Essay Papers Writing Online
Mastering the art of writing a cause and effect essay – a comprehensive guide for students.
Have you ever wondered about the intricate web of causes and effects that shape our daily lives? The world is an interconnected tapestry, where actions lead to consequences and ripple effects can be felt far and wide. Delving into the realm of cause and effect essay writing allows us to explore this fascinating phenomenon and shed light on the intricate dynamics that drive our world.
Unlocking the secrets of causality becomes a thrilling adventure, where we unravel the threads that bind seemingly unrelated events. This form of essay is a powerful tool to analyze the core reasons behind certain outcomes and elucidate the multifaceted consequences that follow. As we embark on this journey, we will discover that cause and effect essay writing is not merely an exercise in academic observation, but a transformative process that enhances our analytical skills and deepens our understanding of the world.
Embracing the challenge of writing a cause and effect essay grants us the opportunity to gain mastery over the art of logical reasoning and critical thinking. Through meticulous examination and careful evaluation, we can trace the roots of various phenomena, untangle the intricacies of cause and effect relationships, and unlock a deeper comprehension of our surroundings.
Choosing a Topic for Your Cause and Effect Essay
When it comes to crafting a compelling cause and effect essay, one of the most vital steps is selecting the right topic. The topic you choose will lay the groundwork for the entire essay, determining the direction and scope of your analysis. It is essential to choose a topic that is not only engaging but also allows for a deeper exploration of the cause and effect relationship.
To begin, consider your personal interests and passions. Reflect on the issues or phenomena that have caught your attention and inspired your curiosity. By selecting a topic that genuinely interests you, you will be more motivated to dive into thorough research and analysis, resulting in a more compelling essay.
In addition to personal interests, it is also crucial to consider the current relevance and significance of a topic. Look for subjects that are currently generating discourse or have real-life implications. Choosing a topic that is timely and meaningful will not only enhance the relevance of your essay but also demonstrate your understanding of the broader context.
Furthermore, consider the available resources for research. Ensure that there is ample information and scholarly resources available on the topic you choose. Adequate research material will allow for a comprehensive understanding of the cause and effect relationship, enabling you to provide well-supported arguments in your essay.
Lastly, it is important to select a topic that is neither too broad nor too narrow. A broad topic may result in a superficial analysis, while a narrow topic may restrict your ability to explore the cause and effect relationship fully. Striking the right balance will ensure that you can provide a comprehensive analysis within the scope of your essay.
By considering your personal interests, the current relevance of a topic, the availability of research material, and the scope of analysis, you can choose a topic that will lay the foundation for an engaging and insightful cause and effect essay.
Discover how to select a captivating topic that will captivate your audience
When it comes to writing a compelling cause and effect essay, one of the most important factors is choosing a captivating topic that will engage and capture the interest of your readers. The topic you select sets the stage for the entire essay, determining the tone, focus, and overall impact of your writing.
It is crucial to choose a subject that is not only interesting but also relevant and meaningful. Selecting a topic that resonates with your readers will not only motivate them to continue reading but also to connect with and appreciate the content you are presenting.
Consider selecting a topic that is current and trending, as this will immediately grab the attention of your audience. You can explore current events, social issues, or even pop culture phenomena that have a cause and effect relationship worth examining. By choosing a topic that is relevant to the lives of your readers, you are more likely to capture their interest and make them invested in your essay.
Another approach to selecting a compelling topic is to target a subject that is controversial or thought-provoking. Controversial topics often spark debates and discussions, which can create a sense of excitement and engagement among your readers. By presenting different perspectives and analyzing the cause and effect relationships of a controversial issue, you can encourage your audience to think critically and consider different viewpoints.
Additionally, selecting a topic that is unique and rarely explored can also be an effective way to engage your readers. By presenting them with fresh and interesting content, you can pique their curiosity and keep them hooked throughout your essay. Look for lesser-known cause and effect relationships or delve into a subject that hasn’t been extensively covered to provide your readers with a unique and captivating reading experience.
In conclusion, choosing a compelling topic for your cause and effect essay is essential in capturing the attention and interest of your readers. By selecting a relevant, controversial, or unique subject, you can pique their curiosity and make them invested in your writing. Remember to consider your audience’s interests and values when choosing a topic to ensure that it resonates with them and keeps them engaged from start to finish.
Learn the essential components and organization of this type of academic writing
Understanding how to write a cause and effect essay involves knowing the key elements and structure that make up this particular type of academic writing. By grasping the essential components and organization, you will be equipped to effectively convey the relationship between causes and effects in your essay.
One important component of a cause and effect essay is the introduction, which provides an overview of the topic and clearly states the thesis statement. The thesis statement should express the main idea or argument of the essay, outlining the causes and effects that will be discussed.
Following the introduction, the body paragraphs of the essay delve into specific causes and effects. Each paragraph should focus on a single cause or effect, providing clear explanations and supporting evidence. It is important to use transitional words and phrases to guide the reader through the essay, making connections between causes and effects.
Additionally, proper organization is key in a cause and effect essay. One common approach is the chronological organization, where causes are presented in the order in which they occurred, leading to the effects. Another approach is the categorical organization, where causes and effects are grouped together based on common themes or categories.
Finally, a cause and effect essay should conclude with a clear summary of the main points and a restatement of the thesis statement. The conclusion should leave a lasting impression on the reader, emphasizing the significance of the causes and effects discussed in the essay.
By understanding and implementing the essential components and organization of a cause and effect essay, you can effectively analyze and present the causal relationships between events or phenomena. This type of academic writing allows you to explore the causes and effects of various topics, providing a deeper understanding and insight into the subject matter.
Gathering Evidence for Your Cause and Effect Analysis
When it comes to crafting a compelling cause and effect analysis, gathering solid evidence is crucial. In order to effectively support your claims and establish the cause-effect relationship, it is important to gather relevant and reliable evidence from various sources. By doing so, you can strengthen your arguments and provide a well-rounded understanding of the topic at hand.
Identify the Cause and Effect
Before you begin gathering evidence, it is necessary to clearly identify the cause and effect you will be exploring in your essay. This will help you focus your research and ensure that the evidence you collect directly supports your analysis. Clearly defining the cause and effect will also assist you in avoiding any potential tangents or unrelated information in your essay.
Research Scholarly Sources
A key element in gathering evidence for your cause and effect essay is conducting thorough research using reputable, scholarly sources. These sources can include academic journals, books, government publications, and authoritative websites. By utilizing these resources, you will be able to access well-researched and reliable information that adds credibility to your analysis.
Interview Experts or Professionals
In addition to scholarly sources, interviewing experts or professionals in the field related to your cause and effect topic can provide valuable insights and firsthand knowledge. These individuals can offer unique perspectives and experiences that can enhance the depth and quality of your analysis. Be sure to prepare thoughtful and relevant questions to make the most out of your interviews.
Gather Statistical Data
Statistics play a crucial role in a cause and effect essay as they provide quantifiable evidence to support your claims. Gathering statistical data, such as surveys, studies, or reports, helps to strengthen the cause-effect relationship by presenting concrete numbers and trends. Ensure that the statistical data you use is reliable and from credible sources in order to maintain the integrity of your analysis.
Utilize Case Studies or Examples
Using case studies or examples can further enhance the evidence used in your cause and effect analysis. Real-life examples or specific cases provide a practical understanding of the cause-effect relationship and make it easier for readers to connect with your arguments. Choose case studies or examples that are relevant to your topic and effectively illustrate the cause and effect you are discussing.
Gathering evidence is an essential step in writing a compelling cause and effect analysis. By clearly identifying the cause and effect, conducting thorough research, interviewing experts, utilizing statistical data, and incorporating case studies or examples, you can effectively support your claims and provide a well-rounded analysis. Remember to use reliable sources and present the evidence in a clear and organized manner to strengthen your arguments and engage your readers.
Explore effective research methods to support your claims and strengthen your arguments
In order to write a compelling cause and effect essay, it is crucial to support your claims and strengthen your arguments with solid research. By utilizing effective research methods, you can gather relevant evidence and data to back up your statements and make your essay more convincing. This section will explore various research techniques that can help you in this process.
One effective research method is conducting interviews. By directly speaking with experts or people with firsthand experience on the topic you’re discussing, you can gather valuable insights and personal anecdotes that can enrich your writing. Interviewing individuals who have a deep understanding of the cause-and-effect relationship you’re exploring can provide unique perspectives and strengthen your arguments.
Another research method to consider is conducting surveys or questionnaires. By designing well-crafted questions and distributing them to a relevant sample group, you can collect quantitative data that supports your claims. Surveys allow you to gather a large amount of information efficiently and objectively. This data can then be used to analyze patterns, trends, and correlations, which can further strengthen your arguments.
Utilizing scholarly sources such as academic journals and books is also an effective research approach. These sources provide in-depth analysis, research findings, and scholarly opinions on the causes and effects you’re discussing. By referencing reputable and authoritative sources, you can lend credibility to your arguments and demonstrate that your claims are well-supported by existing literature in the field.
Additionally, incorporating statistical data and empirical evidence can significantly strengthen your reasoning. By citing statistics, figures, and studies that provide concrete evidence of the cause-and-effect relationship you’re exploring, you can make your arguments more persuasive. This kind of data adds an objective and factual element to your essay, making it more compelling to readers.
| Interviews | Directly speaking with experts or individuals with firsthand experience on the topic. Provides unique insights and personal anecdotes. |
| Surveys/Questionnaires | Designing well-crafted questions and collecting data from a relevant sample group. Provides quantitative data to support claims. |
| Scholarly Sources | Academic journals, books, and reputable sources that offer in-depth analysis and research findings on the topic. |
| Statistical Data | Citing statistics, figures, and empirical evidence that provide concrete support for arguments and demonstrate the cause-and-effect relationship. |
By exploring and utilizing these research methods, you can ensure that your cause and effect essay is well-supported and thoroughly grounded in evidence. The combination of qualitative and quantitative data, expert insights, and scholarly sources will strengthen your arguments and make your essay more persuasive and credible.
Related Post
How to master the art of writing expository essays and captivate your audience, convenient and reliable source to purchase college essays online, step-by-step guide to crafting a powerful literary analysis essay, unlock success with a comprehensive business research paper example guide, unlock your writing potential with writers college – transform your passion into profession, “unlocking the secrets of academic success – navigating the world of research papers in college”, master the art of sociological expression – elevate your writing skills in sociology.
- How to Order
Cause And Effect Essay Guide
Cause And Effect Essay Examples
Best Cause and Effect Essay Examples To Get Inspiration + Simple Tips
People also read
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.
Do you know that the average person now spends over two hours a day on social media platforms? Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. Whether it's Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, these platforms have revolutionized the way we connect, communicate, and share our experiences with the world. However, while they offer many advantages, the excessive use of social media can have detrimental effects on our mental health. In this essay, we will explore the causes and effects of this relationship, shedding light on the profound influence social media has on our well-being. |
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 rise of social media has led to an unprecedented increase in screen time. According to recent statistics, the average person spends over two hours per day on social media platforms. This surge is largely due to the addictive nature of these platforms, which are designed to keep us engaged. Endless scrolling, constant notifications, and the desire for likes and comments contribute to a compulsive need to check social media. This excessive use of social media is the first point to examine. |
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.
As social media usage has surged, so too has the number of people reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression. Studies have shown a significant correlation between the time spent on social media and the likelihood of experiencing these mental health issues. Constant exposure to carefully curated, idealized representations of others' lives can lead to unfavorable social comparisons. We start to measure our worth by the number of likes and followers we have, and we often fall short, which leads to anxiety and depression. |
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.
A second cause of the negative impact of social media on mental health is the phenomenon of social comparison. When we scroll through our feeds and see our friends and acquaintances posting photos of their exotic vacations, happy relationships, and personal achievements, we can't help but compare our own lives. The fear of missing out (FOMO) is a real and growing concern in today's digital age. We are constantly bombarded with images and stories that make us feel like we are missing out on the excitement and fulfillment that others seem to be experiencing. |
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.
Social comparison and FOMO have tangible effects on our mental health. People who engage in these comparisons often feel isolated and alone. The constant exposure to others' seemingly perfect lives can lead to a sense of inadequacy and decreased self-esteem. We start to question our own choices and accomplishments, believing that we are falling short in comparison to our peers. |
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.
In conclusion, the impact of social media on our mental health is undeniable. The excessive use of social media leads to increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy, while the fear of missing out amplifies these negative emotions. It's crucial to acknowledge these challenges and their effect on our well-being. As we navigate this ever-evolving digital landscape, finding a healthier balance in the digital age becomes essential. We must consider limiting our social media use, curating our online experiences, and promoting digital detox. By taking these steps, we can protect our mental health and ensure that the benefits of social media are enjoyed without the accompanying harm. |
The conclusion effectively summarizes the key points discussed in the essay. It restates the thesis statement and offers practical solutions, demonstrating a well-rounded understanding of the topic. The analysis emphasizes the significance of the conclusion in leaving the reader with a call to action or reflection on the essay's central theme.
This essay follows this clear cause and effect essay structure to convey the message effectively:
Read our cause and effect essay outline blog to learn more about how to structure your cause and effect essay effectively.
Free Cause and Effect Essay Samples
The analysis of the essay above is a good start to understanding how the paragraphs in a cause and effect essay are structured. You can read and analyze more examples below to improve your understanding.
Cause and Effect Essay Elementary School
Cause and Effect Essay For College Students
Short Cause and Effect Essay Sample
Cause and Effect Essay Example for High School
Cause And Effect Essay IELTS
Bullying Cause and Effect Essay Example
Cause and Effect Essay Smoking
Cause and Effect Essay Topics
Wondering which topic to write your essay on? Here is a list of cause and effect essay topic ideas to help you out.
- The Effects of Social Media on Real Social Networks
- The Causes And Effects of Cyberbullying
- The Causes And Effects of Global Warming
- The Causes And Effects of WW2
- The Causes And Effects of Racism
- The Causes And Effects of Homelessness
- The Causes and Effects of Parental Divorce on Children.
- The Causes and Effects of Drug Addiction
- The Impact of Technology on Education
- The Causes and Consequences of Income Inequality
Need more topics? Check out our list of 150+ cause and effect essay topics to get more interesting ideas.
Tips For Writing a Good Cause and Effect Essay
Reading and following the examples above can help you write a good essay. However, you can make your essay even better by following these tips.
- Choose a Clear and Manageable Topic: Select a topic that you can explore thoroughly within the essay's word limit. A narrowly defined topic will make it easier to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
- Research and Gather Evidence: Gather relevant data, statistics, examples, and expert opinions to support your arguments. Strong evidence enhances the credibility of your essay.
- Outline Your Essay: Create a structured outline that outlines the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. This will provide a clear roadmap for your essay and help you present causes and effects clearly and coherently.
- Transitional Phrases: Use transitional words and phrases like "because," "due to," "as a result," "consequently," and "therefore" to connect causes and effects within your sentences and paragraphs.
- Support Each Point: Dedicate a separate paragraph to each cause and effect. Provide in-depth explanations, examples, and evidence for each point.
- Proofread and Edit: After completing the initial draft, carefully proofread your essay for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Additionally, review the content for clarity, coherence, and flow.
- Peer Review: Seek feedback from a peer or someone familiar with the topic to gain an outside perspective. They can help identify any areas that need improvement.
- Stay Focused: Avoid going off-topic or including irrelevant information. Stick to the causes and effects you've outlined in your thesis statement.
- Revise as Needed: Don't hesitate to make revisions and improvements as needed. The process of revising and refining your essay is essential for producing a high-quality final product.
To Sum Up ,
Cause and effect essays are important for comprehending the intricate relationships that shape our world. With the help of the examples and tips above, you can confidently get started on your essay.
If you still need further help, you can hire a professional writer to help you out. At MyPerfectWords.com , we’ve got experienced and qualified essay writers who can help you write an excellent essay on any topic and for all academic levels.
So why wait? Contact us and request ' write an essay for me ' today!
Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!
Caleb S. has been providing writing services for over five years and has a Masters degree from Oxford University. He is an expert in his craft and takes great pride in helping students achieve their academic goals. Caleb is a dedicated professional who always puts his clients first.
Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!
Keep reading
Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.
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
| as a result | consequently |
| because | due to |
| hence | since |
| thus | therefore |
The conclusion should wrap up the discussion and reinforce the thesis, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of the relationship that was analyzed.
Be careful of resorting to empty speculation. In writing, speculation amounts to unsubstantiated guessing. Writers are particularly prone to such trappings in cause-and-effect arguments due to the complex nature of finding links between phenomena. Be sure to have clear evidence to support the claims that you make.
Look at some of the cause-and-effect relationships from Note 10.83 “Exercise 2” . Outline the links you listed. Outline one using a cause-then-effect structure. Outline the other using the effect-then-cause structure.
Writing a Cause-and-Effect Essay
Choose an event or condition that you think has an interesting cause-and-effect relationship. Introduce your topic in an engaging way. End your introduction with a thesis that states the main cause, the main effect, or both.
Organize your essay by starting with either the cause-then-effect structure or the effect-then-cause structure. Within each section, you should clearly explain and support the causes and effects using a full range of evidence. If you are writing about multiple causes or multiple effects, you may choose to sequence either in terms of order of importance. In other words, order the causes from least to most important (or vice versa), or order the effects from least important to most important (or vice versa).
Use the phrases of causation when trying to forge connections between various events or conditions. This will help organize your ideas and orient the reader. End your essay with a conclusion that summarizes your main points and reinforces your thesis. See Chapter 15 “Readings: Examples of Essays” to read a sample cause-and-effect essay.
Choose one of the ideas you outlined in Note 10.85 “Exercise 3” and write a full cause-and-effect essay. Be sure to include an engaging introduction, a clear thesis, strong evidence and examples, and a thoughtful conclusion.
Key Takeaways
- The purpose of the cause-and-effect essay is to determine how various phenomena are related.
- The thesis states what the writer sees as the main cause, main effect, or various causes and effects of a condition or event.
The cause-and-effect essay can be organized in one of these two primary ways:
- Start with the cause and then talk about the effect.
- Start with the effect and then talk about the cause.
- Strong evidence is particularly important in the cause-and-effect essay due to the complexity of determining connections between phenomena.
- Phrases of causation are helpful in signaling links between various elements in the essay.
Writing for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.
 "cause and effect essay about building"){kind=logo}
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.
Common Writing Assignments, Apps & Tests
- Analytical Essay
- AP synthesis Essay
- Argumentative Essay
- Book Report
- Compare and Contrast Essay
- Cause and Effect Essay
- College Admissions Essay
- Critical Analysis Essay
- Definition Essay
- Descriptive Essay
- Dissertation
- Explanatory Essay
- Expository Essay
- Informative Essay
- Narrative Essay
- Opinion Essay
- Personal Essay
- Persuasive Essay
- Reflective Essay
- Research Paper
- Rhetorical Analysis
- Scholarship Essay
- Short Essay
- Thesis Paper
What’s included with a Chegg Writing subscription
- Unlimited number of paper scans
- Plagiarism detection: Check against billions of sources
- Expert proofreading for papers on any subject
- Grammar scans for 200+ types of common errors
- Automatically create & save citations in 7,000+ styles
- Cancel subscription anytime, no obligation
IMAGES
COMMENTS
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.
A cause and effect essay is an expository essay that explains the relationships between specific conditions and their consequences, often within the context of a big-picture issue. These conditions are known as “causes,” and their consequences are known as “effects.”
Writing Guide. How to Structure a Cause and Effect Essay. What is a Cause and Effect Essay? Essays that explore an event in terms of the relationship between factors that set the ball rolling (causes) and the eventual results (effects) are called cause and effect essays.
Learn how to write a cause and effect essay, exploring the relationship between different events and their consequences.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A cause and effect essay challenges you to think deeply and critically about a topic, analyzing the possible causes and effects of an event or phenomenon. The possible causes of an event can be immediate or proximal, or can be distant.
Learn how to write and structure a comprehensive cause and effect essay. Discover how to choose a topic and develop a discussion of causes and effects