cause and effect essays for college

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How to master the art of writing a successful cause and effect essay that captivates your readers and earns you top grades.

Are you intrigued by the interconnected nature of events and phenomena? Do you aspire to unravel the hidden threads that link causes to effects? Crafting a cause and outcome essay provides an excellent platform to explore and dissect these connections, allowing you to showcase your analytical skills and express your ideas with precision and clarity.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into the art of writing cause and outcome essays, equipping you with effective strategies, invaluable tips, and real-life examples that will help you master the craft. Whether you are a seasoned writer looking to enhance your skills or a beginner eager to embark on a new writing journey, this guide has got you covered.

Throughout this journey, we will navigate the intricate realm of cause and outcome relationships, examining how actions, events, and circumstances influence one another. We will explore the essential elements of a cause and outcome essay, honing in on the importance of a strong thesis statement, logical organization, and compelling evidence. By the end of this guide, you will possess the necessary tools to produce a captivating cause and outcome essay that engages your readers and leaves a lasting impact.

Tips for Writing a Cause and Effect Essay

When composing a paper that focuses on exploring the connections between actions and their consequences, there are several essential tips that can help you write a compelling cause and effect essay. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your essay is well-structured, clear, and effectively communicates your ideas.

By following these tips, you can enhance your ability to write a compelling cause and effect essay. Remember to analyze the causes and effects carefully, organize your ideas effectively, provide clear explanations, use transitional words, and proofread your essay to ensure a polished final piece of writing.

Understand the Purpose and Structure

One of the most important aspects of writing a cause and effect essay is understanding its purpose and structure. By understanding these key elements, you can effectively communicate the relationship between causes and effects, and present your argument in a clear and organized manner.

In a cause and effect essay, the purpose is to analyze the causes of a specific event or phenomenon and explain the effects that result from those causes. This type of essay is often used to explore the connections between different factors and to demonstrate how one event leads to another.

To structure your cause and effect essay, consider using a chronological or sequential order. Start by introducing the topic and providing some background information on the causes you will discuss. Then, present your thesis statement, which should clearly state your main argument or claim.

In the body paragraphs, discuss each cause or group of causes in a separate paragraph. Provide detailed explanations, examples, and evidence to support your claims. Make sure to use transitional words and phrases to guide the reader through your essay and to show the logical progression of causes and effects.

Finally, in the conclusion, summarize your main points and restate your thesis, reinforcing your overall argument. You can also discuss the broader implications of your analysis and suggest possible solutions or further research.

By understanding the purpose and structure of a cause and effect essay, you can effectively convey your ideas and arguments to your readers. This will help them follow your reasoning and see the connections between causes and effects, leading to a more convincing and impactful essay.

Choose a Topic

When embarking on the journey of writing a cause and effect essay, one of the first steps is to choose an engaging and relevant topic. The topic sets the foundation for the entire essay, determining the direction and scope of the content.

To select an effective topic, it is important to consider your interests, as well as the interests of your intended audience. Think about subjects that captivate you and inspire curiosity. Consider current events, personal experiences, or areas of study that pique your interest. By choosing a topic that you are genuinely passionate about, you will be more motivated to conduct thorough research and present compelling arguments.

Additionally, it is essential to select a topic that is relevant and meaningful. Identify an issue or phenomenon that has a clear cause-and-effect relationship, allowing you to explore the connections and consequences in depth. Look for topics that are timely and impactful, as this will ensure that your essay resonates with readers and addresses significant issues in society.

Moreover, a well-chosen topic should have enough depth and breadth to support a comprehensive analysis. Avoid selecting topics that are too broad or shallow, as this can make it challenging to delve into the causes and effects in a meaningful way. Narrow down your focus to a specific aspect or aspect of a broader topic to ensure that you have enough material to explore and analyze.

In conclusion, choosing a topic for your cause and effect essay is a critical step that will shape the entire writing process. By selecting a topic that aligns with your interests, is relevant and meaningful, and has enough depth and breadth, you will lay the foundation for a compelling and informative essay.

Conduct Thorough Research

Before diving into writing a cause and effect essay, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive research on the topic of your choice. This research phase will provide you with the necessary background information and context to develop a strong and well-supported essay.

During the research process, explore various sources such as books, academic journals, reputable websites, and credible news articles. Utilize synonyms for “research” like “investigate” or “explore” to keep your writing engaging and varied.

Avoid relying solely on a single source or biased information. Instead, strive to gather a variety of perspectives and data points that will enhance the credibility and validity of your essay.

Take notes as you research, highlighting key points, statistics, and quotes that you may want to include in your essay. Organize your findings in a clear and structured manner, making it easier to refer back to them as you begin writing.

Incorporating well-researched evidence and supporting examples into your cause and effect essay will lend credibility to your arguments, making them more persuasive and convincing. By conducting thorough research, you will be able to present a well-rounded and informed analysis of the topic you are writing about.

Create an Outline

One of the crucial steps in writing any type of essay, including cause and effect essays, is creating an outline. An outline helps to organize your thoughts and ideas before you start writing, ensuring that your essay has a clear and logical structure. In this section, we will discuss the importance of creating an outline and provide some tips on how to create an effective outline for your cause and effect essay.

When creating an outline, it is important to start with a clear understanding of the purpose and main points of your essay. Begin by identifying the main cause or event that you will be discussing, as well as its effects or consequences. This will serve as the foundation for your outline, allowing you to structure your essay in a logical and coherent manner.

Once you have identified the main cause and effects, it is time to organize your ideas into a clear and logical order. One effective way to do this is by using a table. Create a table with two columns, one for the cause and one for the effect. Then, list the main causes and effects in each column, using bullet points or short phrases. This will help you see the connections between the different causes and effects, making it easier to write your essay.

In addition to listing the main causes and effects, it is also important to include supporting details and examples in your outline. These can help to strengthen your argument and provide evidence for your claims. Include specific examples, facts, and statistics that support each cause and effect, and organize them under the relevant point in your outline.

Lastly, make sure to review and revise your outline before you start writing your essay. Check for any gaps in your logic or missing information, and make any necessary adjustments. Your outline should serve as a roadmap for your essay, guiding you through the writing process and ensuring that your essay is well-structured and coherent.

In conclusion, creating an outline is an essential step in writing a cause and effect essay. It helps to organize your thoughts and ideas, ensuring that your essay has a clear and logical structure. By identifying the main cause and effects, organizing your ideas into a table, including supporting details and examples, and reviewing your outline, you can create an effective outline that will guide you through the writing process.

Develop the Body Paragraphs

Once you have identified the main causes and effects of the topic you are writing about, it is time to develop your body paragraphs. In these paragraphs, you will present specific evidence and examples to support your claims. The body of your essay should be well-structured and focused, with each paragraph addressing a single cause or effect.

Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence that clearly states the main point you will be discussing. Then, provide detailed explanations and evidence to support your argument. This can include statistics, research findings, expert opinions, or personal anecdotes. Remember to use clear and concise language to convey your ideas effectively.

In order to make your writing more coherent, you can use transition words and phrases to connect your ideas and create a logical flow between paragraphs. Words like “because”, “as a result”, “therefore”, and “consequently” can be used to show cause and effect relationships.

Additionally, it is important to use paragraph unity, which means that each paragraph should focus on a single cause or effect. Avoid including unrelated information or discussing multiple causes/effects in a single paragraph, as this can confuse the reader and weaken your argument.

Furthermore, consider using examples and evidence to enhance the clarity and persuasiveness of your arguments. Concrete examples and real-life scenarios can help illustrate the cause and effect relationship and make your writing more engaging to the reader.

• Use accurate data and precise details to back up your claims
• Include relevant research and studies to support your arguments
• Provide real-life examples and cases that demonstrate the cause and effect relationship

In conclusion, developing the body paragraphs of your cause and effect essay is crucial in presenting a well-structured and persuasive argument. By using topic sentences, clear explanations, transition words, and relevant evidence, you can effectively convey your ideas and convince the reader of the cause and effect relationship you are discussing.

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Cause and Effect Essay Topics

That’s why cause-and-effect essays are one of the most commonly assigned writing assignments in all of academia. They test a student’s ability to draw connections and make logical arguments as well as research abilities and writing skills. 

They can be very enjoyable to write if you know the fundamentals of essay writing, understand what this type of essay requires, and choose the right topic. In this article, you’ll get a brief overview of what a cause and effect essay is, tips on how to choose the right topic, and a list of over 150 topics to inspire you!

What is a Cause and Effect Essay?

A cause and effect essay is a writing assignment that asks you to explore the causes of certain events and link them to their outcomes. These types of essays can be focussed on the causes, the effects, or both. They can follow the typical 5 paragraph essay format, or they can have more body paragraphs than usual, depending on the complexity of the topic chosen. 

How to Choose a Cause and Effect Essay Topic

Since the entire paper will be about the causes and effects of your topic, choosing the right topic is vitally important for this type of essay. Sometimes teachers give a general theme to follow which makes it easier to choose a specific topic. Having the freedom to choose any topic you want can be daunting but as long as you keep the following points in mind, you’ll find an excellent topic to write about. 

• If you’ve been assigned a theme, spend time brainstorming several ideas to get a unique and interesting topic.
• Get ideas about what you want to write about from articles you’ve recently read. This will also give you a headstart on research.
• Take a broad topic and narrow it down to specific issues and relationships.
• The scope of your essay shouldn’t be too broad or too narrow. Think about your word count and choose a topic you can explore properly within that limit.
• You should always have facts and research to back up any claims you’re making, so choose a topic that has credible information available.
• Use personal conversations and experiences to narrow down the list of potential topics.
• Make sure there are a clear cause and effect relationship to explore in your topic. 
• Always try and choose a topic that you feel personally interested in. Passion will make the research more enjoyable, make your writing more interesting, and cut down on the amount of time you spend on the assignment.

Cause and Effect Essay Topics List for Students

Cause and effect essay topics for high school.

20 topics for cause and effect essay for high school students related to their experiences and chosen to match the level of complexity expected. 

Can student activism cause changes in the world?

What is the impact of growing up a child of divorce?

What are the main causes of anxiety in high school?

What are the effects of having very rich or famous parents?

How does having a messy room impact productivity?

What are the reasons that comic book movies rarely get Academy Awards?

Why is music better today, or why was it better in the past?

Why do students cheat?

What are the effects of playing group sports on social bonding?

What should people do to avoid getting sick?

Can online shopping cause shopping addiction?

Why are some video games more fun than others?

Why are oil spills so bad for marine ecosystems?

Why does weight have such a large impact on self-esteem?

What is the effect of family vacation on family relationships?

Why are people afraid of trying new things?

Why should humans protect endangered species?

How does theoretical physics affect the real world?

What are the long-term effects of vaping?

Is there a connection between bullying culture and school violence?

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Cause and Effect Essay Topics for College Students

Here’s a collection of 20 unique topics for college-level papers that will benefit from research and deep analytical skills.

Why do so many Americans still live in poverty?

What is the impact of underage drinking?

How does fasting impact your overall health?

What would be the difference if an asteroid impacted land or ocean?

Why do we buy so many things we don’t need?

What is the UN doing to combat modern-day slavery?

What is the impact of religious oppression in a country?

Why do sports and physical activity release endorphins?

Why is Japan more technologically advanced than many countries in the world?

How has the internet affected education in remote villages in developing nations?

How did Christianity shape colonialism?

Why is it dangerous not to finish a course of prescription medication?

What are the effects of picture and video apps on self-esteem?

Should standardized testing have such a large impact on a student’s future?

What is the impact of colonialism on modern-day Africa?

What is the impact of distance learning on mental health?

What are the benefits of studying in a group versus studying alone?

Is it possible to date and still be focused on academics?

Do violent movies and video games lead to real-life violence?

What is the impact of being raised in a multi-generational household?

Cause and Effect Essay Topics for Middle School

These 20 topics are perfect for teenagers to think about and should inspire them to write a fantastic essay. 

What is the effect of bullying on school culture and school spirit?

Why is it important to think about the environment?

What are the effects of spending time in nature?

What were the causes of World War II?

How has Covid-19 changed your daily routine?

What would happen if everybody did only what they wanted to?

What is the connection between music and mathematics?

How can social media and the internet reduce loneliness?

Why was the invention of the steam engine so important?

Describe a society where people learned to get along with each other.

Should famous people who say or do bad things lose their fans?

Why do countries close to the equator usually have spicy food?

What has been the effect of rap lyrics on poetry?

What are some of the benefits of colonizing Mars?

How do video games affect academic achievement?

What is the role of parental punishment on motivation?

What are the benefits of celebrating holidays from different religions?

What is the fallout from posting an unpopular story on Instagram?

How can you build a successful social media channel?

How does having a fun teacher affect student motivation?

Cause and Effect Essay Topics for Elementary Level

While these types of essays can become very complex, it is important for young children to start understanding the connection between things and exploring causes and effects at an early age. Here are 20 topics perfect for kids!

Why is it important to learn to share?

Why is it important to eat a good breakfast?

What have you learned from your favorite cartoon character?

How does the weather impact your mood?

Why should children get more time to play?

How do you feel after getting a good night’s sleep?

Why should Santa Claus bring you the toys you want?

What would you do if you saw an injured animal?

Why are birthdays important?

Why is riding a bike good for the environment?

How would having a smartphone improve your life?

How does being an older brother or sister make you different?

How does being a younger brother or sister make you different?

Why is it important to learn math?

Do having pets make you more responsible?

What are the effects of bullying on the bully?

What is the impact of your favorite Marvel superhero on the plot of the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

What are the causes and effects of being popular?

Why is littering bad for society?

Why is it important to eat vegetables?

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Cause and Effect Essay Topics Ideas

Fun cause and effect essay topics.

20 good cause and effect essay topics that are just plain fun to think about!

How are esports going to change the future?

What would it be like to give up all social media as a high school student?

Should people with more money be taxed at a higher rate?

Are periodic revolutions good for the progression of society?

How does smiling affect how long you live?

What are the benefits of owning a pet?

What started the domestication of animals by humans?

How has the use of cell phones affected in-person interaction?

What would be the impact on society if people could directly vote for every important issue?

What makes Elon Musk such a magnetic person?

What would the world be like if Facebook never existed?

Why are young people better at gaming than older people?

How is virtual reality going to change entertainment?

Why have science fiction movies become so popular over the last decade?

What responsibilities should social media influencers automatically be aware of?

What was the impact of Star Wars on the film industry?

How did YouTube change the way humans create and consume media?

Would Harry Potter have been less popular if the main character was a woman?

What effect does the language you speak have on the way you think?

What would the impact of raising the minimum wage be?

Easy Cause and Effect Essay Topics

You don’t have to write something too complicated to get a good grade! Here are 20 easy essay topic examples for your paper. 

What are the main causes of teenage smoking?

How do school uniforms improve cohesion and morale?

What is the impact of sweet fruit juices on health?

What role does the media have on public opinion?

What are the benefits of traveling abroad?

Do people feel better after crying?

Does using a smartphone right before sleeping negatively impact sleep quality?

Why is it more difficult for immigrants to find a job?

What are the effects of working out too much?

Does online dating make people have lower social skills?

How can improving time management reduce stress?

What is the impact of family stability on academic performance?

How does attending college impact lifelong earning potential?

Why is Google the most popular search engine?

How is carbon dioxide a greenhouse gas?

Why was the #Metoo movement so important?

What are the benefits of reading for pleasure as a child?

How has globalization impacted the role of women in societies?

What are the negative impacts of sound pollution?

How can a single species impact large ecosystems?

Personal Cause and Effect Essay Topics

Go over these 20 essay topics to write an essay that relies more on self reflection and personal growth. 

How has your favorite book impacted your life?

Is parenthood always a rewarding experience?

How does being selfish eventually impact oneself negatively?

What are the impacts of optimism on happiness?

How can a single individual make a significant change in the world?

How can meditation improve quality of life?

How has guilt affected your life personally?

How do people do bad things without realizing it?

Why are people afraid of commitment?

How does being in an abusive relationship impact both people?

What is the impact of being a minority on self-identity?

What is the connection between overthinking and depression?

How has the most significant relationship in your life shaped you?

How does getting older impact the ability to learn new things?

Why do people chase a feeling of control?

What are the impacts of living with someone with a mental disorder?

How long does it take to get over a serious breakup?

What are the reasons you want to be rich?

What would make you happy?

What is the best way of using social power?

Interesting Cause and Effect Essay Topics

20 interesting essay topics that will make your essay stand out amongst the crowd. 

What are some of the ways the world would have been different if the axis powers won WWII?

Do strikes and protests work effectively for different types of issues?

What would happen to coastal populations if ocean levels increased by 2 meters?

How much do tv shows and movies impact the way people think about other countries?

What has been the impact of rising internet penetration rates in developing countries?

What social care measures should countries implement in the face of catastrophes like Covid-19?

What is the connection between science and religion?

What would you do if you could become president of the world for 1 year?

How do phytoplankton in the ocean impact life on Earth?

Why is going to college an indicator of long-term happiness?

Why are certain video games popular amongst certain groups?

How does someone decide which music genre is their favorite?

How is artificial intelligence going to change the military and therefore the world?

What makes someone exceptional in their chosen field?

What are the most important characteristics of a good boss?

Can escapism be beneficial in situations such as trauma?

Does living together before marriage hurt or harm the long-term relationship?

What effect do different colors have on mood?

Is the continued growth of technology going to make people value in-person events more?

How has the first amendment impacted countries around the world?

Controversial Cause and Effect Essay Topics

Here are 20 controversial topics to think about. Be warned! You’ll have to do really solid research and make your point eloquently.

What was the impact of American foreign policy during the Cold War?

Does stem cell research have the potential to save millions of lives?

How do genetically modified crops impact the human body?

How do increasing temperatures impact rates of transmissible diseases?

How do oil-producing companies and their lobbies impact the search for renewable energy?

How do fashion companies end up employing children in sweatshops?

Can pizza now be considered an American food?

How do kings, queens, or any form of royalty impact the society of a country?

What are some of the negative outcomes of social Darwinism?

Why did the communism of the Soviet Union fail?

What has China’s one-child policy done to advance economic growth in the country?

How have sedition laws been used to censor free speech?

If artificial intelligence develops sentience, should they be given human rights?

How does a bad president impact that country's international reputation?

What are the roots of Russia’s aggressive international policies?

What are the negative impacts of the introduction of nonnative species?

What are the effects of gun regulation laws on murder rates around the world?

Are certain drugs beneficial for psychiatric treatment?

What was the root of the eugenics movement around the world in the early 1900s?

What has the impact of animal testing been on human health?

Final Thoughts

If you want to delve deep into a particular topic and analyze the causes and effects, a cause and effect essay is the perfect choice for you. It can be a fascinating process if you choose the right topic. This article has provided you with 180 topics to consider and guidelines on selecting a topic. If you need any help with coursework writing , research paper writing service , or custom essay writing , Studyfy's team of professional writers and dissertation writing services can guide you in the right direction. Additionally, their essay editing and proofreading services can help you improve your essay and make it stand out. Choose Studyfy, the best essay service , to help you achieve academic success.

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137 Intriguing Cause & Effect Essay Topics for Students

Teach critical thinking, logic, and the art of persuasion.

Cause-and-effect essays aren’t just a way to help students strengthen their writing skills. They’ll also learn critical thinking, logic, and the art of persuasion. In addition, they teach students to demonstrate how one thing directly influences another. Coming up with engaging cause-and-effect essay topics can be challenging, but we have you covered. This list of ideas includes a variety of topics that range from social and cultural movements to mental health and the environment.

Science and Environment Cause & Effect Essay Topics

• Describe the effect of urbanization on the environment.
• What is the impact of air pollution on health?
• What are the causes and consequences of plastics on marine life?
• What is the impact of rising sea temperatures on fish and marine life?
• Describe the impact of human behavior on global warming.

• What is the effect of social media on environmentalism?
• What causes volcanic eruptions?
• What causes trees to die?
• What are the effects of gravity?
• Why are plants green?
• Why do trees shed their leaves?
• What causes a species to become endangered?
• What are some of the causes of animals losing their habitats?
• Describe the effect of overpopulation on the environment.
• What are the effects of famine on human population?
• What are the causes and effects of Antarctica floods?
• What are the effects of pollution on the ocean?
• What effect do cars have on the environment?
• Why is it important to manage wildfires?
• What has been the impact of DNA on crime scene processing?

• What are the impacts of deforestation in Brazil?
• What are the effects of GMO foods on human health?
• What are the impacts of immunizations on human health?

Technology and Social Media Cause & Effect Essay Topics

• What are the effects of social media on adolescent development?
• How does technology affect productivity?
• What are the effects of video games on childhood development?
• How do cell phones affect human relationships?
• What are some reasons a teacher might ban cell phones from class?

• What effects do cell phones have on sleep?
• What effects did the invention of the Internet have on technology?
• What were the origins of cyberbullying?
• What are the effects of tablet use on small children?
• How has online dating changed relationships?
• What makes some people less likely to use social media?
• What are the effects of social media on privacy?
• How does the rise of TikTok affect Facebook and Instagram?
• In what ways could social media lead to extremism?
• What is the impact of social media on the increasing popularity of plastic surgery and other enhancements?

• What are some of the benefits of owning a smartphone and what are some of the drawbacks?
• What has been the impact of online shopping on brick-and-mortar stores?
• What has been the impact of smartphones on marriages and relationships?
• What are the causes and effects of texting while driving?
• What has the rise of “influencers” meant for Hollywood?
• In what ways have photo filters influenced young people’s self-esteem?

Culture and Social Issues Cause & Effect Essay Topics

• What are some of the reasons for substance abuse in young people?
• What are some of the effects of bullying?
• How does economic status affect the quality of health care?
• What are some of the causes of homelessness?
• Explain the effects of ignorance on discrimination.
• What are the impacts of death sentences on social justice?

• How does financial success affect societal privilege?
• What effects does growing up poor have on children?
• In what ways does religion influence society?
• What are the effects of immigration on a host country?
• What are the effects of ageism on job opportunities?
• What is the impact of LGBTQ+ representation in TV and movies?
• What are the effects of school shootings on politics?
• How do school uniforms affect students?
• What are the impacts of high student debt?
• What are the impacts of body shaming on people?
• What were the lasting impacts of the AIDS epidemic on society?

• What impact does banning abortion have in the United States?
• What has been the impact of marriage equality in the United States?
• What are the causes and effects of noise pollution?
• What are the causes and effects of inflation on the economy?
• What are the effects of TV shows on our behavior?

Sports Cause & Effect Essay Topics

• Examine the effects of exercise on mental health.
• What led to baseball being an iconic American sport?
• What drives people to participate in extreme sports?
• In what ways did globalization affect modern sports?
• What were the effects of doping on amateur and professional sports?
• Select a sport and write about the historical factors that led to the popularization of that sport.

• Describe the ways in which youth sports influence a child’s development.
• What were the driving forces behind the first Olympics?
• How can team sports help develop social skills?
• How have e-sports changed the sporting landscape?
• In what ways do race biases influence sports?

• What are the effects of regular workouts on immunity?
• How does participating in sports affect leadership skills?
• In what ways can sports lead to character development?
• What effect does famous athletes’ social commentary have on their fans?

History Cause & Effect Essay Topics

• What are the effects of the war in Syria on the United States?
• What have been the lasting effects of the Civil Rights Movement?
• What were the causes and effects of the attack on Pearl Harbor?
• What led up to the Berlin Wall being torn down and what effects did that have?

• What lasting impact did 9/11 have on modern American society?
• What were the causes of the Salem Witch Trials?
• What was the cultural impact of the Spanish-American War?
• How has globalization led to modern-day slavery?
• What events led to the fall of the Roman Empire?
• What were the impacts of the Great Depression on women’s employment?
• How did cartels come into existence? What effect have they had on the United States and Mexico?
• What were the causes and effects of the Women’s Liberation Movement?
• Give an example of colonialism in history and name the resulting impact to the affected society.

• What led to the rise of ISIS and what has the impact been on international security?
• What factors led to the Titanic’s sinking?
• What were the causes and effects of the Vietnam War?
• Choose an American president. What led him to become president and what were the effects of his presidency?

Mental Health Cause & Effect Essay Topics

• How can stress affect the immune system?
• How does social anxiety affect young people?
• How can high academic expectations lead to depression?
• What are the effects of divorce on young people?
• How does service in the armed forces lead to post-traumatic stress disorder?

• What are the effects of mindfulness on mental health?
• Describe the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted mental health.
• How does childhood trauma impact childhood development?
• What impact does witnessing violence have on mental health?
• What is behind increasingly high levels of anxiety in modern American society?

• What are the causes and effects of panic attacks?
• What are the causes and consequences of high stress in the workplace?
• What are some of the causes of insomnia and in what ways does it affect mental health?
• What is the impact of staying home for an extended period of time?

Current Events Cause & Effect Essay Topics

• Choose a local public education campaign. What are the effects of that campaign?
• What are the causes and effects of migration?
• What are the causes and effects of terrorist attacks?

• What are the effects of legalizing genetic engineering research?
• How do low voting rates impact elections and government?
• What is the effect of raising the minimum wage?
• What are the effects of globalization on society?
• How does gerrymandering affect election outcomes?
• What are the causes and effects of police brutality?
• What are the causes and effects of political polarization?

• What are the causes and effects of fake news?
• What are the effects of global war on citizens?
• What is the effect of international aid on poverty or health?
• Why do some countries have nuclear weapons, and what does this mean for other countries?

Education Cause & Effect Essay Topics

• What are the effects of teacher quality on student success?
• What are the causes and effects of student loan debt?
• What are the causes and effects of low graduation rates?

• What are the effects of assigning homework?
• What are the causes and effects of school funding disparities?
• What are the causes and effects of the digital divide in education?
• What is the effect of AI on education?
• What are the causes and effects of student burnout?
• Should students be required to study a foreign language in school, and what are the effects of learning a foreign language?

• What effect has the COVID pandemic had on education?
• What are the effects of same-sex classrooms or schools?

What are your best cause-and-effect essay topics for students? Come exchange ideas in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, check out our list of interesting persuasive essay topics for kids and teens..

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How To Write A Cause and Effect Essay - Outline & Examples

230+ Cause and Effect Essay Topics to Boost Your Academic Writing

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

You need to write a cause and effect essay for your assignment. Well, where should you start?

Establishing a relationship between causes and effects is no simple task. You need to ensure logical connections between variables with credible evidence.

However, don't get overwhelmed by the sound of it. You can start by reading some great cause and effect essay examples. 

In this blog, you can read cause and effect essays to get inspiration and learn how to write them. With these resources, you'll be able to start writing an awesome cause and effect paper.

Let’s dive in!

• 1. What is a Cause and Effect Essay?
• 2. Cause and Effect Essay Examples for Students
• 3. Free Cause and Effect Essay Samples
• 4. Cause and Effect Essay Topics
• 5. Tips For Writing a Good Cause and Effect Essay

What is a Cause and Effect Essay?

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

In a cause and effect essay, you typically:

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

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

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

Cause and Effect Essay Examples for Students

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Free Cause and Effect Essay Samples

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

Cause and Effect Essay Elementary School

Cause and Effect Essay For College Students

Short Cause and Effect Essay Sample

Cause and Effect Essay Example for High School

Cause And Effect Essay IELTS

Bullying Cause and Effect Essay Example

Cause and Effect Essay Smoking

Cause and Effect Essay Topics

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

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

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

Tips For Writing a Good Cause and Effect Essay

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

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

To Sum Up , 

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

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Cause and Effect Essay Outline: Types, Examples and Writing Tips

20 June, 2020

9 minutes read

Author:  Tomas White

This is a complete guide on writing cause and effect essays. Find a link to our essay sample at the end. Let's get started!

What is a Cause and Effect Essay?

A cause and effect essay is the type of paper that the author is using to analyze the causes and effects of a particular action or event. A curriculum usually includes this type of exercise to test your ability to understand the logic of certain events or actions.

If you can see the logic behind cause and effect in the world around you, you will encounter fewer problems when writing. If not, writing this kind of paper will give you the chance to improve your skillset and your brain’s ability to reason.

“Shallow men believe in luck or in circumstance. Strong men believe in cause and effect.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

In this article, the  Handmade Writing team will find out how to create an outline for your cause and effect essay – the key to successful essay writing.

Types of the Cause and Effect Essay

Before writing this kind of essay, you need to draft the structure. A good structure will result in a good paper, so it’s important to have a plan before you start. But remember , there’s no need to reinvent the wheel: just about every type of structure has already been formulated by someone.

If you are still unsure about the definition of an essay, you can take a look at our guide:  What is an Essay?

Generally speaking, there are three types of cause and effect essays. We usually differentiate them by the number of and relationships between the different causes and the effects. Let’s take a quick look at these three different cases:

1. Many causes, one effect

This kind of essay illustrates how different causes can lead to one effect. The idea here is to try and examine a variety of causes, preferably ones that come from different fields, and prove how they contributed to a particular effect. If you are writing about World War I, for example, mention the political, cultural, and historical factors that led to the great war.

By examining a range of fundamental causes, you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge about the topic.

Here is how to structure this type of essay:

• Introduction
• Cause #3 (and so on…)
• The effect of the causes

2. One cause, many effects

This type of cause and effect essay is constructed to show the various effects of a particular event, problem, or decision. Once again, you will have to demonstrate your comprehensive knowledge and analytical mastery of the field. There is no need to persuade the reader or present your argument . When writing this kind of essay, in-depth knowledge of the problem or event’s roots will be of great benefit. If you know why it happened, it will be much easier to write about its effects.

Here is the structure for this kind of essay:

• Effect #3 (and so on…)

3. Chain of causes and effects

This is the most challenging type. You need to maintain a chain of logic that demonstrates a sequence of actions and consequences, leading to the end of the chain. Although this is usually the most interesting kind of cause and effect essay, it can also be the most difficult to write.

Here is the outline structure:

• Effect #1 = Cause #2
• Effect #2 = Cause #3
• Effect #3 = Cause #4 (and so on…)

Cause and Effect Essay Outline Example

Let’s take a look at an example. Below, you will find an outline for the topic “The causes of obesity” (Type 1) :

As you can see, we used a blended strategy here. When writing about the ever-increasing consumption of unhealthy food, it is logical to talk about the marketing strategies that encourage people to buy fast food. If you are discussing fitness trainers, it is important to mention that people need to be checked by a doctor more often, etc.

In case you face some issues with writing your Cause and Effect essay, you can always count on our Essay Writers !

How do I start writing once I have drafted the structure?

If you start by structuring each paragraph and collecting suitable examples, the writing process will be much simpler. The final essay might not come up as a classic five paragraph essay – it all depends on the cause-effect chain and the number of statements of your essay.

In the Introduction, try to give the reader a general idea of what the cause and effect essay will contain. For an experienced reader, a thesis statement will be an indication that you know what you are writing about. It is also important to emphasize how and why this problem is relevant to modern life. If you ever need to write about the Caribbean crisis, for instance, state that the effects of the Cold War are still apparent in contemporary global politics. 

Related Post: How to write an Essay introduction | How to write a Thesis statement

In the Body, provide plenty of details about what causes led to the effects. Once again, if you have already assembled all the causes and effects with their relevant examples when writing your plan, you shouldn’t have any problems. But, there are some things to which you must pay particular attention. To begin with, try to make each paragraph the same length: it looks better visually. Then, try to avoid weak or unconvincing causes. This is a common mistake, and the reader will quickly realize that you are just trying to write enough characters to reach the required word count.

Moreover, you need to make sure that your causes are actually linked to their effects. This is particularly important when you write a “chained” cause and effect essay (type 3) . You need to be able to demonstrate that each cause was actually relevant to the final result. As I mentioned before, writing the Body without preparing a thorough and logical outline is often an omission.

The Conclusion must be a summary of the thesis statement that you proposed in the Introduction. An effective Conclusion means that you have a well-developed understanding of the subject. Notably, writing the Conclusion can be one of the most challenging parts of this kind of project. You typically write the Conclusion once you have finished the Body, but in practice, you will sometimes find that a well-written conclusion will reveal a few mistakes of logic in the body!

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

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10.8 Cause and Effect

Learning objectives.

• Determine the purpose and structure of cause and effect in writing.
• Understand how to write a cause-and-effect essay.

The Purpose of Cause and Effect in Writing

It is often considered human nature to ask, “why?” and “how?” We want to know how our child got sick so we can better prevent it from happening in the future, or why our colleague a pay raise because we want one as well. We want to know how much money we will save over the long term if we buy a hybrid car. These examples identify only a few of the relationships we think about in our lives, but each shows the importance of understanding cause and effect.

A cause is something that produces an event or condition; an effect is what results from an event or condition. The purpose of the cause-and-effect essay is to determine how various phenomena relate in terms of origins and results. Sometimes the connection between cause and effect is clear, but often determining the exact relationship between the two is very difficult. For example, the following effects of a cold may be easily identifiable: a sore throat, runny nose, and a cough. But determining the cause of the sickness can be far more difficult. A number of causes are possible, and to complicate matters, these possible causes could have combined to cause the sickness. That is, more than one cause may be responsible for any given effect. Therefore, cause-and-effect discussions are often complicated and frequently lead to debates and arguments.

Use the complex nature of cause and effect to your advantage. Often it is not necessary, or even possible, to find the exact cause of an event or to name the exact effect. So, when formulating a thesis, you can claim one of a number of causes or effects to be the primary, or main, cause or effect. As soon as you claim that one cause or one effect is more crucial than the others, you have developed a thesis.

Consider the causes and effects in the following thesis statements. List a cause and effect for each one on your own sheet of paper.

• The growing childhood obesity epidemic is a result of technology.
• Much of the wildlife is dying because of the oil spill.
• The town continued programs that it could no longer afford, so it went bankrupt.
• More young people became politically active as use of the Internet spread throughout society.
• While many experts believed the rise in violence was due to the poor economy, it was really due to the summer-long heat wave.

Write three cause-and-effect thesis statements of your own for each of the following five broad topics.

• Health and nutrition

The Structure of a Cause-and-Effect Essay

The cause-and-effect essay opens with a general introduction to the topic, which then leads to a thesis that states the main cause, main effect, or various causes and effects of a condition or event.

The cause-and-effect essay can be organized in one of the following two primary ways:

• Start with the cause and then talk about the effects.
• Start with the effect and then talk about the causes.

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

Regardless of which structure you choose, be sure to explain each element of the essay fully and completely. Explaining complex relationships requires the full use of evidence, such as scientific studies, expert testimony, statistics, and anecdotes.

Because cause-and-effect essays determine how phenomena are linked, they make frequent use of certain words and phrases that denote such linkage. See Table 10.4 “Phrases of Causation” for examples of such terms.

Table 10.4 Phrases of Causation

The conclusion should wrap up the discussion and reinforce the thesis, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of the relationship that was analyzed.

Be careful of resorting to empty speculation. In writing, speculation amounts to unsubstantiated guessing. Writers are particularly prone to such trappings in cause-and-effect arguments due to the complex nature of finding links between phenomena. Be sure to have clear evidence to support the claims that you make.

Look at some of the cause-and-effect relationships from Note 10.83 “Exercise 2” . Outline the links you listed. Outline one using a cause-then-effect structure. Outline the other using the effect-then-cause structure.

Writing a Cause-and-Effect Essay

Choose an event or condition that you think has an interesting cause-and-effect relationship. Introduce your topic in an engaging way. End your introduction with a thesis that states the main cause, the main effect, or both.

Organize your essay by starting with either the cause-then-effect structure or the effect-then-cause structure. Within each section, you should clearly explain and support the causes and effects using a full range of evidence. If you are writing about multiple causes or multiple effects, you may choose to sequence either in terms of order of importance. In other words, order the causes from least to most important (or vice versa), or order the effects from least important to most important (or vice versa).

Use the phrases of causation when trying to forge connections between various events or conditions. This will help organize your ideas and orient the reader. End your essay with a conclusion that summarizes your main points and reinforces your thesis. See Chapter 15 “Readings: Examples of Essays” to read a sample cause-and-effect essay.

Choose one of the ideas you outlined in Note 10.85 “Exercise 3” and write a full cause-and-effect essay. Be sure to include an engaging introduction, a clear thesis, strong evidence and examples, and a thoughtful conclusion.

Key Takeaways

• The purpose of the cause-and-effect essay is to determine how various phenomena are related.
• The thesis states what the writer sees as the main cause, main effect, or various causes and effects of a condition or event.

The cause-and-effect essay can be organized in one of these two primary ways:

• Start with the cause and then talk about the effect.
• Start with the effect and then talk about the cause.
• Strong evidence is particularly important in the cause-and-effect essay due to the complexity of determining connections between phenomena.
• Phrases of causation are helpful in signaling links between various elements in the essay.

Writing for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Home — Essay Types — Cause and Effect Essays

Cause and Effect Essays Examples

Cause and effect essays serve as more than mere exercises in writing proficiency; they're gateways to honing critical thinking, logic, and persuasive skills. By demonstrating direct causal relationships, students delve into the intricate web of influence between events. Crafting compelling cause and effect essay topics can pose a challenge, but fret not; we've got you covered. Explore our curated list featuring a diverse array of topics spanning social movements, mental health, and environmental issues. Struggling to pinpoint an engaging theme for your cause and effect essay? Our comprehensive collection of cause and effect essay topics is here to inspire your writing journey. Dive in and discover the power of dissecting causality in the realm of academic discourse.

In the realm of academic discourse, cause and effect essay topics serve as the bedrock for insightful analysis and captivating storytelling. Crafting compelling topics for cause and effect essays requires a keen understanding of the interconnected nature of events and phenomena. From societal trends to environmental issues, the possibilities are endless when it comes to exploring cause-and-effect relationships. Dive into our curated collection of thought-provoking topics for cause and effect essays and embark on a journey of discovery and exploration. Whether you're delving into the impact of technology on human behavior or unraveling the complexities of social dynamics, our list is sure to inspire your next writing endeavor.

Exploring Cause and Effect Essay Topics

• The Impact of Social Media on Interpersonal Relationships
• Climate Change: Causes and Effects on the Environment
• The Effects of Technology on Mental Health
• The Relationship Between Parenting Styles and Child Development
• The Influence of Fast Food Consumption on Obesity Rates
• Economic Recession: Causes and Consequences
• The Effects of Bullying on Academic Performance
• The Impact of Stress on Physical Health
• The Connection Between Education and Economic Mobility
• The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive Functioning

Popular Topics for Cause and Effect Essays

• The Influence of Peer Pressure on Decision Making
• The Impact of Video Games on Aggressive Behavior
• Urbanization: Causes and Effects on Society
• The Relationship Between Smoking and Lung Cancer
• The Effects of Climate Change on Global Migration Patterns
• The Influence of Music on Mood and Emotions
• The Link Between Poverty and Crime Rates
• The Effects of Divorce on Children's Mental Health
• The Connection Between Academic Success and Parental Involvement
• The Impact of Cultural Diversity on Workplace Dynamics

The Best Cause and Effect Essay Topics

• The Effects of Social Media Influencers on Consumer Behavior
• Technology Dependency: Causes and Consequences
• The Relationship Between Diet and Academic Performance
• The Influence of Advertising on Consumer Choices
• The Effects of Immigration Policies on Economic Growth
• Climate Change: Causes and Effects on Wildlife
• The Impact of Renewable Energy on Environmental Sustainability
• The Connection Between Exercise and Mental Well-being
• The Effects of Natural Disasters on Communities
• The Relationship Between Economic Development and Environmental Degradation

Good Cause and Effect Topics on Poverty

• The Cycle of Poverty: Causes and Effects
• The Impact of Education on Poverty Reduction
• Unemployment: Causes and Consequences for Individuals and Society
• The Relationship Between Poverty and Health Disparities
• The Effects of Housing Discrimination on Economic Opportunities
• The Influence of Social Welfare Policies on Poverty Rates
• The Connection Between Access to Clean Water and Poverty
• The Impact of Globalization on Income Inequality
• Poverty and Crime: Exploring the Linkages
• The Effects of Food Insecurity on Child Development

Cause and Effect Essay Ideas on Sports

• The Effects of Performance-Enhancing Drugs on Athletes' Health
• Concussions in Sports: Causes and Long-term Effects
• The Impact of Title IX on Gender Equality in Sports
• Sports Participation and Academic Performance: Exploring the Relationship
• The Influence of Sports Sponsorship on Consumer Behavior
• The Effects of Sports Specialization on Youth Athletes
• Gender Disparities in Sports: Causes and Consequences
• The Relationship Between Sports Fandom and Mental Health
• The Effects of Sportsmanship Education on Youth Development
• Sports Injuries: Preventative Measures and Consequences

Cause and effect essays are fundamental in understanding the relationships between events and their outcomes. These essays delve into the intricacies of causation, exploring how one action leads to another. Understanding the structure and techniques of crafting a compelling cause and effect essay is crucial for effective communication. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key elements of cause and effect essays , providing valuable insights and practical tips for crafting impactful pieces. From analyzing cause and effect essay examples to elucidating the significance of a strong thesis statement, this article aims to equip you with the necessary tools to excel in your writing endeavors. Let’s embark on this journey together into the realm of cause and effect essays.

Understanding Cause and Effect Essays

• A. Definition and Purpose. Cause and effect essays aim to explore the connections between events and their consequences. They delve into the reasons behind certain occurrences and the effects they produce. By examining causation, these essays offer insights into the underlying mechanisms driving various phenomena. Understanding the purpose of cause and effect essays is essential for effectively communicating complex relationships. To elucidate further, let’s delve into a cause and effect essay sample to grasp the practical application of this genre.
• B. Different Types of Cause and Effect Essays. Cause and effect essays come in various forms, each tailored to different purposes and audiences. For college students, in particular, exploring real-world scenarios and academic concepts through essays can be enriching. Cause and effect essay examples for college students encompass a wide range of topics, from societal issues to scientific phenomena. By examining diverse examples, students can gain a deeper understanding of causation and its implications. Choosing the right type of essay is paramount to effectively convey the intended message and engage the audience.
• C. Importance of Selecting Appropriate Topics. The topic selection process plays a crucial role in the success of a cause and effect essay. Choosing relevant and engaging topics not only captivates the audience but also facilitates meaningful analysis. Whether exploring historical events, environmental issues, or societal trends, selecting appropriate topics is essential. It ensures that the essay remains focused and addresses pertinent issues. In the subsequent sections, we will delve into the intricacies of topic selection and provide practical tips for identifying compelling subjects for your cause and effect essays.

✨ Read Next: Research Essay Examples

Basic Structure of a Cause and Effect Essay

Introduction.

In the realm of cause and effect essays, the introduction serves as the gateway to understanding the interconnectedness of events. A compelling introduction not only grabs the reader’s attention but also sets the stage for the subsequent analysis. At its core, the introduction should feature a strong thesis statement that encapsulates the central argument of the essay. This thesis statement acts as a roadmap, guiding readers through the cause and effect relationships explored in the essay. To illustrate, let’s consider cause and effect examples for essay, which provide concrete instances of causation for readers to comprehend the concept more vividly.

Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs constitute the heart of a cause and effect essay, where the intricacies of causation are explored in-depth. Each paragraph delves into a specific cause or effect, supported by evidence and examples. By examining real-world scenarios and empirical data, readers gain a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected nature of events. Incorporating examples of cause and effect essays enriches the analysis, providing concrete illustrations of causation in action. Through meticulous examination and analysis, the body paragraphs elucidate the complexities of causation and its far-reaching implications.

As the essay draws to a close, the conclusion offers a succinct summary of the key points discussed. It reinforces the central thesis and highlights the significance of the insights gained through the analysis. By summarizing the main arguments, the conclusion provides closure while leaving a lasting impact on the reader. Emphasizing the importance of understanding cause and effect relationships, the conclusion reaffirms the significance of the essay’s findings. In the subsequent sections, we will explore practical tips for crafting a compelling conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

Sample Cause and Effect Essay Examples

Free examples for reference.

• The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
• Deforestation: Causes and Consequences
• Causes and Effects of Poverty: The Vicious Cycle [PDF]
• Factors Contributing to Drug Abuse Development [PDF]
• Effect of Smoking Depictions in Media on Youth Rates [PDF]

Examples Suitable for College Students

• Impact of Financial Stress on Marital Relationships & Divorce Rates [PDF]
• Drug Abuse & Mental Health: A Critical Correlation Analysis [PDF]
• The Human Impact: Causes and Solutions for Climate Change [PDF]
• Exploring Long-Term Effects of Divorce on Children and Families [PDF]
• Social Media Usage and Its Effects on Study Habits

Analysis of Sample Essays

• Analyzing the Causes and Effects of Climate Change
• Exploring the Relationship Between Poverty and Education
• The Impact of Globalization on Cultural Identity
• Understanding the Effects of Parental Involvement on Academic Achievement
• Examining the Causes and Consequences of Teenage Pregnancy

TOP Cause and Effect Essay Examples [FREE]

Tips for writing a stellar cause and effect essay.

• Keep Asking Yourself “Why” and “What Happened”

When crafting a cause and effect essay, it’s essential to delve deep into the underlying reasons behind events and their outcomes. Continuously asking yourself “why” and “what happened” enables you to conduct thorough analysis and uncover the root causes of phenomena. By emphasizing the importance of this analytical approach, you can provide readers with valuable insights into complex relationships. Additionally, implementing “cause and effect essay tips” throughout your writing process can enhance the clarity and depth of your analysis.

• Consider the Many Causes and/or Many Effects of Any Topic

Cause and effect relationships are often multifaceted, with numerous factors contributing to outcomes. When exploring a topic, it’s crucial to consider the diverse array of causes and effects involved. By adopting a comprehensive approach, you can provide readers with a nuanced understanding of the complexities at play. Utilizing strategies for comprehensive exploration ensures that your analysis is thorough and well-rounded, enriching the overall quality of your essay.

• But Don’t Worry About Covering Them All

While it’s important to consider multiple causes and effects, it’s equally essential to prioritize coherence and clarity in your writing. Focusing on coherence ensures that your essay maintains a logical flow and remains easy for readers to follow. Similarly, prioritizing clarity allows you to effectively communicate your ideas without overwhelming the reader with excessive information. By striking a balance between comprehensiveness and conciseness, you can create a cause and effect essay that is both informative and engaging.

Mastering the structure and techniques of cause and effect essays is paramount for effective communication and analysis. Throughout this guide, we’ve emphasized the significance of understanding the cause and effect essay structure, from crafting a strong thesis statement to exploring multiple causes and effects. By adhering to these principles, writers can produce compelling essays that elucidate complex relationships and offer valuable insights to readers.

🧠 Dive Into: Evaluation Essay Examples

I encourage readers to apply the newfound knowledge gained from this guide to their own writing endeavors. Whether crafting academic essays or analyzing real-world phenomena, the techniques discussed here can enhance the clarity and depth of your analysis. Additionally, I invite you to explore further resources and examples to deepen your understanding of cause and effect essays and refine your writing skills.

For those seeking additional guidance, I invite you to explore a diverse array of “cause and effect essay examples”. These examples provide concrete illustrations of the concepts discussed in this guide, allowing for deeper comprehension and application. By studying various examples, readers can gain valuable insights into effective writing techniques and approaches, further enriching their writing repertoire.

In closing, mastering the art of cause and effect essays opens doors to a deeper understanding of the world around us and empowers writers to convey their ideas with clarity and precision.

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What are some examples of cause and effect?

As a rule, the majority of cause-and-effect essays deal with challenging issues like ocean pollution or corruption in the country. While you do not have to provide a solution per se, the task here is to tell about what it causes. For example, “Frequent smoking leads to lung diseases” or “The introduction of stricter driving laws has led to fewer road accidents”. In all these examples of cause-and-effect essays, you can see the reason that has brought something up. You can also check our sample ideas to determine how to connect both parts of your narration and make the structure right.

How do I write a cause and effect essay?

The good old trick that you can use is the creation of an outline or a table with two columns where one part contains the causes for something and the other column discusses the effect it has had. For example, you can talk about better furniture for college students and talk about what it has caused in terms of back pains decrease, better posture, and so on. The effects would contain more efficient studying, an improvement in a mental state, and other positive aspects. The most important is to use the bridge words and expressions that help your readers understand why something took place.

What is a cause and effect essay definition?

Your purpose is to describe the chain of events and reveal the logic between the causes and the consequences. Some cause-and-effect essay examples may contain topics like “drinking coffee in the morning leads to…” where the “drinking coffee” aspect is the cause, while “leads to” would talk about the reasons that have been caused by the practice. You can check our existing ideas to see what it means in practice and what kind of narration is used. Of course, you must provide evidence for the causes if there are any. It is not only an assumption that must be made as you write.

What does “cause and effect” mean in writing?

In most cases, the talk goes about the logic link between some action and the various consequences that relate to it. You can safely sample cause-and-effect essays to see that it is not only Political Science or Environmental Sciences that relate to that. As a rule, you can write about bad nursing practices that you would like to change or tell about how workplace bullying leads to depression. If you make a claim, an argument, or an assumption, you speak of the cause-and-effect model by explaining how something leads to a certain state. Do not forget that it involves analytical work, too.

The most popular topics for Cause and Effect Essays

• Social Media
• Drug Addiction
• Pearl Harbor
• Climate Change
• Discrimination
• Mental Health
• Domestic Violence
• Child Abuse
• Unemployment
• Gender Wage Gap
• American Revolution
• Illegal Immigration

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Free Cause and Effect Essay Examples

The title of this essay genre dispels all your concerns about the needed contents. You should build the link between two events or phenomena based on their cause-and-effect relationships. Mind that if one comes after another does not necessarily mean there is causality between them. Be sure to mention if the event or idea you describe is only a tiny part of the general structure.

The samples below comprise subjects ranging from history and economy to ecology and personal health.

Explore our cause-and-effect essay examples for free to boost your inspiration and get a general idea of how the writing should be done.

146 Best Cause and Effect Essay Examples

Political landscape in the us.

• Subjects: Government Politics & Government
• Words: 1989

Enlightenment and Revolution

• Subjects: History Western Europe
• Words: 3089

Clean Air Act Formation and Impact

• Subjects: Environmental Law Law

The Causes of Obesity and Its Effects on Fertility

• Subjects: Health & Medicine Healthy Nutrition

Identifying and Assessing the Economic Costs and Benefits of WTO Negotiations Failure

• Subjects: Economics Trade
• Words: 4789

The Implications of Global Loss of Mangrove Ecosystems?

• Subjects: Ecosystem Environment
• Words: 5155

The Position of Wage Labor in the United States

• Subjects: Labor Law Law
• Words: 2034

Battle of Omdurman Consequences

• Subjects: Asia History

Role of International Financial Institutions in 2008 Financial Crisis

• Subjects: Economics Financial Growth
• Words: 4455

The Caste War of Yucatan

• Subjects: History Native Americans History

US’s Financial Crises in 2008

• Subjects: Economic Systems & Principles Economics
• Words: 5016

Universal Healthcare in The United States

• Subjects: Health & Medicine Healthcare Institution
• Words: 1934

Causes of Depression in the 1890s

• Subjects: History United States
• Words: 2809

Chinese Manhua History Development

• Subjects: Cultural Studies Culture
• Words: 5401

The Role of the Railroads in the Settlement of the Great West

• Subjects: Railway Transport Transportation

The Homestead Strike

• Words: 2004

Russian Revolution: What Went Down?

• Subjects: Eastern Europe History

Financial Effects of Globalization

• Subjects: Economics Globalization

Procedural Programming Languages

• Subjects: Programming Tech & Engineering

Business & Empire – The British Ideal of an Orderly World

• Subjects: History Medieval History
• Words: 2271

New Deal Programs: Key Elements and Effects

• Words: 1113

Fire and Community Evacuation in Apex, NC

• Subjects: Business Impact of Business Issues

Causes and Effects of Divorce

• Subjects: Family, Life & Experiences Relationships
• Words: 1169

Mineral Resource Rent Tax Policy

• Subjects: Economics Taxation
• Words: 4483

Scarcity of Water in Saudi Arabia, Africa and Australia

• Subjects: Ecology Environment
• Words: 1713

The Financial and European Economic Crisis 2008 – 2012

• Words: 1119

Asian Drivers of Global Change

• Subjects: Economics International Trade Policy
• Words: 2654

Problem of Sleep Deprivation

• Subjects: Health & Medicine Neurology
• Words: 1408

The Charleston Sofa Super Store Fire

• Subjects: Accidents & Protection Tech & Engineering

The Impacts of FDIs and Trade to the Asian Pacific Regions

• Subjects: Economic Problems Economics
• Words: 2317

The Effect of Famine in North Korea

• Words: 1679

The Impact of the Pilkington Report on the British Television in the 1960s

• Subjects: Entertainment & Media TV
• Words: 2755

How and in what ways, did the use of print change the lives of early modern Europeans?

• Words: 1933

Technological Development in Trade and Its Impacts on Poverty

• Words: 1981

The Environment, Resources, and Their Economic Effects

• Subjects: Environment Environmental Studies
• Words: 2180

The Rules of Engagement and the Laws of Armed Conflict

• Subjects: International Relations Politics & Government
• Words: 1918

Spain’s Financial Crisis

Effects of alcohol abuse on women.

• Subjects: Health & Medicine Pharmacology

Children’s Personal and Social Development

• Subjects: Development Psychology
• Words: 1720

World War 2 Consequences

• Subjects: Warfare World War II
• Words: 1085

Global Financial Crisis Causes and Impacts

• Words: 1646

Impact of Plastics on the Environment

The causes and consequences of world war two, theoretical perspective on the giraffe’s adaptation.

• Subjects: Sciences Zoology

Effects of Internet Use in Society

• Subjects: Internet Tech & Engineering

Russian Popular Culture: History, Development, and Effect of Technologies

• Subjects: Culture Worldwide Cultures
• Words: 2210

The Effects of Background Television on the Toy Play Behavior of Very Young Children

• Words: 1356

Cruise Competition in Tourism Industry

• Subjects: Tourism Trips and Tours

Reform-Women’s Rights and Slavery

Water shortage’ major causes and implication.

• Words: 1368

Divorce and its Impacts on Family Members

• Words: 1657

British Policy and the Indian Mutiny

• Subjects: History World History
• Words: 1135

Impact of Regional Azerbaijan-Armenia War on Neighbouring Countries and Foreign Policies

• Words: 2329

The Rise and fall of Napoleon and The Cause of Revolution

• Words: 1348

Consequences of the New Age of the Image on Writing and Reading

• Subjects: Literature Modernist Literature

Sale of Forests in United Kingdom

• Subjects: Ecological Identity Environment
• Words: 1065

How Non-Sales Factors Affect Sales in an Organisation

• Subjects: Business Marketing

Why Europe Went to War

• Subjects: Warfare World War I
• Words: 1941

Risks and Benefits of Greater EU Integration for International Business

• Words: 1372

Effect of a Permanent Increase in Oil Price on Inflation and Output

• Subjects: Economics Inflation

Competition in an Oligopolistic Market

Wwi-war: revolution, and reconstruction, the influence on health of economic inequality.

• Subjects: Health & Medicine Public Health
• Words: 1952

Current and Future Population Problems in Pakistan

• Subjects: Overpopulation Sociology
• Words: 2430

The Impact of Racial Thought on the Aboriginal People in Relation to Australian History

• Words: 1361

Global Financial Crisis Impact on Australian and World Economies

• Words: 1429

Global Warming Effects: Greenhouse Gas and the Earth’s Atmosphere

• Subjects: Environment Global Warming

Life Expectancy in the Developing World

Chinas history and relations, the asian pacific americans.

• Subjects: Immigration Sociology
• Words: 1742

Air law- does criminalisation of the operator prevent an accident from happening again?

• Subjects: Law Transportation Law
• Words: 2163

Cause and Effect of Child Abuse

• Subjects: Child Psychology Psychology

Effects of Globalization on Native Non-Western Cultural Practices

• Subjects: Cultural Issues Culture
• Words: 1689

Saudi Oil and Global Economic

• Subjects: Business Industry
• Words: 1070

Indigenous animals in the Gulf

• Words: 1130

The Global Economic Recession of the United States

• Words: 1360

Expensive Healthcare in the USA: What are the causes?

Role of marriage/family & singlehood.

• Subjects: Sociological Issues Sociology

The long run effect of the Eurozone crisis in Germany and Greece

• Subjects: Economics Macroeconomics
• Words: 2263

Urban Sprawl and Environmental and Social Problems

• Subjects: Air Pollution Environment

Causes and Effects of Studying In Australia

• Subjects: Education Education Abroad

How Harley Davidson Affected American Motorcycle Riding Today

• Subjects: Business Company Analysis
• Words: 1144

Tailor-made work programs: Their Impact on Young People in a Modern Society

• Subjects: Education Education Issues
• Words: 1926

Consequences of Illegal Immigrants on America’s Economy

• Words: 1079

Causes and Effects of Iran’s Continued Quest for a Nuclear Weapons Program

How the aftermath of the war of independence affected the lives of african slaves in the north and south.

• Subjects: African American Studies History

Cause of the Financial Crisis

• Words: 1675

Migration Flows Cause and Effect in US

Factor that cause immigration, technology impact on society and environment.

• Subjects: Tech & Engineering Technology Effect

Violence in Movies and Its Effects

• Subjects: Entertainment & Media Movies

The Causes and Effect of the Computer Revolution

• Words: 1094

Cause and effect analysis of tourism

• Words: 1021

Cause and effect analysis of camping

• Words: 1080

The Effects of Noise Pollution

Violent movies and children, cuban americans throughout the u.s. history.

• Words: 3184

Infrastructure in Lebanon

• Subjects: Economics Influences on Political Economy
• Words: 1376

Use of Marijuana and Its Consequences

• Subjects: Drug and Alcohol Addiction Sociology

Cause and Effect of Getting Married

Causes of civil war.

• Words: 1658

Alcoholism and the Impact Colonization Has Had on Aboriginals

• Words: 2734

Arguing on Planet Earth – Environmental issues: Outline

• Words: 1345

Social Networks and Self-Esteem

Teenage pregnancy causes and effects.

• Subjects: Socialization Sociology

Climate Change Definition and Description

• Subjects: Climate Change Environment
• Words: 1627

Procrastination Issues: Cause and Effect

• Subjects: Philosophical Concept Philosophy

Cause and Effect of Oil Prices on the U.S. and World Economy

The side effects of drinking alcohol.

• Subjects: Health & Medicine Healthcare Research
• Words: 1096

Cause and effects of the mortgage crisis

Modern europe formation: east european studies, cheating on college exams is demoralizing, the impact of media on society.

• Subjects: Entertainment & Media Media and Society

Constitution and Government System

• Words: 1212

How Did Religion Affect the Pattern of Colonization in America and Life in Those Colonies?

Social & historical transformations caused by the ‘book’ as the first mass medium.

• Subjects: Advertising Entertainment & Media

Historical US Relationships With Native American

• Subjects: Culture Ethnicity Studies
• Words: 1387

Climate Change: Causes and Effects

What are the causes of the increased lack of internet privacy, the rise of democracy.

• Words: 1105

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay

Published September 27, 2020. Updated May 19, 2022.

Cause and Effect Essay Definition

A cause and effect essay explains why events happen (causes), what results (effects), and the relationship between the cause and effect(s).

Overview of a Cause and Effect Essay

Cause and effect essays are commonly structured in four ways: causal chain, causes, effects, and causes and effects. Once you decide on a structure, you should choose your topic. You may already have some causes and/or effects in mind. Brainstorm to come up with ideas. Brainstorming helps you think more about your topic and gives you a good selection of causes and effects to choose from. Choose what causes and effects to focus on. Develop a discussion of the causes and effects to build a case for the plausibility of these causes and effects and their relationship.

Worried about your writing? Submit your paper for a Chegg Writing essay check , or for an Expert Check proofreading . Both can help you find and fix potential writing issues.

Step 1: Choose a Focus

Cause and effect essays are commonly structured in four ways:

• Causal chain
• Causes & effects

Start by considering the length of your essay and other requirements. Follow the focus and topic assigned by your instructor. Otherwise, choose the option that is best for you.

Causal Chain

A causal chain follows a specific sequence of causes and effects. It starts with an initial topic and then moves forward, identifying a specific effect of this topic. This effect, then, causes another effect, and so on down the chain.

Topic → leads to A → leads to B → leads to C → final effect

A causal chain is a good structure if you want to build up to a certain key effect of the topic and show the reader the steps it takes to get there.

The causal chain structure works well for either a short (2-3 pages) or a long (4+ pages) essay, depending on how many steps you need to discuss to reach the final effect.

When you focus on causes, start with a topic you’re interested in and think about what caused it? In a way, you’re looking backward to understand the factors that caused something or that keep it happening.

Causes → Topic

This is good for a short essay because the scope is limited to focusing on causes.

If you focus on effects, start with a topic and work forward by asking what happens due to this event or topic? What are its effects?

Topic → Effects

Effects may be in the future. For example, if a certain law is passed, what will be the most likely outcome? We can’t know for sure until it happens, but we can use existing factors and logical reasoning to make a case for certain possibilities.

You could also focus on effects that are occurring or that have occurred. For example, what effects do video games have on a certain age group? This might also allow you to focus your analysis on an existing debate. In this example, the nature of the effects of video games on children is a common topic of debate.

This is good for a short essay because what you are covering is limited to effects.

Causes and Effects

With this focus, you’d consider what makes something happen and what its effects are.

Causes → Topic → Effects

If you are writing a longer essay, you could consider discussing both causes and effects. This wider scope could result in a more thorough examination of the topic. But make sure not to set yourself up to do too much. You don’t have to touch on every cause and effect you brainstorm. Rather, your focus should relate to your purpose. Remembering your focus allows you to screen out the causes and effects that aren’t relevant to your purpose.

The cause and effect structure is good for a longer essay (4 or more pages) because you’ll have to cover more material.

Step 2: Choose a Topic

Now that you’ve decided on a focus, what do you want to write about? Your assignment prompt might give you some direction, but if the essay is open-topic, consider what you’d be interested in writing about. Here are some ideas to help you choose:

Consider Your Purpose

You want to have an end goal, a purpose. You’re discussing causes and effects, but why? To show people what? To convince people of what? For example, you could analyze effects for the purpose of showing that video games help teenagers develop good teamwork and decision-making skills.

At first, you might think about what you want to learn or explore. Maybe you’ve found that jobs in a career field you’re interested in are increasing or decreasing, and you’d like to explore the causes for that. Maybe you’d like to explore the effects of companies allowing employees to work from home. If your research leads you to conclude that these effects are mostly positive, you might focus your purpose on convincing employers to offer more work-from-home flexibility. To do that, you’d analyze the effects.

Consider Your Audience

Consider your audience can help you focus your topic and develop content. What are the relevant characteristics of your audience? What are their likely questions, concerns, or biases? Answering these questions helps you decide what to focus on. If your audience is owners or leaders of a struggling business, you could analyze the causes of their poor sales to help them improve. This example shows the connection between audience and purpose.

A phenomenon is something noteworthy or special that stands out. The topic could be from pop culture, science, current events, or anything else. You could make an argument for the causes of a movie’s popularity or explore why a particular age group favors a certain social media platform. Topics are everywhere!

Trend , as used here, doesn’t mean a fad, but rather, something that rises or falls in popularity over time.

If you write on a trend, decide the beginning and end of the period you will be discussing. For instance, the rise of women in the workforce starting from WWII makes sense because with men fighting in the war, women had to step into several key industries normally dominated by men. However, if you tried to discuss significant causes of the increase of women in the workforce from WWII to the present, you’d probably find that to be too long of a period of time to discuss thoroughly.

Step 3: Brainstorm Causes and Effects

You may already have some causes and effects in mind. Keep brainstorming to come up with more. You won’t write about everything, but brainstorming helps you think more about your topic and gives you a good selection of causes and effects to choose from.

As you brainstorm, consider different types of causes and effects.

Surface Causes and Effects

Surface causes and effects are obvious. They come immediately to mind, and their connection to the topic is clear or well-known. For example, the connection between smoking and lung damage.  Because of this, surface causes and effects usually don’t need extensive development. While they could have a role in your essay, you wouldn’t want to focus solely on obvious causes and effects.

Below-the-Surface Causes and Effects

These are not immediately obvious. This doesn’t mean they’re baseless “conspiracy theory” ideas, but that they’re not things people would immediately know or think of. They might be more complicated or even rarely acknowledged on a conscious level. These might not even occur to you until you’ve done more research and thought more about the topic. Below-the-surface causes and effects take more work to develop in an essay, but they are generally more intriguing.

Immediate Causes and Effects

Immediate causes and effects happen right before or after the topic. Because of this proximity, they are often more obvious, although they are not necessarily simple.

Remote or Background Causes and Effects

These happen well before or after the topic. You’ll have to think about the length of time that makes sense for your topic. If you are considering the increase of women in the workforce, considering WWII probably makes sense, even though it was over seventy years ago. However, if you are speculating about the causes of the popularity of Facebook, seventy years in the past is too far.

Perpetuating Causes

Perpetuating causes not only make something happen but also keep it going as well. Such causes perpetuate the topic.

Step 4: Choose What Causes and Effects to Focus On

Use these ideas to help you decide what causes and effects to focus on:

• Does your prompt tell you how many causes and effects to cover? Make sure to follow assignment instructions.
• Choose causes and effects that help you accomplish your purpose.
• Choose causes and effects relevant to your audience.
• You might notice that certain causes/effects cluster around a particular idea or theme. You could choose to focus on that theme.
• What types of causes and effects did you brainstorm? It will take more effort and writing space to develop an argument for the plausibility of a below-the-surface cause than a surface cause. Don’t take on more complicated causes and effects than you can develop in your page range.
• Don’t go the route of using lots of obvious causes and effects. These won’t give you the chance to develop an in-depth analysis and your paper might end up more like a list.

Before you turn in that paper, don’t forget to cite your sources in APA format , MLA format , or a style of your choice.

Step 5: Develop a Discussion of Your Causes and Effects

You are looking for connections between the causes and the effects of the topic. You’re building a case for the plausibility of these causes and effects.

Have a working thesis in mind. You’ll probably refine it as you go.

Make sure to avoid the false causality logical fallacy . This can also be expressed as “coincidence doesn’t equal causation.” That one event precedes another does not make the first event a cause of another. It’s up to you as the writer to establish a firm causal link.

Think about the order in which you present the causes and effects. There might be some that form a foundation for understanding others. There might also be a chronological sequence, especially if you are following a causal chain. You might also choose to develop your most compelling cause or effect.

Example Cause and Effect Essay on the Internet’s Influence on Young Adults

By Ericka Scott Nelson. Ericka earned a MA in English from the University of California, Riverside. She teaches composition at a community college.

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Cause And Effect Essay Writing

Cause And Effect Essay Topics

Top Cause and Effect Essay Topics to Impress Your Readers

15 min read

Published on: May 19, 2023

Last updated on: Mar 25, 2024

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How to Write Cause and Effect Essays in Simple Steps

Learn How to Create a Cause and Effect Essay Outline

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Are you struggling to find an interesting and relevant topic for your cause and effect essay? Do you find it challenging to establish the relationship between different events, phenomena, or actions and their consequences? 

Don't worry, you're not alone.

In this blog, we provide a range of cause and effect essay topics. From analyzing mental health to exploring the causes and effects of technology, our list cover a diverse range of topics. This collection will surely inspire you to write a compelling essay.

So let’s begin!

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Cause and Effect Essay - Definition

A cause and effect is a type of essay that focuses on the impact caused by a particular object. A cause and effect essay aims to represent the relation between two or more events. It explains how something would probably happen as a result of an action or cause. 

Want to learn more about cause and effect essays? Check out this informative video!

Good Cause and Effect Essay Topics

In this section we have compiled a list of interesting and easy cause and effect essay topics you can choose from for your essay. 

• The impact of social media on interpersonal relationships
• The causes and effects of cyberbullying in schools
• The influence of technology on human productivity in the workplace
• The effects of climate change on global migration patterns
• The causes and consequences of the rise in mental health issues among young adults
• The impact of single-use plastics on marine ecosystems
• The causes and effects of income inequality in modern society
• The influence of advertising on consumer behavior and purchasing decisions
• The effects of video games on children's cognitive development
• The causes and consequences of food waste in developed countries

Check out this blog to get tips on creating a cause and effect essay outline ? 

Cause and Effect Essay Topics on Poverty

Here are some cause and effect essay topics on poverty. Check out below:

• The impact of COVID-19 on poverty: causes and effects.
• The causes and effects of the gender pay gap on poverty.
• How lack of education contributes to poverty and its effects on society.
• The effects of political corruption on poverty in developing countries.
• The effects of economic inequality on poverty in the United States.
• How environmental degradation contributes to poverty and its effects.
• The causes and effects of child poverty in developed countries.
• The effects of globalization on poverty in developing countries.
• How the lack of access to healthcare contributes to poverty and its effects.
• The causes and effects of homelessness on poverty and society.

Cause and Effect Essay Topics on Obesity

• The effects of social media on the rise of obesity among teenagers.
• The causes and effects of stress eating on obesity rates.
• The effects of a sedentary lifestyle on the rise of obesity.
• The causes and effects of food insecurity on obesity in low-income
• communities.
• How genetics and family history contribute to obesity rates and its effects.
• The effects of food marketing on childhood obesity rates.
• The causes and effects of sleep deprivation on obesity rates.
• The effects of fast food consumption on the rise of obesity.
• How urban planning affects obesity rates and its effects on society.
• The causes and effects of the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages
• on obesity rates.

Cause and Effect Essay Topics for IELTS

• The impact of online learning on educational outcomes: causes and effects.
• The causes and effects of population growth on the environment.
• The effects of social media on mental health among teenagers.
• The causes and effects of the gig economy on job security.
• The effects of immigration on the economy of a host country.
• The causes and effects of deforestation on climate change.
• The effects of automation on the job market and the economy.
• The causes and effects of the rise of nationalism on international relations.
• The effects of technology on communication skills in the workplace.
• The causes and effects of income inequality on social cohesion.

Cause and Effect Essay Topics for College Students 

Are you a college student struggling to select a cause and effect essay topic? Check out the topics below to get inspired!

• The effects of social media on mental health and self-esteem.
• The causes and effects of the rise of anxiety and depression among college students.
• The effects of part-time jobs on academic performance among college students.
• The causes and effects of procrastination on academic success.
• The effects of studying abroad on personal and professional development.
• The causes and effects of the rise of freelancing on job security.
• The effects of online shopping on local businesses.
• The causes and effects of cyberbullying on mental health among teenagers and young adults.
• The effects of college debt on financial security and career prospects.
• The causes and effects of the decline of empathy and interpersonal skills among college students.

Cause and Effect Essay Topics for Middle School 

• The effects of cyberbullying on mental health among middle school students.
• The causes and effects of the rise of childhood obesity rates.
• The effects of peer pressure on academic performance among middle school students.
• The causes and effects of a lack of sleep on academic success.
• The effects of social media on communication and relationships among middle school students.
• The causes and effects of the decline of physical activity among middle school students.
• The effects of single-parent households on children's emotional and academic development.
• The causes and effects of school bullying on mental health and academic success.
• The effects of technology on reading and writing skills among middle school students.
• The causes and effects of the decline of empathy among middle school students.

Cause and Effect Essay Topics on Health Care

Looking for healthcare cause and effect essay topics? Here we have them for you!

• The causes and effects of health care disparities among racial and ethnic minorities.
• The effects of the opioid epidemic on health care resources and services.
• The causes and effects of the rise of mental health issues among health care workers.
• The effects of medical malpractice on health care costs and patient outcomes.
• The causes and effects of the rise of chronic diseases on health care costs and resources.
• The effects of the Affordable Care Act on access to health care for low-income individuals.
• The causes and effects of the rise of telemedicine on health care delivery.
• The effects of patient satisfaction on health care quality and outcomes.
• The causes and effects of the shortage of primary care physicians on health care access and quality.
• The effects of technological advances on health care costs and outcomes.

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Cause and Effect Essay Topics on Mental Health

Here are some amazing mental health topics for cause and effect essay: 

• The causes and effects of social media use on mental health and well-being.
• The effects of childhood trauma on adult mental health.
• The causes and effects of the rise of anxiety and depression among young adults.
• The effects of academic stress on mental health among college students.
• The causes and effects of the stigma surrounding mental illness on help-seeking behaviors.
• The effects of work stress on mental health among adults.
• The causes and effects of substance abuse on mental health and well-being.
• The effects of sleep deprivation on mental health and cognitive function.
• The causes and effects of loneliness and social isolation on mental health.
• The effects of mindfulness practices on mental health and well-being.

Need ideas? Explore this link for expertly crafted cause and effect examples that will inspire you!

Funny Cause and Effect Essay Topics 

Let’s take a look at some funny cause and effect essay topics: 

• The effects of eating too many tacos on your love life.
• The causes and effects of wearing pajamas all day on productivity.
• The effects of using too many emojis on communication skills.
• The causes and effects of playing too much Candy Crush on decision-making abilities.
• The effects of binge-watching reality TV shows on relationship expectations.
• The causes and effects of having a messy room on mental health.
• The effects of procrastination on creativity.
• The causes and effects of listening to loud music on concentration.
• The effects of eating ice cream before bed on dreams.
• The causes and effects of watching too many cooking shows on appetite.

Easy Cause and Effect Essay Topics

• The causes and effects of not getting enough sleep.
• The effects of social media on mental health.
• The causes and effects of stress on physical health.
• The effects of exercise on mental health and well-being.
• The effects of fast food on health and well-being.
• The causes and effects of using technology in the classroom.
• The effects of smoking on health and well-being.
• The causes and effects of pollution on the environment.
• The effects of drinking too much coffee on physical and mental health.

Cause and Effect Essay Topics on Technology 

• The causes and effects of smartphone addiction on productivity.
• The effects of video games on children's cognitive development.
• The causes and effects of cyberbullying on mental health.
• The effects of technology on interpersonal communication skills.
• The causes and effects of online shopping on traditional retail businesses.
• The effects of technology on the job market and employment opportunities.
• The effects of the internet on global communication and cultural exchange.
• The causes and effects of artificial intelligence on the workforce.

Best Cause and Effect Essay Topics 

We have compiled some most popular cause and effect essay topic for you. Take a look:

• The causes and effects of climate change on the environment and human societies.
• The effects of social media on mental health and interpersonal relationships.
• The causes and effects of income inequality on economic growth and social well-being.
• The effects of globalization on cultural identity and diversity.
• The causes and effects of the opioid epidemic on public health and the healthcare system.
• The causes and effects of the gender pay gap on workplace culture and gender equality.
• The effects of political polarization on democracy and social cohesion.
• The causes and effects of the digital divide on educational opportunities and social inequality.
• The effects of childhood trauma on mental health and social outcomes in adulthood.

Cause and Effect Essay Topics on Medical

Medical is vaste field and cause and effects essays are a compulsory part of syllabus. Here are some medical topics for your inspiration:

• The causes and effects of antibiotic resistance on public health and the healthcare system.
• The effects of obesity on physical health and chronic disease.
• The causes and effects of medical malpractice on patient outcomes and trust in the healthcare system.
• The effects of the opioid epidemic on public health and the healthcare system.
• The causes and effects of mental health stigma on access to care and social well-being.
• The effects of smoking on physical health and chronic disease.
• The causes and effects of medical debt on financial stability and access to care.
• The effects of vaccination on public health and disease prevention.
• The causes and effects of healthcare disparities on health outcomes and social inequality.
• The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and healthcare delivery.

Science/Environment Cause and Effect Essay Topics

• The causes and effects of climate change on the educational system and the need for environmental education.
• The effects of pollution on human health and the educational system's role in promoting environmental justice.
• The causes and effects of deforestation on biodiversity and the educational system's role in promoting conservation efforts.
• The effects of plastic waste on marine life and the educational system's role in promoting sustainable practices.
• The causes and effects of air pollution on respiratory health and the educational system's role in promoting public health awareness.
• The effects of pesticide use on agricultural productivity and the educational system's role in promoting sustainable farming practices.
• The causes and effects of natural disasters on community resilience and the educational system's role in disaster preparedness.
• The effects of urbanization on wildlife habitats and the educational system's role in promoting green infrastructure.
• The causes and effects of water pollution on aquatic ecosystems and the educational system's role in promoting water conservation.
• The effects of environmental degradation on public health and the educational system's role in promoting sustainability education.

Culture and Social Issues Cause and Effect Essay Topics

• The causes and effects of income inequality on educational opportunities and the role of charter schools in addressing the achievement gap.
• The effects of raising the retirement age on social security benefits and the economy.
• The causes and effects of the aging baby boomer population on healthcare systems and social welfare programs.
• The causal relationship between mental health issues and social isolation and the role of community outreach programs.
• The effects of illegal immigration on the labor market and the economy.
• The causes and effects of school uniforms on student behavior and academic performance.
• The effects of social media on interpersonal communication and the influence of online communities.
• The causes and effects of cultural appropriation on social justice and cultural preservation.
• The effects of gentrification on urban communities and the preservation of local culture.
• The causes and effects of gender stereotypes on social roles and the promotion of gender equality.

Sports Cause and Effect Essay Topics

• The effects of sports participation on academic achievement and socialization skills.
• The causes and effects of performance-enhancing drug use in professional sports.
• The effects of media coverage on the popularity of certain sports and athletes.
• The causes and effects of fan violence at sporting events.
• The effects of sports fandom on identity formation and social bonding.
• The causes and effects of injuries in sports and their impact on athletes' careers.
• The effects of gender stereotypes on the portrayal of female athletes in sports media.
• The causes and effects of the commercialization of college sports on athletes and universities.
• The effects of technology on sports training and performance.
• The causes and effects of the rising popularity of e-sports and its impact on traditional sports.

History Cause and Effect Essay Topics

• The effects of colonization on indigenous cultures and communities.
• The causes and effects of the Industrial Revolution on global economies and societies.
• The effects of the Civil Rights Movement on race relations and social justice in the United States.
• The causes and effects of World War I on the political and social structures of Europe.
• The effects of the feminist movement on gender equality and social norms.
• The causes and effects of the Cold War on international relations and global security.
• The effects of technological advancements on historical research and preservation.
• The causes and effects of the Renaissance on art, culture, and society.
• The effects of globalization on cultural exchange and economic growth.
• The causes and effects of the fall of the Roman Empire on Western civilization.

Cause and Effect Essay Topics Psychology

• The effects of social media on mental health and social behavior.
• The causes and effects of addiction and substance abuse on individuals and society.
• The effects of childhood trauma on adult mental health and well-being.
• The causes and effects of bullying on mental health and social development.
• The effects of cultural norms and values on the expression of emotion and mental health.
• The causes and effects of anxiety disorders on daily functioning and quality of life.
• The effects of technology on cognitive processes and brain development.
• The causes and effects of sleep deprivation on mental health and physical well-being.
• The effects of personality traits on academic and professional success.
• The causes and effects of stress on mental and physical health.

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How to Find an Interesting Cause and Effect Essay Topic?

Finding good essay topics is always the most tricky part of essay writing. Especially when it comes to writing a cause and effect essay. You need to select such a topic that is attractive, unique, and easy both simultaneously. 

Here are some tips to help you find an interesting cause and effect essay topic:

• Brainstorm ideas: Start by brainstorming a list of potential topics that interest you. Think about the issues that you care about or the events that have had a significant impact on your life.
• Look for current events: Keep an eye on current events and news stories. Many current events have a clear cause and effect relationship, and writing about them can help you stay relevant and engaged.
• Consider controversial topics: Controversial topics often have complex causes and effects. Choose a topic that is controversial and explore the different factors that contribute to the issue.
• Consult with your instructor or peers: Consult with your instructor or peers for topic suggestions. They may be able to offer insights or suggest ideas that you hadn't considered.
• Research: Research is essential for finding an interesting cause and effect essay topic. Look for reliable sources, such as academic journals and textbooks, to gather information about potential topics.
• Focus on something specific: Choose a specific event, situation, or trend to focus on. Narrowing your focus will help you explore the topic in greater depth and avoid generalizations.
• Use prompts: Use prompts or writing exercises to generate ideas. Many online resources offer prompts for cause and effect essays that can help you get started.

To Put it Simply,

Finding the perfect topic to write an essay is very important. A good topic will let you write freely and use your thoughts well. Plus, to write a cause and effect essay, one needs to do much research work.

So make sure that the topic you choose is interesting and easy to research. However, if you can not find a good topic for your essay, get suggestions from our AI essay writer . 

Moreover, we have an extensive team of professional writers to help you out. Our cause and effect essay writing service provides high-quality and original papers for students based on their specific requirements.

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Cause and Effect Essay Topics for College Students: 270+ Ideas & Tips for 2024

A cause-and-effect essay analyzes how one issue leads to another one. There are endless opportunities to formulate cause and effect topics. However, it is not that easy when it comes to good cause and effect topics.

Luckily, in this article, you will find 180+ cause and effect essay topics for college & middle school students. You can use them right away or for inspiration. Additionally, our team prepared tips on organizing your essay and a beneficial, easy-to-use scheme to arrange your cause-and-effect ideas.

🔝 Top 15 Cause and Effect Essay Topics for College Students

😎 cool cause and effect essay topics 2024.

• ✔️ Choosing Good Topics
• 📂 Essay Organization

📌 Cause-Effect Diagram

• 📚 Topics by Discipline
• 😉 Optimistic Topics

👍 Good Cause and Effect Topics

• 🪁 Miscellaneous Topics
• 🎓 For College Students
• 🧒 Fun Cause and Effect Topics

🦄 Unique Cause and Effect Topics

📝 cause and effect research topics.

• The impact of social media on mental health.
• Effects of technology on interpersonal relationships.
• Causes and effects of stress in the modern workplace.
• The influence of fast-food accessibility on obesity rates.
• Causes and effects of bullying in schools.
• The influence of music on mood and emotions.
• Effects of sleep deprivation on academic performance.
• Causes and effects of urbanization.
• The influence of advertising on consumer behavior.
• Effects of technology on attention span.
• Video games and their impact on aggressive behavior.
• The impact of women’s rights movements on society.
• Causes and effects of cyberbullying.
• The influence of media portrayals on body image.
• Causes and effects of overpopulation.
• Causes and effects of crime .
• Effects of Instagram on children.
• Types and causes of water pollution .
• How does regular alcohol consumption influence mental health?
• Major causes of drug abuse among adolescents.
• Causes and consequences of childhood obesity.
• Causes and solutions to food prices increase.
• Why does sea temperature increase, and how does it affect fish?
• How do oil prices affect the aviation industry?
• What are the worst consequences of school bullying?
• COVID-19 effects on suicide rates.
• How does learning the second language affect the first language?
• What are the solutions for the gender wage gap?
• The effects of stress on the human body.
• What are the causes of increased consumption of fast food?

✔️ Choosing Good Cause and Effect Topics

Do you already have a subject to write about? Check out our cause and effect essay ideas below, get inspiration to narrow down your topic.

In case you are free to choose a subject, here are some ways to get started. Remember that the cause and effect essay can be about anything. The major challenge is to thoroughly describe the causal relationships and demonstrate each cause and effect’s role.

Choosing a Topic: Best Tips

• Think of some article you’ve read recently . It can be anything that picked your interest: news, scientific text, discussion of some issue, social media post, etc. What was the main subject there?
• Remember any issue you’ve discussed with someone . Maybe you had a dynamic discussion that you can use for the beginning.
• Scroll through your news feed . There must be something attracting your attention: Economics? Politics? Culture? Just choose the sphere that will be your starting point.
• Research field of your interest . Think of what you are fond of, something not related to your studying. It can also be a good inspiration source.

All these can help to get to the final topic. In the beginning, the critical task is to depict a field of your interest and search it for the cause-effect scenarios. Examples of how to line up the question are below.

📂 Organization of Cause and Effect Essay

Looking ahead, you might see how broad the range of cause and effect essay topics is. Accordingly, there are two fundamental ways to structure them. Get ready beforehand, and the writing process will be much easier.

🔗Focus on Causes

Also known as causal argument topics , such essays require full concentration on what, how, and why something led to some particular outcome. Here are examples of focus-on-causes essays:

• Skinny models are to blame for major bulimia and anorexia incidences.
• What are the factors that cause teachers’ burnout?
• Financial issues are among the top reasons for breakups.

🔗 Focus on Effects

On the opposite, for such an essay, you need to stick to the events’ consequences. The more doesn’t mean the better. More efficient is to choose 2-3 significant outcomes and describe their effect comprehensively. Examples:

• The one-child-per-family policy in China influences family relations.
• A lack of education results in discrimination and racism.
• Living together before getting married makes marital relationships better.

However, some topics might be developed both ways. The crucial thing is to choose one direction. And don’t try to dig deep into both causes and effects at the same time.

Whatever your topic is, and regardless of its focus, here is a very helpful diagram (aka Ishikawa or fishbone diagram). It will help you to structure the arguments and optimize the process of writing.

If your topic is focus-on-effects, just mirror the diagram so that it shows multiple effects.

Here you can find an online diagram template that is easy to fill and organize your thoughts.

🤖 Cause and Effect Topics on Technologies

• Unregulated artificial intelligence development can cause huge risks for humanity . The rapid progress of AI not only revealed new opportunities but also created reasons to be concerned.
• Artificial intelligence can reorganize whole industries . Just like the Industrial Revolution in the XVIII-XIX centuries turned the whole civilization upside down.
• Is a robot becoming the next president? How will it affect the democratic regime, social policy, or international diplomacy?
• What led to the battles for the militarization of space among countries? Refer to the Cold War and its role in the development of space research.
• Impact of information technology on a clothing company – a case study .
• Autonomous cars will reduce the number of traffic accidents.
• Effects of technology on human resource management.
• How does the increasing technological development influence our safety?
• What are the primary causes of people being skeptical about implanting microchips?
• The negative effects of poor information system planning .
• How does mass In-vitro fertilization shape the birth rates?

🕴️ Good Cause and Effect Topics on Business

• Why do college dropouts become successful entrepreneurs? What can be the causes of such a scenario?
• The Covid-19 crisis encouraged people to support small businesses. What are the benefits for the small sector and the broad range of suppliers?
• High competitiveness made it harder to develop a startup and enter a market . Provide the exact obstacles that entrepreneurs can face.
• Do online business courses undermine the authority of University programs? What can be the impact on the educational system?
• Major causes of businesses becoming bankrupt nowadays . It would be easy to use the Covid-19 economic crisis but consider other reasons.
• What can stimulate employees’ productivity to rise? Consider different incentives: salary, working schedule, regular training, team building, etc.
• How do monopolies affect the market?
• The accessibility of online shopping stimulated higher rates of consumerism.
• The influence of sustainable business on firm performance.
• Investment in social media advertising results in the attraction of a larger audience.

💰 Cause and Effect Topics on Economic

• The humanitarian crisis causes problems in all spheres of life . Provide the actual consequences on social, economic, and environmental issues.
• The role of feminism in the gender wage gap . Use examples of some public feminist movements that led to changes in women’s wages.
• Effects of Covid-19 lockdown on economics . How did the lockdown affect airlines? It can be a particular airline’s survival strategy or the industry in general.
• Climate change contributes to substituting petroleum with alternative energy sources . Discuss how the energy sector is influenced by climate change.
• What makes people invest in real estate during the world economic crisis?
• Consumer behavior and culture consequences.
• What influences the changes in the prices of products in the shops?
• What are the impacts of increasing unemployment?
• Do higher salaries for teachers result in better performance of students?
• What are the causes of a financial crisis in developed countries?
• How does e-marketing affect consumer behavior?
• How does the wealth of some persons affect the global economic equation?

📱 Cause and Effect Essay Topics on Social Media

• Effects of social networks on education. With free access to the Internet, students can easily exchange materials. At the same time, their work may lack individuality.
• Social media marketing has influenced the ways brands build up their vital activity . How do brands communicate with their clients, create a community of fans, participate in collaborations, etc.?
• Why are some trends becoming global while others are not? Explain why some social media trends have become viral and are supported worldwide.
• How does social media affect our perceptions of reality?
• Should we restrict children’s access to social media?
• The possibility of having a fake identity online increases the level of danger.
• Uncontrolled use of social media results in bad consequences for mental health.
• Social media usage in market research and forecasting.
• How has real-life communication changed with social media?
• How does social media influence sports brands’ marketing?
• What role does social media play in social inequality?
• Nursing career enhancement through social media.
• What can be the ways social media causes anxiety and depression?

🍲 Cause and Effect Ideas on Food

• Buying local food products increases sustainability. Local product supply is shorter: it saves the workforce, money, and the environment.
• A plant-based diet can have a great impact on climate change . The intense consumption of meat and dairy products contributes to global warming.
• Microplastic in food damage human health. What are the actual consequences of microplastic intake for human health?
• Why do some people prefer to meal prep for the week? Think of why it is more convenient for some people to cook for the whole week in advance.
• COVID-19 isolation stimulated many people to cook at home. How could it affect the catering industry?
• What are the harmful effects of fast food advertisements on children?
• Positive and negative effects of the Japanese diet on human health.
• How does genetically modified food affect human health?
• The cult of healthy eating made many people change their eating habits.
• Food & stress relationship and gender differences.
• What has facilitated the increasing popularity of the raw food diet?

🏞️ Good Cause and Effect Topics on Environment

• Activists like Greta Thunberg play a massive role in environmental protection . Consider the cases when certain persons contributed more than organizations.
• Will ecological policy on the state level make people have a sustainable lifestyle ? Take one country and provide the actual results of such policy’s efficiency.
• Deforestation makes many species lose their natural habitat . Discuss other effects of deforestation.
• Cow power utilization can save the planet from global warming . Research the methane collection from cows and describe the effect on the atmosphere.
• What may lead to the extinction of some species of fish? For example, increasing sea temperature or water pollution, etc.
• What are the main benefits of paper recycling?
• What can be the causes of massive malaria and cholera increase?
• Environmental change and impact on health.
• How do the natural environment and its condition impact human health?
• What can be the consequences of glaciers melting in Antarctica?
• Climate change impact on business activity in Malawi.
• How has the explosive population growth been affecting the environment?
• What can be the consequences of inaccurate weather forecasting?
• Climate change as a health determinant.

💉 Cause and Effect Topics on Health

• How do mental problems affect the strength of immunity?
• Regular junk food consumption influences the ability of an organism to produce energy.
• Use of marijuana: positive and negative effects on health.
• What can be the causes of poor digestion?
• What diseases can be caused by a lack of moral support?
• Effects of sleep on academic performance .
• Self-treatment can lead to making your disease worse.
• Which environmental changes can sharpen asthma and chronic bronchitis
• Music in nursing: positive effects and innovative strategies.
• How does belonging to a particular social class affect the health of a person?
• Regular annual health check-ups positively affect a person’s well-being.
• Dancing and its effects on self-esteem .
• What are the reasons some people become vaccine-hesitant?

⛷️ Cause and Effect Essay Topics on Sports

• What are the consequences of steroid abuse in sports?
• What are the ways for a human body to generate vital hormones?
• What is the effect of physical activity on academic achievement?
• How do sports from a young age affect kids’ socialization?
• Does youth sports play a part in character formation?
• How has feminism influenced the development of sports nowadays?
• Causes and effects of implementing corporate social responsibility in sports
• The presence of politics in worldwide competitions shapes the course of events.

🚬 Cause and Effect Ideas on Smoking

• Smoking in public places: health & economic effects.
• Increasing prices for cigarettes reduce the number of people smoking.
• The rates of lung and bronchus cancer among smoking adults in the U.S
• Effects of smoking on different organ systems.
• Why do teenager smoke?
• Effects of passive smoking.
• Tobacco under fire: advertising a harmful product.

🤝‍‍ Cause and Effect Essay Topics on Relationships

• How do family members’ financial capabilities shape a family’s overall well-being?
• Impact of the pandemic on people’s life.
• What are the effects of both spouses having stable jobs?
• Information and communication technology: impacts on society.
• The amount and quality of communication may determine the durability of relationships.
• The role of the father in the child’s life.
• How does parents’ divorce influence children ?
• Work-family conflict: antecedents and consequences .
• Which are the major issues leading to breakups nowadays?
• What difficulties may a bicultural couple face?
• Do stay-at-home mothers exhibit more indicators of happiness than full-time working mothers?
• What are the reasons for parents following particular role models?
• How does students’ attendance affect the psychological climate in the class?
• College students’ internet addiction and family relationships.

🏮Good Cause and Effect Topics on Culture

• How does mass media influence the perception of different issues?
• The importance of nonverbal communication .
• What are the significant effects of learning Chinese?
• Frequent visits to museums stimulate the development of a sense of beauty.
• The importance of understanding cultural differences in international business.
• How does the choice of college shape an individual’s circle of friends?
• Regular reading broadens the conceptual frames of an individual.
• The importance of an organization’s culture in nursing management.
• What were the consequences of mass media broadcasting beauty standards in the 1990-2000-s?
• Impact of culture on multinational marketing.
• Consumerism culture is the biggest threat to our planet.
• Chinese culture of one-child-per-family affects the ways parents raise their children.

🤝 Cause and Effect Topics on Social Issues

• Do stricter immigration policies cause additional tension or help?
• How do social determinants impact the quality of life?
• How do businesses aggravate or solve social issues?
• What is the primary cause of religious oppression?
• Gun Control: Does It Reduce or Increase Crime?
• Can the development of the feminist movement undermine the family institution?
• Drug Abuse in Adolescents: The Causes.
• What are the causes and effects of changes in tax legislation?
• Can increasing donations to the unemployed demotivate them?
• Health effects of environmental change.
• Growing up with food insecurity develops criminal inclinations in children.
• What are the most significant effects of illiteracy on human life?
• Effects of substance abuse amongst the military.
• Cause and effect of the internet on the promotion of social programs.
• How does depression affect a person’s work performance?
• Revolutionary change and its impact on women.
• What leads to homelessness, and what economic problems does it bring about?
• Population growth and related problems.
• International adoption may bridge the gap between advanced and developing countries.
• Drug and alcohol effects on emotional intelligence.
• Find the causes and effects of the popularity of social trends.
• What are the acute effects of gender inequality in the United States?
• The effects of teasing and name calling on children.
• What are the consequences of language barriers for minority groups?
• What causes retired or disabled people to look for employment?

🏺 Cause and Effect Essay Topics on Historical Issues

• Although slavery was abolished, it continues to produce effects on present-day society.
• The WWII veterans’ war experience has dramatically influenced their life.
• The Motives of Individual Soldiers Who Fought in the Civil War .
• What effects does religion have on modern society?
• How may the history of a state influence its present-day political and economic status?
• The origins of the Cold War.
• What triggered the Arab Spring, and what results did it bring about?
• What are the critical effects of British colonialism?
• The Great Depression: what are the causes and effects?
• How has the invention of printing changed the status of the mass media?
• Globalization influenced the present-day position of women.
• Oil discovery in the United Arab Emirates: historical research.
• How did the French revolution affect its success in the political arena?
• Causes and effects of the Colombian drug wars: economic and social aspects.
• American revolutionary war, its causes & effects.
• The state of abject poverty in developing countries triggers illegal immigration.
• Excessive immigration to America in the 20th century created plenty of economic problems.
• Natural resources’ role in the wars.
• The appearance of online sales brought businesses to a new level.
• What are the relationships between terroristic activity and American drone attacks?
• The history of the US that led to 9/11.
• Cause and effect analysis of the increased militancy of North Korea.

📜 Cause and Effect Ideas on Educational Problems

• How is the school curriculum affected by standardized testing?
• Use of computer technology for education process & the role of teachers.
• Being labeled an indigo kid often ruins students’ life.
• How do ADHD, dyslexia, or other problems affect the quality of the received education?
• Can we use video games as educational tools?
• Why is studying boring?
• Do technologies undermine the quality of learning?
• Ways to stop bullying at school: addressing children’s needs.
• The use of eBooks and interactive boards in class.
• How does homeschooling impact future education?
• Shakespeare’s influence on the English language.
• What benefits do charter schools have?
• What effects do anti-bullying programs have?
• Should schools distribute condoms among students?
• Did single-sex classrooms lead to lower socialization skills?
• Do school uniforms make children less prejudiced?
• How to prevent obesity in schools?
• Can racial integration lead to total elimination of bias?
• Living on campus develops independence.
• Should mandatory vaccination at school be eliminated?
• English language learning in early school.
• Why do students show poor performance on international exams?
• Why do some educational institutions fail to prepare good specialists?
• Latino school-age population and obesity.
• Does physical education have a positive effect on elementary students?
• Longer school days negatively influence students’ performance.
• School counselors crisis management.

😉 Optimistic Cause and Effect Topics

• Can video games boost students’ IQ?
• Economic impacts of World Cup.
• Does optimism improve immunity?
• What is the positive impact of the environment on families?
• Using social media improves communication skills.
• The promotion of bicycle use helps reduce traffic jams .
• What is the impact of media on the police image?
• Social media can help teens with their socialization process.
• Living together before marriage makes relationships stronger.
• Effects of animal reburial on soil structure and water.
• How does a happy marriage influence the health of a person?
• The history and positive effects of meditation.
• Going to college affects the decision-making skills of a person.
• What are the effects of the abortion ban?
• The impact of corporate social responsibility on contemporary organizations.
• Does self-isolation result in harmful consequences for health?
• Concentrating on your meal contributes to better digestion of food.
• An inferiority complex makes people create fake identities on social media.
• How will artificial intelligence influence our future?
• A lack of education results in low tolerance.
• The boom of fast food causes a growth in obesity rates in the US.
• Why does the fear of side effects make people avoid vaccinations?
• Insufficient physical activity increases the risk of a heart attack .

🪁 Miscellaneous Cause and Effect Essay Topics

• Does cramming affect test scores?
• How does advertising affect price elasticity?
• How do illegal ways of music downloading hurt the creativity of the artist?
• How can watching good movies impact the vision of a person?
• Factors affecting the efficiency of financial institutions in the UAE.
• What can be the significant impacts of insomnia on everyday life?
• Uncontrolled use of the Internet at a young age can result in mental health disorders in the future.
• How do business strategies affect HR strategies?
• Reading fiction helps develop empathy.
• Risk factors of contraceptive failures resulting in pregnancies.
• Does a sense of humor help improve personal relations?
• How does an unhealthy diet influence career opportunities?
• What are the major causes of currency rate fluctuations?

🎓 Cause and Effect Topics for College Students

• How does technological development influence the process of education?
• Greenhouse effect and global warming.
• What are the positive and negative effects of studying abroad?
• Organized crime in Russia and the impact on the economy .
• How does cheating in school affect other spheres of life?
• Global warming affects wildlife.
• What are the results of regular cramming instead of exercising and understanding?
• Childhood obesity: causes and consequences.

🧒 Fun Cause and Effect Essay Topics

• Do changes in the weather influence people’s moods?
• Reasons behind fast food addiction in the UAE .
• Having a pet makes its owners more friendly towards other pets.
• Influencer marketing impacts consumer behavior.
• Frequent eating of junk food causes many health diseases among children.
• Food prices increase: causes and solutions.
• Cleaning your room boosts your productivity.
• The impact of a growing elderly population.
• Doing homework helps students be more appreciated by teachers.
• What caused the increase of conspiracy theories believers?
• Cybercrime and its impact in the Gulf Cooperation Council region.
• Regular traveling makes you more open to different lifestyles.
• The impact of healthcare reform on nursing practitioners .
• What would happen if the sun disappeared?
• What would happen if the moon disappeared?
• Nursing informatics – how can it impact nurses’ work?
• The level and sphere of education impact music taste.
• What are the critical effects of political activism on society?
• How does a change in one’s socioeconomic status affect tolerance towards different layers of society?
• The effects of artificial intelligence on future job markets.
• Effects of online social networking on face-to-face communication skills.
• Effects of mindfulness meditation on stress reduction and mental health.
• The benefits and challenges of cultural diversity in multinational corporations.
• The impact of virtual reality technology on empathy and perspective-taking.
• The influence of social media on political polarization and public discourse.
• Effects of remote work on work-life balance and productivity.
• The impact of early childhood education on long-term academic achievement.
• Effects of biodiversity loss on ecosystem stability and resiliency.
• The influence of video game streaming on gaming culture and behaviors.
• Causes and effects of sleep disorders on overall health and cognitive function.
• Effects of renewable energy development on job creation and economic growth.
• The impact of cultural assimilation on immigrant mental health.
• Effects of green urban planning on community well-being and quality of life.
• The impact of open-access educational resources on learning outcomes.

🔍 References

• Cause and Effect – Writing for Success: University of Minnesota
• Cause and Effect Essay Examples
• Cause-and-Effect Essay: University of Michigan Press
• Cause and Effect Essay Paper Topics
• 100 Cause and Effect Essay Topics
• Teacher Discusses a Cause/Effect Essay – Writing Cause/Effect Essays: Coursera.org

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

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

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

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

Cause: A mosquito bit me.

Effect: My arm itches.

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

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

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

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

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How to Write a Cause-and-Effect Essay

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Jun 7, 2021 • 2 min read

Cause-and-effect essay structure is a way of exploring relationships between ideas and events.

Cause and Effect Essay Topics

Getting into cause and effect essays is like becoming a detective for real-life puzzles. Imagine figuring out the domino effect of your actions or understanding how one thing leads to another in the grand scheme of things. It's like being a super-sleuth, but instead of solving crimes, you're untangling the web of connections that make the world go round. From the small choices we make every day to the big global events that shake things up, choosing an interesting cause and effect essay topic helps you dig deep into what's really going on. It's basically your backstage pass to understanding the whys and hows of life! In this article, you will find a brief description of this assignment and a hundred new topics for your inspiration. If you’re seeking more in-depth writing recommendations, please consult your guide on how to write cause and effect essay .

Cause and Effect Essay Definition

A cause and effect essay is a form of writing that explores the relationships between events, actions, or phenomena by investigating how one element (the cause) influences another (the effect). The essence of this type of essay lies in unraveling the intricate connections and chains of events that underlie the fabric of our experiences. Whether scrutinizing the consequences of individual decisions, societal trends, or global occurrences, cause and effect essays aim to dissect the complexities of causation. The writer seeks to establish a clear understanding of why certain events happen and what outcomes emerge from specific actions or conditions.

The primary purpose of a cause and effect essay is to delve into the underlying reasons and consequences of particular occurrences, shedding light on the often unseen forces that shape our world. By dissecting the cause-and-effect relationships, the essay not only provides valuable insights into the dynamics of various phenomena but also encourages critical thinking and analytical skills in the writer and the reader alike. Like an argumentative essay , it prompts individuals to think beyond surface-level observations, fostering a deeper comprehension of the interconnected nature of events and helping to make sense of the intricate tapestry of cause and effect that weaves through our lives. Ultimately, cause and effect essays serve as powerful tools for unraveling the complexities of our existence and understanding the threads that tie our experiences together.

100 Cause and Effect Essay Topics

Let's jump into the exciting world of cause and effect essay ideas! Think of this as your brainstorming hub, a place where we will stir up some inspiration for your papers. We're about to explore the fascinating connections between actions and consequences that shape the narrative of our lives. So, get ready to spark those creative flames as we share a treasure trove of unique and thought-provoking topics. If you’re too busy or simply tired after a wearisome day in college, use our research paper writing services to make your life easier.

Cause and Effect Essay Topics for College Students

• Impact of social media on academic performance.
• The influence of fast food on health.
• Effects of stress on college students.
• Impact of technology on interpersonal relationships.
• Causes and effects of procrastination.
• The relationship between lack of sleep and academic performance.
• Effects of bullying on mental health.
• Causes and consequences of environmental pollution.
• The impact of parental involvement on student achievement.
• Effects of peer pressure on decision-making.

Fun Cause and Effect Essay Topics

• The butterfly effect in everyday life.
• The influence of memes on internet culture.
• Why watching cute animal videos boosts mood.
• The consequences of having a wacky wardrobe.
• How playing pranks affects friendships.
• The cause and effect of binge-watching TV shows.
• The domino effect of positive affirmations.
• The relationship between music and productivity.
• The influence of food choices on mood.
• How the presence of plants can impact well-being.

Personal Cause and Effect Essay Topics

• The impact of regular exercise on personal well-being.
• How positive thinking influences daily life.
• The consequences of maintaining a healthy diet.
• How procrastination affects personal productivity.
• The relationship between sleep habits and emotional stability.
• The effects of setting personal goals on motivation.
• How social media usage shapes personal relationships.
• The impact of reading on personal growth.
• How traveling broadens personal perspectives.
• The consequences of establishing a daily meditation practice.

Easy Cause and Effect Essay Topics

• The impact of technology on communication skills.
• How junk food influences weight gain.
• The consequences of skipping breakfast on daily energy levels.
• How regular exercise affects overall health.
• The effects of bullying on mental well-being.
• How environmental pollution impacts human health.
• The influence of parental involvement on academic success.
• The consequences of procrastination on academic achievement.
• How positive thinking can improve daily life.

Environmental Cause and Effect Essay Topics

• Deforestation and its impact on biodiversity.
• The consequences of air pollution on human health.
• How plastic waste affects marine ecosystems.
• The relationship between climate change and extreme weather events.
• Overfishing and its effects on oceanic food chains.
• The impact of pesticide use on soil quality.
• Urbanization and its influence on local wildlife.
• The consequences of water pollution on aquatic life.
• The role of industrial waste in environmental degradation.
• How deforestation contributes to changes in global climate patterns.

Education Cause and Effect Essay Topics

• The impact of technology on student learning.
• How parental involvement influences academic success.
• The consequences of excessive standardized testing on student stress levels.
• Bullying in schools and its effects on student mental health.
• The relationship between teacher-student ratios and academic performance.
• The impact of extracurricular activities on overall student development.
• How early childhood education influences future academic achievements.
• The consequences of limited access to educational resources in underserved communities.
• The role of teacher training in student engagement and performance.
• The effects of homework on student learning and well-being.

Technology Cause and Effect Essay Topics

• The impact of smartphones on face-to-face communication.
• How social media usage affects mental health.
• The consequences of excessive screen time on sleep patterns.
• Cyberbullying and its effects on the well-being of individuals.
• The relationship between technology and the job market.
• The effects of video games on cognitive development.
• How technology has changed the landscape of traditional education.
• The influence of automation on employment opportunities.
• The consequences of privacy breaches in the digital age.
• The role of technology in environmental sustainability.

Family & Relationship Cause and Effect Essay Topics

• Divorce and its impact on children's emotional well-being.
• The influence of parental involvement on academic performance.
• How sibling rivalry affects family dynamics.
• The consequences of communication breakdown in relationships.
• The relationship between quality time spent together and family cohesion.
• The effects of single-parent households on children's development.
• The impact of social media on family relationships.
• How financial stress affects marital harmony.
• The consequences of neglecting elderly family members.
• The role of cultural differences in intercultural relationships.

Sociology Cause and Effect Essay Topics

• Income inequality and its effects on societal well-being.
• The impact of social media on shaping cultural norms.
• Educational disparities and their influence on social mobility.
• The consequences of racial profiling in law enforcement.
• How gender stereotypes contribute to workplace dynamics.
• The effects of community engagement on crime rates.
• The relationship between social class and access to healthcare.
• Immigration and its impact on cultural diversity.
• The consequences of ageism in modern society.
• The role of religion in shaping societal values and norms.

More Interesting Cause and Effect Essay Topics

• The rise of social media influencers and its impact on consumer behavior.
• How climate change is altering global migration patterns.
• The effects of music therapy on mental health treatment.
• The consequences of urbanization on wildlife habitats.
• How the invention of the printing press revolutionized communication.
• The relationship between pet ownership and stress reduction.
• The impact of sleep deprivation on decision-making abilities.
• How fashion trends reflect societal values and norms.
• The consequences of fast fashion on environmental sustainability.
• The role of storytelling in shaping cultural identities.

Cause and Effect Essay Tips

Writing a cause-and-effect essay involves examining the relationship between events or situations where one event (the cause) leads to another event or situation (the effect). Here are some tips to help you craft an effective cause-and-effect essay:

Choose a Clear Topic

• Select a topic with a clear cause-and-effect relationship. Make sure it's not too broad or too narrow.

Thesis Statement

• Develop a strong thesis statement that clearly states the cause-and-effect relationship you will discuss in your essay.

Organize Your Ideas

• Choose a suitable organizational pattern. You can arrange your essay in chronological order, in order of importance, or categorically based on the strength of the cause or effect.
• Create a detailed outline before you start writing. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure a logical flow in your essay.

Introduction

• Provide a brief background on the topic.
• Clearly state the cause-and-effect relationship in your thesis statement.

Body Paragraphs

• Dedicate each paragraph to a specific cause or effect.
• Support your points with evidence, examples, or statistics.
• Maintain a clear and logical progression.

Transition Sentences

• Use transition sentences to guide the reader through the connections between causes and effects.
• This ensures a smooth and coherent essay.

Avoid Clichés

• Be creative with your language.
• Avoid using clichés and overused expressions.

Clarity and Conciseness

• Write clear and concise sentences.
• Avoid unnecessary details that may distract from the main points.

Use a Variety of Sources

• If applicable, incorporate information from various sources to strengthen your arguments and provide a well-rounded perspective.
• Summarize the key points made in the essay.
• Reiterate the cause-and-effect relationship established in the thesis statement.

Edit and Revise

• Review your essay for coherence, clarity, and grammar.
• Check for any gaps in logic or information.
• Seek feedback from others to get different perspectives.

Be Objective

• Maintain objectivity in presenting your cause-and-effect relationship.
• Avoid biased language or personal opinions unless it's a subjective analysis.
• Carefully proofread your essay to catch any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors.

Final Check

• Ensure that your essay effectively conveys the intended cause-and-effect relationship without any ambiguity.

If you ever need cause-and-effect or argumentative essay writing services , feel free to contact our expert writers.

Cause and Effect Essay Ideas with an Outline

In this section, we’ve decided to pick three interesting cause and effect essay topics and provide you with relevant outlines. Just in case you forgot, an essay outline is a structured framework that organizes the main ideas, arguments, and supporting details of an essay before the actual writing process begins. It typically consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion, each containing key points and evidence. The outline serves as a roadmap for the writer, helping to clarify thoughts, ensure logical flow, and maintain a cohesive structure throughout the essay.

Topic 1: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

• Brief overview of the rise of social media.

Thesis statement

• The use of social media has profound effects on mental health, influencing self-esteem, relationships, and overall well-being.

Low Self-Esteem

• Explain how constant exposure to idealized images and lifestyles on social media can lead to low self-esteem.
• Provide examples and studies supporting this claim.

Isolation and Relationship Strain

• Discuss how excessive use of social media may contribute to feelings of isolation and strain on real-life relationships.
• Include studies or real-life examples illustrating the impact on interpersonal connections.

Comparison and Anxiety

• Explore the phenomenon of social comparison on social media platforms.
• Explain how constant comparison can lead to anxiety and stress.
• Support with relevant research findings.
• Summarize the main points.
• Reiterate the significant impact of social media on mental health.

Topic 2: The Causes and Effects of Air Pollution in Urban Areas

• Briefly introduce the problem of air pollution in urban areas.
• The causes of air pollution in urban areas have far-reaching effects on public health, the environment, and the economy.

Industrial Emissions

• Explain how industrial activities contribute to air pollution.
• Discuss specific pollutants released and their impact.
• Provide examples of cities affected by industrial emissions.

Traffic Congestion

• Discuss the role of vehicular emissions in urban air pollution.
• Highlight the effects of traffic congestion on air quality.
• Provide statistics on the correlation between traffic density and pollution levels.

Health Consequences and Economic Impact

• Discuss the health issues associated with prolonged exposure to polluted air.
• Explain how air pollution can affect productivity and healthcare costs.
• Provide case studies or examples of cities dealing with economic repercussions.
• Summarize the causes and effects discussed.
• Emphasize the need for sustainable urban development to address air pollution.

Topic 3: The Influence of Parental Involvement on Academic Achievement

• Introduce the importance of parental involvement in a child's education.
• The level of parental involvement significantly affects a child's academic achievement, influencing factors such as motivation, study habits, and overall educational outcomes.

Motivation and Interest in Learning

• Discuss how parental encouragement can positively impact a child's motivation and interest in learning.
• Provide examples of activities or behaviors that demonstrate active parental involvement.

Study Habits and Discipline

• Explain how parental guidance can shape a child's study habits and discipline.
• Discuss the correlation between consistent parental involvement and improved academic performance.

Communication and Teacher Interaction

• Explore the role of parental communication with teachers and school staff.
• Explain how such communication can contribute to a supportive learning environment.
• Provide studies or examples illustrating the positive effects on academic achievement.
• Highlight the significance of parental involvement in fostering academic success.

Examining essay topic examples can be instrumental for students tackling cause-and-effect essays. These examples serve as valuable sources of inspiration and elucidate the diverse range of subjects that can be explored within this genre. By perusing various essay topics, students can identify patterns and themes, helping them choose a compelling and relevant subject for their own writing. Moreover, exposure to different topics provides insights into the depth and breadth of potential cause-and-effect relationships, stimulating critical thinking and creativity. If topic examples don’t help because of writer’s block or short deadlines, using a paper writing service is known to be perhaps the best solution.

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What to avoid in college application essays | College Connection

An important part of the Common Application, which is accepted by more than 1,000 colleges, is the personal essay. Students are given six options as prompts, as well as a seventh option which is to share an essay on a topic of choice.  So, students can write about anything at all.

The essay is an integral part of the application, as it is typically viewed by all the schools to which a student applies.  It is the one section where students have the opportunity to share what is unique about them and what qualities they will bring to their future college community.

To make their essay stand out, students should avoid some common pitfalls.

Do not cheat. That means students should not turn to ChatGPT or to another person  to write their essay. This should go without saying but, sadly, it does need to be said. College admissions officers know what the “voice” of a teenager sounds like, and that’s exactly what they’re looking for.

More: Top colleges where 'B' students are accepted | College Connection

Do not write about mental health issues. Although many young people, as well as those in every age group, deal with such issues, it is important not to share that information. Due to privacy laws, colleges are not able to contact parents if students struggle with depression, substance abuse, or any other troubling behavior. Therefore, students should not raise a red flag, or they will most likely find their applications in the “rejected” pile.

Do not be redundant. One’s personal essay is not the place to itemize the extracurricular, volunteer, and work experiences that are all included in the Activities section of the Common App. If there is one activity that dominated a student’s high school experience and is particularly compelling, it can be the topic of the essay. But students must elaborate on how they were profoundly impacted by their engagement. 

More: How where you live affects your college admissions chances | College Connection

Do not recycle successful essays that were submitted by prior applicants. Often, students turn to the multitude of articles showcasing essays written by students who were admitted to Ivy League and other elite institutions. What worked for a prior student will not be effective for another as it’s not their story. It’s vital for students to share their genuine story using their authentic voice.   The key to writing a thoughtful, introspective essay is to start early, carefully consider the story you want to share, and then do so in your very own style.

Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT ® preparation & private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362 .

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Harris’ struggles with immigration policy expose political vulnerabilities

Sergio Martínez-Beltrán

Jasmine Garsd

A look at Vice President Kamala Harris’ record on immigration

Vice President Kamala Harris, center, along with Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, Rep. Veronica Escobar, a Democrat from Texas, and Sen. Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, tour a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility in El Paso, Texas, U.S., in June 2021. Bloomberg/via Getty Images hide caption

As Vice President Kamala Harris works to secure the presidential nomination of the Democratic Party next month, her role on immigration policy is now in the spotlight.

Minutes after the President Joe Biden announced he was dropping out of the race and was endorsing Harris, Republicans started attacking her record on immigration and border policy.

“Joe Biden has now endorsed and fully supports his ‘Borders Czar’ Kamala Harris to be the Democrat candidate for president,” Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, posted on X . “I think I will need to triple the border wall, razor wire barriers and National Guard on the border.”

Conservatives have often referred to Harris as the Biden administration’s "Border Czar," incorrectly claiming she was tasked with repairing the border.

“Kamala had one job,” said Nikki Haley earlier this month at the Republican National Convention. “One job. And that was to fix the border. Now imagine her in charge of the entire country.”

In reality, that was not Harris’ job.

She was tasked by Biden in 2021 to examine the root causes of migration from Central America, including poverty, violence, and corruption. At that time, unauthorized migration came primarily from Mexico and Central America.

She was never tapped to head immigration policy, which is the responsibility of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who oversees all agencies in charge of the enforcement of immigration laws.

Three years later, this role could be Harris’ Achilles' heel. Her role in pushing for Biden’s immigration proposals have disenchanted Democrats and immigrant rights groups.

“I do think there is an opportunity here for Vice President Harris to have a more hopeful message around immigration than even the Biden administration has had in the past,” said Adriel Orozco, a senior policy counsel with the American Immigration Council.

Biden’s policy proposals have included severely restricting most asylum claims at the border and expediting the removal of unauthorized migrants, something immigrant rights groups have opposed.

Suyapa Portillo, a professor of Chicano/a-Latino/a Transnational Studies at Pitzer College, says Harris should try to separate herself from the Biden administration’s “slow move towards immigration reform,” and from the message of deterrence that “represents that conservatism from the Biden administration and the Democratic Party — the old guard.”

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on Monday during an event with NCAA college athletes. This was her first public appearance since President Joe Biden endorsed her to be the next presidential nominee of the Democratic Party. Susan Walsh/AP hide caption

A changed immigration landscape

If Harris secures the presidential nomination, she will be facing a very different immigration landscape than back in 2021, when she was tasked with addressing its root causes.

Last year, unauthorized crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border hit an all-time high. In December 2023, the number of encounters reached nearly 250,000, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

For the last four months, the number of migrants trying to cross illegally has dramatically dropped. That’s due in part due to Mexico’s enforcement, and Biden’s policies, which include severely restricting most asylum claims at the border .

But migration has diversified in the last few years. There is an unprecedented crisis of global displacement. When Harris was elected in 2020, 90% of immigration hailed from Mexico and Central America, according to an analysis by the Migration Policy Institute .

In 2023, only 49 percent of the encounters were with migrants from those four countries.

Today, immigrants arriving at the US Mexico border are fleeing from the crisis in Venezuela, the war in Ukraine and cartel violence in Ecuador, just to name a few.

A mixed track record

Harris’ record on immigration has been marred by policy blunders.

Her first international trip as vice president made clear her approach on immigration: addressing root causes to stop illegal migration.

In the summer of 2021, she traveled to Guatemala to meet with then-President Alejandro Giammattei. In a speech, she said that the Biden administration was committed to helping Guatemalans find “hope at home.”

But she also warned prospective migrants.

“I want to be clear to folks in this region who are thinking about making that dangerous trek to the United States-Mexico border,” Harris said. “Do not come. Do not come.”

Those three words: Do not come, were seen by many as a blunder . Latino advocates criticized the statement as paternalistic and tone-deaf, given the violent crises rattling the region.

For many immigrant advocates, that statement continues to haunt Harris’ candidacy.

“She needs to separate from Biden,” Portillo says. “She needs to speak to TPS holders and DACA holders for a plan for legalization, and a border plan that does not include throwing children in jail.”

But Harris has maintained that deterrence is essential: last year she announced $950 million in pledges from private companies to support Central American communities.

Judith Browne Dianis, the executive director of the D.C.-based civil rights organization Advancement Project, says Harris will now have to explain how she would tackle immigration if she were elected president.

“Is it a humanitarian response, or is there a criminalization response?” Dianis says. “We don’t need more criminalization. We don’t need a border wall. We need to get to the root causes. We need to make sure that people are taken care of.”

Criticism from GOP for not visiting the border enough

In early June 2021, Harris came under fire for not visiting the border. In an interview with NBC News , she was asked about Republican critiques.

“And I haven’t been to Europe,” Harris fired back. “I mean, I don’t understand the point that you are making.”

Her response was criticized by conservatives as disconnected and flippant towards border communities and agencies which have felt overwhelmed by the influx of migrants in recent years.

Harris’ first trip to the border came later that month, to El Paso, Texas. At a press conference there, she stated that migration “cannot be reduced to a political issue. We’re talking about children, we’re talking about families, we are talking about suffering.”

Earlier this year, Harris backed a Biden-endorsed bipartisan bill on border enforcement.

The measure would have added immigration detention beds, increased the number of U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel and asylum officers, and funded technology to detect fentanyl smuggling at the Southern border. It passed in the Senate but failed to move forward after former President Donald Trump urged House Republicans to kill it.

But for many immigration advocates, Harris is their candidate.

Kerri Talbot, the executive director of the national advocacy organization Immigration Hub, called Harris a “strong defender and champion of American families, including their immigrant family members” in a statement Sunday.

“We have no doubt that she can step up to the challenge, counter Trump and JD Vance’s rhetoric and dark vision for democracy, and protect the progress we’ve made while delivering transformative change for our immigration system,” Talbot said.

Before VP, Harris was already pushing for reform

But Harris involvement with immigration goes way beyond her vice presidency, and her actions show a shift in policies.

When she was the district attorney in San Francisco, she backed a city policy that turned over to federal immigration authorities migrant juveniles suspected of committing a felony. In 2019, Harris’ campaign told CNN “this policy could have been applied more fairly.”

But as California’s attorney general, she had a different stance. In a 2015 interview with CBS Los Angeles, Harris said, “Unfortunately, I know what crime looks like. I know what a criminal looks like who's committing a crime. An undocumented immigrant is not a criminal.”

Harris became U.S. senator from California in 2017.

She was part of a Senate hearing on the Trump administration’s highly controversial separation policy, in which undocumented migrant children were separated from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border, as a form of immigration deterrence. She questioned Trump officials, and said separating families can cause “irreparable harm.”

In 2019, she and several other Democratic senators reintroduced the Reunite Every Unaccompanied Newborn Infant, Toddler and Other Children Expeditiously (REUNITE) Act , “to expedite the reunification of separated immigrant families and promote humane alternatives for asylum-seeking immigrant families.”

When she ran for president in 2019, Harris unveiled an immigration plan that called for a path to citizenship for recipients of Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals program, best known as DACA.

That’s similar to what the Biden-Harris campaign promised when they run in 2020. However, none of that has happened during the administration.