and Cause Effect Writing
English
S. Bess
Cause and Effect
analyzes why something
happens.
Some effects are caused
by multiple causes.
Some causes, in turn, can
result in multiple effects.
Do not confuse words like because,
therefore and consequently (indicating a
causal relationship), with words like
subsequently, later, and afterward
(chronological relationship words)
Planning a Cause and Effect Essay
Purpose and Thesis:
Be sure to identify the relationships among the specific
causes and effect you will discuss.
Thesis statement should tell the reader
The points you plan to consider
The position you will take
Whether you will emphasize causes, effects, or both.
The cause and/or effect you consider most
important.
The order in which you will treat your points.
Planning a Cause and Effect Essay
Order and sequence; several possibilities
include:
Chronological
Main cause first, and then contributory causes
Contributory causes first, and main then cause.
Negative effects first, then positive
First dismiss events that are not causes, and
then discuss actual causes for an effect.
Most obvious causes first, and then less
obvious causes.
Planning a Cause and Effect Essay
Transitions!
Transitions are essential to this type of
essay to distinguish causes from effects.
For a useful list of cause and effect
transitions, see page 152.
Planning a Cause and Effect Essay
Structuring a Cause and Effect Essay
Finding Causes
Less important cause > effect> most important
cause
Describing or Predicting Effects
Cause > first effect> second effect > third (most
important) effect> conclusion (with possible
prediction of additional effects).
Revising a Cause and Effect Essay
See diagram on page 147
Editing a Cause and Effect Essay
Avoid redundant phrases like the reason is because
Use Affect and Effect correctly. Examples p 146
Editing checklist on back book flap