Cause Effect
Uploaded by
Julio HernándezCause Effect
Uploaded by
Julio HernándezCause-Effect Essay
Introduction
The cause-effect essay explains why or
how some event happened, and what
resulted from the event.
This essay is a study of the relationship
between two or more events or experiences.
In other words, cause
c and effect essays
focus on why things happen (causes) and
what happens as a result (effects).
When writing a cause and effect
essay:
1. Distinguish between cause and effect.
To determine causes, ask, "Why did this
happen?"
To identify effects, ask, "What happened
because of this?“
2. Develop your thesis statement.
State clearly whether you are discussing
causes, effects, or both.
Introduce your main idea, using the terms
“cause” and/or “effect.”
3. Organise supporting
details.
You can organise details in the
following ways:
• Chronological. Details are arranged in the
order in which the events occurred.
• Order of importance. Details are arranged
from least to most important or vice versa.
• Categorical. Details are arranged by dividing
the topic into parts or categories.
4. Use appropriate transitions.
To blend details, Cause Signal Effect Signal
Words
use the transitional Words
words and phrases.
because, consequentl
due to, y, as a
result, thus,
one cause
is, another resulted in,
is, since, one result
is, another
for,
is, therefore
first,
second
Block & Chain
You can organise a cause/effect essay in two
main ways:
1. Block organisation
2. Chain organisation
Block Organisation
In block organisation, you first discuss all the
causes as a block, then, you discuss all the
effects together as a block.
Cause Effect
Effect Cause
Cause Cause
Cause Effect
Cause Effect
Effect Effect
Example:
Cause
Effect
Your car is out of
petrol.
Your car won't start
Example:
effect
cause
Obesity
Eating disorders
Example:
Cause Thinking about your
family
Cause Forgot bring your ID
card
Cause Missed writing exam
Effect Failed writing course
Example:
Effect Decrease in personal
liberties
Increase in nationalism
Effect
Greater prejudice against
those of Middle Eastern
Effect decent
The events of September 11,
Cause 2001 changed the face of our
nation forever
Transition Paragraph
In block organisation, a short paragraph
often separates one major section from
another major section. This paragraph is
called a transition paragraph.
Its purpose is to conclude one section and
introduce another section.
It is helpful when your topic is long and
complex.
Diagram of cause-effect essay
Introduction
Introduce the subject
Body
Describe the cause and its
effects
cause
effect effect effect
Conclusion
Summary
Chain Organisation
In a chain-reaction essay, the reader
describes how one event led to
another.
Introductio Effect Effect
n
Conclusio
Cause Cause n
My wife left me!
Chain Reaction of events:
I received a deport from my boss.
Because of my arrest, I lost my job.
Because I lost my job, I had no money.
Because I had no money, my wife left me.
Suggestions
Remember your purpose
Focus on immediate and direct causes
(or effects)
Strengthen your essay by using
supporting evidence
When evaluating a cause and
effect essay, ask the following
questions:
What are the causes?
What are the effects?
Which should be emphasised?
Are there single or multiple causes?
Are there single or multiple effects?
Is a chain reaction involved?
