The Cause-and-Effect Essay

Introduction

The cause-effect essay explains why or how some

event happened, and what resulted from the event.

This essay is a study of the relationship between two

or more events or experiences.

In other words, cause and effect essays focus on

why things happen (causes) and what happens as a
result (effects).
When writing a cause and effect essay:

1. Distinguish between cause and effect?

To determine causes, ask, "Why did this happen?"

To identify effects, ask, "What happened because of

this?“
 2. Develop your thesis statement.

Describe the event or situation your essay will explore.

In your thesis statement, you may focus on what you
think is the main cause or effect (or vice versa) of the
event or situation.

Example: Teenagers often become anxious and stressed

(effect) because of academic pressures, sports schedules,
and the demands of a job. (causes)
3. Organize supporting details.
You can organize details in the following ways:

• Chronological. Details are arranged in the order in which the

events occurred.

• Order of importance. Details are arranged from least to

most important or vice versa.

• Categorical. Details are arranged by dividing the topic into

parts or categories.
 4. Use appropriate transitions.

Effect Signal Words Cause Signal

Words

Consequently, as a result, thus, because,

resulted in, one result is, another is, therefore due to,
one cause is,
another is,
since,
for,
first,
second
Block & Chain

You can organize a cause/effect essay in two

main ways:

1. Block organization
2. Chain organization
Block Organization
In block organization, you first discuss all the causes as a block, then,
you discuss all the effects together as a block.

Effect
Cause

Cause Cause
Cause Effect
Cause Effect
Effect Effect
 Example:
Cause
Effect

Your car is out of gas.

Your car won't start
 Example:

effect
cause

Bulimia

Eating disorders
Example:

Cause Thinking about your family

Cause Forgot bring your ID card

Cause Missed writing exam

Effect Failed writing course

Example:

Effect Decrease in personal liberties

Increase in nationalism
Effect
Greater prejudice against those
Effect of Middle Eastern descent

The events of September 11,

Cause 2001 changed the face of our
nation forever
 Transition Paragraph

In block organization, a short paragraph often separates

one major section from another major section. This
paragraph is called a transition paragraph.

Its purpose is to conclude one section and introduce

another section.

It is helpful when your topic is long and complex.

Diagram of cause-effect essay

Introduction
Introduce the subject

Body
Describe the cause and its effects

cause

effect effect effect

Conclusion
Summary
Chain Organization

In a chain-reaction essay, the writer describes

how one event led to another.

Introduction Effect Effect

Conclusion
Cause Cause
My wife left me!

Chain Reaction of events:

I received a police notification from my boss.

Because of my arrest, I lost my job.
Because I lost my job, I had no money.
Because I had no money, my wife left me.
Conclusion paragraph

 Reiterate your thesis statement and

summarize the main points of your essay,
showing how they support your thesis.
Sample conclusion paragraph

 Every city, every neighborhood faces unique

challenges when it comes to homelessness.
While the specific root causes can vary
between individuals, the lack of adequate
social services is a leading contributor. The
right social services can address, reduce or
even remove some of these other underlying
causes. With powerful effects for both the
individual and society at large, homelessness
is a pressing issue and one that must be
approached with tact and compassion.
Topics for a Cause/Effect essay

 School bullying
 Social media addiction
 Rush hour traffic
 Childhood obesity
 Climate change
 Music streaming
 Teen pregnancy
 Adoption
Suggestions

Remember your purpose

Focus on immediate and direct causes (or effects)

Strengthen your essay by using supporting evidence

When evaluating a cause-and-effect
essay, ask the following questions:

What are the causes?

What are the effects?
Which should be emphasized?
Are there single or multiple causes?
Are there single or multiple effects?
Is a chain reaction involved?