sample cause and effect essay

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Mastering the art of writing a cause and effect essay – a comprehensive guide for students.

Have you ever wondered about the intricate web of causes and effects that shape our daily lives? The world is an interconnected tapestry, where actions lead to consequences and ripple effects can be felt far and wide. Delving into the realm of cause and effect essay writing allows us to explore this fascinating phenomenon and shed light on the intricate dynamics that drive our world.

Unlocking the secrets of causality becomes a thrilling adventure, where we unravel the threads that bind seemingly unrelated events. This form of essay is a powerful tool to analyze the core reasons behind certain outcomes and elucidate the multifaceted consequences that follow. As we embark on this journey, we will discover that cause and effect essay writing is not merely an exercise in academic observation, but a transformative process that enhances our analytical skills and deepens our understanding of the world.

Embracing the challenge of writing a cause and effect essay grants us the opportunity to gain mastery over the art of logical reasoning and critical thinking. Through meticulous examination and careful evaluation, we can trace the roots of various phenomena, untangle the intricacies of cause and effect relationships, and unlock a deeper comprehension of our surroundings.

Choosing a Topic for Your Cause and Effect Essay

When it comes to crafting a compelling cause and effect essay, one of the most vital steps is selecting the right topic. The topic you choose will lay the groundwork for the entire essay, determining the direction and scope of your analysis. It is essential to choose a topic that is not only engaging but also allows for a deeper exploration of the cause and effect relationship.

To begin, consider your personal interests and passions. Reflect on the issues or phenomena that have caught your attention and inspired your curiosity. By selecting a topic that genuinely interests you, you will be more motivated to dive into thorough research and analysis, resulting in a more compelling essay.

In addition to personal interests, it is also crucial to consider the current relevance and significance of a topic. Look for subjects that are currently generating discourse or have real-life implications. Choosing a topic that is timely and meaningful will not only enhance the relevance of your essay but also demonstrate your understanding of the broader context.

Furthermore, consider the available resources for research. Ensure that there is ample information and scholarly resources available on the topic you choose. Adequate research material will allow for a comprehensive understanding of the cause and effect relationship, enabling you to provide well-supported arguments in your essay.

Lastly, it is important to select a topic that is neither too broad nor too narrow. A broad topic may result in a superficial analysis, while a narrow topic may restrict your ability to explore the cause and effect relationship fully. Striking the right balance will ensure that you can provide a comprehensive analysis within the scope of your essay.

By considering your personal interests, the current relevance of a topic, the availability of research material, and the scope of analysis, you can choose a topic that will lay the foundation for an engaging and insightful cause and effect essay.

Discover how to select a captivating topic that will captivate your audience

When it comes to writing a compelling cause and effect essay, one of the most important factors is choosing a captivating topic that will engage and capture the interest of your readers. The topic you select sets the stage for the entire essay, determining the tone, focus, and overall impact of your writing.

It is crucial to choose a subject that is not only interesting but also relevant and meaningful. Selecting a topic that resonates with your readers will not only motivate them to continue reading but also to connect with and appreciate the content you are presenting.

Consider selecting a topic that is current and trending, as this will immediately grab the attention of your audience. You can explore current events, social issues, or even pop culture phenomena that have a cause and effect relationship worth examining. By choosing a topic that is relevant to the lives of your readers, you are more likely to capture their interest and make them invested in your essay.

Another approach to selecting a compelling topic is to target a subject that is controversial or thought-provoking. Controversial topics often spark debates and discussions, which can create a sense of excitement and engagement among your readers. By presenting different perspectives and analyzing the cause and effect relationships of a controversial issue, you can encourage your audience to think critically and consider different viewpoints.

Additionally, selecting a topic that is unique and rarely explored can also be an effective way to engage your readers. By presenting them with fresh and interesting content, you can pique their curiosity and keep them hooked throughout your essay. Look for lesser-known cause and effect relationships or delve into a subject that hasn’t been extensively covered to provide your readers with a unique and captivating reading experience.

In conclusion, choosing a compelling topic for your cause and effect essay is essential in capturing the attention and interest of your readers. By selecting a relevant, controversial, or unique subject, you can pique their curiosity and make them invested in your writing. Remember to consider your audience’s interests and values when choosing a topic to ensure that it resonates with them and keeps them engaged from start to finish.

Learn the essential components and organization of this type of academic writing

Understanding how to write a cause and effect essay involves knowing the key elements and structure that make up this particular type of academic writing. By grasping the essential components and organization, you will be equipped to effectively convey the relationship between causes and effects in your essay.

One important component of a cause and effect essay is the introduction, which provides an overview of the topic and clearly states the thesis statement. The thesis statement should express the main idea or argument of the essay, outlining the causes and effects that will be discussed.

Following the introduction, the body paragraphs of the essay delve into specific causes and effects. Each paragraph should focus on a single cause or effect, providing clear explanations and supporting evidence. It is important to use transitional words and phrases to guide the reader through the essay, making connections between causes and effects.

Additionally, proper organization is key in a cause and effect essay. One common approach is the chronological organization, where causes are presented in the order in which they occurred, leading to the effects. Another approach is the categorical organization, where causes and effects are grouped together based on common themes or categories.

Finally, a cause and effect essay should conclude with a clear summary of the main points and a restatement of the thesis statement. The conclusion should leave a lasting impression on the reader, emphasizing the significance of the causes and effects discussed in the essay.

By understanding and implementing the essential components and organization of a cause and effect essay, you can effectively analyze and present the causal relationships between events or phenomena. This type of academic writing allows you to explore the causes and effects of various topics, providing a deeper understanding and insight into the subject matter.

Gathering Evidence for Your Cause and Effect Analysis

When it comes to crafting a compelling cause and effect analysis, gathering solid evidence is crucial. In order to effectively support your claims and establish the cause-effect relationship, it is important to gather relevant and reliable evidence from various sources. By doing so, you can strengthen your arguments and provide a well-rounded understanding of the topic at hand.

Identify the Cause and Effect

Before you begin gathering evidence, it is necessary to clearly identify the cause and effect you will be exploring in your essay. This will help you focus your research and ensure that the evidence you collect directly supports your analysis. Clearly defining the cause and effect will also assist you in avoiding any potential tangents or unrelated information in your essay.

Research Scholarly Sources

A key element in gathering evidence for your cause and effect essay is conducting thorough research using reputable, scholarly sources. These sources can include academic journals, books, government publications, and authoritative websites. By utilizing these resources, you will be able to access well-researched and reliable information that adds credibility to your analysis.

Interview Experts or Professionals

In addition to scholarly sources, interviewing experts or professionals in the field related to your cause and effect topic can provide valuable insights and firsthand knowledge. These individuals can offer unique perspectives and experiences that can enhance the depth and quality of your analysis. Be sure to prepare thoughtful and relevant questions to make the most out of your interviews.

Gather Statistical Data

Statistics play a crucial role in a cause and effect essay as they provide quantifiable evidence to support your claims. Gathering statistical data, such as surveys, studies, or reports, helps to strengthen the cause-effect relationship by presenting concrete numbers and trends. Ensure that the statistical data you use is reliable and from credible sources in order to maintain the integrity of your analysis.

Utilize Case Studies or Examples

Using case studies or examples can further enhance the evidence used in your cause and effect analysis. Real-life examples or specific cases provide a practical understanding of the cause-effect relationship and make it easier for readers to connect with your arguments. Choose case studies or examples that are relevant to your topic and effectively illustrate the cause and effect you are discussing.

Gathering evidence is an essential step in writing a compelling cause and effect analysis. By clearly identifying the cause and effect, conducting thorough research, interviewing experts, utilizing statistical data, and incorporating case studies or examples, you can effectively support your claims and provide a well-rounded analysis. Remember to use reliable sources and present the evidence in a clear and organized manner to strengthen your arguments and engage your readers.

Explore effective research methods to support your claims and strengthen your arguments

In order to write a compelling cause and effect essay, it is crucial to support your claims and strengthen your arguments with solid research. By utilizing effective research methods, you can gather relevant evidence and data to back up your statements and make your essay more convincing. This section will explore various research techniques that can help you in this process.

One effective research method is conducting interviews. By directly speaking with experts or people with firsthand experience on the topic you’re discussing, you can gather valuable insights and personal anecdotes that can enrich your writing. Interviewing individuals who have a deep understanding of the cause-and-effect relationship you’re exploring can provide unique perspectives and strengthen your arguments.

Another research method to consider is conducting surveys or questionnaires. By designing well-crafted questions and distributing them to a relevant sample group, you can collect quantitative data that supports your claims. Surveys allow you to gather a large amount of information efficiently and objectively. This data can then be used to analyze patterns, trends, and correlations, which can further strengthen your arguments.

Utilizing scholarly sources such as academic journals and books is also an effective research approach. These sources provide in-depth analysis, research findings, and scholarly opinions on the causes and effects you’re discussing. By referencing reputable and authoritative sources, you can lend credibility to your arguments and demonstrate that your claims are well-supported by existing literature in the field.

Additionally, incorporating statistical data and empirical evidence can significantly strengthen your reasoning. By citing statistics, figures, and studies that provide concrete evidence of the cause-and-effect relationship you’re exploring, you can make your arguments more persuasive. This kind of data adds an objective and factual element to your essay, making it more compelling to readers.

By exploring and utilizing these research methods, you can ensure that your cause and effect essay is well-supported and thoroughly grounded in evidence. The combination of qualitative and quantitative data, expert insights, and scholarly sources will strengthen your arguments and make your essay more persuasive and credible.

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Cause And Effect Essay Guide

Cause And Effect Essay Examples

Best Cause and Effect Essay Examples To Get Inspiration + Simple Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s dive in!

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

What is a Cause and Effect Essay?

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

In a cause and effect essay, you typically:

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

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

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

Cause and Effect Essay Examples for Students

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Free Cause and Effect Essay Samples

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

Cause and Effect Essay Elementary School

Cause and Effect Essay For College Students

Short Cause and Effect Essay Sample

Cause and Effect Essay Example for High School

Cause And Effect Essay IELTS

Bullying Cause and Effect Essay Example

Cause and Effect Essay Smoking

Cause and Effect Essay Topics

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

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

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

Tips For Writing a Good Cause and Effect Essay

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

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

To Sum Up , 

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

If you still need further help, you can hire a professional writer to help you out. At MyPerfectWords.com , we’ve got experienced and qualified essay writers who can help you write an excellent essay on any topic and for all academic levels.

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A Guide to Writing a Cause and Effect Essay

In your academic career, you’ll write a lot of essays. You’ll write some to inform your readers about a topic and others to analyze an idea. Some will argue for or against a specific position, while others will persuade the reader to take action. Authors use various strategies to achieve each of these goals, and one of the strategies they use to inform readers is the cause and effect essay .

As its name implies, a cause and effect essay explains how certain causes result in specific effects. Knowing how to write an effective cause and effect essay is an important skill for students in just about every academic field to develop. Give your writing extra polish Grammarly helps you communicate confidently Write with Grammarly

What is a cause and effect essay?

A cause and effect essay is a type of expository essay that explores its topic by discussing the issue’s causes and consequences. For example, a cause and effect essay about deforestation’s role in climate change might discuss a few of deforestation’s specific causes, like a demand for wood and the clearing of land for grazing pastures, and then explain how these causes create effects that contribute to climate change. 

As with other types of expository essays, the purpose of a cause and effect essay is to educate the reader. As an expository essay writer, think of yourself as the informed explainer who gives their readers the information they need to think critically about a topic and reach their own conclusions. Your goal isn’t to persuade, argue, or entertain your readers—although there are instances when authors of argumentative and persuasive essays use cause and effect rhetoric in their writing. It’s also possible to write a creative essay using the cause and effect format. However, within the realm of academic essay writing , a cause and effect essay is an expository piece of writing. 

Cause and effect essays are similar to other kinds of expository essays in that they present facts in a clear, logical format. They employ an objective, analytical tone and stay away from flowery and inciting language. This is how they differ from argumentative, persuasive, and descriptive essays. You might use the passive voice more frequently in cause and effect essays than in other kinds of essays, especially in cause and effect essays you write for your science courses. 

How to structure a cause and effect essay

Structurally, a cause and effect essay is similar to other types of essays. It starts with an introduction paragraph where you hook your reader, state your thesis, and give a quick preview of the points you’ll make to support your thesis. 

Following the introduction, each point supporting your thesis has its own section. Each section can be as short as one paragraph or contain a few paragraphs, depending on how much information you need to convey and whether your essay must adhere to a word count or page limit. There are a few different ways to organize your essay’s body paragraphs. You can discuss each cause, section by section, and then discuss each effect afterward (if there is only one effect, include just a single section about it). Alternatively, you can discuss each cause and effect pair individually, giving each pair its own section. 

The best structure for your essay depends on a few factors:

• How many causes you’re including
• How many effects you’re including
• The essay length requirement, if applicable
• How closely related the causes and effects are to each other

For example, if your essay is about a single effect with multiple causes, it might be most logical to discuss all the causes first and then write a section on their shared effect. Or if the causes and effects are more isolated from each other and you need room to explain how they fit into the bigger picture, the logical choice might be to give each cause and effect pair its own section and then tie them together in your essay’s conclusion.

As with other kinds of academic writing, the most logical structure is typically the best approach. If you aren’t sure how to structure your essay, ask your instructor for guidance. 

After writing the body paragraphs, write your essay’s conclusion . This final section summarizes the points you made in the body, underscores your thesis, and brings your essay’s position to a logical conclusion. 

How to write a cause and effect essay

To write a cause and effect essay, follow the same writing process that you follow when you’re doing other kinds of writing. Start with brainstorming your topic and jotting down any insights you have, questions you want to answer, associations you plan to make between topics, and facts you intend to reference. 

After brainstorming , take your notes and create an organized outline . Remember, your essay outline is a guideline for you to follow as you write, not a final script your essay has to follow. List each section as a header in your outline and below it write down the bullet points you plan to cover within that section. Outlining makes it easy to visualize how your final essay will look and to determine where each body paragraph logically fits into the structure. 

Once your outline is finished, it’s time to write! But before you dive into your first draft, nail down your thesis statement , if you haven’t already. This is a concise and informative statement that tells the reader exactly what your essay is about. It goes in your introduction paragraph, and each body paragraph that follows should support this statement. 

With your thesis statement prepared, write your body paragraphs using your notes from your brainstorming session. Remember what kind of essay you’re writing and frame its body paragraphs accordingly—if a supporting paragraph doesn’t clearly show how its subject is a cause leading to a specific effect, reframe it to fit this format. Remember, you’re only on the first draft, and there will be time to revise it later. 

Once you’re finished writing, give your essay time to cool off. Ideally, take about twenty-four hours before you edit it. When you go back and edit, pay close attention to how you’ve presented each cause and effect. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the relationship between each cause and associated effect clear?
• Are the causes and effects presented in a logical, coherent manner?
• Does this essay make my position clear?
• Does the essay leave the reader room to draw their own conclusion, or does it attempt to persuade or convince them of my position?

With the answers to these questions in mind, revise your essay to ensure that the content is presented in the clearest, most logical way possible. At this stage, also make sure your essay’s tone is appropriate and that there are not any glaring spelling or grammatical errors. You’ll check for these again when you proofread; the editing stage is primarily for revising your essay’s content. 

With a clean, revised second draft in hand, give it another proofread for grammatical mistakes. Grammarly can help you with this. Once it’s cleaned up, you’re ready to submit your work. 

Example outline of a cause and effect essay

As we mentioned above, there are a few different ways to structure a cause and effect essay. Here is one: 

• Introduction

This format isn’t ideal for every essay, though. In some cases, a format like this makes the content clearer:

When you’re revising your essay, feel free to play around with the format and see which makes more sense for the information you’re writing about. You’ll likely use each of these formats in different essays depending on their specific content. 

Cause and effect essay FAQs

A cause and effect essay is an expository essay that explains the relationships between specific conditions and their consequences, often within the context of a big-picture issue. These conditions are known as “causes,” and their consequences are known as “effects.” 

What is the purpose of a cause and effect essay?

The purpose of a cause and effect essay is to educate the reader about how specific conditions are linked to certain repercussions. 

How do you structure a cause and effect essay?

There are a few different ways to structure a cause and effect essay. Here are two of the most common: 

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

20 June, 2020

9 minutes read

Author:  Tomas White

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

What is a Cause and Effect Essay?

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

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

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

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

Types of the Cause and Effect Essay

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

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

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

1. Many causes, one effect

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

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

Here is how to structure this type of essay:

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

2. One cause, many effects

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

Here is the structure for this kind of essay:

• Effect #3 (and so on…)

3. Chain of causes and effects

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

Here is the outline structure:

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

Cause and Effect Essay Outline Example

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cause and Effect Essay Sample

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

Tips and Common Mistakes from Our Expert Writers

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Cause and Effect Essay Examples

• DESCRIPTION cause & effect essay dos and dont's
• SOURCE Background: Tolchik / iStock / Getty Images Plus / via Getty created by YourDictionary
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When you eat a really good pizza, you say, “yum” and likely reach for another slice. That’s basic cause and effect. The pizza was good, so you responded and ate more. You’ve probably partaken in so many examples of cause and effect without even knowing it, so you already have the basic recipe to create an amazing piece of writing. But how do you turn all that into a zesty cause and effect essay?

What Is A Cause and Effect Essay?

Sometimes called reason and result essays , cause and effect essays are a type of essay that explores how an event or situation came into being (the cause) and what happens or transpires because of that event or situation (the effect). The purpose of these types of essays is to explore the “why” or “how” of a situation.

What Is the Basic Structure of a Cause and Effect Essay?

You might see some slight variations in the structure of a cause and effect essay, but for the most part, you’re looking at a pretty rigid outline .

A basic cause and effect essay structure would look like:

• Describe the event or situation your essay will explore.
• Include a thesis statement that illustrates your thoughts on the main cause or effect of the event or situation.
• Start with what you feel is the main cause of the event, providing evidence to back up your argument. 
• Follow that up with descriptions of secondary causes.
• Discuss the main effect that came out of the causes that you illustrated in the previous paragraphs.
• Provide evidence to back up your argument.
• Subsequent paragraphs can then discuss other effects worth noting.
• Reiterate your thesis statement.
• Consider further questions that could be explored within your cause and effect analysis, including other effects or other potential causes

Structure of a Short Cause and Effect Essay

Shorter cause and effect essays (especially in timed essay situations ) tend more toward discussing just the cause or just the effect.

For example, a prompt might ask you to explain why cheeseburgers cost so much. In that case, you’d mostly be writing about the cause of that increased price, as the high cost is already the implied effect.

Alternatively, the prompt might ask you to discuss how high cheeseburger prices have affected society, which would have you writing mostly about the effect of high burger prices.

Cause and Effect Essay Examples

You have a really solid idea of what should go into a cause and effect essay, but it never hurts to see an example in action. Maybe it’ll help you generate new ideas for your own cause and effect essay.

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Sample Cause and Effect Essay Introduction

As with other essays, the intro paragraph acts as the space for you to introduce your subject. With a cause and effect essay in particular, the intro is important for setting the stage. You can’t just launch into a discussion of cause and effect and expect the reader to get it.

The homeless epidemic is a serious problem in nearly every major city across the country. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, there are over 500,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night. It’s a difficult challenge to tackle precisely because it is so multi-faceted, both in terms of its causes and its far-reaching effects. Homelessness affects not only the people who must struggle to survive on the street but also the business owners or residents in the neighborhoods. While many factors have contributed to the rise in homeless rates, one of the most profound is the lack of adequate social support services.

Sample Body Paragraphs for a Cause and Effect Essay

This is the real meat and potatoes of the article. Despite the structure mentioned above, you can go about the body paragraphs in a few different ways. Similar to compare and contrast essays , you can use a block structure (grouping all the causal information together before getting into the effects) or a point-by-point structure (considering one cause and effect at a time).

A lack of free or affordable housing could be considered an obvious cause of homelessness. On a purely practical level, if a city can provide enough homeless shelters and other forms of affordable housing, the people who would otherwise sleep on the streets can sleep far more safely with a consistent roof over their heads. Social support services, whether they are funded publicly or privately, would be able to tackle many of the immediate and long-term challenges that face people experiencing homelessness.  The effects of homelessness are equally complex and can be mirror images of the root causes. Because the person is experiencing homelessness, this may put profound strain on personal relationships. Drug abuse can become an issue, as the person seeks some way of coping with the pain and hardship of living on the streets. This leads to a downward spiral that drives the person deeper and deeper into the depths of crippling poverty and isolation.

Sample Cause and Effect Essay Conclusion

Some people think conclusions can feel tacked on, so avoid doing that. Make your conclusion matter, whether that’s asking new questions or looking toward the future of your topic. What are ideas that you could see sprouting from your essay?

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

Cause and Effect Essay Topics

Coming up with a topic (for really any essay) is the hardest part. There is such a massive breadth of subject matter to choose from. As always, find something that you find some interest or personal investment in. If the subject matters to you, it will show in your writing.

If you need to grease those gears and get your mind working, here’s some food for thought to get you started.

• School bullying: What are some of the contributing factors that lead someone to become a bully in the first place? What impact can bullying have on its victims?
• Social media addiction: Do personal or cultural factors play a bigger role in whether someone becomes addicted to social media in the first place? What are the effects that such an addiction can have on a student’s life?
• Rush hour traffic: Focusing on a specific area or roadway, why can traffic get really bad during a certain time of day? If these factors were addressed, would traffic flow more smoothly?
• Childhood obesity: Obesity rates are at an all-time high. Why is this the case? What has changed in the last few decades? What are some of the most pressing health issues for children who are obese?
• Climate change: Are individual choices, like drinking from a reusable bottle, making as much of an impact in slowing or preventing climate change as larger factors, like industry practices? Who are the biggest polluters?
• Music streaming: It used to be the case that most people would buy their music in some form, like on cassette or as an MP3 download, but music streaming services have become the norm. Why did this happen? What does it mean for artists and the music industry as a whole?
• Vaping among teens: Many health professionals are getting increasingly concerned about the vaping trend among teenagers. How did this trend come about? Are the supposed health risks as bad as they sound?

Some topics that you may have considered for other types of essays can be adapted to cause and effect essays, too. Look through our list of argumentative essay topics for more ideas. Just remember that you may want to avoid certain essay topics if you really want to stand out!

Tips for Writing a Cause and Effect Essay

Your head might be spinning with all that information, and it’s okay. It’s a lot to take in. Even with all of that, cause and effect essays can be hard to really get a handle on. Hopefully, some handy tips will keep you on track or help you get on that track in the first place.

Keep Asking Yourself “Why” and “What Happened”

Okay, that sounds a little more existential than intended, but it’s a good way to get yourself in the mindset of cause and effect, which can help you generate a topic and develop your essay.

Why typically gets you to the cause of something. Why is the pizza on the floor? The cause: The cat knocked over the plate.

By comparison, what happened can get you closer to the effect. What happened when the pizza got on the floor? The cat had a nice pepperoni snack.

That might admittedly sound a little simplistic, but it’s a great place to get started, especially if you find yourself unsure how to navigate between cause and effect. Why did that thing happen? What happened because of that thing?

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

Because of how everything tends to be interlinked, you’ll rarely have an event or situation that has just one cause or one effect. If anything, one effect can become a cause that branches into another effect, and so on. The pizza got on the floor, the cat ate some of it, and now the cat is taking an early nap from being so full.

Similarly, multiple causes can contribute to an effect. The pizza fell on the floor partly because of the cat, partly because your friend left it sitting precariously on the kitchen table.

That level of complication and the potential domino effect of things are what make cause and effect essays so interesting. Considering all those facets is part of what will add nuance to your writing.

But Don’t Worry About Covering Them All

Despite the above, don’t worry about covering every single cause contributing to every single effect. That can lead to some strange tangents and an endless essay. Before you know it, your essay about the effects of World War II will somehow turn into an essay about pasta sauce.

Allow room for all those different wrinkles, but if you find yourself getting carried away, refocus on your thesis. If what you’re exploring is way outside the bounds of your thesis, it might be worth cutting it (save that pasta sauce writing for another day).

Free Cause and Effect Essay Examples

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

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

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

142 Best Cause and Effect Essay Examples

Political landscape in the us.

• Subjects: Government Politics & Government
• Words: 1989

Enlightenment and Revolution

• Subjects: History Western Europe
• Words: 3089

Clean Air Act Formation and Impact

• Subjects: Environmental Law Law

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

• Subjects: Economics Trade
• Words: 4789

The Implications of Global Loss of Mangrove Ecosystems?

• Subjects: Ecosystem Environment
• Words: 5155

The Position of Wage Labor in the United States

• Subjects: Labor Law Law
• Words: 2034

Battle of Omdurman Consequences

• Subjects: Asia History

Role of International Financial Institutions in 2008 Financial Crisis

• Subjects: Economics Financial Growth
• Words: 4455

The Caste War of Yucatan

• Subjects: History Native Americans History

US’s Financial Crises in 2008

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

Universal Healthcare in The United States

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

Causes of Depression in the 1890s

• Subjects: History United States
• Words: 2809

Chinese Manhua History Development

• Subjects: Cultural Studies Culture
• Words: 5401

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

• Subjects: Railway Transport Transportation

The Homestead Strike

• Words: 2004

Russian Revolution: What Went Down?

• Subjects: Eastern Europe History

Financial Effects of Globalization

• Subjects: Economics Globalization

Procedural Programming Languages

• Subjects: Programming Tech & Engineering

Business & Empire – The British Ideal of an Orderly World

• Subjects: History Medieval History
• Words: 2271

New Deal Programs: Key Elements and Effects

• Words: 1113

Fire and Community Evacuation in Apex, NC

• Subjects: Business Impact of Business Issues

Causes and Effects of Divorce

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

Mineral Resource Rent Tax Policy

• Subjects: Economics Taxation
• Words: 4483

Scarcity of Water in Saudi Arabia, Africa and Australia

• Subjects: Ecology Environment
• Words: 1713

The Financial and European Economic Crisis 2008 – 2012

• Words: 1119

Asian Drivers of Global Change

• Subjects: Economics International Trade Policy
• Words: 2654

Problem of Sleep Deprivation

• Subjects: Health & Medicine Neurology
• Words: 1408

The Charleston Sofa Super Store Fire

• Subjects: Accidents & Protection Tech & Engineering

The Impacts of FDIs and Trade to the Asian Pacific Regions

• Subjects: Economic Problems Economics
• Words: 2317

The Effect of Famine in North Korea

• Words: 1679

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

• Subjects: Entertainment & Media TV
• Words: 2755

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

• Words: 1933

The Environment, Resources, and Their Economic Effects

• Subjects: Environment Environmental Studies
• Words: 2180

The Rules of Engagement and the Laws of Armed Conflict

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

Spain’s Financial Crisis

Effects of alcohol abuse on women.

• Subjects: Health & Medicine Pharmacology

Children’s Personal and Social Development

• Subjects: Development Psychology
• Words: 1720

World War 2 Consequences

• Subjects: Warfare World War II
• Words: 1085

Global Financial Crisis Causes and Impacts

• Words: 1646

Impact of Plastics on the Environment

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

• Subjects: Sciences Zoology

Effects of Internet Use in Society

• Subjects: Internet Tech & Engineering

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

• Subjects: Culture Worldwide Cultures
• Words: 2210

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

• Words: 1356

Cruise Competition in Tourism Industry

• Subjects: Tourism Trips and Tours

Water Shortage’ Major Causes and Implication

• Words: 1368

Divorce and its Impacts on Family Members

• Words: 1657

British Policy and the Indian Mutiny

• Subjects: History World History
• Words: 1135

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

• Words: 2329

The Rise and fall of Napoleon and The Cause of Revolution

• Words: 1348

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

• Subjects: Literature Modernist Literature

Sale of Forests in United Kingdom

• Subjects: Ecological Identity Environment
• Words: 1065

How Non-Sales Factors Affect Sales in an Organisation

• Subjects: Business Marketing

Why Europe Went to War

• Subjects: Warfare World War I
• Words: 1941

Risks and Benefits of Greater EU Integration for International Business

• Words: 1372

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

• Subjects: Economics Inflation

Competition in an Oligopolistic Market

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

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

Current and Future Population Problems in Pakistan

• Subjects: Overpopulation Sociology
• Words: 2430

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

• Words: 1361

Global Financial Crisis Impact on Australian and World Economies

• Words: 1429

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

• Subjects: Environment Global Warming

Life Expectancy in the Developing World

Chinas history and relations, the asian pacific americans.

• Subjects: Immigration Sociology
• Words: 1742

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

• Subjects: Law Transportation Law
• Words: 2163

Cause and Effect of Child Abuse

• Subjects: Child Psychology Psychology

Effects of Globalization on Native Non-Western Cultural Practices

• Subjects: Cultural Issues Culture
• Words: 1689

Saudi Oil and Global Economic

• Subjects: Business Industry
• Words: 1070

Indigenous animals in the Gulf

• Words: 1130

The Global Economic Recession of the United States

• Words: 1360

Expensive Healthcare in the USA: What are the causes?

Role of marriage/family & singlehood.

• Subjects: Sociological Issues Sociology

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

• Subjects: Economics Macroeconomics
• Words: 2263

Urban Sprawl and Environmental and Social Problems

• Subjects: Air Pollution Environment

Causes and Effects of Studying In Australia

• Subjects: Education Education Abroad

How Harley Davidson Affected American Motorcycle Riding Today

• Subjects: Business Company Analysis
• Words: 1144

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

• Subjects: Education Education Issues
• Words: 1926

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

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

• Subjects: African American Studies History

Cause of the Financial Crisis

• Words: 1675

Migration Flows Cause and Effect in US

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

• Subjects: Tech & Engineering Technology Effect

Violence in Movies and Its Effects

• Subjects: Entertainment & Media Movies

The Causes and Effect of the Computer Revolution

• Words: 1094

Cause and effect analysis of tourism

• Words: 1021

Cause and effect analysis of camping

• Words: 1080

The Effects of Noise Pollution

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

• Words: 3184

Infrastructure in Lebanon

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

Use of Marijuana and Its Consequences

• Subjects: Drug and Alcohol Addiction Sociology

Cause and Effect of Getting Married

Causes of civil war.

• Words: 1658

Alcoholism and the Impact Colonization Has Had on Aboriginals

• Words: 2734

Arguing on Planet Earth – Environmental issues: Outline

• Words: 1345

Social Networks and Self-Esteem

Teenage pregnancy causes and effects.

• Subjects: Socialization Sociology

Climate Change Definition and Description

• Subjects: Climate Change Environment
• Words: 1627

Procrastination Issues: Cause and Effect

• Subjects: Philosophical Concept Philosophy

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

The side effects of drinking alcohol.

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

Cause and effects of the mortgage crisis

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

• Subjects: Entertainment & Media Media and Society

Constitution and Government System

• Words: 1212

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

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

• Subjects: Advertising Entertainment & Media

Historical US Relationships With Native American

• Subjects: Culture Ethnicity Studies
• Words: 1387

Climate Change: Causes and Effects

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

• Words: 1105

The Protest Movement in Egypt

• Subjects: Business Management

Eating Disorders: A Session With Sufferers of Obesity and Anorexia

• Subjects: Health & Medicine Psychiatry
• Words: 1102

Education in Afghanistan Before the Taliban

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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!

Why Wait? Get Your Stellar Cause and Effect Essay Now!

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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'!

Don't procrastinate when you can cause an effect on your grades right now!

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.

Cause And Effect Essay Writing

Cause And Effect Essay

Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023

A Guide to Cause and Effect Essay | Samples + Topics

By: Leanne R.

11 min read

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Jun 9, 2020

A cause and effect essay is another type of expository essay explaining why one thing happens and how it affects the other.

Cause and effect essay writing is based on how an event or thing affects another event. Such essays explain this cause and effect relationship between different things and inform the readers about it.

These effects could both be short and long term.

This blog will make you understand how to write a cause and effect essay step by step and will also provide samples to help you.

On this Page

What is a Cause and Effect Essay?

In this world, everything is inherently interconnected.

The rain makes the soil wet, and the plants grow. In the domino effect, when one domino is toppled, it hits the next, and then the next, and so forth, etc.

To understand the question of what does cause and effect mean, this essay will explore the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of a situation.

Cause and effect essay definition states that such an essay serves to illustrate why certain things occur or situations arise. It also examines the consequences of those events, actions or phenomena.

School students and college students equally struggle with writing correctly structured essays that depict precise and factual information.

If you are a high school or college student; chances are that you will have to write this type of essay.

Staying on this website will equip you with the skills to analyze the events and deliver an impactful cause and effect essay.

The theme of this essay type revolves around the causes and multiple effects of certain issues, problems or situations.

Types of Cause and Effect Essay

At a basic level, these essays are of three types.

1. Effect-Focused Method

The analysis is focused on one or multiple effects that the occurrence of an event has had.

2. Cause-Focused Method

The analysis is focused on the different causes that lead to the event.

3. Causes and Effects-Focused Method

The analysis is focused on both the causes and the effects. The reason why something happened and the impacts it had.

The major aim of these essays is to develop student’s skills in analyzing the events in depth.

These essays test the ability of students to present analytical and problem-solving skills involving various topics that impact our lives and our societies.

Effective topics may revolve around the following subject matters: social, political, medical, environmental and food-related issues. Cause and effect essay topic for college is mostly based on these subjects.

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Cause and Effect Essay Structure

There are 2 main structures of writing a cause and effect essay. You need to choose one before starting your essay.

1. Block structure

In a block structure essay, you will first write all the causes and then all the effects of your topic.

In block structure, there can be an effect-focused essay or a cause-focused essay.

Here is a visual representation of a block structure for your essay

2. Chain Structure

In the chain structure, you have to write a cause followed by its effect. Every cause should be followed by its possible effect. This is what your essay will look like if you follow the chain structure.

Some of the effective essay topics can be written efficiently by following the block structure. While some others fit into the chain structure.

It all depends on the choice and expertise of the students to present their points in an effective and convincing manner.

Cause and Effect Essay Outline

Before moving towards writing an essay, drafting an outline is quite important. It is essential in the case of writing a cause and effect essay because students have to consider the causes and effects of some issue or situation, without missing anything.

An essay outline provides the chance of following a specific guideline to ensure all the instructions are followed efficiently.

In order to write a  cause and effect essay outline , you can follow this simple structure.

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay?

Writing based on personal beliefs and opinions shatters the whole purpose of such essays. You can’t make a logical argument regarding the cause and effects of a particular situation or action.

You therefore need sound reasoning and authentic examples to prove your point.

Staying on this website will allow you the opportunity of learning the tips to create impactful content.

1. Choose an Engaging and Significant Essay Topic

Selecting a topic is the easiest but trickiest part.

Students often get confused when it comes to how to write a cause and effect essay. Because they choose a topic for a cause and effect essay, which sets them for failure.

If you plan to choose the title “My Visit to my Grandparents’ House” and think it is correct as you will write the effects of your visit in the essay, then you are wrong!

Your topic should be based on logic and you should create a connection between the events.

For instance, if you choose the title “Effect of grandparents on my personality”, then this is an effective topic.

Cause and effects of the second world war on the United States or anorexia nervosa are also perfect effect essay topics.

Looking for more topics for your cause and effect essay?

Feel free to explore these cause and effect essay topics and pick any topic of your choice.

2. Start Your Research

After topic selection, move to the research section.

First tip: don’t go straight to the paper and start writing your first draft. Take a deep breath and analyze all aspects of the topic.

Ask questions! Why? What? How? When?

• Why is it happening?
• How is it happening?
• How did it start?
• What caused it?
• How will it influence the future?
• How is it influencing at the moment?

Look at the present state of the topic. Inspect the previous stages and analyze future effects!

The more you research the more familiar you will become with the topic at hand. And it will help understand different aspects of your topic, giving you better ideas to write.

Along with reading different journals, scholarly articles, books for information, another helpful source is cause and effect essay samples. Go through different samples written by other students, this will not only give you insight about your topic, but will also help understand the essay structure better.

3. Craft a Thesis Statement

Once you have decided on your topic and gathered relevant information, the next step is to craft a thesis. The thesis statement of your essay will inform the reader why you chose the particular topic, its importance and the purpose of the paper.

Keep in mind that your thesis shouldn’t be personal. Consider the feelings of your audience and they should also be able to resonate with it. Give reasons as to why you care about a particular issue, that others will understand as well.

Go check out this article for a better understanding of writing a thesis statement

4. Write a Rough Draft

Don’t rush to put words down on paper.

Collect your thoughts and write down all the ideas and important points on paper. Your rough draft can be based only on these key points.

Don’t worry about making it perfect at this stage. Just jot down your thoughts, assemble them and perfect it later.

To write an effective essay, a structured outline should be followed. Once you are done writing, it is essential to polish your final draft.

5. Write a Cause and Effect Essay Introduction

You must have heard the phrase “the first impression is the last impression.” Similarly, the impression that your essay introduction leaves on the reader decides whether they will read further or not.

To make sure that the reader is impressed by your opening lines and is intrigued to learn more, use an attention grabber – hook.

A hook sentence acts as a tool to attract the reader’s attention, motivating them to read further. There are different types of hook sentences that you can use depending on your topic. Learn more about them from our blog on hook examples.

The next step is making your audience/reader familiar with the essay topic. Begin with a general introduction to the topic followed by the thesis statement. Understand the difference between cause and effect before you start writing. Give a general idea of your topic in the first paragraph.

The most important part of the introduction is the thesis statement. A thesis statement is the foundation of your essay and informs the reader of the purpose of writing the essay. Relate your topic to the current situation and its importance.

6. Compose and Arrange the Body Paragraphs

It is important to provide plenty of details you have collected on your topic regarding the causes and effects of your topic.

Assemble all the data with relevant examples to create credibility in your academic writing. The cause and effect essay should be based entirely on facts.

Link the causes to the effects using transitional words in your body paragraphs.

Successfully linking causes and effects depends on the approach you are following for your essay.

You may use either one of the structures mentioned above to present the causes and effects of your topic.

7. End with a Powerful Conclusion

Restate the thesis statement that you proposed in the introductory paragraph in the last paragraph. A well-written and precise conclusion gives closure to the entire argument and context of the essay.

Cause and effect essays are easy to write, just stay focused and try to create impact through your words and use of evidence.

• Use purpose-specific vocabulary.
• Use transitional words.
• State ideas chronologically.
• Never overlap ideas.

Doing so will create chaos in your essay and the reader won’t be able to understand the information stated in the paragraphs.

When writing the body section, dedicate each paragraph to separate the ideas.

Every paragraph should have a separate topic sentence that clearly defines its purpose. Now you can start your essay writing .

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Cause and Effect Essay Examples

Following are a few cause and effect essay samples which will help you explore cause and effect essay prompts.

CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY SAMPLE

CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY EXAMPLE

CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY ON DIVORCE

Cause and Effect Essay Topics

Here are some good cause and effect essay topics:

• Results of financial independence in a romantic relationship.
• How does social anxiety impact teenagers?
• How does acne affect someone’s confidence?
• Reasons for sibling rivalry and its effects.
• Reasons why teenagers rebel.
• Causes of job dissatisfaction.
• Forced marriages and their results.
• Causes of domestic violence.
• What are the causes for men’s commitment phobia?
• Cramming doesn’t help score better.
• People from a broken family have unhappier marriages.
• Effects of social media on teenagers.

Essay writing process is easy and you are definitely equipped with all the talent and skills required to write an essay.

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Here at 5StarEssays.com , we provide you with 24/7 support and excellent quality at a reasonable price.

Whether it is a cause and effect essay or any other academic paper our qualified essay writers are always available to provide you with quality “ make my essay ” services.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main purpose of a cause and effect essay.

Cause and effect papers use strong analytical skills to examine the reasons for or outcomes of an event. These are often written as a way in which someone could potentially discover how something happened.

Such as why one particular decision led them down their current path-or if there were any other factors involved that caused the said outcome

Why is it important to know cause and effect?

Knowledge is power. Understanding how a single event can result in multiple effects, and then pinpointing that one cause for each of those results will help the students develop into analytical thinkers with the ability to work on their own.

What is the importance of cause and effect in our daily lives?

A person who can think about the interconnected causes and effects of social events will be more successful in their day-to-day life. It's no surprise, then, that if you have this skill set your chances for success with solving real-world problems are much greater!

PhD Essay, Literature

Leanne is one of the most experienced writers on our platform and holds a Ph.D. degree from Cambridge. She has worked as a journalist, an editor, and a content creator for newspapers, magazines, and websites around the world. Leanne’s research and writing skills are unsurpassed making her one of the best-reviewed writers on our platform.

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• Cause and Effect Essay Outline - Format & Examples

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Writing Guides  /  How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay (Updated in 2021)

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay (Updated in 2021)

“For every action, there is a reaction.” Newton’s Third Law is a natural law applies within and without the domain of physics. In history, we can identify causes of events, and also the effects of those events. Similarly, it is possible to identify the causes and effects of financial crises, for the rise of terrorism, or the success of global corporations. Characters in novels act in certain ways that cause their failure or success, and have effects on other characters or situations. Therefore, a cause and effect essay can be assigned in almost any class that you take.

If you have been asked to write a cause and effect essay, it is because this type of essay is important in many classes. A cause and effect essay challenges you to think deeply and critically about a topic, analyzing the possible causes and effects of an event or phenomenon. The possible causes of an event can be immediate or proximal, or can be distant. For example, the immediate causes of a behavioral disorder might be a substance abuse problem, but the distant cause could be childhood trauma.

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Learn-by-example to improve your academic writing

You can use this article to help you write a cause and effect essay. This article will give you helpful tips for what to write about, how to structure your cause and effect essay, and how to impress your reader with an organized and clear cause and effect argument.

Definition of a Cause and Effect Essay

As the term suggests, a cause and effect essay is characterized by two main features: causes and effects. First, you identify the causes of an event, situation, or phenomenon. Then you write about the effects that event, situation, or phenomenon had. When you write a cause and effect essay , you are usually focusing on something specific. A common cause and effect essay is about the American Civil War. Teachers of American History frequently ask their students to write about the causes of the Civil War (such as slavery and states’ rights) and the effects of the Civil War (such as emancipation and universal suffrage).

There are three main types of cause and effect essays:

1. Cause and effect essays that address both causes and effects equally.

2. Cause and effect essays that focus on the causes of an event.

3. Cause and effect essays that focus on the effects of an event.

Sometimes your cause and effect essay will focus on both causes and effects. When writing a cause and effect essay that includes both causes and effects, it can be difficult to remain focused. Therefore, it might be better to narrow down your subject on one cause and one effect. You can also write a cause and effect essay that focuses either on the causes or the effects. There is no one correct type of cause and effect essay, but if you are confused about what your instructor wants, it is best to ask for clarification.

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay

When you are assigned a cause and effect essay, you might have been given a specific subject or essay prompt. If so, half the work of writing the cause and effect essay has been done for you. Often, instructors will ask you to choose the topic of your cause and effect essay.

Choosing an essay topic can be challenging. If you are writing a cause and effect essay for a specific course, it will help you narrow down your topics. However, if your cause and effect essay is for an English composition class, you might have open-ended instructions. Later in this article, we are going to give you a list of possible topics for a cause and effect essay to make your life easier. Remember, when you write about things that are genuinely interesting to you, your essay will be easier to write. If you write about a subject you are interested in, if will show in your writing and will also become a more successful cause and effect essay.

Once you have the basic topic you are going to write about, it is time to brainstorm some ideas. Brainstorming allows your brain to become free. Some people prefer to use a pen and paper when they brainstorm. You can also brainstorm with a writing partner, a classmate, or a writing tutor. When you brainstorm, you simply write down all your thoughts related to the subject. You can even draw word maps, charts, or sketches of the subject during the brainstorming session.

Without censoring yourself, you can liberate your mind and allow the ideas to flow. Later on, you can focus on a few of the issues that you wrote during the brainstorming session. After brainstorming, it helps to organize all your ideas into a cohesive subject outline. Later in this article, we will show you how to best write an outline for a cause and effect essay.

After you outline your cause and effect essay, it is time to prepare a rough draft. An outline helps get you started because you no longer have writer’s block. You already know what you are going to say, and you have a skeleton for your cause and effect essay. Take the outline and start filling in the flesh and adding muscle to your argument. The flesh consists of your unique words and phrases. The muscle of your cause and effect essay includes facts and documentary evidence, such as quotations from reputable sources.

Plagiarism and Academic Honesty

You will often rely on research to propel your cause and effect essay. In some cases, research will be required of you. Be careful when you conduct research. Make sure that you attribute all ideas to their author, and especially all direct quotes. You do not want to get accused of plagiarism, which is a serious academic offense that could result in your being suspended or penalized in other ways.

If you are citing any statistics or facts, always include a citation. When in doubt, cite the material. Use the citation method assigned to you by your instructor. The types of citation methods most commonly used include MLA , APA , and Chicago .

Cause and Effect Essay Format

The format for a cause and effect essay is similar to the format for most other academic essays you will prepare. A five-paragraph essay format is the standard in expository essay writing. When you write a cause and effect essay, you are writing an expository essay that has an introduction with a strong thesis statement , followed by the body of the work, and finishing with a conclusion.

A short cause and effect essay could literally have only five paragraphs. An essay of one to three pages can be a true five-paragraph essay. However, many cause and effect essays will be longer than five paragraphs, requiring you to write more in depth about the subject. Interestingly, a longer cause and effect essay will have the same basic structure as a shorter one. The difference is that instead of just three body paragraphs, you might have six or even more. The assigned or recommended length of the essay will determine how many actual paragraphs you write.

[related essays]

Introduction and Thesis

The introduction to the cause and effect essay starts with a bang. You introduce your reader—usually the instructor—by presenting a unusual fact or quote that captures the attention. Then, you can talk about what you are going to say throughout the body of the essay. If possible, identify three main arguments and list each in turn to let your reader know what to expect from the essay. When writing the introduction, resist the urge to use familiar language. Use third person, formal language when it is expected of you.

The introduction to your cause and effect essay will have a thesis statement, generally at the end. You build up to the thesis statement by leading your reader to think about the causes and/or effects of the event or phenomenon. The thesis statement is the central message or main idea of your entire essay. Writing a strong thesis statement is an art. Don’t worry if your first few thesis statements are criticized because you will get better writing them with practice.

Strong Body

The body of the essay is where you develop your main arguments, listing all the causes or effects you intend to focus on. By developing your ideas well in a topical outline, you will be able to remain focused on the major causes or effects of the situation you are describing. Ideally, each body paragraph or section will have a theme. The theme of each body paragraph or section is sometimes referred to as the topic sentence. A topic sentence is a pithy sentence, almost like a mini thesis statement.

While not all cause and effect essays will have exactly three body paragraphs, it is a good idea to focus on three main causes or three main effects. There is nothing magical about the number three, but most short essays do benefit from limiting the discussion to three causes and three effects. If your cause and effect essay is longer than two or three pages, you may want to include additional causes and effects to deepen your discussion.

Wrapping it Up with the Conclusion

A cause an effect essay should offer a strong conclusion that wraps up the main ideas for your reader. Typically, your conclusion will not introduce any new ideas or material that leaves the reader hanging. Use your conclusion to offer a tight summary of the information presented and remind the reader about the causes or effects that you focused on throughout the body of the essay.

Cause and Effect Essay Outline

I. Introduction

B. Background Information

C. Three causes or three effects

D. Thesis statement

II. Body Section/Paragraph 1

A. Topic Sentence

B. Evidence and arguments

III. Body Section/Paragraph 2

IV. Body Section/Paragraph 3

V. Conclusion

A. Reiterate the thesis statement or main idea.

B. Discuss the first cause/effect.

C. Discuss the second cause/effect

D. Discuss the third cause/effect

Cause and Effect Outline Example

A. More than $50 billion per year is spent on the “war on drugs,” (Newman, 2013, p. 1).

B. The War on Drugs is as ineffective as Prohibition was, and has caused more harm than the drugs themselves.

1. One effect of the War on Drugs is mass incarceration of nonviolent persons.

2. Another effect of the War on Drugs is the proliferation and economic empowerment of organized crime, as drugs are lucrative on the black market.

3. The War on Drugs is costly, requiring money that could be much better spent on public health and education initiatives.

C. Fueled by fear and propaganda, the War on Drugs has led to several deleterious effects on society including mass incarceration, organized crime proliferation, and wasted taxpayer money.

II. Body Paragraph/Section 1: One effect of the War on Drugs is mass incarceration of nonviolent persons.

A. Mass incarceration disproportionately affects non-whites, leading to racial and social injustices.

B. Mass incarceration is a humanitarian crisis, showing that the War on Drugs is an inhumane solution.

III. Another effect of the War on Drugs is that it only pushes drugs into organized crime syndicates.

A. Using drugs is natural and people have been using drugs since the beginning of human history.

B. The War on Drugs discriminates against certain kinds of drugs, while allowing some of the most dangerous drugs like opioids to remain legal.

IV. The War on Drugs costs too much money, and those funds could be spent improving education and public health.

A. The War on Drugs is costly in the way it is pursued, and also in the way that it leads to mass incarceration.

B. The War on Drugs spends taxpayer money that could be spent on improving the education system or promoting mental health.

A. The War on Drugs has failed.

B. The senseless War on Drugs has not led to any measurable positive effects other than the way it has bolstered the coffers of the DEA.

C. The Drug War has led to several deleterious effects on society including mass incarceration, organized crime proliferation, and wasted taxpayer money.

Newman, T. (2013). Connecting the dots. HuffPost. Retrieved online: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/tony-newman/drug-war-consequences_b_2404347.html

Cause and Effect Essay Topics

What are the most important causes of the American Civil War?

What were the effects of the American Civil War on the American economy?

What were the causes and effects of the Great Depression?

What were the causes and effects of the English Civil War?

What were the causes and effects of World War Two?

Did the American Revolution cause the French Revolution, and if so, how?

What are the causes of schizophrenia?

What are the effects of depression?

What are the causes of substance abuse?

What are the effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy on the treatment of depression?

What are the effects of discrimination on self-esteem?

What are the effects of meditation on mental health?

Explain the causes and effects of poverty.

Explain the causes and effects of racism.

What are the causes and effects of gender discrimination?

What are the causes of low voter turnout in the United States?

What are the effects of social media on voting patterns?

What are the effects of social media on interpersonal relationships?

What are the effects of migration on family structure and childrearing practices in the Philippines?

What were the effects of deregulation on the telecommunications sector?

What do you believe will be the economic effects of Brexit for both the United Kingdom and for Europe and the global economy?

What are the effects of globalization and migration on labor costs in the United States?

What are the effects of immigration policy on business?

What are the effects of gender pay disparity?

What are the causes of inflation?

Example Cause and Effect Essay

More than $50 billion per year is spent on the war on drugs (Newman, 2013, p. 1). The war on drugs is fueled largely by mass hysteria and paranoia, rather than on evidence-based practice or policy. In fact, some of the most harmful drugs on the market are legally prescribed pharmaceuticals like opioids. The War on Drugs is as ineffective as Prohibition was, and yet Prohibition was quickly repealed when it was revealed to be bad policy. Arguably, the war on drugs has caused more harm than the drugs themselves. For example, the War on Drugs has caused a mass incarceration problem, leading to unnecessary prison overcrowding. Another effect of the War on Drugs is the proliferation and economic empowerment of organized crime, as drugs are lucrative on the black market. The War on Drugs is also costly, causing irresponsible fiscal management of taxpayer money. Fueled by fear and propaganda, the War on Drugs has led to several deleterious effects on society including mass incarceration, organized crime proliferation, and wasted resources.

One effect of the War on Drugs is social injustice, including the mass incarceration of nonviolent persons. Prosecuting drug offenders as felons creates a chain of negative effects, as convicted felons have trouble getting good jobs upon release, and have difficulties re-integrating into the community. Moreover, the War on Drugs can be considered racist. Mass incarceration disproportionately affects non-whites, leading to racial and social injustices. In fact, mass incarceration can be considered a humanitarian crisis in the United States.

Another effect of the War on Drugs is that it helps organized crime syndicates profit. If drugs were legal and regulated, the substances would be safer and there would be fewer risks and harms associated with using drugs. Using drugs is natural and people have been using drugs since the beginning of human history. The war on drugs is hypocritical because it discriminates against certain kinds of drugs, while allowing some of the most dangerous drugs like opioids to remain legal. Although the current prescription pill/opioid crisis is not caused by the war on drugs, the war on drugs is ineffectual against addiction to legal substances. Similarly, alcoholism is a widespread public health issue that the war on drugs cannot solve.

The War on Drugs wastes too much money, and those funds could be spent improving education, law enforcement, and public health. The War on Drugs is costly in the way it is pursued, wasting valuable human resources in law enforcement. Law enforcement resources and justice system resources could be freed up to address other issues. Mass incarceration, a main effect of the war on drugs, also costs taxpayer money. Wasting taxpayer money causes budget deficits in critical areas like education and public health.

The War on Drugs has not led to any positive effects whatsoever. Instead, the War on Drugs causes more problems than it proposes to solve. The senseless War on Drugs has not led to any measurable positive effects other than the way it has bolstered the coffers of the DEA and organized crime. Mass incarceration and wasted resources are other ill effects of the War on Drugs. Because the war on drugs is a proven failure, the time has come to end this failed policy.

A cause an effect essay encourages you to think critically and creatively about almost any subject because all events have both causes and effects. Nothing occurs in a vacuum. As Isaac Newton noted, for every action, there is a reaction. In Hinduism and Buddhism, the law of cause and effect is known as karma .

When you write a cause and effect essay, start with brainstorming and creating an outline. Then write a rough draft and a final draft. If necessary, you can ask a writing tutor or instructor for help.

Cause and effect essays can be structured any way you like, as you can discuss all the causes of the events first and then move onto the effects. Alternatively, you can focus your topic on the major causes or effects of the event.

Sticking to the five-paragraph essay model helps keep you organized, but there are many other approaches to cause and effect essay writing you will learn over time. Now that you have some of the fundamental tools for writing a good cause and effect essay, it’s time to get started on yours!

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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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Learn How to Create a Cause and Effect Essay Outline

Top Cause and Effect Essay Topics to Impress Your Readers

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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. 

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Cause & effect essays Aka reason and result

The Cause and effect essay is another common essay type, either as an essay type on its own, or as part of a larger essay which includes one or more paragraphs examining causes and effects. This page gives information on what a cause and effect essay is , how to structure this type of essay, and how to use cause and effect structure words (transition signals) for this type of essay. There is also an example cause and effect essay on the topic of women at work, as well as some exercises to help you practice this area.

What are cause & effect essays?

For another look at the same content, check out YouTube » or Youku » , or this infographic » .

A cause and effect essay looks at the reasons (or causes) for something, then discusses the results (or effects). For this reason, cause and effect essays are sometimes referred to as reason and result essays. They are one of the most common forms of organisation in academic writing. Sometimes the whole essay will be cause and effect, though sometimes this may be only part of the whole essay. It is also possible, especially for short exam essays, that only the causes or the effects, not both, are discussed. See the examples below.

• Discuss the causes and effects of global warming ['cause and effect' essay]
• Explain the high death rate in Chernobyl ['causes' only essay]
• Discuss the WTO and its effects on the Chinese economy ['effects' only essay]

There are two main ways to structure a cause and effect essay. These are similar to the ways to structure problem-solution essays , namely using a block or a chain structure. For the block structure, all of the causes are listed first, and all of the effects are listed afterwards. For the chain structure, each cause is followed immediately by the effect. Usually that effect will then be the cause of the next effect, which is why this structure is called 'chain'. Both types of structure have their merits. The former is generally clearer, especially for shorter essays, while the latter ensures that any effects you present relate directly to the causes you have given.

The two types of structure, block and chain , are shown in the diagram below.

Cause and Effect Structure Words

Cause and effect structure words are transition signals which show the cause and effect relationships. It is important to be clear which is the cause (or reason) and which is the effect (or result), and to use the correct transition word or phrase. Remember that a cause happens first , and the effect happens later .

Below are some common cause and effect structure words. X is used to indicate a cause, while Y is used to indicate the effect.

• The first cause of (Y) is (X)
• The next reason is (X)
• Because of (X), (Y)
• As a result of (X), (Y)
• As a consequence of (X), (Y)
• because/since/as (X)
• to result from (X)
• (X) results in (Y)
• to be the result of (X)
• (Y) is due to (X)
• Owing to (X), (Y)
• (Y) is because of (X)
• (Y) is the effect of (X)
• (Y) is the consequence of (X)
• Worsening pollution levels in cities are due to the increased use of cars.
• Because of the increased use of cars, pollution levels in cities are worsening.
• As a result of the increased use of cars, pollution levels in cities are worsening.
• The effect of the increased use of cars is a worsening of pollution levels in cities.
• The first effect of (X) is (Y)
• Another result of (X) is (Y)
• As a result, (Y)
• As a consequence, (Y)
• Consequently (Y)
• Therefore, (Y)
• (X) causes (Y)
• (X) has an effect on (Y)
• (X) affects (Y)
• (X) is one of the causes of (Y)
• (X) is the reason for (Y)
• Cars are used increasingly for urban transport. As a consequence , pollution levels in cities are worsening.
• Increased use of cars for urban transport adversely affects pollution levels in cities.
• Increased use of cars for urban transport is one of the causes of worsening pollution levels in cities.

Example essay

Below is a cause and effect essay. This essay uses the block structure . Click on the different areas (in the shaded boxes to the right) to highlight the different structural aspects in this essay, i.e. Causes, Effects, and structure words. This will highlight not simply the paragraphs, but also the thesis statement and summary , as these repeat the causes and effects contained in the main body.

Title: More and more women are now going out to work and some women are now the major salary earner in the family. What are the causes of this, and what effect is this having on families and society?

In the past, most women stayed at home to take care of domestic chores such as cooking or cleaning. Women's liberation and feminism have meant that this situation has been transformed and in contemporary society women are playing an almost equal role to men in terms of work. This has had significant consequences , both in terms of the family , for example by improving quality of life and increasing children's sense of independence , and also for society itself with greater gender equality . The main reasons behind the increase of women in the workplace are women's liberation and feminism. The women's liberation movement originated in the 1960s and was popularised by authors such as Simone de Beauvoir. As a consequence of this, new legislation emerged, granting women equal rights to men in many fields, in particular employment. Because of feminist ideas, men have taken up roles which were previously seen as being for women only, most importantly those related to child rearing. As a result of this, women have more time to pursue their own careers and interests. These have led to some significant effects, both to family life and to society as a whole. Although the earning capacity of a woman in her lifetime is generally much less than that of a man, she can nevertheless make a significant contribution to the family income. The most important consequence of this is an improved quality of life. By helping to maintain a steady income for the family, the pressure on the husband is considerably reduced, hence improving both the husband's and the wife's emotional wellbeing. Additionally, the purchasing power of the family will also be raised. This means that the family can afford more luxuries such as foreign travel and a family car. A further effect on the family is the promotion of independence in the children. Some might argue that having both parents working might be damaging to the children because of a lack of parental attention. However, such children have to learn to look after themselves at an earlier age, and their parents often rely on them to help with the housework. This therefore teaches them important life skills. As regards society, the most significant impact of women going to work is greater gender equality. There are an increasing number of women who are becoming politicians, lawyers, and even CEOs and company managers. This in turn has led to greater equality for women in all areas of life, not just employment. For example, women today have much stronger legal rights to protect themselves against domestic violence and sexual discrimination in the workplace. In conclusion, the increasing number of women at work has brought about some important changes to family life, including improved quality of life and increased independence for children, as well as affecting society itself. It is clear that the sexes are still a long way from being equal in all areas of life, however, and perhaps the challenge for the present century is to ensure that this takes place.

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Below is a checklist for cause and effect essays. Use it to check your own writing, or get a peer (another student) to help you.

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Compare & contrast essays examine the similarities of two or more objects, and the differences.

Cause & effect essays consider the reasons (or causes) for something, then discuss the results (or effects).

Discussion essays require you to examine both sides of a situation and to conclude by saying which side you favour.

Problem-solution essays are a sub-type of SPSE essays (Situation, Problem, Solution, Evaluation).

Transition signals are useful in achieving good cohesion and coherence in your writing.

Reporting verbs are used to link your in-text citations to the information cited.

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

Learning Objectives

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

The Purpose of Cause and Effect in Writing

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

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

The Structure of a Cause and Effect Essay

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

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

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

For example, if your essay is on childhood obesity, you could start by talking about the effect of childhood obesity and then discuss the cause, or you could start the same essay by talking about the cause of childhood obesity and then move to the effect. Regardless of which structure you choose, be sure to explain each element of the essay completely. Explaining complex relationships requires the full use of evidence, such as scientific studies, expert testimony, statistics, and anecdotes.

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

Phrases of Causation

• as a result
• consequently

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

Self-Practice Exercise 4.8

H5P:  Cause and Effect Writing Practice

Exercise Preamble

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

Some areas where cause and effect thinking is common include:

• Health and nutrition

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

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

Can you identify a potential thesis statement from your freewriting? Remember: The cause and effect essay opens with a general introduction to the topic, which then leads to a thesis that states the main cause, main effect, or various causes and effects of a condition or event. In other words, you don’t need to claim the only cause or effect — we know that ideas are complex.

Organizing Your Draft

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

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

Writing a Cause and Effect Essay

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

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

Use the phrases of causation when trying to forge connections between various events or conditions. This will help organize your ideas and orient the reader. End your essay with a conclusion that summarizes your main points and reinforces your thesis. See  Appendix 1: Readings: Examples of Essays  to read a sample cause and effect essay.

Key Takeaways

• The purpose of the cause and effect essay is to determine how various phenomena are related.
• The thesis states what the writer sees as the main cause, main effect, or various causes and effects of a condition or event.
• The cause and effect essay can be organized in one of these two primary ways:
• Start with the cause and then talk about the effect.
• Start with the effect and then talk about the cause.
• Strong evidence is particularly important in the cause and effect essay due to the complexity of determining connections between phenomena.
• Phrases of causation are helpful to signal links between various elements in the essay.

Essay 1: Expository essay (15%)

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

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

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

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4.4: Cause and Effect Essays

• Last updated
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• Page ID 218997

• Kathryn Crowther et al.
• Georgia Perimeter College via GALILEO Open Learning Materials

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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 by drawing a conclusion based on the information presented. You may find it helpful to think of the conclusion as an answer to the question: “so what” or as a continuation of the statement “and so... “. In some cases, may be appropriate to issue a call to action in your essay’s conclusion.

Sample Cause-and-Effect Essay

Effects of Video Game Addiction

Video game addiction is a serious problem in many parts of the world today and deserves more attention. It is no secret that children and adults in many countries throughout the world, including Japan, China, and the United States, play video games every day. Most players are able to limit their usage in ways that do not interfere with their daily lives, but many others have developed an addiction to playing video games and suffer detrimental effects.

An addiction can be described in several ways, but generally speaking, addictions involve unhealthy attractions to substances or activities that ultimately disrupt the ability of a person to keep up with regular daily responsibilities. Video game addiction typically involves playing games uncontrollably for many hours at a time—some people will play only four hours at a time while others cannot stop for over twenty-four hours. Regardless of the severity of the addiction, many of the same effects will be experienced by all.

One common effect of video game addiction is isolation and withdrawal from social experiences. Video game players often hide in their homes or in Internet cafés for days at a time—only reemerging for the most pressing tasks and necessities. The effect of this isolation can lead to a breakdown of communication skills and often a loss in socialization. While it is true that many games, especially massive multiplayer online games, involve a very real form of e-based communication and coordination with others, and these virtual interactions often result in real communities that can be healthy for the players, these communities and forms of communication rarely translate to the types of valuable social interaction that humans need to maintain typical social functioning. As a result, the social networking in these online games often gives the users the impression that they are interacting socially, while their true social lives and personal relations may suffer.

Another unfortunate product of the isolation that often accompanies video game addiction is the disruption of the user’s career. While many players manage to enjoy video games and still hold their jobs without problems, others experience challenges at their workplace. Some may only experience warnings or demerits as a result of poorer performance, or others may end up losing their jobs altogether. Playing video games for extended periods of time often involves sleep deprivation, and this tends to carry over to the workplace, reducing production and causing habitual tardiness.

Video game addiction may result in a decline in overall health and hygiene. Players who interact with video games for such significant amounts of time can go an entire day without eating and even longer without basic hygiene tasks, such as using the restroom or bathing. The effects of this behavior pose significant danger to their overall health.

The causes of video game addiction are complex and can vary greatly, but the effects have the potential to be severe. Playing video games can and should be a fun activity for all to enjoy. But just like everything else, the amount of time one spends playing video games needs to be balanced with personal and social responsibilities.

External Links

“ Women in Science ” ( https://tinyurl.com/y8pggr7g ) by K.C. Cole. The link to the essay is correct. It seems to be titled “Hers” but it is the correct essay.

“ Cultural Baggage ” ( https://tinyurl.com/yc7qeuyp ) by Barbara Ehrenreich.

“ From Ancient Greece to Iraq: The Power of Words in Wartime " ( https://tinyurl.com/y76bt3ah ) by Robin Tolmach Lakoff discusses the power of language to dehumanize.

Contributors and Attributions

Adapted from Successful College Composition (Crowther et al.) . Sourced from LibreTexts , licensed under CC BY-NC-SA .

Adapted from Let's Get Writing (Browning, DeVries, Boylan, Kurtz and Burton) . Sourced from LibreTexts , licensed under CC BY-NC-SA .

How To Write A Cause And Effect Essay: Topics, Structure, Examples

If you're a student, chances are you'll encounter a cause and effect essay during your studies. This type of essay is all about exploring the relationship between a specific event (the cause) and its outcomes (the effects). But don't worry, we've got you covered with this easy-to-follow guide that breaks down everything you need to know about what is cause and effect essay and the steps for writing it. So get set to dive into the fascinating world of cause and effect as we equip you with the skills to ace this writing task like a pro!

What is a Cause and Effect Essay: Unique Characteristics from Other Essays

A cause and effect essay is a unique type of essay that focuses on examining the reasons (causes) behind an event or phenomenon and the resulting consequences (effects) that occur as a result. What sets it apart from other essays is its emphasis on establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship between two or more variables.

In a cause and effect essay, the writer analyzes and explains the connections between the causes and effects, providing evidence and supporting details to illustrate the relationship. This type of essay requires critical thinking, logical reasoning, and a structured approach to present the causal chain effectively.

Unlike descriptive or narrative essays that focus on storytelling or presenting facts, cause and effect essays delve into the underlying causes and explore the outcomes, aiming to inform and educate the reader about the relationships between different factors.

Different Types of Cause and Effect Essay Structure

A cause and effect essay is a type of academic writing that explores the reasons (causes) and outcomes (effects) of a particular event, situation, or phenomenon. It aims to analyze the relationship between these causes and effects, providing a comprehensive understanding of how one factor leads to another. When structuring a cause and effect essay, there are several approaches you can take. Here are three common types of cause and effect essay structure from our experts:

• Block Structure:
• Introduction: Introduce the topic and provide background information.
• Body Paragraph 1: Present the causes and their supporting details.
• Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the effects and provide evidence or examples.
• Conclusion: Summarize the main points and emphasize the overall significance.
• Chain Structure:
• Introduction: Introduce the topic and its importance.
• Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph focuses on a specific cause and its subsequent effects, forming a chain-like progression.
• Cause 1: Explain the first cause and its effects.
• Cause 2: Describe the second cause and its effects, which may also include the effects of Cause 1.
• Cause 3: Discuss the third cause and its effects, which may include the effects of Causes 1 and 2.

Continue this pattern for additional causes if necessary.

• Conclusion: Summarize the main causes and effects, highlighting their interconnections.
• Causal Chain Structure:
• Introduction: Introduce the topic and provide context.
• Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph focuses on a specific cause and effect, examining the relationships between them.
• Cause 1: Explain the first cause and its immediate effect(s).
• Cause 2: Discuss the second cause, which is triggered by the effect(s) of Cause 1 and its subsequent effect(s).
• Cause 3: Describe the third cause, influenced by the effect(s) of Cause 2 and its further effect(s).

Continue this pattern for additional causes and effects.

• Conclusion: Summarize the causal chain, emphasizing the overall significance and potential long-term effects.

Are There Other Things That You’d Rather Do?

So Do Them, Leave Essay Writing for the Experts!

Cause and Effect Essay Outline

I. Introduction

A. Explanation of cause and effect essays

B. Hook: 'Have you ever wondered how excessive screen time affects academic performance?'

C. Thesis statement: Excessive screen time negatively impacts academic performance due to decreased focus, impaired cognitive abilities, and reduced study time.

II. Body Paragraph 1: Cause 1 - Decreased Focus

A. Topic sentence: Excessive screen time leads to decreased focus.

B. Explanation: Constant exposure to screens can overstimulate the brain and make it harder to concentrate on academic tasks.

C. Example: Studies have shown that students who spend excessive time on electronic devices during study sessions often struggle to maintain their focus, leading to reduced productivity and lower academic performance.

III. Body Paragraph 2: Cause 2 - Impaired Cognitive Abilities

A. Topic sentence: Excessive screen time impairs cognitive abilities.

B. Explanation: Prolonged screen usage can negatively impact cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and critical thinking skills.

C. Example: Research has indicated that excessive screen time, particularly in the form of video games or social media, can hinder the development of cognitive abilities, making it more difficult for students to comprehend complex concepts and retain information.

IV. Body Paragraph 3: Cause 3 - Reduced Study Time

A. Topic sentence: Excessive screen time reduces the amount of time dedicated to studying.

B. Explanation: The allure of screens can distract students and tempt them away from their academic responsibilities.

C. Example: A study conducted at XYZ University found that students who spent more time on social media or streaming platforms were more likely to allocate less time to study, resulting in poor performance on exams and assignments.

V. Conclusion

A. Restate the thesis statement: Excessive screen time has a detrimental effect on academic performance due to decreased focus, impaired cognitive abilities, and reduced study time.

B. Recap the main points discussed in each body paragraph.

C. Final thoughts: Encourage students to manage their screen time wisely to optimize their academic success.

10 Cause and Effect Essay Topics

If you are struggling to come up with a topic for your essay, consider one of these ten great cause and effect essay ideas below. Feel free to also hit us up with your ' write my essay ' request for a professionally crafted paper on your chosen topic.

Discuss the Effects of Social Media on Face-to-Face Communication

Social media has become a ubiquitous part of modern society, with platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram connecting people from all over the world. However, as social media usage has increased, so has concern over its impact on face-to-face communication. Some argue that social media has made it easier for people to stay in touch with friends and family, regardless of distance. Others worry that social media has led to a decline in the quality of face-to-face interactions, with people spending more time on their phones than engaging with those around them. This topic is ripe for exploration and analysis.

Analyze the Reasons Behind the Increased Use of Smartphones by Children

Smartphones have become a ubiquitous part of modern life, with people of all ages relying on them for communication, entertainment, and information. However, there has been a recent trend of children using smartphones at increasingly young ages. Some argue that smartphones can be a valuable tool for education and communication, while others worry that they can be addictive and harmful to children's development. This topic is worth exploring in depth, with a focus on the factors that have led to this trend and its potential long-term effects.

Explore the Impacts of Climate Change on the Natural Environment

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing the world today, with rising temperatures, sea levels, and extreme weather events all having profound impacts on the natural environment. This topic is complex and multifaceted, with a range of potential causes and effects to explore. Some of the key areas to consider might include the impact of climate change on ecosystems, wildlife, and natural resources, as well as the potential long-term consequences for human societies.

Investigate the Effects of Pollution on Human Health

Pollution is a major problem in many parts of the world, with air, water, and soil pollution all having serious consequences for human health. This topic is worth exploring in depth, with a focus on the specific ways in which pollution can impact different aspects of human health, including respiratory health, cardiovascular health, and mental health. Some of the key factors to consider might include the impact of pollution on vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, as well as potential strategies for prevention and mitigation.

Discuss How Social Isolation Can Lead to Mental Health Issues

Social isolation is a growing problem in many parts of the world, with people of all ages and backgrounds feeling increasingly disconnected from their communities and social networks. This topic is worth exploring in depth, with a focus on the specific ways in which social isolation can impact mental health. Some of the key areas to consider might include the impact of social isolation on depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders, as well as potential strategies for prevention and treatment.

Analyze the Reasons Behind the Rise of Populism in Politics

Populism has become an increasingly prominent force in politics in recent years, with populist politicians and movements gaining ground in many parts of the world. This topic is complex and multifaceted, with a range of potential causes and effects to explore. Some of the key areas to consider might include the impact of economic inequality, globalization, and cultural change on the rise of populism, as well as potential strategies for addressing this trend.

Explore the Impacts of the Internet on the Traditional Media Industry

The internet has had a profound impact on the media industry, with traditional forms of media such as newspapers, television, and radio facing increasing competition from online sources. This topic is worth exploring in depth, with a focus on the specific ways in which the internet has disrupted traditional media models. Some of the key areas to consider might include the impact of social media on news consumption, the rise of citizen journalism, and the challenges facing traditional media outlets in the digital age.

Examine the Factors that Lead to the Growth of Online Shopping

Online shopping has become an increasingly popular way for people to purchase goods and services, with e-commerce platforms like Amazon and eBay dominating the retail landscape. This topic is worth exploring in depth, with a focus on the specific factors that have contributed to the growth of online shopping. Some of the key areas to consider might include the impact of convenience and accessibility, the rise of mobile devices, and the changing demographics of consumers.

Investigate the Effects of Globalization on Local Industries

Globalization has had a profound impact on the world economy, with goods, services, and capital flowing more freely across borders than ever before. This topic is worth exploring in depth, with a focus on the specific ways in which globalization has affected local industries. Some of the key areas to consider might include the impact of outsourcing and offshoring on employment, the role of multinational corporations in shaping local economies, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of globalization for different regions of the world.

Analyze The Impact of Social Media on Sleep Quality

Analyzing the impact of social media on sleep quality requires examining various factors related to social media usage and its effects on sleep patterns. Investigate the correlation between the amount of time individuals spend on social media platforms and their sleep quality. Excessive use of social media may lead to delayed bedtime, shorter sleep duration, or disrupted sleep. You can also explore the impact of blue light emitted by electronic devices, including smartphones and tablets, which are commonly used for social media browsing.

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay: Step-by-Step Guide

In this section, we will unravel the essential elements of how to write a cause and effect essay, equipping you with the tips to present a logical and well-supported argument.

Step 1: Choose a Topic

The first step in writing a great cause and effect examples essay is choosing the right topic. Consider something that interests you and is relevant to your academic field. The cause and effect essay topics should also be specific enough to allow for in-depth analysis in your assignment.

Step 2: Conduct Research

Once you have identified your topic, it is important to do extensive research to gather sufficient information to support your arguments. Use scholarly sources such as academic journals, books, or reputable websites to do your research.

Step 3: Develop a Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the core idea of your essay and should be presented in the opening paragraph. It is a single sentence that clearly states the cause and effect relationship you will be discussing in the essay. A well-crafted thesis statement is critical to the success of your essay.

Step 4: Create an Outline

Creating a cause and effect essay outline is a crucial element of the writing process. It helps in organizing your thoughts and providing a clear structure for your essay. Divide your essay into an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

Step 5: Write the Introduction

The introduction is the first paragraph of your essay, and it should catch the reader's attention and provide background information on the topic at hand. The introduction should also include the thesis statement.

Step 6: Write the Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs should discuss the causes and effects of the event or topic at hand. Each paragraph should discuss one specific cause or effect followed by supporting evidence from your research.

Step 7: Write the Conclusion

The cause and effect essay conclusion should restate the thesis statement and provide a summary of your arguments. It should also demonstrate the relationship between the various causes and effects you have discussed.

Step 8: Proofread and Edit

The final step is to proofread and edit your essay. Ensure that your grammar, spelling, and punctuation are all correct and that your ideas are presented in a clear and concise manner.

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Cause and Effect Essay Examples

You can order an essay from professional writers have meticulously crafted a sample essay that delves into the cause and effect relationship between air pollution on human health.

Title: The Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health

Air pollution is a prevalent issue that has detrimental effects on human health. This essay will explore the multiple causes and consequences of air pollution, highlighting the interconnectedness between environmental factors and public well-being.

The primary cause of air pollution is industrial emissions. Factories and power plants release harmful pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, into the atmosphere. These pollutants contribute to the formation of smog, which can be inhaled by individuals, leading to respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer. Furthermore, vehicular emissions also contribute significantly to air pollution, particularly in urban areas with heavy traffic congestion.

The effects of air pollution on human health are alarming. Prolonged exposure to polluted air can cause respiratory diseases, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Studies have also linked air pollution to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, children and the elderly are more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution, as their immune systems are less robust.

Moreover, air pollution has broader societal consequences. It contributes to the degradation of ecosystems, reduces crop yields, and harms biodiversity. It also poses economic burdens by increasing healthcare costs and decreasing productivity due to illnesses and absenteeism.

In conclusion, air pollution has far-reaching effects on human health and the environment. The causes, including industrial emissions and vehicular pollution, directly impact the quality of the air we breathe. The consequences, such as respiratory diseases and cardiovascular problems, highlight the urgent need for measures to mitigate and control air pollution. Efforts to reduce emissions, promote cleaner technologies, and raise public awareness are crucial steps toward safeguarding human health and preserving the environment for future generations.

A Final Perspective

In our exploration of cause and effect essays, we've covered all the essentials. We've defined what is a cause and effect essay, delved into good cause and effect essay topics, and taken a closer look at its structure.

Now, here's the deal: if you put in the time and effort to prepare, your professor will definitely notice and give you the grade you deserve. But hey, we get it! Sometimes these tasks can be confusing and eat up all your time. If that's the case, no worries! You can easily hire an essay writer to lend a hand and enjoy some well-deserved free time without the stress of assignments.

Cause and Effect in Composition

Glossary of Grammatical and Rhetorical Terms

• An Introduction to Punctuation
• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

In composition , cause and effect is a method of paragraph or essay development in which a writer analyzes the reasons for—and/or the consequences of—an action, event, or decision.

A cause-and-effect paragraph or essay can be organized in various ways. For instance, causes and/or effects can be arranged in either chronological order or reverse chronological order. Alternatively, points can be presented in terms of emphasis , from least important to most important, or vice versa.

Examples and Observations

• "If you prove the cause , you at once prove the effect ; and conversely nothing can exist without its cause." (Aristotle, Rhetoric )
• Immediate Causes and Ultimate Causes "Determining causes and effects is usually thought-provoking and quite complex. One reason for this is that there are two types of causes: immediate causes , which are readily apparent because they are closest to the effect, and ultimate causes , which, being somewhat removed, are not so apparent and may perhaps even be hidden. Furthermore, ultimate causes may bring about effects which themselves become immediate causes, thus creating a causal chain . For example, consider the following causal chain: Sally, a computer salesperson, prepared extensively for a meeting with a client (ultimate cause), impressed the client (immediate cause), and made a very large sale (effect). The chain did not stop there: the large sale caused her to be promoted by her employer (effect)." (Alfred Rosa and Paul Eschholz, Models for Writers , 6th ed. St. Martin's Press, 1998)
• Composing a Cause/Effect Essay "For all its conceptual complexity, a cause/effect essay can be organized quite simply. The introduction generally presents the subject(s) and states the purpose of the analysis in a clear thesis . The body of the paper then explores all relevant causes and/or effects, typically progressing from least to most influential or from most to least influential. Finally, the concluding section summarizes the various cause/effect relationships established in the body of the paper and clearly states the conclusions that can be drawn from those relationships." (Kim Flachmann, Michael Flachmann, Kathryn Benander, and Cheryl Smith, The Brief Prose Reader . Prentice Hall, 2003)
• Causes of Child Obesity "Many of today's kids are engaged in sedentary pursuits made possible by a level of technology unthinkable as recently as 25 to 30 years ago. Computer, video, and other virtual games, the ready availability of feature films and games on DVD, plus high-tech advancements in music-listening technology have come down into the range of affordability for parents and even for the kids themselves. These passive pursuits have produced a downside of reduced physical activity for the kids, often with the explicit or implicit consent of the parents. . . . "Other fairly recent developments have also contributed to the alarming rise in child obesity rates. Fast food outlets offering consumables that are both low in price and low in nutritional content have exploded all over the American landscape since the 1960s, especially in suburban areas close to major highway interchanges. Kids on their lunch breaks or after school often congregate in these fast food outlets, consuming food and soft drinks that are high in sugar, carbohydrates, and fat. Many parents, themselves, frequently take their children to these fast food places, thus setting an example the kids can find justification to emulate." (MacKie Shilstone, Mackie Shilstone's Body Plan for Kids . Basic Health Publications, 2009)
• Cause and Effect in Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" "'A Modest Proposal' is a brilliant example of the use of non-argumentative devices of rhetorical persuasion . The whole essay, of course, rests broadly upon the argument of cause and effect : these causes have produced this situation in Ireland, and this proposal will result in these effects in Ireland. But Swift, within the general framework of this argument, does not employ specific argumentative forms in this essay. The projector chooses rather to assert his reasons and then to amass them by way of proof ." (Charles A. Beaumont, Swift's Classical Rhetoric . Univ. of Georgia Press, 1961)
• Effects of Automobiles "I worry about the private automobile. It is a dirty, noisy, wasteful, and lonely means of travel. It pollutes the air, ruins the safety and sociability of the street, and exercises upon the individual a discipline which takes away far more freedom than it gives him. It causes an enormous amount of land to be unnecessarily abstracted from nature and from plant life and to become devoid of any natural function. It explodes cities, grievously impairs the whole institution of neighborliness, fragmentizes and destroys communities. It has already spelled the end of our cities as real cultural and social communities, and has made impossible the construction of any others in their place. Together with the airplane, it has crowded out other, more civilized and more convenient means of transport, leaving older people, infirm people, poor people and children in a worse situation than they were a hundred years ago." (George F. Kennan, Democracy and the Student Left , 1968)
• Examples and Effects of Entropy "Because of its unnerving irreversibility, entropy has been called the arrow of time. We all understand this instinctively. Children's rooms, left on their own, tend to get messy, not neat. Wood rots, metal rusts, people wrinkle and flowers wither. Even mountains wear down; even the nuclei of atoms decay. In the city we see entropy in the rundown subways and worn-out sidewalks and torn-down buildings, in the increasing disorder of our lives. We know, without asking, what is old. If we were suddenly to see the paint jump back on an old building, we would know that something was wrong. If we saw an egg unscramble itself and jump back into its shell, we would laugh in the same way we laugh as a movie run backward." (K.C. Cole, "The Arrow of Time." The New York Times , March 18, 1982)
• Affect vs. Effect: How to Choose the Right Word
• Understanding General-to-Specific Order in Composition
• Definition and Examples of the Topoi in Rhetoric
• What Is an Annotation in Reading, Research, and Linguistics?
• How to Use Exemplification in Writing
• Polemic: Definition and Examples
• Learn How to Use Extended Definitions in Essays and Speeches
• Understanding Organization in Composition and Speech
• Periodical Essay Definition and Examples
• What Does It Mean to Make a Claim During an Argument?
• Definition and Examples of Formal Essays
• Definition and Examples of Propaganda
• Definition and Examples of Humorous Essays
• Organizational Strategies for Using Chronological Order in Writing
• Definition Examples of Collage Essays

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10.8 Cause and Effect

Learning objectives.

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

The Purpose of Cause and Effect in Writing

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Health and nutrition

The Structure of a Cause-and-Effect Essay

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table 10.4 Phrases of Causation

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

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

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

Writing a Cause-and-Effect Essay

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

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

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

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

Key Takeaways

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

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

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

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

Home — Essay Types — Cause and Effect Essays

Cause and Effect Essays Examples

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

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

Exploring Cause and Effect Essay Topics

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

Popular Topics for Cause and Effect Essays

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

The Best Cause and Effect Essay Topics

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

Good Cause and Effect Topics on Poverty

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

Cause and Effect Essay Ideas on Sports

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

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

Understanding Cause and Effect Essays

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

✨ Read Next: Research Essay Examples

Basic Structure of a Cause and Effect Essay

Introduction.

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

Body Paragraphs

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

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

Sample Cause and Effect Essay Examples

Free examples for reference.

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

Examples Suitable for College Students

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

Analysis of Sample Essays

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

TOP Cause and Effect Essay Examples [FREE]

Tips for writing a stellar cause and effect essay.

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

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

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

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

• But Don’t Worry About Covering Them All

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

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

🧠 Dive Into: Evaluation Essay Examples

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

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

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

Insomnia: Causes and Consequences

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Cause And Effect Of Smoking

Smoking, a practice that involves inhaling the smoke of burning tobacco encased in cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, has been a prevalent habit across various cultures and societies for centuries. Despite the widespread knowledge of its adverse effects, smoking continues to allure individuals, often leading to…

The Causes and Effects of World War II: A Comprehensive Analysis

Introduction World War II, which lasted from 1939 to 1945, is one of the most significant and transformative events in human history. The causes of this global conflict are multifaceted and complex, encompassing political, economic, and social factors that had been brewing for decades. Equally…

Bullying: Cause of Depression and Teen Suicide

Bullying has long been a pervasive issue in schools and communities around the world. It is a form of aggressive behavior that is intentional, repetitive, and involves an imbalance of power or strength. The effects of bullying on its victims can be devastating, leading to…

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Cause and Effect of Illiteracy

Illiteracy is a pressing issue that affects millions of people around the world. It is defined as the inability to read and write, and it has significant negative effects on individuals and societies. Illiteracy can be caused by a variety of factors, and its consequences…

Cause and Effect of Obesity

Obesity is a complex and multifaceted issue that has become a significant public health concern in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of obesity has more than doubled in the past four decades, with approximately 42.4%…

Causes of Imperialism in Africa

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What are some examples of cause and effect?

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

How do I write a cause and effect essay?

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

What is a cause and effect essay definition?

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

What does “cause and effect” mean in writing?

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

The most popular topics for Cause and Effect Essays

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

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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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• Academic practice
• General practice
• Task 1 Academic
• Task 1 General
• Task 2 (essay)

How to write cause/effect essays in IELTS?

Cause and effect essay questions in IELTS Writing task 2 give you a problem and ask you to state the main causes of this problem and discuss its possible effects .

In this lesson you will see:

• how to generate ideas for causes and effects
• band 9 answer structure for causes/effects essay
• cause/effect model essay

This is an example of cause/effect IELTS writing task 2 question:

Today more people are overweight than ever before.

What in your opinion are the primary causes of this?

What are the main effects of this epidemic?

Generating ideas

After you’ve read the question, you can clearly determine the problem: growing number of overweight people .

But before you start to write your essay, it’s a good idea to think of 2-3 causes and 2-3 possible effects of the problem.

Causes of obesity :

• inactive lifestyle (relying on cars instead of walking, fewer physical demands at work, inactive leisure activities)
• unhealthy eating habits (eating fast-food, drinking high-calorie beverages, consuming large portions of food, eating irregularly)

Effects of obesity :

• physical health problems
• loss of productivity
• depressions and mental disorders

Now, after we’ve generated the main ideas for causes and effects, it’s time to use these ideas in our essay.

Band 9 answer structure

As you know, there are many ways to structure your essay, but we’ll use a structure that has been approved by many IELTS examiners to be high-scoring and coherent .

Band-9 essay structure :

Introduction

Body paragraph 1 - causes

Body paragraph 2 - effects

Let’s take a look at each of these sections in detail.

Write your introduction in two sentences:

Nowadays the number of overweight people is constantly growing.

This essay will discuss the main reasons of this epidemic and then describe the possible effects of the problem.

In my opinion, the foremost causes of obesity are inactive lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits.

Today more and more people rely on cars instead of walking, have less physical demands at work and prefer inactive leisure activities. This results in burning less calories and gaining weight.

Moreover, the problem is accentuated by the growing number of people, who eat irregularly and consume large portions of high-calorie food. For example, about 50% of the adult population in Europe with so-called disordered eating suffer from obesity.

The possible effects of this problem include physical health problems and loss of productivity.

First of all, obesity results in incorrect functioning of the human body and contributes to the risk of developing some chronic illnesses. For example, as body fat percentage increases, the person’s metabolism worsens, which in turn may result in diabetes or heart diseases.

Secondly, overweight people are very unhealthy and often suffer from stress and tiredness. This lessens their work capacity and results in lower productivity. For example, it has been proven that an obese person needs to put more effort to complete some task than a person with normal weight.

For the conclusion you need simply to restate the problem and sum up the causes and effects that you described in your body paragraphs:

To sum up, obesity is a big problem that affects a lot of people nowadays. It’s mainly caused by inactive lifestyle and eating disorders and results in severe health problems and loss of productivity.

Model essay

Nowadays the number of overweight people is constantly increasing. This essay will discuss the main reasons of this epidemic and then describe the possible effects of the problem.

In my opinion, the foremost causes of obesity are inactive lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits. Today more and more people rely on cars instead of walking, have less physical demands at work and prefer inactive leisure activities. This results in burning less calories and gaining weight. Moreover, the problem is accentuated by the growing number of people, who eat irregularly and consume large portions of high-calorie food. For example, about 50% of the adult population in Europe with so-called disordered eating suffer from obesity.

The possible effects of this problem include physical health problems and loss of productivity. First of all, obesity results in incorrect functioning of the human body and contributes to the risk of developing some chronic illnesses. For example, as body fat percentage increases, the person’s metabolism worsens, which in turn may result in diabetes or heart diseases. Secondly, overweight people are very unhealthy and often suffer from stress and tiredness. This lessens their work capacity and results in lower productivity. For example, it has been proven that an obese person needs to put more effort to complete some task than a person with normal weight.

To sum up, obesity is a big problem that affects a lot of people nowadays. It’s mainly caused by inactive lifestyle and eating disorders and results in severe health problems and loss of productivity.

(251 words)

Cause and Effects of Voluntary Segregation

How it works

Voluntary segregation is when folks or groups decide to keep to themselves based on things like race, ethnicity, religion, or money. There’s a bunch of reasons why this happens, and they’re often tied to history, culture, and society. One big reason is wanting to keep their culture alive. Lots of communities aim to hold onto their unique identities and traditions, which is easier when they’re among their own kind. Think about ethnic neighborhoods in cities. They offer a place where customs, languages, and social practices can stay alive and be passed on to future generations.

This kind of self-separation is often seen as a way to protect their heritage from the mainstream culture.

Another major reason is looking for safety and comfort. People feel more at ease and understood when they’re with others who have similar backgrounds. This is especially true for minority groups who’ve faced a lot of discrimination and marginalization in the past. By choosing to stick together, these groups create a supportive environment where they can thrive without fear of prejudice. Also, money plays a big part. Economic differences often lead to neighborhoods being segregated by income levels. This isn’t always a choice but happens because of economic limits and housing costs.

The effects of voluntary segregation are a mixed bag. On the plus side, it can strengthen community bonds and create close support networks. This helps social cohesion within these groups, making folks feel like they belong and can count on each other. It also can lead to local businesses and services that cater to the community, boosting the local economy. But, there are downsides too. A big negative is that it keeps social divisions alive and reduces interaction between different groups. This can reinforce stereotypes and prejudices since people don’t get the chance to understand those who are different from them. It can also lead to social and economic inequalities, as segregated areas might not have the same access to resources, opportunities, and services.

Moreover, it can make social integration tougher and hurt the development of a united society. When groups separate themselves, it can create parallel lives where different communities live side by side with little interaction. This can hurt social harmony and national unity since it’s harder to build a shared identity and common goals. Over time, this can affect the younger generation, limiting their exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences. This can impact their social skills and their ability to navigate a multicultural world, possibly leading to a cycle of segregation that continues over generations.

In conclusion, voluntary segregation is a complicated issue with deep-seated causes and wide-ranging effects. While it can offer security, cultural preservation, and community support, it can also keep social divisions and inequalities going. Tackling this issue requires understanding its roots and actively promoting inclusivity and social integration. This can be done through policies that encourage diverse interactions, fair resource distribution, and creating public spaces where people from different backgrounds can mix. By fostering environments where diversity is valued, we can move towards a more integrated and cohesive society.

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