of the paper will be about.

How do you write a thesis statement?

In order to write your thesis statement, you need to know what the topic of your cause and effect essay is. When you have your topic, you need to take the causes and the effects and condense them into one concise sentence. This basically means that you need to state that A resulted in B. Once you’ve written that sentence, you need to refine it as much as possible. Once you’re satisfied with it, you’ll have your hypothesis.

What are the characteristics of a good thesis statement?

Now that you know how to compose your hypothesis, you need to be aware of the characteristics of a good hypothesis to ensure that yours is good. A good hypothesis has three main characteristics. Firstly, in this case, it is your opinion, so express it boldly. Secondly, it must be clear and concise. Thirdly, it should only contain one main idea. If you stick to these characteristics, you’ll have an excellent hypothesis.

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5.8 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

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.

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 5.8 “Phrases of Causation” below for examples of such terms.

Table 5.8 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.

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.

Writing a Cause-and-Effect Essay

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 Appendix B: Examples of Essays to read a sample cause-and-effect essay.

Choose one of the ideas you outlined in Exercise 2 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.

Putting the Pieces Together Copyright © 2020 by Andrew Stracuzzi and André Cormier is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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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.

Cause and Effect

Wanda M. Waller

Student Learning Outcomes

Identify causes and effects (cause-and-effect relationships of various events, decisions, or conditions)
Apply an effective arrangement of introduction, body, and conclusion for a cause-and-effect essay
Create a cause-and-effect essay

Introduction to Cause and Effect

What is cause and effect.

The cause-and-effect essay is a form of argumentation that details the reasons for (causes) and the outcomes of (effects) an event, condition, or decision. The purpose of the cause-and-effect essay is to determine how various phenomena relate. This essay is an attempt to discover either the origins of something, such as an event or a decision, the effects or results that can be properly attributed to it, or both. Sometimes the connection between cause and effect is clear, but often, determining the exact relationship between the two is challenging. For example, a single cause can produce many different effects, or a single effect may have several causes. A cause-effect essay can do one of two things:

It can analyze the ways in which one or more effects result from a particular cause.
It can analyze the ways in which one or more causes lead to a particular effect.

In other words, your essay may focus more on the effects of a cause or more on the causes of one effect. Either approach provides a useful means of discussing the possible relationship between the two events. However, in cause-effect essays, it is easy to suggest that because one event preceded another event, the former event caused the latter. Simply because one event follows another one sequentially does not mean that the two actions are related. Similar to argumentation (see the chapter on Argument), the cause-and-effect essay attempts to advance knowledge and ideas with reason and support.

What Is Cause and Effect?

Watch the following video on “Homelessness in America” to share your thoughts on possible causes and effects. (You can also watch it directly on YouTube. ) Closed captioning is available and can be enabled using the player controls.

Self-Assessment

What causes are discussed in the video link? What effects?

Identify other causes and effects of homelessness in America.

Structure of a Cause-and-Effect Essay

Organization.

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.

Introduction

The cause-and-effect essay opens with an introduction that provides appropriate background to inform the reader about the topic and establish a clear purpose for exploring the causes and effects. Include information on why your topic is significant, who or what it involves, and where, when, or how often the situation occurs. The introduction includes the thesis statement that states the main cause , main effect, or various causes and effects of a condition or event.

Thesis Statement

The thesis statement explains the main idea of the essay, whether the essay will focus on causes, effects, or both. Your thesis statement can highlight a single cause-and-effect relationship, or it can also show how one event causes multiple effects. You can also explore how a phenomenon has multiple causes.

Body Paragraphs and Supporting Details

Each body paragraph begins with a topic sentence that indicates which cause or effect the paragraph will discuss. Every paragraph explores a different facet of the relationship between the topic and its causes or effects. Link the causes and effects by providing evidence and explaining why the cause or effect has a relationship to the main topic. Include examples, experiences, or personal knowledge to convince your reader that certain causes or effects are creditable. The following words and phrases will assist in linking ideas, moving your essay forward, and improving readability:

Words That Link and Advance Ideas

Because Since Affects

As a result Therefore Results in

Due to Hence Leads to

Consequently Thus Accordingly

The conclusion reinforces the thesis by summarizing the most significant causes or effects from the body paragraphs. It reminds the reader why the topic is important by emphasizing the connections discussed in the cause-effect relationship. Avoid introducing new causes or effects in your conclusion.

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. Contributory causes, for example, are secondary circumstances that produce actions, events, or conditions. However, contributory causes alone cannot cause the action, event, or condition to occur. 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).

Professional Writing Example: “Misinformation and Biases Infect Social Media, Both Intentionally and Accidentally”

Giovanni Luca Ciampaglia and Filippo Menczer

Giovanni Luca Ciampaglia is an Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of South Florida. Filippo Menczer is a Professor of Computer Science and Informatics and the Director of the Center for Complex Networks and Systems Research at Indiana University. This article originally appeared in The Conversation .

Misinformation and Biases Infect Social Media, Both Intentionally and Accidentally

Social media are among the primary sources of news in the U.S. and across the world. Yet users are exposed to content of questionable accuracy, including conspiracy theories , clickbait , hyperpartisan content , pseudoscience, and even fabricated “fake news” reports .

It’s not surprising that there’s so much disinformation published: Spam and online fraud are lucrative for criminals , and government and political propaganda yield both partisan and financial benefits . But the fact that low-credibility content spreads so quickly and easily suggests that people and the algorithms behind social media platforms are vulnerable to manipulation.

Explaining the tools developed at the Observatory on Social Media.

Our research has identified three types of bias that make the social media ecosystem vulnerable to both intentional and accidental misinformation. That is why our Observatory on Social Media at Indiana University is building tools to help people become aware of these biases and protect themselves from outside influences designed to exploit them.

Bias in the brain

Cognitive biases originate in the way the brain processes the information that every person encounters every day. The brain can deal with only a finite amount of information, and too many incoming stimuli can cause information overload . That in itself has serious implications for the quality of information on social media. We have found that steep competition for users’ limited attention means that some ideas go viral despite their low quality — even when people prefer to share high-quality content .

To avoid getting overwhelmed, the brain uses a number of tricks . These methods are usually effective, but may also become biases when applied in the wrong contexts.

One cognitive shortcut happens when a person is deciding whether to share a story that appears on their social media feed. People are very affected by the emotional connotations of a headline , even though that’s not a good indicator of an article’s accuracy. Much more important is who wrote the piece .

To counter this bias, and help people pay more attention to the source of a claim before sharing it, we developed Fakey , a mobile news literacy game (free on Android and iOS ) simulating a typical social media news feed, with a mix of news articles from mainstream and low-credibility sources. Players get more points for sharing news from reliable sources and flagging suspicious content for fact-checking. In the process, they learn to recognize signals of source credibility, such as hyperpartisan claims and emotionally charged headlines.

Bias in society

Another source of bias comes from society. When people connect directly with their peers, the social biases that guide their selection of friends come to influence the information they see.

In fact, in our research we have found that it is possible to determine the political leanings of a Twitter user by simply looking at the partisan preferences of their friends. Our analysis of the structure of these partisan communication networks found social networks are particularly efficient at disseminating information—accurate or not—when they are closely tied together and disconnected from other parts of society .

The tendency to evaluate information more favorably if it comes from within their own social circles creates “ echo chambers ” that are ripe for manipulation, either consciously or unintentionally. This helps explain why so many online conversations devolve into “us versus them” confrontations .

To study how the structure of online social networks makes users vulnerable to disinformation, we built Hoaxy , a system that tracks and visualizes the spread of content from low-credibility sources, and how it competes with fact-checking content. Our analysis of the data collected by Hoaxy during the 2016 U.S. presidential elections shows that Twitter accounts that shared misinformation were almost completely cut off from the corrections made by the fact-checkers.

When we drilled down on the misinformation-spreading accounts, we found a very dense core group of accounts retweeting each other almost exclusively—including several bots. The only times that fact-checking organizations were ever quoted or mentioned by the users in the misinformed group were when questioning their legitimacy or claiming the opposite of what they wrote.

Bias in the machine

The third group of biases arises directly from the algorithms used to determine what people see online. Both social media platforms and search engines employ them. These personalization technologies are designed to select only the most engaging and relevant content for each individual user. But in doing so, it may end up reinforcing the cognitive and social biases of users, thus making them even more vulnerable to manipulation.

For instance, the detailed advertising tools built into many social media platforms let disinformation campaigners exploit confirmation bias by tailoring messages to people who are already inclined to believe them.

Also, if a user often clicks on Facebook links from a particular news source, Facebook will tend to show that person more of that site’s content . This so-called “ filter bubble ” effect may isolate people from diverse perspectives, strengthening confirmation bias.

Our own research shows that social media platforms expose users to a less diverse set of sources than do non-social media sites like Wikipedia. Because this is at the level of a whole platform, not of a single user, we call this the homogeneity bias .

Another important ingredient of social media is information that is trending on the platform, according to what is getting the most clicks. We call this popularity bias , because we have found that an algorithm designed to promote popular content may negatively affect the overall quality of information on the platform. This also feeds into existing cognitive bias, reinforcing what appears to be popular irrespective of its quality.

All these algorithmic biases can be manipulated by social bots , computer programs that interact with humans through social media accounts. Most social bots, like Twitter’s Big Ben , are harmless. However, some conceal their real nature and are used for malicious intents, such as boosting disinformation or falsely creating the appearance of a grassroots movement , also called “astroturfing.” We found evidence of this type of manipulation in the run-up to the 2010 U.S. midterm election.

To study these manipulation strategies, we developed a tool to detect social bots called Botometer . Botometer uses machine learning to detect bot accounts, by inspecting thousands of different features of Twitter accounts, like the times of its posts, how often it tweets, and the accounts it follows and retweets. It is not perfect, but it has revealed that as many as 15 percent of Twitter accounts show signs of being bots .

Using Botometer in conjunction with Hoaxy, we analyzed the core of the misinformation network during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign. We found many bots exploiting both the cognitive, confirmation and popularity biases of their victims and Twitter’s algorithmic biases.

These bots are able to construct filter bubbles around vulnerable users, feeding them false claims and misinformation. First, they can attract the attention of human users who support a particular candidate by tweeting that candidate’s hashtags or by mentioning and retweeting the person. Then the bots can amplify false claims smearing opponents by retweeting articles from low-credibility sources that match certain keywords. This activity also makes the algorithm highlight for other users false stories that are being shared widely.

Understanding complex vulnerabilities

Even as our research, and others’, shows how individuals, institutions and even entire societies can be manipulated on social media, there are many questions left to answer. It’s especially important to discover how these different biases interact with each other, potentially creating more complex vulnerabilities.

Tools like ours offer internet users more information about disinformation, and therefore some degree of protection from its harms. The solutions will not likely be only technological , though there will probably be some technical aspects to them. But they must take into account the cognitive and social aspects of the problem.

Editor’s note: This article was updated on Jan. 10, 2019, to replace a link to a study that had been retracted. The text of the article is still accurate, and remains unchanged.

Misinformation and Biases Infect Social Media, Both Intentionally and Accidentally by Giovanni Luca Ciampaglia and Filippo Menczer is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License .

Discussion Questions

What are the major causes that make social media vulnerable to misinformation?
What are the major effects?
Do the examples used in the essay show a causal relationship to the topic? Explain your answers using specific details from the essay.
Are the examples used in the essay convincing or persuasive? Explain.
Do the authors expose new ideas or knowledge on this topic? Explain why or why not.

Student Writing Example

Effects of video game addiction.

Video game addiction 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.

Regardless of the severity of the addiction, many of the same effects will be experienced by all.

What are the major causes discussed in this essay?
Do the examples used in the essay show a causal relationship to the topic? Explain your answer using specific details from the essay.
Does the writer expose new ideas or knowledge on this topic? Why or why not?

What societal or personal issues/experiences have you observed and considered possible causes or effects?

What organizational structure would be best for the topic you are considering?

What is the relationship between your causes and effects?

Contributory causes
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.

Reflective Response

Reflect on your writing process for the cause-and-effect essay. What was the most challenging? What was the easiest?

Additional Chapter Sources

“The 10 Most Homeless Cities in America” by Nicholas Johnson was posted on YouTube on March 20, 2020. Licensed under a YouTube standard license .

“Misinformation and Biases Infect Social Media, Both Intentionally and Accidentally” by Giovanni Luca Ciampaglia and Filippo Menczer is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License .

A cause is something that produces an action, event, or condition.

An effect is what results from an action, event, or condition.

The primary cause that produces an action, event, or condition. The main clause requires critical evaluation as it may or may not be immediately obvious.

Contributory Causes are secondary circumstances that produce actions, events, or conditions. However, contributory causes alone cannot cause the action, event, or condition to occur.

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How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay: Full Guide

Ever wondered how things are connected in our world? Think of the butterfly effect—where a butterfly's wings in Brazil can set off a tornado in Texas. It's a quirky idea, but it shows how events are intertwined. Writing a cause and effect essay is like unraveling these connections, connecting the dots to reveal how things influence each other and shape our experiences.

In this guide, experts from our paper writing service will explore the concept of causality and share practical tips for creating great cause and effect essays. These essays won't just provide information—they'll leave a lasting impression on your readers.

What Is a Cause and Effect Essay

A cause and effect essay is a form of writing that aims to explore and explain the relationships between different events, actions, or circumstances. The central idea is to investigate why certain things happen (causes) and what results from those occurrences (effects). It's like peeling back the layers to reveal the interconnectedness of events, understanding the domino effect in the narrative of life.

Here's a breakdown of the key components:

Causes: These are the factors or events that initiate a particular situation. They are the reasons behind why something occurs. For instance, if you're exploring the cause of obesity, factors like unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity could be identified as causes.
Effects: The effects are the outcomes or consequences that result from the identified causes. Following the obesity example, effects could include health issues, reduced quality of life, or increased healthcare costs.
Connection: The heart of a cause and effect essay lies in demonstrating the link between causes and effects. It's not just about listing events but explaining how one event leads to another in a logical and coherent manner.

When crafting such an essay, you're essentially acting as a storyteller and investigator rolled into one. Your goal is to guide the reader through the web of interconnected events, providing insights into the 'why' and 'what happens next.'

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay with Easy Steps

Understanding how to write a cause and effect essay is like putting together a puzzle. Here are ten simple steps to help you write an engaging essay that looks into how things are connected.

1. Select a Specific Topic

Choose a cause and effect relationship that sparks your interest.
Ensure your topic is focused and manageable for a thorough exploration.

2. Explore Causal Links

Conduct thorough research to uncover hidden connections and supporting evidence.
Look beyond the obvious to identify intricate relationships between causes and effects.

3. Craft a Clear Thesis Statement

Develop a precise thesis that clearly articulates the main cause and the resulting effects.
Your thesis serves as the roadmap for your essay, guiding readers through your analysis.

4. Organize Chronologically or by Significance

Structure your essay in a logical order, either chronologically or by the significance of events.
This organization enhances clarity and helps readers follow the cause-and-effect progression.

5. Utilize Transitional Phrases

Employ transition words and phrases to ensure seamless flow between causes and effects.
Clear transitions enhance readability and strengthen the coherence of your essay.

6. Support Arguments with Credible Evidence

Back up your claims with relevant data, examples, and statistics.
Strong evidence adds credibility to your analysis and reinforces the cause-and-effect relationships you present.

7. Illustrate Chain Reactions

Show how a single cause can trigger a chain of effects, and vice versa.
Illustrate the ripple effects to emphasize the complexity of the relationships.

8. Analyze Root Causes

Move beyond surface-level explanations and explore the underlying factors contributing to the cause-and-effect scenario.
Deep analysis adds depth and nuance to your essay.

9. Consider Alternative Causes

Address potential counterarguments to showcase a comprehensive understanding.
Acknowledging alternative causes strengthens your essay's overall credibility.

10. Conclude with Impact

Summarize key points and emphasize the broader significance of your analysis.
Leave your readers with a thought-provoking conclusion that ties together the cause-and-effect relationships explored in your essay.

Cause and Effect Essay Structure Types

When setting up your essay, you can choose from different structures to make it organized. Let's look at two common types of cause and effect essay structures:

Block Structure:

The block structure is a clear and organized way to present causes and effects in your essay. Here, you dedicate one section to discussing all the causes, covering multiple causes within each category. After that, you have another section to explore all the effects. This separation makes your ideas easy to understand.

Using the block structure allows you to dive deep into each category, thoroughly looking at causes and effects separately. It's handy when you want to give a detailed analysis and show the importance of each part of the causal relationship. This way, readers can fully grasp each element before moving on.

Chain Structure:

On the other hand, the chain structure focuses on how events are connected and create ripple effects. It highlights how one cause leads to a specific effect, and that effect becomes the cause of more effects in an ongoing chain. This method is potent for illustrating the complexity of causal relationships.

The chain structure works well when you want to emphasize the sequence of events or deal with intricate cause-and-effect scenarios. It allows you to show how actions trigger a series of reactions, displaying the domino effect that leads to a specific 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 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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Cause and Effect Essay Topics

Choosing a good topic starts with recognizing cause and effect key words. Here are 10 interesting topics that let you dig into fascinating connections and their important consequences:

The Relationship Between Lack of Exercise and Mental Health in Older Adults
Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Workplace Productivity
The Impact of Cyberbullying on Adolescents' Emotional Well-being
Influence of Social Media Advertising on Consumer Purchasing Decisions
Consequences of Oil Spills on Coastal Ecosystems
How Noise Pollution Affects Concentration and Academic Performance in Schools
The Connection Between Fast-Food Marketing and Childhood Obesity
Effects of Urbanization on Water Quality in Local Rivers
The Relationship Between Indoor Plants and Air Quality in Homes
Impact of Plastic Pollution on Wildlife in Urban Environments
The Effect of Meditation on Stress Reduction in College Students
How Increased Screen Time Affects Teenagers' Attention Span
The Impact of Single-Use Plastics on Marine Microorganisms
The Relationship Between Smartphone Use and Sleep Quality in Adults
Effects of High-Fructose Corn Syrup on Metabolic Health
The Consequences of Deforestation on Local Biodiversity
Influence of Social Media Comparison on Body Dissatisfaction in Adolescents
The Connection Between Air Pollution and Respiratory Health in Urban Areas
Effects of Excessive Gaming on Academic Performance in High School Students
The Impact of Fast Food Consumption on Childhood Obesity Rates

Final Words

Knowing what a cause and effect essay is and how to write it helps you uncover connections in different topics. With this guide, you can share your ideas in a clear and impactful way.

Meanwhile, if you're in need of 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.

Let's Turn Those 'What Ifs' into 'A+ Ifs'!

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Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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Chapter 4: What Are You Writing, to Whom, and How?

4.9 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 may 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, 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.

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 is 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 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 words and phrases that denote such linkage. See below Phrases of Causation 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.

Self-Practice Exercise 4.8

H5P: Cause and Effect Writing Practice

Exercise Preamble

In this exercise, we will think through the steps of a cause and effect essay. This can be tricky. We’ll start by choosing a topic. You want to pick something you know enough about to make claims about the relationships between cause and effect. For this in-class exercise, there’s no need to do external research, but remember that in a more formal assignment, you’ll want to have good sources for all your claims and to avoid speculation.

Some areas where cause and effect thinking is common include:

Health and nutrition

For example, you might write a cause and effect essay about whether violent video games cause children to act out, or whether universal basic income programs cause people to live more stable lives. Choose something you can argue from a position of confidence.

Set a timer and freewrite for five minutes about the topic you have chosen.

Can you identify a potential thesis statement from your freewriting? Remember: 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. In other words, you don’t need to claim the only cause or effect — we know that ideas are complex.

Organizing Your Draft

Which makes the most sense for what you are trying to argue in your thesis statement?

Using point form, sketch out the structure of your essay: how many paragraphs, what will each one focus on, and how will you support it?

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 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 Appendix 1: Readings: Examples of Essays to read a sample cause and effect essay.

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 to signal links between various elements in the essay.

Essay 1: Expository essay (15%)

In week 7, you will need to submit an expository essay on one of the following topics. Consider these topics as you work through the rest of this chapter and the next. You will need to choose one topic from one of the rhetorical modes below and write a 750- to 900-word essay. You will need to produce a logically organized essay with a thesis statement, well developed and logically organized paragraphs (with topic sentences), and an introduction and conclusion. You will need to support your ideas using one to three sources and include an APA reference list and citations as outlined in the JIBC APA Style Guide. You need to also demonstrate appropriate use of grammar and correct spelling. Remember, your essay should not just be a story; it should demonstrate logical organization and idea development.

Choose any one of the exercises you have completed for Self-Practice 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, or 4.9 and develop it into your Expository Essay. Consult with your instructor or your classmates if you are having a hard time deciding which activity to develop further.

You need to submit this assignment to your instructor for marking . (15%)

Writing for Success - 1st Canadian H5P Edition Copyright © 2021 by Tara Horkoff 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 Outline

How to Create a Cause and Effect Outline - An Easy Guide

10 min read

What is a Cause and Effect Essay Outline?

A cause and effect essay outline is a detailed plan of action that students follow throughout the writing process. It is the key factor in writing a successful essay as it provides help in the following ways:

It is used to organize thoughts logically.
It makes the writing process easier and saves enough time to proofread.
It helps the writer concentrate on the main points that need to be described in the essay.

It is not required to write full sentences at this step. Instead, state the ideas and structure them in the right order.

Furthermore, it is important to choose a unique topic before developing an outline. Check out our compiled list of good cause and effect essay topics to grab the reader’s interest.

Cause and Effect Essay Outline Format

Cause and effect essay outline generally follows a five-paragraph format. However, the number of body paragraphs may vary according to the topic and scope of the essay. Typically, the cause and effect essay layout contains an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Here is the complete outline format structure of a cause and effect writing:

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How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay Outline?

Follow the steps below to write an effective cause and effect essay outline.

Introduction
Body paragraphs
Antithesis paragraph

The following is a detailed description of the steps to writing an outline.

Step 1: Cause and Effect Essay Introduction

The introduction is the first section written to give an idea of what your essay is about. It provides background information about the topic under discussion. Similarly, it also discusses the issues and focus of the essay’s main argument, along with its purpose.

Thus, try to give a general idea to the reader with the help of a thesis statement . It is crucial to emphasize how and why the chosen event is relevant to modern life.

For example, if you are writing about the Cold War, state how it is still apparent in global politics.

Furthermore, the essay introduction paragraph includes the following elements.

Start With an Attention Grabber

Start your essay with a relevant, attention-grabbing hook statement. It can be in the form of a sentence, quote, anecdote, rhetorical question, or fact. The primary purpose of such a hook is to attract the audience at the beginning of the paper.

Basic Background Information

Mention some background information on the topic to get a clear picture. It will help readers understand the event and connect with the major argument. Similarly, this element is also used to understand the cause and effect before you start writing.

Thesis Statement

It is the central element while writing an introduction. Its absence will indicate that the essay lacks a focus. It is a statement of 1-2 sentences that briefly describes the major argument of the essay.

Moreover, a writer needs to discuss this idea through all the body paragraphs. Thus, make sure to craft a strong thesis statement that correlates with the outline.

Step 2: Cause and Effect Essay Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs provide enough details and facts about the causes that led to the effects.

Begin with topic sentences that indicate the first cause or effect of your topic. Also, brainstorm to describe their importance.
Each paragraph should discuss a single cause and a single effect. Furthermore, the information must be organized in chronological or reverse order.
Moreover, it is better to start the body paragraphs by describing causes and presenting the effects later. Analyze both the elements by explaining how and why an effect influenced the events or actions. Make sure that the content relates to the thesis statement and the overall topic.
Use transitional words to connect the ideas and give relevant examples. Most writers made a common mistake of adding weak and unconvincing causes to reach the word count. As a result, it affects the essay’s credibility.
Discuss the below elements while writing the body of your cause and effect essay.

Description of the Cause

This part requires the writer to explain the current situation clearly. It will help the reader to understand the primary argument. Thus, it is important to describe the situation in a way that prepares the reader for effect.

For example, if you are writing about the loss of privacy, that will lead to individual freedom. The focus should be on the technologies that affect freedom.

Description of the Effect

It explains to the reader the logical steps that move from cause to effect. It focuses on explaining what the multiple effects are and how we move from cause to effect.

Following the above example, the writer will explain the connection between privacy and freedom.

Explain the Cause and Effect Relationship

Here, a writer must discuss the importance of the findings. It is used to describe the short and long-term results of the effects. Also, suggest the recommendations to tackle the situation along with future prospects.

Step 3: Cause and Effect Essay Antithesis Paragraph

This paragraph will discuss the other side of the issue by identifying the major causes and effects. Also, explain the causes behind choosing a topic and how it will be relevant to modern life.

This way, you can show the logic behind the occurrence of the two variables and their possible causes and effects.

Step 4: Cause and Effect Essay Conclusion

The conclusion paragraph aims to provide a brief summary of your essay. Thus, it should leave the audience with the feeling of completeness and make a final emphasis on the major ideas.

This section requires the writer to show how their perspective of the issue has changed by the following analysis. Also, it should further describe the positive and negative effects of the situation.

The conclusion includes the elements discussed below:

Restate the Thesis Statement

Write a few sentences that connect the body paragraphs with the thesis statement. It must also indicate how this statement has helped in proving the main argument of the essay.

Remind the Audience about the Main Points

Here you describe your general outline in strong and precise sentences. Avoid adding any new information. In case you are writing about a major event that influenced the world, such as global warming.

You should write a call to action and suggest what necessary steps need to be taken to overcome the issue.

Draft a Concluding Sentence

Like a convincing introduction; the conclusion should be catchy and compelling as well. Thus, pay attention to this section while writing a college or university essay.

Describe the research outcomes, along with the importance of the essay’s arguments.

Lastly, check out the examples available online. Consider the structure and vocabulary used by most authors to write a cause and effect essay conclusion.

Refer to the example below to better understand writing a cause and effect essay.

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay Outline – Example

Cause and Effect Essay Outline Examples

Below are the cause and effect outline examples and samples for you to understand better.

Cause and Effect Essay Outline Template

5 Paragraph Cause and Effect Essay Outline

MLA Format Cause and Effect Essay Outline

Cause and Effect Essay Outline Sample

Cause and Effect Essay Outline on Divorce

Cause and Effect Essay Outline on Global Warming

Smoking Cause and Effect Essay Outline

Obesity Cause and Effect Essay Outline

Cause and Effect Essay Outline for College Students

Cause and Effect Essay Formal Outline

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To Sum it Up! This ultimate writing guide will help you write a perfect cause and effect paper outline.

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Keep reading

How to Write a Cause & Effect Essay: Examples, Outline, & Tips

You don’t need to be a nerd to understand the general idea behind cause and effect essays. Let’s see! If you skip a meal, you get hungry. And if you write an essay about it, your goal is achieved!

Cause & Effect: why something happens & what happens as a result.

However, following multiple rules of academic writing can be a tough task. But don’t worry; this guide can help you finish your cause and effect writing assignment on time and with little to no stress. By the end of this article by Custom-Writing.org experts, you will know the structure and variations of this essay type. Long story short, it’s a full guide on how to write a cause and effect essay (with examples!).

❓ What Is a Cause and Effect Essay?

✍️ how to write a cause and effect essay.

💡 Choose Your Topic
🎓 Create a Thesis Statement
📑 Outline Your Essay
📝 Develop the Paragraphs
👀 Essay Examples

🔗 References

A cause and effect essay’s main focus is to work through the relationship between two events . Specifically, it highlights how one event leads to the second one. The writing structure changes depending on the ratio of causes to effects that you choose. Read the examples below for more detail.

As mentioned, this article can be considered the ultimate guide to writing a perfect cause and effect essay. It consists of smooth and clear instructions with examples.

To write a cause & effect essay, you need to choose its topic, create a thesis, make an outline, and write the text.

First, it tells you how to choose a suitable topic. This is vital as it becomes the foundation for your essay.
Then, there is some information on how to choose the outline that is appropriate for your essay’s primary focus.
Finally, you will learn what language you should use to hit the best score! It concludes with a cause and effect essay sample, which you may use as an example.

💡 Choose Your Cause and Effect Essay Topic

In order to find a good topic for your cause and effect essay, you should choose what to focus on: the causes or the effects? Not only does the whole structure of your paper depend on it, but you also need to pick a suitable topic based on that decision. Let’s see how the topic would change depending on the focus.

Cause & Effect Essay Topics

How does noise pollution affect your physical and mental health?
What were the main reasons of the Great Depression?
What does a high sugar consumption do to our health?
The impact of social media on children’s mantal health.
Reasons and effect of gender segregation in the labor market.
What induces people to take drugs ?
The main reasons for parking shortage in big cities .
How can regular exercises add to our physical and mental wellbeing?
How did World War II affect social and political structure of the world?
The main factors that caused the global poverty.

🎓 Create a Cause and Effect Thesis Statement

The best cause and effect essays also have a well-prepared thesis statement . Generally, the thesis statement would point out your point of view and your essay’s main ideas. Here, however, you should also not forget to highlight whether the focus is on causes or effects. You can use a thesis statement generator for essay to speed up the creation process. For instance, this statement highlights the effects of daily walks, states that the author supports this idea, and presents one thing that causes three effects:

Walking for at least half an hour every day can bring numerous positive benefits for your health: it improves blood circulation, strengthens joints, and helps with weight loss.

📑 Outline Your Cause and Effect Essay

Like the topic, your cause and effect essay outline is affected by your writing focus. The structure depends on how many relations you choose to highlight. For instance, there may be only one leading cause or multiple. The same is with effects. Moreover, there is one additional type.

Many Causes, One Effect

In this kind of essay, you would focus on discussing as many related causes as you can think of. An additional advantage would be if you could select various causes from different areas. But remember to prove that they all lead to one effect.

This cause and effect essay structure reflects the general outline you are used to (remember that conclusion is usually a paraphrase of a thesis statement from the introduction).

Many Causes, One Effect Essay Outline Example

1. Introduction

1.1. Thesis statement: Bullying begins with personal desires or family issues and leads to increased numbers of suffering children.

2. Main body

2.1. Cause 1: Bullies want to be noticed.

2.2. Cause 2: They want to feel superior.

2.3. Cause 3: There are issues at home.

2.4. Effect: Many innocent kids become victims of bullying.

3. Conclusion

One Cause, Many Effects

The outline of this type of essay would look a lot like the previous one, except that the ratio of causes and effects is mirrored. You should be quite competent in the topic you’re working on to produce a quality essay.

One Cause, Many Effects Essay Outline Example

1.1. Thesis Statement: Overusing social media can lead to adverse psychological and emotional effects.

2.1. Cause: Spending too much time on social media, watching other users’ lives.

2.2. Effect 1: Users become more self-conscious about their appearance or quality of life.

2.3. Effect 2: It takes up time that could have been used for more useful activities.

2.3. Effect 3: Real-life relationships and other commitments suffer.

Cause-Effect Chain

It may be more challenging than the other essays. The structure of this type of writing reflects a chain reaction. The effect of the initial cause leads to another cause and effect cycle. You will need to be careful and very attentive in order to maintain the logical order.

1.1. Thesis Statement: Through the chain of causes and effects, it can be observed that the use of hair spray may lead to a global catastrophe.

2.1. Cause and effect chain #1: Chlorofluorocarbons were used to make hairsprays 50 years ago, but they are harmful to the ozone layer – some of them are still in the atmosphere ruining ozone molecules.

2.2. Cause and effect chain #2: Less ozone layer causes icebergs to melt faster.

2.3. Cause and effect chain #3. Melting ice causes the sea level to rise and flood the land.

📝 Develop Your Cause and Effect Paragraphs

Since we are talking about academic writing here, it’s essential to keep your language appropriate. The most commonly used word, in this case, is “because .” However, you shouldn’t overuse it.

There are quite a few ready-to-use phrases that are most suitable for this type of essay. Include these in your cause and effect paragraphs to make the transition between ideas smoother and your writing more coherent:

As a consequence, …
It leads to…
(The cause) results in / causes / influences (the effect)
The key factors are…
One of the results is…
The primary effect of (the cause) is…

Don’t forget to use sentence connectors, such as:

In addition
Furthermore
Consequently

After completing the first draft, you should proofread your writing and carefully check that there are no sentence fragments, like this:

Because I haven’t slept in two days before the exam.

Sometimes, rushing through the writing process may lead your thoughts astray, and you leave the ending of the sentence unfinished. However, it’s a severe mistake, so try to avoid it.

In addition, you should not mix the verb tenses. If you are describing a past event, stick to the past tense. Of course, it may depend on the situation. For instance, the present tense is used to talk about universal truth, while different tenses can be used for writing a report.

👀 Cause and Effect Essay Examples

We have gone step by step through the process of writing a good cause and effect essay. Now, finally, you can check out how it should look altogether. The following writing follows the template of the outline about bullying that we introduced earlier. It has all the necessary elements, such as the structure, vocabulary, and the thesis statement highlighted. It is a great example of a cause and effect essay, so go ahead and read it through!

Bullying in Schools (Cause & Effect Essay Sample)

Want more samples? We’ve got you covered! Here’s a bonus list of cause and effect essay examples.

Causes and Effects of Divorce
Causes and Effects of Drug Addiction
Sophocles’ Antigone: Cause & Effect Essay
Child Abuse and Health of Nation: Cause & Effect
Cause and Effect: Living with Pets Improves Their Owners’ Health
American Society Police Brutality Causes and Effects
Civil War in the US: Causes and Effects
Causes and Effects of Fast-Food Addiction
Diabetes: Causes and Effects of Disease
Tsunamis in Australia: Causes and Adverse Effects
Cause-and-effect | Definition of Cause-and-effect at Dictionary.com
Causes and Effects – Harvard Business Review
Cause and effect | Nature Methods
Cause and Effect – SAGE Research Methods
Cause and Effect in Epidemiology | SpringerLink
Patterns in the Landscape – Analyses of Cause and Effect
Cause and Effect Diagram – Clinical Excellence Commission
Explaining Causality – Academic Phrasebank
Cause and Effect Essay Examples (Your Dictionary)
Cause and Effect – Writing for Success
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Cause and Effect Essay Thesis Statement Examples
10 Examples Of Good Cause & Effect Essay Thesis Statements
How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay: 60 Topics + Hints •
The Thesis Statement In A Cause And Effect Essay Should
10 Examples Of Good Cause & Effect Essay Thesis Statements
How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay

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What should a thesis statement ideally be?
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What is thesis statement and example?
[Audio Causes and Effects] Unit 1_ Lesson 1_ Burke and Wills_Across Australia
Cause and effect essay
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Cause and Effect Thesis Statement
Learn how to write a clear and concise thesis statement that states the cause and effect relationship between two or more events, actions, or phenomena. Find out the parts, types, and examples of cause and effect thesis statements for different topics and essays.
Thesis Statement for Cause and Effect Essay
Learn the features and criteria of a strong thesis statement for a cause and effect essay. See examples of topics and claims that show the interconnection between causes and effects or effects and causes.
10.8 Cause and Effect
Learn how to write a cause-and-effect essay by determining the main cause, effect, or both of a condition or event. Find out how to organize, structure, and support your argument with evidence and phrases of causation.
4.3: Cause and Effect
Consider the causes and effects in the following thesis statements. List a cause and effect for each one on your own sheet of paper.
6.6: Cause and 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. Exercise 6.6.1 6.6. 1 Consider the causes and effects in the following thesis statements.
Cause and Effect Essay Outline: Types, Examples & Writing Tips
Cause #1. Cause #2. Cause #3 (and so on…) The effect of the causes. Conclusion. 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.
How to Write a Cause-and-Effect Essay
Learn the definition, purpose, and structure of a cause-and-effect essay, a form of argumentative writing that details the effect relationships between two subjects. Follow six steps to write a convincing and logical essay, from brainstorming topics to writing a conclusion.
10.8 Cause and Effect
Learn how to write a cause-and-effect essay by determining the main cause, effect, or both of a condition or event. See how to organize, structure, and support your argument with evidence and phrases of causation.
Creating a Thesis Statement, Thesis Statement Tips
Learn how to write a thesis statement for different kinds of papers, such as analytical, expository, and argumentative. Find out how to make your thesis statement specific, clear, and supported by evidence.
Writing A Proper Cause And Effect Essay Thesis Statement
While it may only be one or two sentences, the thesis statement of any paper is an absolutely vital part of that paper. And, it is especially important in a cause and effect essay, as the rest of the paper follows from it. This informative article will explain to you how to compose a great thesis statement for a cause and effect essay.
5.8 Cause and Effect
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 ...
Cause & 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. Sometimes the whole essay will be cause and effect, though ...
Cause and Effect
The thesis statement explains the main idea of the essay, whether the essay will focus on causes, effects, or both. Your thesis statement can highlight a single cause-and-effect relationship, or it can also show how one event causes multiple effects.
How to Write a Thesis Statement
Learn how to write a clear and concise thesis statement for your essay or research paper. Follow four simple steps: start with a question, write your initial answer, develop your answer, and refine your thesis statement.
A Step-by-Step Guide for Writing
Learn how to write a cause and effect essay with our comprehensive guide. Explore effective techniques, topic selection, and structuring for impactful writing!
PDF Cause and Effect
The cause and effect essay is an exploration of the reasons for or results of things or events. This type of essay can include both causes and effects, but generally contains only one of the two.
2 Cause and Effect Essay Examples That Will Cause a Stir
Causes? Effects? Both? Use these cause and effect essay examples to get your jumbled thoughts in order and onto paper by knowing exactly what to do.
Cause & Effect Essay
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. You may either concentrate on all causes, effects or a combination of both.
8 Cause and Effect Essay Examples to Help You Get Started
Got to write a cause and effect essay but don't know where to start? Here are free cause and effect essay examples you can learn from and get inspired by.
4.9 Cause and Effect
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.
Cause and Effect Essay Outline
A cause and effect essay requires the writer to analyze the causes and effects of an action. Read this guide to write a complete cause and effect essay outline.
How to Write a Cause & Effect Essay: Examples, Outline, & Tips
The best cause and effect essays also have a well-prepared thesis statement. Generally, the thesis statement would point out your point of view and your essay's main ideas.