In this type of essay, you must choose a topic, such as an event, situation, action, change, etc, and examine its causes (how/why did this happen, how/why do people do this?) and/or its effects (what are the results or consequences of this decision, change, etc). It is important to consider the following:
- Be Clear. Be sure that your reasons are clear and that you have not missed a step in the causal chain. For example, do not write “The divorce rate has increased over recent decades; therefore, more young people are becoming involved in criminal activity”.
- Avoid easy and obvious points. While it is more challenging, examining indirect causes or effects will make for a more interesting essay and will demonstrate that you have thought very deeply on the subject.
Cause and Effect Essay Structure
Introduction
- Hook
- Begin your introductory paragraph with an engaging sentence to get the reader’s attention and introduce your topic in an interesting way.
- Background
- Present general information describing or explaining the event/situation of which you are examining the cause/effects. Is it positive or negative?
- Thesis Statement
- The final sentence of the introductory paragraph contains the main idea of your essay. It should be a clear sentence containing three causes for, or effects of, your topic. Be sure your points are presented in a parallel sentence. Example: People get tattoos to express themselves, to take control of their lives, or to symbolize their commitment to something.
Body
- The body paragraph/s support and develop the thesis statement by examining the causes/effects in detail. Be specific.
- The body could be one paragraph or three, depending on the length. You could present all three points in one paragraph or dedicate a paragraph for each point.
Conclusion
- Restate the thesis and summarize the three points of the essay.
- End with a strong statement that will leave an impression on the reader, possibly a prediction or warning.
Exercise
Please open the exercise to continue.