how to write a good thesis statement for a cause and effect essay

WRITE A THESIS STATEMENT FOR A CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY

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

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

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

Core Idea of Cause and Effect Statements

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

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

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

Examples of Statements for Cause and Effect Writings

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

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

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

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

Topics to Consider

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

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

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English Studies

This website is dedicated to English Literature, Literary Criticism, Literary Theory, English Language and its teaching and learning.

Cause and Effect Thesis Statement

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

What is Cause and Effect Thesis Statement

Table of Contents

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

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

How to Write Cause and Effect Thesis Statement

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

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

Parts of Cause and Effect Thesis Statement

Types of Cause and Effect Thesis Statements

Examples of Cause and Effect Thesis Statement

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

Suggested Readings

• Andrews, Richard, et al. Argumentation in Higher Education: Improving Practice through Theory and Research. Routledge, 2020.
• Thomas, Louise, and John Ramage. Writing Arguments: A Rhetoric with Readings. Pearson, 2021.
• Williams, Joseph M., et al. Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace. Pearson, 2020.
• Yagelski, Robert P. Writing as a Way of Being: Writing Instruction, Nonduality, and the Crisis of Sustainability. Utah State University Press, 2022.

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10.8 Cause and Effect

Learning objectives.

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

The Purpose of Cause and Effect in Writing

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Health and nutrition

The Structure of a Cause-and-Effect Essay

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table 10.4 Phrases of Causation

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

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

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

Writing a Cause-and-Effect Essay

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

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

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

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

Key Takeaways

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

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

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

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• How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

Published on January 11, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on August 15, 2023 by Eoghan Ryan.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . It usually comes near the end of your introduction .

Your thesis will look a bit different depending on the type of essay you’re writing. But the thesis statement should always clearly state the main idea you want to get across. Everything else in your essay should relate back to this idea.

You can write your thesis statement by following four simple steps:

• Start with a question
• Write your initial answer
• Develop your answer
• Refine your thesis statement

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Table of contents

What is a thesis statement, placement of the thesis statement, step 1: start with a question, step 2: write your initial answer, step 3: develop your answer, step 4: refine your thesis statement, types of thesis statements, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about thesis statements.

A thesis statement summarizes the central points of your essay. It is a signpost telling the reader what the essay will argue and why.

The best thesis statements are:

• Concise: A good thesis statement is short and sweet—don’t use more words than necessary. State your point clearly and directly in one or two sentences.
• Contentious: Your thesis shouldn’t be a simple statement of fact that everyone already knows. A good thesis statement is a claim that requires further evidence or analysis to back it up.
• Coherent: Everything mentioned in your thesis statement must be supported and explained in the rest of your paper.

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The thesis statement generally appears at the end of your essay introduction or research paper introduction .

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts and among young people more generally is hotly debated. For many who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education: the internet facilitates easier access to information, exposure to different perspectives, and a flexible learning environment for both students and teachers.

You should come up with an initial thesis, sometimes called a working thesis , early in the writing process . As soon as you’ve decided on your essay topic , you need to work out what you want to say about it—a clear thesis will give your essay direction and structure.

You might already have a question in your assignment, but if not, try to come up with your own. What would you like to find out or decide about your topic?

For example, you might ask:

After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process .

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Now you need to consider why this is your answer and how you will convince your reader to agree with you. As you read more about your topic and begin writing, your answer should get more detailed.

In your essay about the internet and education, the thesis states your position and sketches out the key arguments you’ll use to support it.

The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education because it facilitates easier access to information.

In your essay about braille, the thesis statement summarizes the key historical development that you’ll explain.

The invention of braille in the 19th century transformed the lives of blind people, allowing them to participate more actively in public life.

A strong thesis statement should tell the reader:

• Why you hold this position
• What they’ll learn from your essay
• The key points of your argument or narrative

The final thesis statement doesn’t just state your position, but summarizes your overall argument or the entire topic you’re going to explain. To strengthen a weak thesis statement, it can help to consider the broader context of your topic.

These examples are more specific and show that you’ll explore your topic in depth.

Your thesis statement should match the goals of your essay, which vary depending on the type of essay you’re writing:

• In an argumentative essay , your thesis statement should take a strong position. Your aim in the essay is to convince your reader of this thesis based on evidence and logical reasoning.
• In an expository essay , you’ll aim to explain the facts of a topic or process. Your thesis statement doesn’t have to include a strong opinion in this case, but it should clearly state the central point you want to make, and mention the key elements you’ll explain.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
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• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
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A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

• It gives your writing direction and focus.
• It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

Follow these four steps to come up with a thesis statement :

• Ask a question about your topic .
• Write your initial answer.
• Develop your answer by including reasons.
• Refine your answer, adding more detail and nuance.

The thesis statement should be placed at the end of your essay introduction .

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Cause And Effect Essay Writing

How to Write Cause and Effect Essays in Simple Steps

11 min read

Published on: Mar 13, 2020

Last updated on: Mar 25, 2024

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Are you struggling to wrap your head around cause and effect essays? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. 

These essays might seem complex at first glance, but with the right approach, they can become easier to write.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll look into what cause and effect essays are, how to structure them, and provide valuable tips and examples to help you understand this type of writing.

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What is a Cause and Effect Essay?

A cause and effect essay is a type of essay writing that explores the relationship between events, actions, or phenomena (causes) and their outcomes or consequences (effects) . 

In this type of essay, the writer analyzes how one event leads to another, providing insights into the underlying causes and the resulting effects. Cause and effect essays aim to explain the connections between various occurrences and explain the reasons behind certain outcomes. 

They often require critical thinking, careful analysis, and the use of evidence and examples to support arguments.

You may confuse cause-and-effect essays with compare and contrast essays . While cause and effect essays focus on analyzing the relationship between events, compare and contrast essays examine similarities and differences between two or more subjects or ideas.

How to Structure a Cause and Effect Essay

There are two main structural types commonly used to write a cause and effect essay: the block structure and the chain structure.

Block Structure

In the block structure, the writer first discusses all the causes of the event in one section, followed by a separate section dedicated to discussing all the effects.

This cause and effect essay format allows for a clear separation between the causes and effects, making it easier for the reader to understand the relationships between them.

Use the block structure when:

• There are multiple causes and effects to discuss, and you want to provide a comprehensive overview of each.
• You prefer a clear separation between causes and effects for easier understanding.

Chain Structure

In the chain structure, each cause is followed immediately by its corresponding effect(s), creating a chain-like sequence of events.

This structure emphasizes the direct relationship between each cause and its effect, providing a more immediate and interconnected narrative.

Use the chain structure when:

• You want to emphasize the direct relationship between each cause and its effect.
• You're discussing a series of events that occur in a linear or chronological order.

Cause and Effect Essay Outline

Creating an outline is essential for organizing your thoughts and structuring your cause and effect essay effectively. 

Here's a basic outline to guide you through the writing process:

Need a detailed outline guide? Be sure to check out our blog on " Cause and Effect Essay Outline " for a comprehensive breakdown of how to organize your essay.

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay

Writing a cause and effect essay involves examining the reasons (causes) and outcomes (effects) of a particular event, phenomenon, or situation. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you craft an effective cause and effect essay:

Step 1: Choose a Topic

Start by selecting a topic that interests you and has clear cause-and-effect relationships. It could be a social issue, scientific phenomenon, historical event, or any other subject with identifiable causes and effects. 

For example, "The Effects of Climate Change on Wildlife Populations" or "Causes of Obesity in Developed Countries."

Step 2: Conduct Research

Gather relevant information and evidence to support your thesis statement . Look for credible sources such as academic journals, books, government reports, and reputable websites. 

Ensure you have a thorough understanding of both the causes and effects related to your chosen topic.

Step 4: Develop a Thesis Statement

Craft a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the main causes and effects you will discuss in your essay. Your thesis should provide a roadmap for the reader and clearly state your position on the topic. 

For instance, "The rise in carbon emissions from human activities is leading to severe consequences for global ecosystems."

Step 5: Outline your Essay

Create a structured outline that organizes your ideas and arguments logically. Divide your essay into introduction , body paragraphs (each discussing a specific cause or effect), and conclusion . 

Each body paragraph should focus on one cause or effect and provide supporting details and evidence.

Step 6: Write the Introduction

Begin with an engaging introduction that provides background information on the topic and introduces your thesis statement. 

Hook the reader's attention with an interesting fact, statistic, or anecdote related to your topic. Clearly state the purpose of your essay and preview the main points you will discuss.

Step 7: Body Paragraphs

In the body paragraphs, explore the causes or effects of the topic in detail. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the cause or effect you will be discussing. 

Then, provide evidence and examples to support your claim. Use data, statistics, expert opinions, and real-life examples to strengthen your arguments. Make sure to explain the causal relationship between the factors you're discussing.

Step 8: Transition Between Paragraphs

Use transition words and sentences to smoothly transition between paragraphs and maintain coherence throughout your essay. 

These transitions help guide the reader through your arguments and ensure a logical flow of ideas.

Step 9: Write the Conclusion

Summarize the main points of your essay in the conclusion and restate your thesis statement. Reflect on the significance of your findings and emphasize the importance of understanding the causes and effects of the topic. 

Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion; instead, offer insights or suggestions for further research or action.

Step 10: Revise and Edit

Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy. Make sure each paragraph contributes to the overall argument and that your ideas are well-supported by evidence.

Once you've made revisions and edits, finalize your essay by formatting it according to the guidelines provided by your instructor or publication. 

Double-check citations and references to ensure they are accurate and properly formatted according to the required citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).

Cause and Effect Essay Examples

When writing a cause and effect essay for the first time, it is recommended to go through a few examples. It will help you understand the structure and how to use a method effectively.

The following are some of the great cause and effect examples free to use.

Cause and Effect Essay

Cause and Effect Essay Sample

Climate Change Cause and Effect Essay

Poverty Cause and Effect Essay

Air Pollution Cause and Effect Essay

Cause and Effect Essay Topics

Here are some cause and effect essay topics:

• The Impact of Climate Change on Extreme Weather Events
• The Rise of Mental Health Disorders Among Adolescents
• The Effects of Social Media on Political Polarization
• The Consequences of Deforestation on Biodiversity Loss
• The Relationship Between Income Inequality and Social Mobility
• The Impact of Technology on Human Relationships
• The Causes and Effects of the Global Obesity Epidemic
• The Effects of Air Pollution on Public Health
• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Employment
• The Causes and Consequences of Refugee Crises

These topics reflect current societal concerns and offer opportunities for in-depth analysis of cause-and-effect relationships. If you need more such ideas check out our cause and effect essay topics  blog!

Tips for Writing a Cause and Effect Essay

Here are additional tips for writing a cause and effect essay:

• Establish Clear Connections: Clearly establish the causal relationships between different factors to help readers understand the cause-and-effect dynamics of the topic.
• Avoid Oversimplification: Recognize that most events have multiple causes and effects, so avoid oversimplifying complex phenomena by considering various factors and their interactions.
• Consider Chronology: When discussing historical events, consider the chronological sequence of causes and effects to provide a clear narrative structure.
• Focus on Significance: Highlight the significance of your findings by discussing the broader implications of the causes and effects you've identified.
• Reflect and Synthesize: In the conclusion, reflect on the insights gained from analyzing the causes and effects and synthesize your findings to provide a cohesive understanding of the topic.

To conclude, writing a cause and effect essay can be a rewarding experience that allows you to look into complex issues. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide and applying your critical thinking skills, you can create compelling essays that inform and engage your audience. 

But if you are in a time crunch do not hesitate to take professional help. CollegeEssay.org provides a top cause and effect essay writing service for those students who are having a hard time meeting deadlines. We'll help you with your cause and effects essays for the best grades. 

Reach out to avail amazing discounts and get our custom essay writing help in no time. As a plus, you can use our AI writing tool if you need a quick fix to beat the deadline stress!

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Effective strategies and techniques for writing an engaging and informative cause and effect essay to captivate readers and convey key ideas clearly and coherently.

Writing is an art that allows us to express our thoughts, ideas, and emotions. It serves as a powerful medium to convey messages, inspire change, and provoke deep reflection in others. A well-written essay has the ability to captivate readers, making them question, analyze, and ultimately understand the subject matter at hand. In the realm of academic writing, cause and effect essays hold a special place. They provide a structured framework to illustrate the relationship between different events, phenomena, and actions, ultimately shedding light on the consequences that arise from specific causes.

When it comes to crafting an effective cause and effect essay, it is crucial to carefully analyze and understand the intricate web of connections that exist between various elements. This type of essay requires a meticulous approach, as every cause and every effect must be explored in detail to grasp their significance fully. Each paragraph should offer a clear and logical analysis, supported by relevant evidence and examples, in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Moreover, a successful cause and effect essay should demonstrate the writer’s ability to think critically and engage in deep analysis. It requires the writer to go beyond merely stating the obvious connections and venture into the realm of uncovering underlying causes and lesser-known effects. This level of depth not only showcases the writer’s understanding of the topic but also challenges the readers to think critically and question their preconceived notions.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the art of writing a powerful cause and effect essay. Step by step, we will explore the key components, techniques, and strategies that will help you craft an essay that leaves a lasting impact. From choosing a compelling topic to outlining your ideas, from conducting thorough research to organizing your thoughts, this guide will equip you with the necessary tools to tackle any cause and effect essay with confidence and finesse.

Choose a compelling topic

Before diving into the process of writing a cause and effect essay, it is crucial to choose a topic that is both compelling and interesting. The topic you select will determine the direction and focus of your essay, so it is important to choose carefully.

When selecting a topic, consider something that is relatable and relevant to your audience. It should be something that they can connect with and understand. Additionally, try to choose a topic that has a significant impact or consequence, as this will make your essay more thought-provoking and compelling to read.

Brainstorm ideas and make a list of potential topics. Look for topics that have causal relationships that can be explored and analyzed. You can also consider current events or issues that are trending in the news or society. These topics are often controversial and can lead to powerful discussions and debates.

Once you have a list of potential topics, evaluate them based on personal interest and knowledge. It is easier to write about a topic that you are passionate about or have some understanding of. Research the topic further to ensure that there is enough information available to support your arguments and claims.

Remember that your topic choice will set the stage for the rest of your essay, so take your time and choose wisely. A compelling topic will captivate your audience and make your essay more impactful.

Conduct thorough research on the topic

To write an informative and impactful cause and effect essay, it is crucial to conduct thorough research on the chosen topic. Research provides a solid foundation for your essay, allowing you to gather relevant and accurate information to support your arguments.

When conducting research, make sure to explore a variety of credible sources such as books, academic journals, expert opinions, and reputable websites. This will help you gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic and ensure the accuracy and reliability of your information.

Take your time to read and analyze the available sources, highlighting key points, data, and statistics that are relevant to your essay. Look for patterns, trends, and causal relationships that you can incorporate into your writing.

It is also essential to consider different perspectives and opinions on the topic. Engage with diverse viewpoints to gain a well-rounded understanding and develop a nuanced argument in your essay.

While researching, be sure to take detailed notes and properly cite your sources. This will help you avoid plagiarism and ensure that you provide proper credit to the original authors.

Remember to critically evaluate the information you gather during your research. Look for reliable sources that are based on well-established research and avoid using unreliable or biased information.

By conducting thorough research, you will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and understanding to write an effective cause and effect essay. Your research findings will form the backbone of your essay and allow you to present well-supported arguments and conclusions.

Create a clear thesis statement

In order to write a compelling cause and effect essay, it is essential to start with a clear and well-defined thesis statement. The thesis statement serves as the main idea or argument of your essay, providing a roadmap for the reader to understand the cause-and-effect relationship you will be exploring. A strong thesis statement not only sets the tone for the entire essay but also helps you stay focused and organized as you develop your argument.

A compelling thesis statement:

• Clearly states the cause and its corresponding effect
• Expresses a strong opinion or position
• Demonstrates the significance of the cause-effect relationship

When creating your thesis statement, it is important to be specific and concise. Avoid vague language or broad statements that lack focus. Instead, strive for clarity and precision in your wording to ensure that your thesis statement effectively conveys the main point of your essay.

Develop a strong outline

Creating a well-structured outline is crucial when crafting a compelling cause and effect essay. A strong outline serves as a roadmap for your writing, guiding you in organizing your ideas and presenting them in a logical and coherent manner.

An effective outline helps you identify the main points you want to discuss in your essay, as well as the relationships between them. It allows you to plan the flow of your arguments and ensure that you provide sufficient evidence and examples to support your claims. Additionally, an outline helps you avoid repetition and tangential discussions, keeping your essay focused and on-topic.

As you develop your outline, consider the cause and effect relationship you want to explore in your essay. Determine whether you will focus on a single cause with multiple effects, a single effect with multiple causes, or a combination of both. Use strong topic sentences to introduce your main points and sub-points, ensuring they are interconnected and build upon one another to create a cohesive and balanced argument.

Remember to revise and refine your outline as you conduct research and gather evidence for your essay. Your outline should evolve as you uncover new information and insights, enabling you to incorporate them into your essay seamlessly. By putting effort into developing a strong outline, you set yourself up for success by establishing a clear structure and direction for your cause and effect essay.

Use proper transitions to connect ideas

In order to effectively convey the cause and effect relationship in your essay, it is essential to use appropriate transitional words and phrases to connect your ideas. These transitions help guide the reader through your essay and make it easier to understand how one idea leads to another.

Transitions act as bridges, connecting different parts of your essay and making it flow smoothly. They provide a sense of coherence and logical progression, allowing the reader to follow your thought process and understand the causal relationship between events or phenomena.

Examples of commonly used transitions include words like “therefore,” “thus,” “consequently,” “as a result,” and “because.” These words indicate cause and effect, and provide a clear connection between the ideas being presented. Other transitional words like “however,” “on the other hand,” and “in contrast” can be used to show a contrast or opposition between ideas.

In addition to single-word transitions, you can also use transitional phrases and clauses to effectively connect your ideas. Phrases like “due to,” “owing to,” “in light of,” and “in order to” can be used to explain the cause or reason behind a certain effect. Similarly, phrases like “as a result of,” “resulting in,” and “consequently” can be used to explain the effect or consequence of a specific cause.

Using transitions not only enhances the clarity and coherence of your essay, but also improves its overall quality. It helps the reader follow your thought process, understand the cause and effect relationships, and makes your essay more convincing and persuasive.

Support the cause and effect relationship with evidence

Substantiating the cause and effect relationship is a crucial aspect of writing an impactful essay. To convince your readers and make your arguments more persuasive, it is important to provide evidence that supports the causal connections you propose.

One effective way to provide evidence is through the use of statistics and data. Numbers can add credibility to your claims and strengthen the cause and effect relationship you are presenting. For example, if you are discussing the effects of climate change on the environment, you can cite specific data on rising temperatures, melting ice caps, or changes in weather patterns.

Additionally, anecdotal evidence can be used to support your arguments. Personal stories or experiences can provide a human element to your essay, making the cause and effect relationship more relatable to your readers. When using anecdotes, it is important to ensure that they are relevant and representative of the broader topic you are discussing.

Expert opinions and quotes can also serve as valuable evidence to back up your claims. Including viewpoints from authorities in the field can lend credibility to your arguments and strengthen the cause and effect relationship you are presenting. Be sure to attribute the opinions and quotes to their respective sources to maintain accuracy and integrity in your work.

In addition to these forms of evidence, it is important to conduct thorough research to find supporting studies, experiments, or examples that validate your claims. Well-researched evidence can strengthen the cause and effect relationship in your essay, making your arguments more convincing and effective.

Furthermore, it is crucial to present the evidence in a clear and organized manner. Utilizing tables or charts can help summarize and present complex data in an easily understandable format. This visual representation can enhance the clarity of your arguments and make the cause and effect relationship more accessible to your readers.

In summary, supporting the cause and effect relationship with evidence is essential in writing a compelling essay. Using statistics, anecdotes, expert opinions, and well-researched evidence can strengthen your arguments and make your essay more persuasive. Presenting the evidence in a clear and organized manner, such as through the use of tables, can further enhance the impact of your writing.

Edit and revise your essay for clarity and coherence

After completing your initial draft, it’s important to thoroughly edit and revise your essay to ensure clarity and coherence. Editing allows you to refine and polish your ideas, while revision helps you to enhance the overall flow and organization of your essay.

When editing your essay, pay attention to the clarity of your ideas. Make sure that your sentences are clear and concise, and that your ideas are expressed in a logical and coherent manner. Eliminate any unnecessary repetition or redundancy, and ensure that each paragraph and sentence contributes to the overall theme and purpose of your essay.

During the revision process, focus on the coherence of your essay. Check that your ideas are connected and presented in a logical order. Make sure that each paragraph transitions smoothly into the next, and that the overall structure of your essay is coherent and easy to follow.

As you edit and revise, pay attention to your grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Ensure that you are using proper grammar and punctuation throughout your essay, and check for any spelling errors or typos. A well-edited and revised essay is not only clear and coherent, but also free from grammatical and spelling mistakes.

• Check that your introduction effectively introduces the topic and thesis statement, and that your conclusion effectively wraps up your essay.
• Read your essay aloud to identify any awkward or unclear sentences, and make necessary corrections.
• Ask a friend or classmate to read your essay and provide feedback, as a fresh set of eyes can often catch errors or areas for improvement that you may have overlooked.

In conclusion, editing and revising your essay is an essential step in the writing process. By ensuring clarity and coherence, you can effectively convey your ideas to your readers and present a well-crafted and polished essay.

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How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay: Full Guide

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

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

What Is a Cause and Effect Essay

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

Here's a breakdown of the key components:

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

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

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay with Easy Steps

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

1. Select a Specific Topic

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

2. Explore Causal Links

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

3. Craft a Clear Thesis Statement

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

4. Organize Chronologically or by Significance

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

5. Utilize Transitional Phrases

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

6. Support Arguments with Credible Evidence

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

7. Illustrate Chain Reactions

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

8. Analyze Root Causes

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

9. Consider Alternative Causes

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

10. Conclude with Impact

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

Cause and Effect Essay Structure Types

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

• Block Structure:

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

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

• Chain Structure:

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

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

Regardless of the structural style you choose, if you require assistance with your academic paper, reach out to us with your ' write my paper for me ' request. Our experienced team is ready to tailor your paper to your specific requirements and ensure its excellence.

Cause and Effect Essay Outline

Creating an effective cause and effect essay begins with a well-structured outline. This roadmap helps you organize your thoughts, maintain a logical flow, and ensure that your essay effectively conveys the causal relationships between events. Below, we'll outline the key components of the essay along with examples:

I. Introduction

• Hook: Start with an engaging statement or fact. Example: 'Did you know that stress can significantly impact your overall health?'
• Background Information: Provide context for your topic. Example: 'In today's fast-paced world, stress has become an increasingly prevalent issue.'
• Thesis Statement: Clearly state the main cause and its corresponding effects. Example: 'This essay will explore the causes of stress and their profound negative effects on physical and mental health.'

II. Body Paragraphs

• Topic Sentence: Introduce the first cause you'll discuss. Example: 'One major cause of stress is heavy workload.'
• Supporting Details: Provide evidence and examples to support the cause. Example: 'For instance, individuals juggling multiple job responsibilities and tight deadlines often experience heightened stress levels.'
• Transition: Link to the next cause or move on to the effects.
• Topic Sentence: Introduce the first effect. Example: 'The effects of chronic stress on physical health can be devastating.'
• Supporting Details: Present data or examples illustrating the impact. Example: 'Studies have shown that prolonged stress can lead to cardiovascular problems, including hypertension and heart disease.'
• Transition: Connect to the next effect or cause.

C. Causes (Continued)

• Topic Sentence: Introduce the next cause in a new cause and effect paragraph. Example: 'Another significant cause of stress is financial strain.'
• Supporting Details: Explain how this cause manifests and its implications. Example: 'Financial instability often results in anxiety, as individuals worry about bills, debts, and their financial future.'
• Transition: Prepare to discuss the corresponding effects.

D. Effects (Continued)

• Topic Sentence: Discuss the effects related to financial strain. Example: 'The psychological effects of financial stress can be profound.'
• Supporting Details: Offer real-life examples or psychological insights. Example: 'Depression and anxiety are common consequences of constant financial worries, affecting both mental well-being and daily life.'

III. Conclusion

• Restate Thesis: Summarize the main cause and effects. Example: 'In summary, the heavy workload and financial strain can lead to stress, impacting both physical and mental health.'
• Closing Thoughts: Reflect on the broader significance of your analysis. Example: 'Understanding these causal relationships emphasizes the importance of stress management and financial planning in maintaining a balanced and healthy life.'

Cause and Effect Essay Examples

To help you grasp cause and effect essay writing with clarity, we have prepared two distinct essay examples that will guide you through the intricacies of both block and chain structures. Additionally, should you ever find yourself requiring assistance with academic writing or descriptive essays examples , simply send us your ' write my research paper ' request. Our expert writers are here to provide the support you need!

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Cause and Effect Essay Topics

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

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

Final Words

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

Meanwhile, if you're in need of a reaction paper example , rest assured we have you covered as well. So, seize this opportunity, put your thoughts on paper logically, and witness your essays leaving a lasting and influential mark.

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

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Daniel Parker

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

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

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Ultimate Guide to Writing a Cause and Effect Essay

Carla johnson.

• June 14, 2023
• How to Guides

There are a lot of different kinds of essays that you might be asked to write. The cause and effect essay is one type that you might have to write. In this type of essay, you will look at how two events or situations are related to each other and how one leads to the other.

A cause and effect essay is a type of expository writing that tries to explain why things happen and what happens as a result. It is a common assignment in many academic fields, such as history, sociology, psychology, and environmental studies .

Understanding causes is an important part of being able to think critically and solve problems. To make good decisions and predict what will happen in the future, it’s important to be able to figure out what caused an event or situation and how it all fits together.

In this complete guide to writing a cause-and-effect essay , we’ll look at how to choose a topic, make an outline, and write a strong essay. This guide will give you the tools you need to write a well-structured and convincing cause and effect essay, whether you are a student or a professional writer.

What You'll Learn

Elements of a Cause and Effect Essay

To write a cause and effect essay, you need to know how events or situations are related to each other. There are a few things to think about if you want to learn more about this relationship.

1. Understanding the cause and effect relationship: When writing a cause and effect essay, the first thing you need to do is figure out how the two things you are writing about are related. To do this, you need to know how to tell the difference between direct, indirect, and contributing causes. It’s also important to think about what might happen as a result of the causes you find.

2. Importance of structure and organization: A well-written cause and effect essay should have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should include background information about the topic and a clear thesis statement that shows how the two events or situations are connected. The body should be organized around the causes and effects you have found, with each paragraph focusing on one cause or effect. The conclusion should restate the thesis statement and summarize the main points of the essay .

3. The role of evidence and analysis: To support your arguments in a cause and effect essay, you need to provide evidence that demonstrates the relationship between the causes and effects you have identified. This may include statistical data, expert opinions, or historical examples. It is also important to analyze the evidence you present and explain how it supports your thesis statement. .

How to Choose a Topic for a Cause and Effect Essay

Choosing a topic for a cause and effect essay can be challenging, especially if you are unsure where to start. Here are some tips to help you find inspiration and narrow down your topic.

1. Finding inspiration for topics: There are many places to find ideas for what to write about in a cause and effect essay. You can start by thinking about things that interest you or that you know something about. Also You can also get ideas from what’s happening now, in history, or in society. You can also look at the relationships between causes and effects in books, movies, and music.

2. Narrowing down your topic: Once you have a list of potential topics, it is important to narrow them down to a specific event or situation. This will help you to focus your essay and provide a clear thesis statement . You can narrow down your topic by considering the causes and effects of the event or situation and selecting the most significant ones.

3. Tips for selecting a strong topic: When selecting a topic for your cause and effect essay, it is important to choose one that is both interesting and significant. Here are some tips for selecting a strong topic:

– Choose a topic that you are passionate about or that you have personal experience with.

– Select a topic that is relevant to current events or social issues.

– Consider the scope of the topic and make sure it is narrow enough to provide a clear focus for your essay .

– Look for a topic that has multiple causes and effects, as this will allow you to explore the relationships between them in more depth.

– Choose a topic with a significant impact, whether it be on individuals, communities, or society as a whole.

– Consider the availability of research materials to support your arguments .

10 Captivating Cause and Effect Essay Examples

When it comes to writing a cause and effect essay, it can be helpful to look at examples of successful essays to gain inspiration and learn from the techniques used by experienced writers. Here are 10 captivating cause and effect essay examples to consider:

1. How Social Media is Changing the Way We Communicate: This essay explores the causes and effects of social media on communication, including the impact it has on personal relationships and the workplace.

2. The Effects of Climate Change on Marine Life: This essay examines the causes and effects of climate change on marine ecosystems, including the impact of rising temperatures and ocean acidification on marine species.

3. The Causes and Effects of the Civil Rights Movement: This essay explores the causes and effects of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, including the impact it had on race relations and social justice.

4. How Technology is Changing Education: This essay examines the causes and effects of technology on education, including the impact of online learning and the use of digital devices in the classroom.

5. The Causes and Effects of Obesity: This essay explores the causes and effects of obesity, including the impact of diet, lifestyle, and genetics on weight gain and related health issues .

6. The Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Society: This essay examines the causes and effects of the Industrial Revolution on society, including the impact of technological advancements on labor, urbanization, and social change.

7. How the Internet is Changing theWay We Shop: This essay explores the causes and effects of the rise of e-commerce and online shopping, including the impact it has on traditional brick-and-mortar stores and consumer behavior .

8. The Causes and Effects of the Great Depression: This essay examines the causes and effects of the Great Depression in the United States, including the impact it had on the economy, politics, and society as a whole.

9. The Effects of Drug Addiction on Society: This essay explores the causes and effects of drug addiction on individuals and society, including the impact of drug abuse on health, crime rates, and social welfare.

10. The Impact of Globalization on Cultural Identity: This essay examines the causes and effects of globalization on cultural identity, including the impact of cultural homogenization and the loss of traditional cultural practices.

50 Cause and Effect Essay Topics

Choosing a topic for a cause and effect essay can be difficult, especially if you are unsure where to start. Here are 50 cause and effect essay topics to consider, along with tips for brainstorming your own topic ideas and choosing a topic that is relevant and engaging:

1. The Causes and Effects of Climate Change

2. The Impact of Social Media on Relationships

3. The Effects of Exercise on Mental Health

4. The Causes and Effects of Poverty

5. The Impact of Technology on Society

6. The Effects of Smoking on Health

7. The Causes and Effects of Drug Addiction

8. The Impact of Immigration on the Economy

9. The Effects of Stress on Mental Health

10. The Causes and Effects of Obesity

11. The Impact of Video Games on Youth

12. The Causes and Effects of Divorce

13. The Effects of Bullying on Mental Health

14. The Causes and Effects of Teenage Pregnancy

15. The Impact of Television on Society

16. The Causes and Effects of Homelessness

17. The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Health

18. The Causes and Effects of Global Warming

19. The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

20. The Causes and Effects of Cyberbullying

21. The Effects of Pollution on the Environment

22. The Causes and Effects of Racism

23. The Impact of Technology on Education24. The Causes and Effects of Income Inequality

25. The Effects of Music on Mental Health

26. The Causes and Effects of Childhood Obesity

27. The Impact of Cell Phones on Society

28. The Effects of Alcohol on Health

29. The Causes and Effects of Parental Divorce on Children

30. The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Jobs

31. The Causes and Effects of Air Pollution

32. The Effects of Social Media on Body Image

33. The Causes and Effects of Gender Inequality

34. The Impact of Online Shopping on Retail Stores

35. The Causes and Effects of Mental Illness

36. The Effects of Domestic Violence on Mental Health

37. The Causes and Effects of Food Insecurity

38. The Impact of Education on Employment

39. The Causes and Effects of Single Parenting

40. The Effects of Overpopulation on the Environment

41. The Causes and Effects of Racial Discrimination

42. The Impact of Technology on Communication

43. The Effects of Gaming on Mental Health

44. The Causes and Effects of Human Trafficking

45. The Impact of Social Media on Politics

46. The Causes and Effects of Water Pollution

47. The Effects of Social Media on Self-Esteem

48. The Causes and Effects of Urbanization

49. The Impact of Technology on Privacy

50. The Causes and Effects of Workplace Stress

When coming up with your own ideas for a paper , think about your own interests, current events, and social issues that are important to you. Think about the causes and results of certain events or situations that you know a lot about or that really interest you. Make sure to choose a topic that is specific enough to give your essay a clear focus but broad enough to let you explore the cause-and-effect relationships in depth.

It’s important to choose a topic that is both relevant and interesting. Think about what research materials are available and how your topic might affect people, groups, or society as a whole. By choosing a topic that is both important and interesting, you can write a good cause and effect essay that shows how two events or situations are related in a meaningful way.

Cause and Effect Essay Thesis

The thesis statement is a crucial element of any cause and effect essay. It provides the main argument or focus of your essay and sets the tone for the rest of your writing. Here are some tips for crafting a strong thesis statement and examples of effective thesis statements.

1. Why a thesis is important: The thesis statement is important because it provides a clear focus for your essay and helps the reader understand the purpose of your writing. It should be concise, specific, and arguable, and provide a roadmap for the rest of your essay.

2. Crafting a strong thesis statement: To write a good thesis statement for your cause and effect essay, you should think about how the two events or situations you are writing about relate to each other. Your thesis should explain the cause-and-effect relationship you’re going to look at and give a specific argument you’ll back up throughout your essay . It also needs to be clear, specific, and debatable.

3. Examples of effective thesis statements:

– The rise of social media has led to a decrease in face-to-face communication, resulting in a generation of individuals who struggle to connect with others in meaningful ways.

– The industrial revolution had a significant impact on the environment, leading to increased pollution, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity.

– The causes of poverty are complex and multifaceted, including factors such as lack of access to education, economic inequality, and discrimination.

– The effects of climate change on wildlife are devastating, leading to habitat loss, species extinction, and disruption of ecosystems.

– The use of technology in the classroom has both positive and negative impacts on student learning, including increased engagement and distraction.

– The rise of online shopping has led to a decline in traditional brick-and-mortar stores, resulting in job loss and economic restructuring.

– The causes of the opioid epidemic are varied, including over-prescription of painkillers and lack of access to addiction treatment.

– The effects of bullying on mental health can be long-lasting, leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicide among victims.

– The impact of immigration on the economy is complex, with both positive and negative effects on job creation, tax revenue, and economic growth.

– The causes of the gender pay gap are rooted in systemic discrimination and bias, resulting in a significant disparity in earnings between men and women.

By crafting a strong thesis statement that clearly outlines the cause and effect relationship you will be exploring and provides a specific argument to support your essay , you can set the tone for the rest of your writing and provide the reader with a clear understanding of the purpose of your essay.

Cause and Effect Essay Structure

An important part of writing a cause and effect essay is figuring out how to put it together. Your ideas and arguments will come across more clearly to the reader if your essay is well-structured. Here are some tips to help you choose the right structure for your essay, know the difference between block and chain structures, and make the most of the structure you choose.

1. Choosing the appropriate structure for your essay: A cause and effect essay has two main structures: the block and the chain. The block structure lists all the causes first, then all the effects. The chain structure, on the other hand, lists each cause and its effect in the order they happened. The best way to organize your essay will depend on the topic and how the causes and effects are related to each other. If the relationship between the causes and effects is complicated or there are more than two causes and effects, a chain structure may be better. If the relationship is simple, a block structure may work better.

2. Understanding the difference between block and chain structures: In a block structure, the essay has two main parts: the introduction, which has the thesis statement, and the body, which has the causes in one or more paragraphs and then the effects. In a chain structure, each cause is followed by its effect(s) in the order in which they happened. In the conclusion, the main points of the essay are summed up and the thesis statement is restated .

3. Tips for making the most of your chosen structure: Regardless of the structure youchoose, there are some tips to help you make the most of it:

– Use clear and concise topic sentences to introduce each paragraph and to connect the ideas between them.

– Use transitional phrases to help the reader understand the relationship between the causes and effects, such as “as a result”, “consequently”, “therefore”, and “due to”.

– Provide supporting evidence and examples to strengthen your arguments and to help the reader understand the significance of each cause and effect relationship.

– Use a variety of sentence structures to keep the reader engaged and to vary the rhythm and flow of the essay.

– Use the conclusion to summarize the main points of the essay and to restate the thesis statement in a memorable way.

In the end, a cause and effect essay looks at how two events or situations are related and shows how one event or situation leads to another. To write a good cause and effect essay, you need to choose a strong and interesting topic , make a clear thesis statement, and present your ideas and arguments in a well-structured way.

The following are some key points to keep in mind when writing a cause and effect essay:

– A cause and effect essay explores the relationship between two events or situations and provides insight into how one event or situation leads to another.

– The key elements of a cause and effect essay include a clear thesis statement, supporting evidence and examples, and a well-structured approach that presents the causes and effects in a logical and cohesive manner.

– When choosing a topic for a cause and effect essay, it is important to select one that is both interesting and significant, and to narrow it down to a specific event or situation.

– To make your cause and effect essay engaging, use transitional phrases, provide supporting evidence and examples, and vary your sentence structures.

– Outlining can help you to organize your ideas and arguments, and create a clear roadmap for your essay.

– There are two main structures for a cause and effect essay: block and chain. The appropriate structure will depend on the specific topic and the relationship between the causes and effects.

– The thesis statement is a crucial element of any cause and effect essay, providing a clear focus for your essay and setting the tone for the rest of your writing.

– Effective revision and editing are crucial to producing a successful cause and effect essay. Be sure to give yourself enough time to revise and edit your work, and to seek feedback from others.

– Working with a writing group or editor can also be helpful in improving the quality of your essay and identifying areas for improvement.

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How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay

Last Updated: September 20, 2022 Approved

This article was co-authored by Tristen Bonacci . Tristen Bonacci is a Licensed English Teacher with more than 20 years of experience. Tristen has taught in both the United States and overseas. She specializes in teaching in a secondary education environment and sharing wisdom with others, no matter the environment. Tristen holds a BA in English Literature from The University of Colorado and an MEd from The University of Phoenix. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 133,246 times.

A cause and effect essay requires that you examine a particular situation or event and determine a causal relationship. Start by choosing a particular topic. Then, conduct your preliminary research and take notes to incorporate into your essay. When you are finished researching, create an outline based upon your thesis statement and write an initial draft. Edit your draft closely and ask another person to do so as well.

Getting Ready to Write

• If you write down the details yourself make sure to keep this piece of paper in a safe location as you will need to consult it throughout the writing process.

• For example, you may be asked to write about the causes of the American Revolution, which means that you will discuss taxation protests and other contributing factors. Or, you may be asked to write about the effects of the American Revolution, which means that you will discuss nation-building and other long and short-term effects. A combined cause and effect essay would combine both of these angles.

• Double check that your idea is within the given subject parameters outlined by the teacher for the assignment.
• Consider writing about moments that are close to your own experience, such as events that have impacted your life. For example, you could discuss a war period that you lived through. Or, you could take on a controversial topic, such as the proven effects of eating fast food on a regular basis. Taking a historical angle and looking into events like the American Revolution is another possible approach.
• Be flexible in adjusting your topic breadth or depth as you work on your paper. At any point in the process, you may need to add or delete particular discussions to fit the requirements. For example, if you are writing about the actions of George Washington during the American Revolution, you may need to narrow your focus and only discuss one particular choice that he made.

• These texts are usually great places to research your topic further.

• Check that your sources fall within the guidelines given by your teacher for the assignment.
• If you are covering a recent topic, such as the effects of fast food production, you may be able to use first-hand accounts, also known as primary sources, in your work.

• A good question might be, “Is there a minimum source number for this assignment?” Just make sure that the question that you ask is not already answered in the assignment sheet.

Constructing the Initial Essay

• A thesis statement can be a single sentence or multiple sentences, depending on what you need to cover. It cannot be a quote, a basic statement of fact, or a question.
• As you are trying to craft your thesis statement it is helpful to consider what your evidence indicates about your topic. What causes and/or effects are clearly illustrated by your sources? For example, if a number of your sources discuss stock market issues as a cause of the Great Depression, then you may argue that, “Stock market instabilities, in part, led to the Great Depression.”

• While 3 ideas are typical for a 5-paragraph essay, you may find you have more ideas you want to include. Depending upon your topic and the length of your paper, scale up the number of ideas as needed.
• Be pretty flexible with your initial outline as you will find areas that you will need to expand or cut when you actually start writing.
• It may seem easier at first but you never have to limit yourself to the five-paragraph essay format, unless your teacher expressly requests that you do so. Otherwise, feel free to add additional paragraphs, up until the page limit, to create a stronger argument.

• You can get a reader interested in your subject by opening with a vivid quote, exciting source, or quick anecdote. Just keep it brief. Your intro should only be a fairly short paragraph in comparison to the body ones.

• Don’t forget to add at least a paragraph explaining to the reader why these connections are important to them on an individual or group level. You could also mention this in the cause-and-effect paragraph. This is an opportunity to make an educated statement about what the long and short term implications of this cause/effect cycle will be. Basically, why should we care?

• For example, if you argue that the Great Depression caused a rise in unemployment you will need to have statistics to support this perspective. After all, unemployment existed before and after the event in question, so the causal relationship is what must be clarified.

• For instance, if you are writing about the causes of the Great Depression you will want to discuss the stock market but also the income gap. Or, if you choose to focus solely on the Great Depression/stock market relationship then somewhere in your paper you’ll want to acknowledge the other possible causes while stating that you’ve chosen this particular focus.
• Points you are proving may be major or minor. The goal is simply to explain how they affect the causal relationship.

Polishing Your Final Draft

• This is another reason why it is best to not procrastinate when writing an essay of this type. You will need ample time to complete the process in a patient way in order to create your best possible work.

• You might say, “Please focus on the word choice as that is a weakness of mine.”

• Some people find it helpful to print out your paper at this point and make your revisions on a hard copy. This can also protect you in the event that you experience any computer troubles.
• One strategy is to split your revisions into two parts: one revision for grammar and spelling and another to examine the organization and content of your paper.

Expert Q&A

• It is sometimes helpful to read your paper aloud while editing. This allows you to catch errors that might otherwise slip by you. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• You can also ask your teacher to look over your first draft as well if they are willing to do so. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Be very careful not to plagiarize or commit any type of academic honesty. Produce your own work and ask your teacher for help if you need it. [12] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Make sure to save your paper as you continue to work. Computer problems do happen and you don’t want to lose your work as a result. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.butte.edu/departments/cas/tipsheets/style_purpose_strategy/cause_effort.html
• ↑ Tristen Bonacci. Licensed English Teacher. Expert Interview. 21 December 2021.
• ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/685/02/
• ↑ http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/causeeff.php
• ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/editing-and-proofreading/
• ↑ https://student.unsw.edu.au/editing-your-essay

About this article

To write a cause and effect essay, start by choosing a topic that interests you, such as the effects of eating fast food. Next, come up with a thesis statement, which is the argument you plan to make. Then, start with a paragraph that introduces the reader to the general topic and presents your thesis in the final sentence or two. After the introduction, write your body paragraphs, making sure to write 1 paragraph for each point of your argument. Finally, end with a conclusion that summarizes your thesis and main supporting points. For more tips from our Educational co-author, like how to conduct background research on your topic, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements

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Tips for Writing Your Thesis Statement

1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing:

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

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

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

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

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

Thesis Statement Examples

Example of an analytical thesis statement:

The paper that follows should:

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

Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement:

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

Example of an argumentative thesis statement:

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

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

20 June, 2020

9 minutes read

Author:  Tomas White

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

What is a Cause and Effect Essay?

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

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

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

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

Types of the Cause and Effect Essay

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

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

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

1. Many causes, one effect

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

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

Here is how to structure this type of essay:

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

2. One cause, many effects

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

Here is the structure for this kind of essay:

• Effect #3 (and so on…)

3. Chain of causes and effects

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

Here is the outline structure:

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

Cause and Effect Essay Outline Example

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cause and Effect Essay Sample

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

Tips and Common Mistakes from Our Expert Writers

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

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How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay

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

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

What Is a Cause and Effect Essay?

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

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

How to Make a Correct Cause and Effect Essay Structure

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

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

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Cause and Effect Essay Outline

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Introduction

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

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

• Background information;
• Thesis statement.

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

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

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

Body Paragraphs (Causes)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Treat the next causes in the same manner.

Body Paragraphs (Effects)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is what it will look like in our case:

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

Did you like our inspiring Cause and Effect Essay Guide?

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Interesting Cause and Effect Essay Topics

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

History and politics:

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

Environment:

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

Cause and Effect Essay Examples

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

Procrastination Among College Students.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wrapping Up

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

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

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

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

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

❓ What Is a Cause and Effect Essay?

✍️ how to write a cause and effect essay.

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

🔗 References

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

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

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

💡 Choose Your Cause and Effect Essay Topic

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

Cause & Effect Essay Topics

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

🎓 Create a Cause and Effect Thesis Statement

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

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

📑 Outline Your Cause and Effect Essay

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

Many Causes, One Effect

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

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

Many Causes, One Effect Essay Outline Example

1. Introduction

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

2. Main body

2.1. Cause 1: Bullies want to be noticed.

2.2. Cause 2: They want to feel superior.

2.3. Cause 3: There are issues at home.

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

3. Conclusion

One Cause, Many Effects

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

One Cause, Many Effects Essay Outline Example

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

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

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

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

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

Cause-Effect Chain

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

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

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

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

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

📝 Develop Your Cause and Effect Paragraphs

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

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

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

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

• In addition
• Furthermore
• Consequently

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

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

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

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

👀 Cause and Effect Essay Examples

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

Bullying in Schools (Cause & Effect Essay Sample)

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

• Causes and Effects of Divorce
• Causes and Effects of Drug Addiction
• Sophocles’ Antigone: Cause & Effect Essay
• Cause and Effect: Living with Pets Improves Their Owners’ Health
• American Society Police Brutality Causes and Effects
• Causes and Effects of Fast-Food Addiction
• Diabetes: Causes and Effects of Disease
• Cause-and-effect | Definition of Cause-and-effect at Dictionary.com
• Causes and Effects – Harvard Business Review
• Cause and effect | Nature Methods
• Cause and Effect – SAGE Research Methods
• Cause and Effect in Epidemiology | SpringerLink
• Patterns in the Landscape – Analyses of Cause and Effect
• Cause and Effect Diagram – Clinical Excellence Commission
• Explaining Causality – Academic Phrasebank
• Cause and Effect Essay Examples (Your Dictionary)
• Cause and Effect – Writing for Success
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