cause and effect expository essay sample

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

20 June, 2020

9 minutes read

Author:  Tomas White

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

What is a Cause and Effect Essay?

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

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

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

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

Types of the Cause and Effect Essay

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

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

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

1. Many causes, one effect

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

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

Here is how to structure this type of essay:

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

2. One cause, many effects

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

Here is the structure for this kind of essay:

• Effect #3 (and so on…)

3. Chain of causes and effects

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

Here is the outline structure:

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

Cause and Effect Essay Outline Example

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cause and Effect Essay Sample

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

Tips and Common Mistakes from Our Expert Writers

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

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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.

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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.

We understand that sometimes time is not on your side and you go through severe writer’s block. That is why students tend to seek professional help from an essay writing service.

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!

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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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How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay: Full Guide

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

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

What Is a Cause and Effect Essay

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

Here's a breakdown of the key components:

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

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

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay with Easy Steps

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

1. Select a Specific Topic

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

2. Explore Causal Links

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

3. Craft a Clear Thesis Statement

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

4. Organize Chronologically or by Significance

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

5. Utilize Transitional Phrases

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

6. Support Arguments with Credible Evidence

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

7. Illustrate Chain Reactions

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

8. Analyze Root Causes

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

9. Consider Alternative Causes

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

10. Conclude with Impact

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

Cause and Effect Essay Structure Types

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

• Block Structure:

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

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

• Chain Structure:

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

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

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

Cause and Effect Essay Outline

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

I. Introduction

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

II. Body Paragraphs

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

C. Causes (Continued)

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

D. Effects (Continued)

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

III. Conclusion

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

Cause and Effect Essay Examples

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

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Cause and Effect Essay Topics

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

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

Final Words

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

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

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

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

How to Write Cause and Effect Essays in Simple Steps

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Published on: Mar 13, 2020

Last updated on: Mar 25, 2024

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

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

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

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What is a Cause and Effect Essay?

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

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

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

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

How to Structure a Cause and Effect Essay

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

Block Structure

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

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

Use the block structure when:

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

Chain Structure

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

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

Use the chain structure when:

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

Cause and Effect Essay Outline

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

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

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

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay

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

Step 1: Choose a Topic

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

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

Step 2: Conduct Research

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

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

Step 4: Develop a Thesis Statement

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

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

Step 5: Outline your Essay

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

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

Step 6: Write the Introduction

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

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

Step 7: Body Paragraphs

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

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

Step 8: Transition Between Paragraphs

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

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

Step 9: Write the Conclusion

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

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

Step 10: Revise and Edit

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

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

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

Cause and Effect Essay Examples

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

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

Cause and Effect Essay

Cause and Effect Essay Sample

Climate Change Cause and Effect Essay

Poverty Cause and Effect Essay

Air Pollution Cause and Effect Essay

Cause and Effect Essay Topics

Here are some cause and effect essay topics:

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

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

Tips for Writing a Cause and Effect Essay

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

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

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

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

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

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• Ultimate Guide to Craft Compelling Cause and Effect Essay
• Mastering The Art of Academic Essay Writing With Examples

Cause and effect essays are among the most usual essay types that students get to write at college. While the initial idea of writing a cause and effect essay may seem pretty simple, all you need to do is list the causes of a problem followed by the solutions. However, it is much easier said than done because essentially cause and effect essays are slightly tricky and require enormous brainstorming.

Table of Contents

• What is a cause and effect essay
• How to structure the cause and effect essay
• Hook of a cause and effect essay
• Background brief of a cause and effect essay
• Thesis statement of a cause and effect essay
• Outline of a cause and effect essay
• Body of a cause and effect essay
• Conclusion of a cause and effect essay

Besides the research you put in, the format of a cause and effect essay is as important. You need to ensure that you are presenting the essay in a standardized format to meet your academic goals and fetch some extra credits. Now the question is, what is a standardized format for writing a cause and effect essay? Well, this is your complete guide to cause and effect essays explaining each step in detail along with examples. So, let us get started.

What is a cause and effect essay?

A cause-and-effect essay is a type of expository essay that focuses on identifying the various causes and effects of a topic (problem) and explaining the detailed relationships between them. This type of academic writing basically focuses on the relationship between the causes (reasons) and effects (results) of a problematic scenario or trend. This is the reason, it is also called the reasons and results essay.

These types of essays are meant to explain why it happened and how it happened. For a better understanding of the concept, let’s have a look at some of the examples of what possibly could be the topics for different cause and effect essays.

• Discuss the various causes and effects of global warming on the earth.
• Elaborate on the different causes and effects of air pollution on the environment.
• Shed light on the causes and effects of social media addiction.

Now from the above examples, you got a clear idea of what exactly cause and effect essays look like. Hence, it is now time to understand the structure of writing a good cause and effect essay. That being the case, the next section will shed light on the structure of writing an impressive cause and effect essay.

How to structure the cause and effect essay?

The right structure of an essay is a key element that leads to writing an impressive essay. In the context of a cause and effect essay, the structuring is even more important because it allows your readers to clearly understand and easily navigate through the main ideas of your essay. Besides, right structuring also accounts for scores in essay writing. Hence, it is really essential to structure your essay in an effective way. To continue, like every other essay, the structure of the cause and effect essay also contains three main sections;

• Introduction
• Body paragraphs

However, the difference lies between the ideas and opinions you present in the essay and the way you present them in the essay. Hence, the further sections will effectively guide on how to write an introduction , thesis statement, outline, body paragraphs, and conclusion of a cause and effect essay. So, let’s move ahead further and start with the introduction of an essay.

How to write the introduction of a cause and effect essay?

Be it in essays, journals, articles, or research papers, the introduction of any form of writing is its make or break point. Hence, it is essential to grab the readers' attention right from the beginning. To elaborate, in the introduction, you will introduce the bigger circle of your essay i.e. the main topic of the essay which will assist your readers in understanding the context and the purpose of your essay writing. In the context of a cause and effect essay, the introduction will introduce the readers to the main topic first before moving ahead in explaining the different causes and effects and their correlation to the main topic.

For example, let’s say you are writing about the cause and effects of global warming. In the introduction, you will introduce your readers to the concept of global warming in detail before heading to its cause and effect. This introduction will assist your readers in comprehending the main reason why the essay topic needs to be discussed. However, in the introduction as well, there are 5 major aspects that need to be discussed.

• Background information
• Thesis statement

The further section will deliberately explain how to write all the 5 elements that will assist you in writing an essay. Besides, in the context of a cause and effect essay, the same example describing each element will be provided for your better understanding.

Introduction element: Hook of a cause and effect essay

A hook is a surprising element that engages your audience in your essay right from its beginning. Talking contextually, in a cause and effect essay, the hook can be statistical data or a claim that will clearly reflect the urgency of the discussion of your chosen topic. Let’s have a look at the sample hook in our taken example topic.

Sample hook

By the end of 2022, the temperature of the earth’s surface was around 0.98 Celsius degrees warmer than the average of the 20th century. Besides, the current global temperature has been consistently high on record("Topic: Global climate change", 2022).

In this hook, you might have noticed that we have given statistical data that directly points toward global warming. This will engage the readers right away and will encourage them to go through your essay till the end. Next, comes the background information.

Introduction element: Background brief of a cause and effect essay

Background information is necessary for an essay to brief the readers about the concept that will be discussed throughout the essay. In the case of a cause and effect essay, providing background information is even more important because the cause and effect of a topic will only be impactful when your readers would have good knowledge about the topic.

Let’s look at the background brief in the case of our sample essay topic for a better understanding of the background brief.

Sample Background Information

Global warming has been a concerning issue for a long time now. It has various effects on the environment that needs the attention of today’s generation. The number of cyclones, droughts, floods, and other natural disasters is increasing at a rampant pace. Besides, the main cause behind all these natural disasters is global warming.

After effectively providing the background information, using 2 to 3 lines, you will explain the purpose of writing an essay. This will allow you to draw the importance of the topic in the minds of the reader. To explain, you will answer the question, “Why is this topic important?”. After defining the purpose the next paragraph of your essay will talk about the thesis statement.

Introduction element: The thesis statement of a cause and effect essay

A thesis statement defines the topic in a summary that will be discussed in the essay. In terms of the cause and effect essay, in the thesis statement, you can narrow down the topic and let your audience know that this essay will provide different causes and effects briefly. Although every essay has a different thesis statement, the thesis statement of the cause and effect essay should follow the 3Cs formula explained below.

• Contentious: It is essential to know that your thesis statement should never contain any obvious facts. It should be contentious enough to intrigue the minds of readers and keep them indulged in the essay.
• Concise: The thesis statement of your essay should be concise so that your readers get a clear understanding of the central idea of the topic whose causes and effects would be discussed in the whole essay.
• Coherent: Lastly, there should be cohesion between your thesis statement and your body paragraphs describing different causes and effects of the essay.

In terms of our example, below given will be the thesis statement of your essay.

Sample thesis

Global warming can be understood as a direct consequence of various primary and secondary causes which could be either natural or man-made. Subsequently, the consequences of global warming can be quite detrimental to the planet and could result in some alarming effects.

If you want to learn more about thesis statements, you can go through our comprehensive guide on how to write a thesis statement .

Introduction element: Outline of a cause and effect essay

An outline is one of the most vital parts of the essay as it acts as the road map of your essay. To elaborate, the outline of an essay will briefly define all the aspects that your essay will cover and in what sequence of paragraphs it will be covered.

The outline of the essay allows the readers to understand how different cause-and-effect relationships will take place in the essay. Moreover, it will also allow you to survey and analyze the information before presenting it to your audience.

While writing an outline of the essay, you should note that your outline statement should clearly highlight the different cause and effect aspects that you will discuss in your essay.

Sample Outline

Firstly, the essay will talk about the main causes that are increasing the temperature all over the globe. Secondly, the effects that are caused by global warming will be discussed in the essay. Lastly, some of the solutions that will assist in dealing with the rising temperature of the earth will be provided in the essay.

How to write the body of a cause and effect essay?

There are two types of ways in which you can structure the body paragraph of your cause and effect essay i.e. block method and the chain method. In the block method, the writer first explains all the causes in the initial paragraphs and then explains the effect of each cause followed by a transition paragraph that will form the cohesion. Whereas, in the chain method, each cause is followed by its effect immediately.

To elaborate, each body paragraph of the cause and effect essay will start with a topic sentence that can either describe the main idea of the cause or the effect that will be discussed in the rest of the essay. After that, you will explain the topic sentence which can be a cause or the effect with the evidence (if possible) to support your topic sentence.

Moreover, if you do not have evidence, you will critically analyze and explain how your causes or effects fit in the bigger picture of your chosen topic of the subject. Lastly, the body paragraph will contain a cohesion line that will form a connection between the current paragraph and the beginning of the next paragraph.

In the case of our example, we will use the chain method and our body paragraph would be like this:

Sample Body Paragraph

There are different causes of global warming for which mankind is responsible. Deforestation is the major cause of rising global warming on the earth because plants are a major source of oxygen for all living organisms on the earth. Besides, they consume carbon dioxide which assists in maintaining the balance of the earth and evening things out. However, humans are recklessly cutting trees which have to lead to an imbalance in the environment. 13 million hectares of forest have been cut down and are converted for other uses(Deforestation Facts and Statistics,2022). This environmental imbalance is causing a rise in the temperature thus enhancing global warming. Not only this, there are many natural causes of global warming as well.

How to write the conclusion of a cause and effect essay?

The essay's conclusion should always consist of restating the main idea of causes and effects discussed in the whole essay. However, a notable fact while writing a conclusion is that you should never provide new information whether factual or literary in the conclusion paragraph.

You eventually have to present the thesis statement once again with the central idea around which your cause and effect essay revolved throughout. Along with this, you can also provide future implications directed toward tackling the effects of the different causes discussed in the essay. In the case of our example, the conclusion would be:

Sample Conclusion

To conclude, global warming is a concerning issue and the rising temperature is an alarm that needs our utmost attention right now. Hence, it is essential to know about the various causes of global warming and the impacts that it is bringing to the earth. So that we can take effective solutions to counter the situation in an effective manner.

To conclude, we are sure that the above guide has cleared all your doubts about the cause and effect essay. So, what are you waiting for? Use effective guidance and share it with your friends as well. So, you pass with flying colors and with HD grades in your assessments.

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How to Write an Argumentative Essay

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What is the basic rule of cause and effect essay?

Cause and effect essays follow a simple rule of beginning with a topic sentence and then it’s followed by supporting details. Just assume, that your topic sentence talks about an effect, then the supporting details will describe its causes.

Can I use personal experiences in a cause and effect essay?

Yes, incorporating personal experiences can add depth and authenticity to your essay, especially when illustrating the effects of specific causes. However, ensure that your personal anecdotes support the main thesis and contribute to the overall understanding of the topic.

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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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Writing a cause and effect essay seems complicated and overwhelming, especially if you're unsure about where to start or how to structure your essay.

You might feel stuck, staring at a blank page, or confused by all the rules and guidelines. It's frustrating not to have clear examples and easy explanations to guide you through the process.

But don't worry!

In this blog, we will break down the complexities of cause and effect essays into simple, understandable steps. We will provide clear examples and straightforward tips, making essay writing easy. 

Let's read on.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

• 1. What is a Cause and Effect Essay 
• 2. Cause And Effect Essay Structure 
• 3. How To Write A Cause And Effect Essay 
• 4. Cause and Effect Essay Format
• 5. Cause And Effect Essay Examples 
• 6. Cause And Effect Essay Topics 
• 7. Tips for Writing Cause and Effect Essays

What is a Cause and Effect Essay 

According to cause and effect essay definition:

It is a type of academic writing that explores the reasons behind an event or situation (the cause) and the outcomes or consequences that result from it (the effect). 

In this essay, you have to dig deeper into the "why" and "what happens next" aspects of a particular topic.

Understanding Causes and Effects 

Consider the below questions to evaluate the effectiveness of a cause and effect essay:

• What are the causes and effects?
• What elements should be emphasized?
• Are there single or multiple effects and causes?
• How to list causes and effects in an essay?

The Purpose of a Cause and Effect Essay 

The primary goal of writing a cause and effect essay is to provide insights into how different elements relate to one another. It helps readers comprehend the underlying reasons for certain events or phenomena. It enables you to:

• Uncover Connections: Explore and explain the links between causes and their effects.
• Analyze Events: Break down complex events into manageable parts.
• Illustrate Patterns: Highlight recurring patterns and trends in various situations.

Cause And Effect Essay Structure 

A well-structured cause and effect essay outline is crucial for effectively conveying your ideas and insights. 

Here's how to craft an organized and compelling cause and effect essay:

How To Write A Cause And Effect Essay 

Writing a cause and effect essay can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to explore the relationships between events and their consequences. 

To help you craft an effective cause and effect essay, here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose the Essay Topic 

Begin by choosing a topic that has significance and relevance. Look for subjects with clear cause-and-effect relationships to ensure your essay has a solid foundation. 

Consider both personal interests and the potential appeal to your target audience.

Step 2: Conduct Thorough Research 

Research is a fundamental step. Gather reliable information, data, and examples related to your chosen topic. 

Understanding the causes and effects comprehensively is vital for crafting a well-informed and persuasive essay.

Step 3: Create a Strong Thesis 

Your thesis statement is the core of your essay. It should clearly state whether you are focusing on causes, effects, or both. 

A well-crafted thesis provides direction for your essay and helps readers understand your essay's purpose.

Step 4: Structure Your Essay with an Outline 

An outline serves as a roadmap for your essay. It should detail the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. 

Each paragraph should have a specific focus on a single cause or effect, ensuring a logical and organized flow.

Step 5: Craft Engaging Introduction 

The cause and effect essay introduction is your first impression. Use a compelling hook to capture the reader's attention. 

Provide necessary background information to help your audience understand the context. 

Clearly state your thesis to set the stage for what's to come in your essay.

Step 6: Develop Detailed Body Paragraphs 

The body of your essay is where you explore causes and effects in depth. Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence that introduces a specific cause or effect. 

Provide detailed explanations, supporting evidence, and illustrative examples to back your points. 

Use smooth transitions to maintain a coherent flow between paragraphs.

Step 7: Address Counter Arguments in the Antithesis Paragraph 

To present a well-rounded perspective, include an antithesis paragraph. This section allows you to acknowledge opposing viewpoints related to your topic. 

By addressing counter arguments, your essay becomes more comprehensive and persuasive.

Step 8: Write an Effective Conclusion 

The conclusion should wrap up your essay effectively. Restate your thesis statement for cause and effect essay to remind readers of your main argument. 

Summarize the key insights discussed throughout your essay. 

Conclude with a thought-provoking sentence that leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

Cause and Effect Essay Format

In addition to structuring your cause and effect essay effectively, adhering to formatting guidelines is essential.

Here are the key formatting guidelines to follow:

• Font Type: Opt for widely accepted fonts such as Times New Roman or Arial. These fonts are easy to read and maintain consistency in your document.
• Font Size: Keep the text within your essay at a 12-point font size. This standard size ensures that your content is legible and easily comprehensible.
• Line Spacing : You have two choices for line spacing: either 1.5 or double line spacing. Double spacing may be more suitable for lengthy essays, while 1.5 spacing strikes a balance between readability and conservation of space.
• Alignment: Align your text to justify, which means both the left and right margins are straight. This creates a clean and organized appearance for your essay, enhancing its overall professionalism.
• Margins: Maintain one-inch margins on all sides of the document to give your essay a neat and well-structured look.

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Cause And Effect Essay Examples 

To gain a better understanding of how cause and effect essays are structured and written, it's often helpful to explore examples of cause and effect essays. 

Here are a few cause and effect essay pdfs that you can use as a starting point to guide your writing:

Cause And Effect Essay Sample

Cause And Effect Essay On Global Warming

Cause And Effect Essay On Climate Change

Covid 19 Cause And Effect Essay

Social Media Cause And Effect Essay

Poverty Cause And Effect Essay

Air Pollution Cause And Effect Essay

Cause And Effect Essay Examples College

Looking for more examples? Check out this cause and effect essay examples blog!

Cause And Effect Essay Topics 

Selecting the right topic is the foundation of a compelling cause and effect essay.. Here's a collection of thought-provoking topics that can serve as a great starting point for your essay:

• The Causes and Effects of Bullying on Mental Health
• The Impact of Divorce on Children
• The Causes and Effects of Global Warming on Human Health
• The Long term Effects of Peer Pressure on Decision-Making
• The Causes of Stress in the Modern World
• The Impact of Online Shopping on Traditional Retail
• The Causes and Effects of Immigration
• The Causes and Effects of Teenage Rebellion
• The Impact of Cell Phones on Personal Relationships
• The Causes and Effects of Political Polarization

Need more topics? Read our cause and effect essay topics blog!

Tips for Writing Cause and Effect Essays

Crafting a compelling cause and effect essay requires a thoughtful approach. Here are some valuable tips to help you excel in your essay writing process:

• Hook Your Readers: Begin with a compelling hook in your introduction to engage your audience from the start.
• Provide Detailed Explanations: In your body paragraphs, offer detailed explanations, supporting evidence, and examples for causes and effects.
• Use Transitional Phrases: Employ transitional words and phrases to ensure a smooth and logical flow between ideas.
• Consider Opposing Views: Include an antithesis paragraph to acknowledge contrasting viewpoints on your chosen topic.
• Tailor to Your Audience: Think about your target readers and adapt your language and examples to their understanding and interest levels.
• Avoid Plagiarism: Properly cite and reference all sources to maintain academic integrity and prevent plagiarism.
• Maintain Objectivity: Keep an objective tone throughout your essay, focusing on presenting well-supported causes and effects rather than personal opinions.
• Revise for Clarity: Review your essay to ensure that your cause-and-effect relationships are effectively and clearly conveyed.

All in all, this complete guide, examples, and tips will surely help you learn how to write a cause and effect essay step by step. Moreover, it will also refine your skills to get a better grade.

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CauseEffect Essay

Causeeffect essay generator.

In the realm of academic writing, the cause and effect essay stands as a fascinating exercise that delves into the intricate web of connections between events, actions, and outcomes. This genre of composition seeks to explore the underlying relationships between various elements, shedding light on the ripple effects that shape our world. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at cause and effect essay examples, uncovering their essence, and providing you with a comprehensive guide to master the art of crafting these insightful pieces.

1. Cause and Effect Essay Structure

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What is a Cause and Effect Essay?

A cause and effect essay is a type of expository writing that investigates the relationships between events, actions, or phenomena. It aims to uncover the reasons (causes) behind a particular occurrence and highlight the resulting consequences (effects). By examining these connections, writers can offer readers a deeper comprehension of how various factors interplay within a given context.

How to write a Cause and Effect Essay

Before we embark on this enlightening journey of crafting a cause and effect essay, let’s outline the fundamental steps that will guide us through the process. By following these steps, you’ll be equipped to create a structured and compelling essay that reveals the intricate patterns behind seemingly unrelated events.

Step 1: Choosing a Topic

Select a topic that piques your interest and is conducive to cause and effect analysis. It could be a social issue, scientific discovery, historical event, or any subject that offers a fertile ground for exploration.

Step 2: Conducting Research

Gather relevant information through various sources, such as books, articles, case studies, and scientific methods . Observe behaviors , identify key elements, and understand the context surrounding your chosen topic.

Step 3: Developing a Thesis Statement

Craft a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the main objective of your essay. This statement should encapsulate the cause-and-effect relationship you aim to explore.

Step 4: Organizing Your Essay

Create an outline that serves as the skeleton of your essay. Choose from different outline formats, such as chronological, categorical, or sequential, depending on the nature of your topic. This will help you arrange your ideas logically and maintain a coherent flow throughout your essay.

What’s the difference between cause and effect and correlation?

While cause and effect imply a direct relationship between events, correlation suggests a statistical association. Cause and effect delve into the mechanism behind an outcome, whereas correlation focuses on the simultaneous occurrence of two variables.

Can I use first-person pronouns in a cause and effect essay?

Generally, it’s recommended to maintain an objective tone in academic writing. However, if your essay involves personal experiences or observations, carefully integrate first-person pronouns while emphasizing the cause-and-effect relationship.

How do I ensure a strong link between causes and effects in my essay?

Use appropriate verbs to establish a clear cause-and-effect connection. Verbs like “cause,” “result in,” “lead to,” “trigger,” and “contribute to” help elucidate the relationships between events and their outcomes.

In the realm of academic exploration, cause and effect essays serve as invaluable tools for dissecting the complex tapestry of existence. By tracing the threads that bind events and outcomes, we gain a deeper understanding of the world’s inner workings. Armed with this knowledge and the steps outlined above, you are well-equipped to embark on your own cause and effect essay journey, unraveling the mysteries that shape our reality. So, grab your metaphorical magnifying glass and start deciphering the intricate web of cause and effect today.

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Write a CauseEffect Essay on how pollution affects ocean life

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Cause and Effect in Composition

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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)
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How to Write an Expository Essay | Structure, Tips & Examples

Published on July 14, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

“Expository” means “intended to explain or describe something.” An expository essay provides a clear, focused explanation of a particular topic, process, or set of ideas. It doesn’t set out to prove a point, just to give a balanced view of its subject matter.

Expository essays are usually short assignments intended to test your composition skills or your understanding of a subject. They tend to involve less research and original arguments than argumentative essays .

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Table of contents

When should you write an expository essay, how to approach an expository essay, introducing your essay, writing the body paragraphs, concluding your essay, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about expository essays.

In school and university, you might have to write expository essays as in-class exercises, exam questions, or coursework assignments.

Sometimes it won’t be directly stated that the assignment is an expository essay, but there are certain keywords that imply expository writing is required. Consider the prompts below.

The word “explain” here is the clue: An essay responding to this prompt should provide an explanation of this historical process—not necessarily an original argument about it.

Sometimes you’ll be asked to define a particular term or concept. This means more than just copying down the dictionary definition; you’ll be expected to explore different ideas surrounding the term, as this prompt emphasizes.

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An expository essay should take an objective approach: It isn’t about your personal opinions or experiences. Instead, your goal is to provide an informative and balanced explanation of your topic. Avoid using the first or second person (“I” or “you”).

The structure of your expository essay will vary according to the scope of your assignment and the demands of your topic. It’s worthwhile to plan out your structure before you start, using an essay outline .

A common structure for a short expository essay consists of five paragraphs: An introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Like all essays, an expository essay begins with an introduction . This serves to hook the reader’s interest, briefly introduce your topic, and provide a thesis statement summarizing what you’re going to say about it.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a typical introduction works.

In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation. Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.

The body of your essay is where you cover your topic in depth. It often consists of three paragraphs, but may be more for a longer essay. This is where you present the details of the process, idea or topic you’re explaining.

It’s important to make sure each paragraph covers its own clearly defined topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Different topics (all related to the overall subject matter of the essay) should be presented in a logical order, with clear transitions between paragraphs.

Hover over different parts of the example paragraph below to see how a body paragraph is constructed.

The invention of the printing press in 1440 changed this situation dramatically. Johannes Gutenberg, who had worked as a goldsmith, used his knowledge of metals in the design of the press. He made his type from an alloy of lead, tin, and antimony, whose durability allowed for the reliable production of high-quality books. This new technology allowed texts to be reproduced and disseminated on a much larger scale than was previously possible. The Gutenberg Bible appeared in the 1450s, and a large number of printing presses sprang up across the continent in the following decades. Gutenberg’s invention rapidly transformed cultural production in Europe; among other things, it would lead to the Protestant Reformation.

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The conclusion of an expository essay serves to summarize the topic under discussion. It should not present any new information or evidence, but should instead focus on reinforcing the points made so far. Essentially, your conclusion is there to round off the essay in an engaging way.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a conclusion works.

The invention of the printing press was important not only in terms of its immediate cultural and economic effects, but also in terms of its major impact on politics and religion across Europe. In the century following the invention of the printing press, the relatively stationary intellectual atmosphere of the Middle Ages gave way to the social upheavals of the Reformation and the Renaissance. A single technological innovation had contributed to the total reshaping of the continent.

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

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An expository essay is a broad form that varies in length according to the scope of the assignment.

Expository essays are often assigned as a writing exercise or as part of an exam, in which case a five-paragraph essay of around 800 words may be appropriate.

You’ll usually be given guidelines regarding length; if you’re not sure, ask.

An expository essay is a common assignment in high-school and university composition classes. It might be assigned as coursework, in class, or as part of an exam.

Sometimes you might not be told explicitly to write an expository essay. Look out for prompts containing keywords like “explain” and “define.” An expository essay is usually the right response to these prompts.

An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

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

Every professor expects students to know how to write a cause and effect essay. They might explain, but if you’re here, then this explanation wasn’t sufficient. Don’t be concerned, as our guide will answer each question you might have in less than ten minutes. We got some of our best experts to combine their experience and share their insights with students. If you aren’t interested in gaining them and want quick help, contact us and tell us, “Please write my essay on a specific topic.” But if you’re determined to do it personally, look at our guide, see examples scattered throughout this text, and by the end of it, your knowledge of how to write such an essay will be absolute.

Cause and Effect Writing and Its Purpose

You have to choose a topic, research it, understand why it happened, and explain this process from its inception to its implications. Connecting points and educating yourself along with your readers is the central goal of this assignment. It might be complex and boring, especially if you choose the wrong topic, but with some knowledge and patience, you’ll be a master before you know it.

Six Steps that Will Help Prepare You for Successful Essay Writing

Before and when they’re writing cause and effect essays, students must cover several productive writing stages. There are only six of them. Each of them is simple, and together, they form an impressive paper.

• Brainstorm and come up with a topic. Sometimes students receive a prompt from their professor. In this case, they might look for an article review writing service because they have no interest in reading the assigned article, never mind reviewing it. But if you’re free to make your own choices, decide on a unique topic for your cause-and-effect paper, something you find truly curious. Brainstorm by going through your interests, speaking with friends, or browsing online topics for perfection. Remember that you must have both a cause plus an effect for exploring.
• Make up a strong thesis. Thesis plays such an important role in writing that students have to develop it first and foremost. Inside a standard cause and effect essay structure, the thesis will take place at the end of the introduction. It’s a summary of your paper confined to just one single sentence. It should be powerful, and it must directly engage your readers in your argument. We’re going to give you an example. Our chosen essay topic is “The Impact that Unhealthy Dynamics in a Family Have on a Person’s Future Romantic Relationships.” A possible thesis could be:   “Unhealthy family dynamics cause people to have unsatisfying romantic relationships in their future, as obvious in the example of Vivien from the regarded case study.”
• Arrange points from the thesis into body paragraphs. The next step lies in placing each aspect of your thesis into its own cause and effect paragraph. We suggest creating an outline: it is a quick process, and it will hardly take you ten minutes, but its value will last for as long as you’re working on a final version of your essay. Outlines ground you; they preserve your ideas and remind you of them any time they begin to slip your mind. Create it, make it of any length, and you’ll see how much it simplifies your life later.
• Create your first draft. Most students are impatient to know how to start a cause and effect essay: they don’t want to waste their time on drafts. Unfortunately, it’s an important step that we wholeheartedly recommend you follow. Writing a draft takes maybe an hour, but once you do it, you’ll leave the hardest steps behind. It won’t be difficult to expand your already-crafted points, add quotes from relevant research, and polish any rough edges. Checking which of these nuances are necessary is what students should do next.
• Review it in search of any issues. Check the draft of your cause and effect research paper thoroughly. Identify any problems with it. Some points may sound weak; some paragraphs are more convincing than others, or the conclusion is ineffective. If you need, take a break and return to re-reading your essay.
• Correct them and expand the draft. At this stage, you can finally focus on writing your cause and effect expository essay. Correct every weakness you identified during previous steps in your draft and start working on each paragraph, starting with the introduction. Add details to your ideas, create links, and elaborate on conclusions. Ensure your word count corresponds to the number of words your professor requires.

Structure of a Cause and Effect Essay

The cause-and-effect paper doesn’t differ from any other essay in structure. It must have at least three well-defined paragraphs: introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction and conclusion should constitute about 10% of your word count. Start your introduction with a hook: it’s the very first sentence. It must be impressive, and it should awaken curiosity in your audience. After that, describe your topic’s background. Mention how an issue emerged and which causes commonly contribute to it. You already know how to write a cause and effect thesis — it comes last in the introduction, and it must create a layout for your future exploration.

The body is the most responsible part. It’s heavy with content, and it must begin with a special opening sentence that links back to the thesis statement. Never include direct quotes in it: make it clear what your paragraph will focus on. Afterward, introduce research and explanations, and cite sources you use correctly. Finish it with a closing sentence that summarizes what you’ve just discussed. If you face problems at any stage, consult our college paper writing service at any time. The conclusion is the final section that must remind readers of your thesis and the major outcomes you’ve reached. Specify the connection between your reason and its effect.

Types of Cause and Effect Papers You Could Pick

Unless college professors specify their requirements, students could choose their preferred cause and effect essay format. There are three kinds of it. We’ll discuss them all while giving you some quick examples:

• Effect-Focused Essay. In these papers, the effect dominates the entire show. While students should still discuss causes, most of their attention goes toward what consequences they have. Imagine a topic about the problem of drinking coffee often. A cause would be excessive coffee drinking, while the effect would be insomnia, irritability, and headaches. In such an essay, students would have to discuss the issue of coffee drinking in one paragraph before moving on to its effects, exploring them in detail, and dedicating a separate paragraph to each.
• Cause-Focused Essay. In the cause and effect essay definition, no focus goes toward a specific part, but if you want to concentrate on a cause in particular, nothing is stopping you. Take a topic about inefficient policies at school leading to aggravated incidents of bullying among students. If you plan on emphasizing the policies, do it by listing each of them and dedicating several paragraphs to them. Mention the bullying as the result of such policies quickly, without stopping to expand it or go into details.
• Casual Chain Method Essay. This is an interesting model that allows students to describe causes and effects one by one, alternating between them repeatedly. Instead of focusing on a certain cause or a specific consequence, you build a whole chain of them. Here is a fitting scenario: your colleague fell sick, and you had to take up their work shift; because of this, you didn’t have time to do your homework, so you decided to get essays for sale from experts. Your colleague’s illness is a cause that led to extra work for you — this is one chain of cause and effect; an insufficient amount of free time resulted in you ordering your paper from third parties. This is a second chain of causes and effects.

Pick any model from above. They are all efficient.

Example of Your Cause and Effect Outline

Hopefully, you know why outlines are crucial by now. We want to give you an even more explicit idea by sharing an outline for our hypothetical essay. It’s going to mention every key part of the ideal paper structure briefly:

Introduction

Hook: “Wounds left in a childhood continue to fester decades after they were inflicted.”

Background: Research shows that children who grow up surrounded by unhealthy dynamics are usually incapable of forming healthy romantic relationships in adulthood.

Thesis statement: Unhealthy dynamics within families cause people to have unsatisfying romantic relationships in their future, as obvious in the example of Vivien from the regarded case study.

Body paragraph: Proving how people with childhood traumas struggle with forming solid romantic bonds on the example of a case study.

As a case study showed, having toxic relationships in one’s childhood leaves a negative impact on a person’s ability to build their own healthy family.

Five Ideas of Topics for Your Cause and Effect Paper

If you need ideas for your essay on cause and effects, we have a couple of suggestions. Here are five topics that could inspire you. We offered explanations for them, too, to help you make your decision more easily.

• How Writing Fanfiction Can Affect People’s Skills

Explore how writing fanfiction is a cause that has different effects on people, such as improving their writing skills, helping them learn a new language, preparing them for criticism, and so on.

• The Effect PTSD Has on Sleep Patterns

Focus on PTSD or its effects, like insomnia and nightmares. You could also focus on both to the same degree.

• How Serial Killers Are Made

Trace the link between abusive childhood and violence that progresses in some abused children, with them going after animals first, then moving on to people.

• What Led Hitler toward Power

Describe what caused Hitler to nearly succeed in conquering half of the world, such as weak global policies, the stupidity of the USSR, and the greediness of the USA.

• Why It Might Be Difficult for Rabbits to Bond with Humans

Emphasize that rabbits are prey animals and their nature affects their attitude toward humans, making them scared and wary.

Practical Cause and Effect Essays Examples

Our collection of samples has numerous cause-and-effect papers, all free. You can find them on different topics and see how they should sound. If you are too impatient, we present an immediate short sample below. It focuses on the topic we already introduced about unhealthy childhood complicating people’s ability to build romantic relationships.

Wounds left in childhood continue to fester decades after they were inflicted. Research by Miliens (2022) shows that children who grew up surrounded by unhealthy dynamics usually cannot form healthy romantic relationships in adulthood. They might become abusers by themselves, manipulating their partners and creating another cycle of toxic communication. Unhealthy family dynamics cause people to have unsatisfying romantic relationships in the future, as obvious in the example of Vivien from the regarded case study.

The case study focusing on a girl named Vivien demonstrates that children who do not have healthy role models might be unable to create a positive romantic bond as they mature. According to Miliens (2022), children are extremely vulnerable to influence. He performed a case study, and one of its participants was Vivien, aged 21. As a child, she had a domineering mother and an obedient father who did everything his wife told him. He was working, cooking, and cleaning the house while the mother was focused on her hobbies. Vivien did not receive sufficient attention from either of her parents and when she was 18, she began a relationship of her own. She expected her boyfriend to do everything and cater to her every whim; instead of communicating her feelings, she tried to give commands. When her boyfriend disagreed, she shouted, cried, and threatened suicide, which is a common manipulation technique (Miliens, 2022). Thus, after watching the unhealthy dynamic between her parents, Vivien tried to enforce the same model on her boyfriend, creating a new cycle of abuse.

Children who watched their parents engage in unhealthy relationships often cannot build an appropriate relationship themselves. Vivien’s example from a case study by Miliens (2022) proves it. Toxic role models she observed in her childhood became the cause that brought the negative effect of her creating a failing relationship in her adulthood. Therapy might be helpful in addressing these problems in such people.

Enjoy Writing Your Paper Now that You Have Knowledge for It

You know how to write a cause and effect essay introduction; you understand what the body entails and what steps to take to craft a compelling paper. If we answered all your questions, start creating right away. Consult our experts if you need more tangible help or advice, and keep our guide close because it belongs to you now. Let it help you complete your homework effectively.

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Hello there! I am Laura Callisen, and I fancy myself to be a modern “Renaissance person.” I suppose my 30-something self began my incredible journey after having been born in Stavanger, Norway and then immigrating to the U.S. (Utah, actually) at the age of 5. I am certain that this change was more of a cultural “shock” for my parents than for me, because I quickly mastered the language and was clever enough to “play the game” of public education in America. After graduating from Skyline High School, where I spent two years as the school newspaper editor, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in English and journalism from the University of Utah was a natural culmination of my love for writing.

My inclination to be socially conscious led me to lots of community outreach and volunteering during my college years, especially in the areas of educational and housing improvement for the poor and a number of environmental crusades. My passion for philosophy and travel have now taken over, and I am enthralled with the widely varied value systems of all cultures in which I can immerse myself, if only temporarily. My life as a freelance writer allows a freedom I never want to sacrifice for a stuffy office!

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Chapter 9-2: The Cause & Effect Essay

Introduction

In a cause and effect essay, the writer studies the reasons for an event, the results of the event, or both.

Example topics:

Discuss the reasons people decide to have children (cause essay)

Examine the consequences of Brexit (effect essay)

Analyze the causes and effects of drug addiction (cause and effect essay)

We can use the five-paragraph approach for any type of cause and effect essay:

An introductory paragraph

The introduction should include a hook, which opens the essay in an engaging way. A few sentences of connecting information will lead to the thesis statement. The thesis statement will state whether you're focusing on effects, causes, or both.

Three evidentiary body paragraphs

Your three body paragraphs and their content will vary based on whether you're discussing only cause or effect, or cause and effect. See below for a general guideline.

A conclusion

Your conclusion will restate your thesis based on the points you made in the body of the essay. Then you can close your essay with an opinion, suggestion, or prediction.

Cause or Effect

Cause/Effect 1 with supporting evidence and explanation

Cause/Effect 2 with supporting evidence and explanation

Cause/Effect 3 with supporting evidence and explanation

Cause and Effect

This structure has a bit more flexibility, depending on what causes and effects you choose to discuss, but here is one guideline:

Cause 1 and Effect of Cause 1

Cause 2 and Effect of Cause 2

Cause 3 and Effect of Cause 3

Useful Words

As a consequence

As a result

For this reason

For example

For instance

In conclusion

furthermore

in addition to

on account of

consequently

Useful Phrases

(X) causes / produces (Y)

(X) leads to / gives rise to / brings about / results in (Y)

This means that...

One consequence of this is...

Affect vs. effect

These two words can be easy to confuse. Here's the difference:

have an effect on; make a difference to.

"Climate change affects animal habitats."

a change which is a result or consequence of an action or other cause.

"the effects of video games"

Essay Outline

This outline of a cause and effect essay should help you with the content of your essay.

Teacher’s Name

Course Title

Title: Choose something informative that will let readers know if you're studying causes, effects, or both

Your introduction paragraph will open with a hook to engage the reader. Some connecting information should follow. Lastly, you should have your thesis statement. The thesis statement will summarize what you're studying: causes, effects, or both.

Cause/Effect 1: In this paragraph, address the first cause or effect. A good structure is to begin with evidence or supporting information and end with the cause or effect.

Cause/Effect 2: Examine the second cause or effect. It is good to have more than one point of evidence or information to support each cause or effect.

Cause/Effect 3: The third paragraph will have the third and final cause or effect. Remember to use the useful words and phrases from above to connect ideas.

Summarize your conclusions with your ending paragraph. Restate your thesis paragraph and your three points. Then end the essay with a suggestion, opinion, or prediction.

Sample Essay

NOTE: this is a sample essay designed to fit on one page. The number of words that you are required to write, the number of ideas that you are required to express, and the formatting rules you are required to follow may be different for your own assignment. Refer to your assignment instructions for this information.

The MLA format for essays has the following rules:

Font: 12pt Times New Roman

Margins: One-inch margins in all sides

Heading: Left-justified at the beginning of the essay and includes:

Teacher's name

Course title

Paragraphs: Double spaced with indentation on first line

External Resources

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137 Intriguing Cause & Effect Essay Topics for Students

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

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

Science and Environment Cause & Effect Essay Topics

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

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

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

Technology and Social Media Cause & Effect Essay Topics

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

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

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

Culture and Social Issues Cause & Effect Essay Topics

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

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

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

Sports Cause & Effect Essay Topics

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

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

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

History Cause & Effect Essay Topics

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

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

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

Mental Health Cause & Effect Essay Topics

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

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

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

Current Events Cause & Effect Essay Topics

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

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

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

Education Cause & Effect Essay Topics

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

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

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

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

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

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Exploring Cause and Effect Using Expository Texts About Natural Disasters

• Resources & Preparation
• Instructional Plan
• Related Resources

Expository texts are a key component of literacy but often do not get introduced to students until the later grades. This lesson helps third- through fifth-grade students explore the nature and structure of expository texts that focus on cause and effect. Students begin by activating prior knowledge about cause and effect; the teacher then models discovering these relationships in a text and recording in a graphic organizer what the relationships that the class finds. Students work in small groups to apply what they learned using related books and then write paragraphs outlining the cause-and-effect relationships they have found.

Featured Resources

• ReadWriteThink Webbing Tool : This online interactive tool will help students understand the importance of organizing ideas and concepts from informational text.
• Essay Map : This online interactive tool will help students map out and write clear paragraphs that include information about cause-and-effect relationships from their expository text.

From Theory to Practice

• Students need more exposure to expository text along with explicit instruction that helps them understand the features and structure of this type of writing.  
• There is a wide range of informational books written for children; many of these books are appropriate for teaching expository text structure.  
• Among the text structures these texts can teach are description, sequence, comparison and contrast, problem and solution, and cause and effect.  
• Teachers should model how to find these text structures before asking students to discover them independently or in small groups.

Common Core Standards

This resource has been aligned to the Common Core State Standards for states in which they have been adopted. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, CCSS alignments are forthcoming.

State Standards

This lesson has been aligned to standards in the following states. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, standard alignments are not currently available for that state.

NCTE/IRA National Standards for the English Language Arts

• 1. Students read a wide range of print and nonprint texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works.
• 3. Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features (e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).
• 5. Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.
• 6. Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g., spelling and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and nonprint texts.
• 11. Students participate as knowledgeable, reflective, creative, and critical members of a variety of literacy communities.
• 12. Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).

Materials and Technology

• Danger! Volcanoes by Seymour Simon (SeaStar Books; 2002)  
• Computer with Internet access  
• LCD projector
• Blank Graphic Organizer  
• Natural Disaster Booklist  
• Cause-and-Effect Graphic Organizer Rubric  
• Cause-and-Effect Paragraph Rubric  
• Sample Paragraph  
• Sample Graphic Organizer for Danger! Volcanoes

Preparation

Student Objectives

Students will

• Access prior knowledge by identifying what they know about cause-and-effect relationships  
• Gain knowledge by defining cause and effect, learning key words that indicate cause-and-effect relationships in expository text, and reviewing a text containing these relationships during a whole-class exercise  
• Apply what they have learned about cause and effect and demonstrate comprehension of it by locating cause-and-effect relationships within expository text, recording these findings on two graphic organizers, and then using the organizers to write a paragraph

Note: If you do not have classroom computers with Internet access, this session will take place in the computer lab. You should display the graphic organizer and list of key words you completed with students during Session 1. You will also need to bring the texts you have assembled for students to read (see Preparation, Step 3).

Student Assessment / Reflections

• Informally assess students' comprehension of cause and effect by observing the discussion during Session 1. If it seems that students do not fully understand cause and effect, are unable to find it in the text, or do not know what the keywords associated with this text structure are, you may want to work with them on another text before asking them to work in small groups.  
• Observe students while they work in small groups. Are they able to locate the cause-and-effect relationships in the texts they are reading? Collect the webs students create during Session 2 and use the Cause-and-Effect Graphic Organizer Rubric to assess them.  
• Assess students' paragraphs using the Cause-and-Effect Paragraph Rubric .
• Calendar Activities
• Student Interactives
• Lesson Plans

The Webbing Tool provides a free-form graphic organizer for activities that ask students to pursue hypertextual thinking and writing.

The Essay Map is an interactive graphic organizer that enables students to organize and outline their ideas for an informational, definitional, or descriptive essay.

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