outline example for cause and effect essay

A Guide to Writing a Cause and Effect Essay

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

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

What is a cause and effect essay?

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

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

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

How to structure a cause and effect essay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to write a cause and effect essay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Example outline of a cause and effect essay

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

• Introduction

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

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

Cause and effect essay FAQs

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

What is the purpose of a cause and effect essay?

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

How do you structure a cause and effect essay?

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

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

20 June, 2020

9 minutes read

Author:  Tomas White

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

What is a Cause and Effect Essay?

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

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

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

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

Types of the Cause and Effect Essay

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

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

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

1. Many causes, one effect

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

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

Here is how to structure this type of essay:

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

2. One cause, many effects

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

Here is the structure for this kind of essay:

• Effect #3 (and so on…)

3. Chain of causes and effects

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

Here is the outline structure:

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

Cause and Effect Essay Outline Example

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Cause and Effect Essay Examples

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When you eat a really good pizza, you say, “yum” and likely reach for another slice. That’s basic cause and effect. The pizza was good, so you responded and ate more. You’ve probably partaken in so many examples of cause and effect without even knowing it, so you already have the basic recipe to create an amazing piece of writing. But how do you turn all that into a zesty cause and effect essay?

What Is A Cause and Effect Essay?

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

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

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

A basic cause and effect essay structure would look like:

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

Structure of a Short Cause and Effect Essay

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

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

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

Cause and Effect Essay Examples

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

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Sample Cause and Effect Essay Introduction

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

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

Sample Body Paragraphs for a Cause and Effect Essay

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

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

Sample Cause and Effect Essay Conclusion

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

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

Cause and Effect Essay Topics

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

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

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

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

Tips for Writing a Cause and Effect Essay

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

Keep Asking Yourself “Why” and “What Happened”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But Don’t Worry About Covering Them All

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

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

How to Write a Cause & Effect Essay: Examples, Outline, & Tips

You don’t need to be a nerd to understand the general idea behind cause and effect essays. Let’s see! If you skip a meal, you get hungry. And if you write an essay about it, your goal is achieved!

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However, following multiple rules of academic writing can be a tough task. But don’t worry; this guide can help you finish your cause and effect writing assignment on time and with little to no stress. By the end of this article by Custom-Writing.org experts, you will know the structure and variations of this essay type. Long story short, it’s a full guide on how to write a cause and effect essay (with examples!).

❓ What Is a Cause and Effect Essay?

✍️ how to write a cause and effect essay.

• 💡 Choose Your Topic
• 🎓 Create a Thesis Statement
• 📑 Outline Your Essay
• 📝 Develop the Paragraphs
• 👀 Essay Examples

🔗 References

A cause and effect essay’s main focus is to work through the relationship between two events . Specifically, it highlights how one event leads to the second one. The writing structure changes depending on the ratio of causes to effects that you choose. Read the examples below for more detail.

As mentioned, this article can be considered the ultimate guide to writing a perfect cause and effect essay. It consists of smooth and clear instructions with examples.

• First, it tells you how to choose a suitable topic. This is vital as it becomes the foundation for your essay.
• Then, there is some information on how to choose the outline that is appropriate for your essay’s primary focus.
• Finally, you will learn what language you should use to hit the best score! It concludes with a cause and effect essay sample, which you may use as an example.

💡 Choose Your Cause and Effect Essay Topic

In order to find a good topic for your cause and effect essay, you should choose what to focus on: the causes or the effects? Not only does the whole structure of your paper depend on it, but you also need to pick a suitable topic based on that decision. Let’s see how the topic would change depending on the focus.

Cause & Effect Essay Topics

• How does noise pollution affect your physical and mental health? 
• What were the main reasons of the Great Depression ?  
• What does a high sugar consumption do to our health?  
• The impact of social media on children’s mantal health.  
• Reasons and effect of gender segregation in the labor market.  
• What induces people to take drugs ?  
• The main reasons for parking shortage in big cities .  
• How can regular exercises add to our physical and mental wellbeing?  
• How did World War II affect social and political structure of the world?  
• The main factors that caused the global poverty .  

🎓 Create a Cause and Effect Thesis Statement

The best cause and effect essays also have a well-prepared thesis statement . Generally, the thesis statement would point out your point of view and your essay’s main ideas. Here, however, you should also not forget to highlight whether the focus is on causes or effects. You can use a thesis statement generator for essay to speed up the creation process. For instance, this statement highlights the effects of daily walks, states that the author supports this idea, and presents one thing that causes three effects:

Walking for at least half an hour every day can bring numerous positive benefits for your health: it improves blood circulation, strengthens joints, and helps with weight loss.

📑 Outline Your Cause and Effect Essay

Like the topic, your cause and effect essay outline is affected by your writing focus. The structure depends on how many relations you choose to highlight. For instance, there may be only one leading cause or multiple. The same is with effects. Moreover, there is one additional type.

Many Causes, One Effect

In this kind of essay, you would focus on discussing as many related causes as you can think of. An additional advantage would be if you could select various causes from different areas. But remember to prove that they all lead to one effect.

This cause and effect essay structure reflects the general outline you are used to (remember that conclusion is usually a paraphrase of a thesis statement from the introduction).

Many Causes, One Effect Essay Outline Example

1. Introduction

1.1. Thesis statement: Bullying begins with personal desires or family issues and leads to increased numbers of suffering children.

2. Main body

2.1. Cause 1: Bullies want to be noticed.

2.2. Cause 2: They want to feel superior.

2.3. Cause 3: There are issues at home.

2.4. Effect: Many innocent kids become victims of bullying.

3. Conclusion

One Cause, Many Effects

The outline of this type of essay would look a lot like the previous one, except that the ratio of causes and effects is mirrored. You should be quite competent in the topic you’re working on to produce a quality essay.

Receive a plagiarism-free paper tailored to your instructions.

One Cause, Many Effects Essay Outline Example

1.1. Thesis Statement: Overusing social media can lead to adverse psychological and emotional effects.

2.1. Cause: Spending too much time on social media, watching other users’ lives.

2.2. Effect 1: Users become more self-conscious about their appearance or quality of life.

2.3. Effect 2: It takes up time that could have been used for more useful activities.

2.3. Effect 3: Real-life relationships and other commitments suffer.

Cause-Effect Chain

It may be more challenging than the other essays. The structure of this type of writing reflects a chain reaction. The effect of the initial cause leads to another cause and effect cycle. You will need to be careful and very attentive in order to maintain the logical order.

1.1. Thesis Statement: Through the chain of causes and effects, it can be observed that the use of hair spray may lead to a global catastrophe.

2.1. Cause and effect chain #1: Chlorofluorocarbons were used to make hairsprays 50 years ago, but they are harmful to the ozone layer – some of them are still in the atmosphere ruining ozone molecules.

2.2. Cause and effect chain #2: Less ozone layer causes icebergs to melt faster.

2.3. Cause and effect chain #3. Melting ice causes the sea level to rise and flood the land.

📝 Develop Your Cause and Effect Paragraphs

Since we are talking about academic writing here, it’s essential to keep your language appropriate. The most commonly used word, in this case, is “because .” However, you shouldn’t overuse it.

There are quite a few ready-to-use phrases that are most suitable for this type of essay. Include these in your cause and effect paragraphs to make the transition between ideas smoother and your writing more coherent:

• As a consequence, …
• It leads to…
• (The cause) results in / causes / influences (the effect)
• The key factors are…
• One of the results is…
• The primary effect of (the cause) is…

Don’t forget to use sentence connectors, such as:

• In addition
• Furthermore
• Consequently

After completing the first draft, you should proofread your writing and carefully check that there are no sentence fragments, like this:

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Because I haven’t slept in two days before the exam.

Sometimes, rushing through the writing process may lead your thoughts astray, and you leave the ending of the sentence unfinished. However, it’s a severe mistake, so try to avoid it.

In addition, you should not mix the verb tenses. If you are describing a past event, stick to the past tense. Of course, it may depend on the situation. For instance, the present tense is used to talk about universal truth, while different tenses can be used for writing a report.

👀 Cause and Effect Essay Examples

We have gone step by step through the process of writing a good cause and effect essay. Now, finally, you can check out how it should look altogether. The following writing follows the template of the outline about bullying that we introduced earlier. It has all the necessary elements, such as the structure, vocabulary, and the thesis statement highlighted. It is a great example of a cause and effect essay, so go ahead and read it through!

Bullying in Schools (Cause & Effect Essay Sample)

Want more samples? We’ve got you covered! Here’s a bonus list of cause and effect essay examples.

• Causes and Effects of Divorce
• Causes and Effects of Drug Addiction
• Sophocles’ Antigone: Cause & Effect Essay
• Child Abuse and Health of Nation: Cause & Effect
• Cause and Effect: Living with Pets Improves Their Owners’ Health
• American Society Police Brutality Causes and Effects
• Civil War in the US: Causes and Effects
• Causes and Effects of Fast-Food Addiction
• Diabetes: Causes and Effects of Disease
• Tsunamis in Australia: Causes and Adverse Effects
• Cause-and-effect | Definition of Cause-and-effect at Dictionary.com
• Causes and Effects – Harvard Business Review
• Cause and effect | Nature Methods
• Cause and Effect – SAGE Research Methods
• Cause and Effect in Epidemiology | SpringerLink
• Patterns in the Landscape – Analyses of Cause and Effect
• Cause and Effect Diagram – Clinical Excellence Commission
• Explaining Causality – Academic Phrasebank
• Cause and Effect Essay Examples (Your Dictionary)
• Cause and Effect – Writing for Success
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How To Write Cause And Effect Essay: Writing Guide

01 Jun 2022

Understanding the mechanics of a cause-effect essay is essential for enhancing your academic writing skills. These essays require critical thinking and a solid understanding of structure and format to arrive at conclusions while discussing cause-and-effect relationships. Explore all there is to know about cause and effect writing with our guide. You’ll get an overview, from its definition to helpful tips for crafting compelling pieces.

• A cause-and-effect essay is a tool that dissects the relationship between reasons something happens and its subsequent results
• Three main methods to structure a cause-and-effect essay and practical tips for writing.
• List of essential transitions for this type of essay, outline templates, and cause-and-effect essay sample.

Furthermore, by analyzing how different factors interact and influence each other. You can write a deep comprehension of complex issues and cultivate critical thinking skills that will be valuable in various aspects of your life. So, let us dive in and discover the fascinating world of cause-and-effect essays together!

What Is a Cause and Effect Essay

The cause-and-effect essay examines how one idea, individual, or circumstance impacts another. It can uncover connections that may not be immediately apparent and provide insight into the broader implications of a situation. Formulating a compelling concluding sentence requires extensive research and a thorough understanding of how various factors interact.

It is important to note that these types of essays are complex pieces of writing that require significant effort to produce. For those needing assistance, using a professional  cause-and-effect essay writing service is more than just recommended. It can be essential for success. With their expertise in crafting high-quality academic papers, these services can ensure that your paper meets all requirements and help you earn the grade you desire.

In conclusion, it is critical to understand such essays and how to approach them skillfully. It allows you to explore  fascinating cause-and-effect essay topics in depth using this unique style of argumentation. Whether examining historical possibilities or current trends in society, such essays provide a powerful tool for gaining insight into complex issues.

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Developing the Ideal Structure for a Cause and Effect Essay

In a cause-and-effect paper, you can organize the body in various ways depending on the purpose and relatedness of causes and effects. The effects-focused approach describes multiple outcomes of a specific reason. The causes-focused method explores different factors contributing to the consequence. The causal chain method analyzes how an initial motive creates a chain reaction leading to other reasons and effects.

Regardless of the chosen method, a well-structured introduction should state the thesis statement and provide an overview. The conclusion should summarize the main points and restate the thesis while emphasizing the findings' significance. Ultimately, the goal is to explore how events or situations affect our lives by examining their underlying causes & effects.

Effects-Focused Method

The effects-focused approach examines how one effect leads to a specific cause. If you choose this method, you should describe multiple consequences of a particular occasion or situation (the selected reason) in separate body paragraphs.

This approach is suitable when a single rationale can produce several ramifications that you explore and analyze independently to provide a comprehensive insight into the overall impact. In short, an effects-focused approach allows you to showcase the full extent of how an occasion or occurrence affects its surroundings.

Causes-Focused Method

It is crucial to begin a causes-focused essay with a clear introduction that explicitly explains how one or more causes lead to a single consequence. This structure sets the tone for the writing and provides readers with a framework for understanding the evidence presented in subsequent paragraphs. Instead of secondary causes, focus on primary reasons in the introduction. So readers can better understand the significance of each piece of evidence and how they all work together to create the final result.

Causal Chain Method

We use the causal chain method when events lead to one another in a logical sequence. This cause-and-effect essay format requires you to devote each body paragraph to an event caused by the preceding event. Then, repeat, leading to the next event. The main causes should build a chain, uniting the first and the last occasion in a logical sequence that explains the cause-and-effect process.

To sum up, the most suitable format for your essay can significantly impact how effectively you convey your ideas. If you find it challenging to write a cause-and-effect essay or are facing time constraints, seek assistance from professional writers at  Papersowl.com . We offer tailored services that save time and provide customized support to meet your requirements. With our expert guidance and support, you can rest assured that your essay will succeed!

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay

Using your outline as a guide, introduce the body of your first draft by ensuring each paragraph has a clear topic sentence that supports your thesis statement.

Choose the Topic You Like

The initial step in creating the effect essay examples is to choose a topic that captures your interest. By doing so, you can make the research process more enjoyable and stay engaged throughout the writing process.

Do Proper Research

Thorough research is crucial for well-informed cause-and-effect essays. Use reputable sources like academic journals, books, and credible websites to support your arguments and shed light on the topic's relationship. This way, you can present a compelling argument that effectively communicates the cause-and-effect relationship to your audience.

Determine Causes and Effects

Analyzing the causes & effects of a topic can help you unfold a clear thesis statement for your essay, develop the body of your work, and highlight significant results related to that one cause. It also enables a more nuanced perspective on complex issues and provides insightful analysis. Moreover, it helps identify potential solutions or areas for further research. Understanding what's causing an issue and proposing specific actions makes it easier to address it or explore new avenues.

Start With an Outline

Before delving into any cause-and-effect essay topics, create an outline to ensure your work is coherent and logically organized. Include all main ideas, especially those related to cause or effect. Each body paragraph should focus on a specific point supported by evidence and examples. Discussing potential counterarguments in your outline can strengthen your argument and anticipate objections from readers.

A concise layout ensures that your essay is easy to follow and effectively conveys your ideas to your audience. To craft an engaging introduction for your cause-and-effect essay, start by grabbing the reader's attention with a hook to set the tone for the rest of your work. It could be in the form of an interesting statistic, anecdote, or quote that relates to your topic. From there, provide some background information on the matter before presenting your thesis statement. This should clearly state the causes and effects you will discuss in your essay.

In the conclusion of your cause-effect essay, you have to summarize the main points of your essay and restate your thesis statement in a way that emphasizes its significance. You can also provide some final thoughts or insights on the topic, leaving the reader with something to ponder.

It is essential to ensure that your conclusion does not introduce new ideas or information but ties everything together and leaves a lasting impression on the reader. By following these tips for crafting an effective cause-and-effect essay outline, you will be well on your way to producing a compelling piece of writing. It will effectively convey your message to your audience. Let us delve into an example:

Introductory Paragraph:

• The prevalence of bullying in schools is staggering, with almost 80% of children affected by this harmful behavior. Addressing this pervasive issue requires our urgent attention and concerted efforts.
• The education system needs to understand the underlying causes of this problem and take proactive measures to address it.

Cause 1: Bullies have problems at home

• Children who experience abuse or neglect at home may act out their frustration on others.

Cause 2: Bullies seek attention

• A common trait among bullies is their tendency to exhibit aggressive behavior to gain attention and establish dominance.

Cause 3: Bullies aspire to their superiority.

• Bullies may resort to aggressive behavior to exert power and control over others. Bullying may originate from deep-seated personal insecurities, creating feelings of inadequacy and powerlessness. They may temporarily feel a sense of superiority and validation by inflicting pain on others. But this ultimately perpetuates a cycle of harm that can have lasting adverse effects on both the victim and the bully.
• Bullying undermines the educational experience for victims, leading to increased anxiety, depression, decreased academic performance, and, tragically, even suicide.

Conclusion:

To effectively tackle the widespread issue of bullying, it is crucial to gain a thorough insight into the underlying root causes. Only after that can we implement effective strategies and interventions to combat this harmful behavior and create safer environments for all. Creating safe learning environments that discourage such behavior requires joint efforts from parents, teachers, and society. By approaching the issue with compassion and insight into its underlying causes, we can significantly reduce the incidence of bullying in schools. And also prevent its negative impact on individuals' physical and mental health.

To ensure consistency throughout the essay, please adhere to the following guidelines for all body paragraphs and the paper outline:

• Times New Roman font
• Double-spacing
• Justified alignment

When structuring your essay, begin with the most significant causes. We recommended that you explore various topic ideas to identify the most compelling ones. Additionally, incorporating multiple effects is permissible. A thorough understanding of cause-and-effect papers is essential for this assignment.

Write a Draft

Using your outline as a guide, introduce your first draft. Ensure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence that supports your cause-and-effect thesis statement .

Proofread Your Work

Finally, proofread every sentence and edit your writing for spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and overall essay coherence. This ensures that your essay is well-written and ready for submission.

Follow these steps to produce an excellent cause-effect essay with compelling arguments highlighting your critical thinking and communication skills.

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Cause and Effect Structure Words

Cause-and-effect essay structure words are terms that show cause-and-effect relationships. To ensure clarity, it is essential to precisely identify the distinct causality (or reason) and the result and use appropriate transitions. It is important to remember that the cause happens first, followed by the outcome.

To follow are some common cause-and-effect structure words. "X" stands for the reasons, while "Y" indicates the outcome.

Remember that using proper structure words can help you communicate your ideas with your readers. It makes it easier for them to understand how different pieces of evidence or actions lead to specific outcomes or consequences.

Example of Cause and Effect Essay

NFT, or non-fungible tokens, have become a hot topic in the world of art, and their impact on the art industry is a cause-and-effect relationship worth exploring.

One of the main effects of NFTs on the art world is the potential for increased revenue for artists. With NFTs, artists can sell their digital art as unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that cannot be replicated, and collectors can purchase them as a form of investment. This has the potential to create a new revenue stream for artists who may have previously struggled to monetize their digital creations.

Another effect of NFTs on art is the potential for greater transparency and authenticity. Because NFTs are created on a blockchain, they provide a secure and verifiable record of ownership and provenance. This can help to reduce the risk of fraud and ensure that artists are properly credited and compensated for their work.

Moreover, the rise of NFTs has also created a new market for digital art, which was previously undervalued or dismissed as less valuable than traditional physical artwork. As a result, digital artists have gained greater recognition and respect within the art world.

However, there are also concerns about the environmental impact of NFTs. The process of creating and selling NFTs requires a significant amount of energy and contributes to carbon emissions. This has led to criticism from some artists and activists who are concerned about the impact on the environment.

Additionally, there are also concerns about the accessibility of NFTs. While they have the potential to provide a new revenue stream for artists, the high cost of purchasing and creating NFTs may exclude many artists and collectors who cannot afford to participate in this market.

In conclusion, the rise of NFTs has had a significant impact on the art world, creating new opportunities for artists to monetize their digital creations and increasing the value and recognition of digital art. However, there are also concerns about the environmental impact of NFTs and the potential exclusivity of this market. As the use of NFTs continues to grow and evolve, it is important to consider these effects and address any negative consequences to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for the art industry.

Writing a cause-and-effect essay can be challenging. It demands critical thinking skills and a comprehensive understanding of its arrangement and format. However, mastering this type of essay is crucial. It helps improve academic writing skills and enables individuals to comprehend complex issues more deeply. Choosing the appropriate structure for the paper can make all the difference in how effectively you communicate your opinion in sentences.

It is key to identify the key reasons and effects of the matter based on thorough research findings to create a clear thesis statement. With the right approach, anyone can compose high-quality cause-and-effect essays. They’ll provide valuable insights into the causal relationship between various pieces of evidence, individuals, or events.

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10.8 Cause and Effect

Learning objectives.

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

The Purpose of Cause and Effect in Writing

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Health and nutrition

The Structure of a Cause-and-Effect Essay

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table 10.4 Phrases of Causation

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

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

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

Writing a Cause-and-Effect Essay

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

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

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

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

Key Takeaways

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

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

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

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

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay Properly

Did you know that the butterfly effect, a concept from chaos theory, suggests that the flap of a butterfly's wings in Brazil could set off a tornado in Texas? While this idea may seem whimsical, it underscores the profound interconnectedness of events in our world. In much the same way, crafting a cause and effect essay is about tracing these interconnected threads, connecting dots, and revealing the hidden relationships that shape our experiences.

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay: Short Description

In this detailed guide, our paper writing service experts will take a close look at the intriguing concept of causality and provide you with practical advice for crafting excellent cause and effect essay examples. These essays won't just give information but will also leave a lasting impression on your readers. Whether you're exploring the realms of science or examining the complexities of our society, join us on this journey as we reveal the key elements for mastering a compelling structure of a cause and effect essay.

Cause and Effect Definition in Essays

What is a cause and effect essay? To truly understand this fundamental concept, we must delve deeper into the intricate web of interconnections that shape our world, all while honing our critical thinking skills. At its core, cause, and effect encapsulates the idea that every action, event, or phenomenon is not isolated but rather part of a vast network of relationships, where each element exerts its influence, creating a ripple effect that resonates through time and space.

To define cause and effect, we must go beyond recognizing simple relationships, as it involves deciphering the subtle mechanisms that drive these connections. It's akin to peering beneath the surface of a calm pond and discovering the currents that stir beneath. In essence, it's the exploration of why things happen and the exploration of the repercussions that follow.

Imagine a stone cast into that tranquil pond: the cause. As it strikes the water's surface, it sends ripples outward, affecting the entire pond. The expanding ripples symbolize the effect, demonstrating how a single action can set off a chain reaction, altering the course of events. This is the essence of causality—a perpetual dance of actions and reactions where nothing occurs in isolation.

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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How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay with Easy Steps

Crafting compelling cause and effect paragraph examples involves a systematic approach. Follow these ten valuable steps to navigate the intricacies of writing a thought-provoking essay that explores the web of causality.

1. Select a Focused Topic

• Choose a specific cause and effect relationship that piques your interest.

2. Dig for Causal Links

• Research thoroughly to uncover hidden connections and evidence.

3. Create a Clear Thesis

• Craft a precise thesis statement to guide your essay's direction.

4. Organize Chronologically

• Structure your essay in a logical, time-based order for clarity.

5. Utilize Transition Words

• Employ transitional phrases for smooth transitions between causes and effects.

6. Support with Evidence

• Back your claims with credible data, examples, and statistics.

7. Show Chain Reactions

• Reveal how one cause can trigger multiple effects, and vice versa.

8. Analyze Root Causes

• Go beyond surface-level explanations to explore underlying factors.

9. Consider Alternative Causes

• Address counterarguments to strengthen your essay's credibility.

10. Conclude with Impact

• Summarize key points and emphasize the broader significance of your analysis.

Cause and Effect Essay Structure: 2 Common Types

When organizing your essay, you have various structural approaches at your disposal. Let's explore two commonly used types of a cause and effect essay structure:

• Block Structure

The block structure is a straightforward and organized way to present the causes and effects in a cause and effect essay. In this approach, you first dedicate one section to discussing all the causes, including multiple causes within each category, and then another section to explore all the effects. This clear separation provides a distinct and easily digestible presentation of your ideas.

When employing the block structure, you can delve deeply into each category, thoroughly examining the causes and effects separately. This approach is particularly useful when you want to offer in-depth analysis and emphasize the significance of each aspect of the causal relationship. It allows your readers to grasp the full scope of each element before moving on to the next.

• Chain Structure

In contrast, the chain structure in cause and effect essays emphasizes the interconnected nature of events and their ripple effects. This approach showcases how one cause leads to a specific effect, which then becomes the cause of subsequent effects in a continuous chain. It's a powerful way to illustrate the complexity and depth of causal relationships.

The chain structure can be particularly effective when you want to emphasize the sequence of events or when you're dealing with intricate cause-and-effect scenarios. It allows you to demonstrate how actions set off a series of reactions, highlighting the domino effect that ultimately leads to a particular 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 Topics

Selecting the right topic involves recognizing cause and effect key words that can serve as a gateway to crafting an engaging and impactful essay. In this section, we present 10 unique and thought-provoking topics that offer you the opportunity to explore fascinating relationships and their profound consequences:

• The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Decision-Making : Explore how a lack of sleep influences our ability to make sound decisions and its effects on daily life.
• The Effect of Fast Fashion on Environmental Degradation : Investigate how the fast fashion industry's practices contribute to environmental pollution and resource depletion.
• The Link Between Childhood Imagination and Creative Problem-Solving in Adulthood : Analyze how childhood imaginative play influences an individual's problem-solving skills in later life.
• The Causal Relationship Between Smartphone Dependency and Decreased Face-to-Face Communication : Examine how excessive smartphone use affects interpersonal relationships and face-to-face communication.
• The Effects of Food Additives on Human Health : Delve into the health consequences of common food additives and preservatives in our diets.
• The Influence of Art Education on Academic Performance : Investigate whether participation in art programs positively impacts students' overall academic achievements.
• The Butterfly Effect in Global Economics : Explore how a seemingly minor economic event in one country can have widespread international economic repercussions.
• The Connection Between Early Exposure to Nature and Environmental Stewardship : Analyze how childhood experiences in nature influence an individual's commitment to environmental conservation.
• The Impact of Music on Mood and Emotional Well-being : Examine how different types of music can affect our emotional states and overall mental health.
• The Ripple Effect of Positive Acts of Kindness : Investigate how small acts of kindness can lead to a chain reaction of positivity in society.

Final Considerations

In conclusion, a firm grasp of the cause and effect essay definition, along with mastery of the writing process, empowers you to systematically reveal the complex web of causality in diverse subjects. With this step-by-step guide, you are not only equipped to inform, engage, and inspire your readers but also adept at navigating the art of structured and impactful storytelling. If you prefer 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.

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Related Articles

Creating an Outline for a Cause and Effect Essay

LESSON Among the most common college writing assignments is the cause and effect essay An essay that covers why and/or how something happened. This type of essay requires that an event or action led to one or more consequences. . You may be asked to examine a cause , in other words, a thing or person that is the source or origin of certain effects . Effects can take the form of actions A thing that is done, or the process of doing it. , phenomena Happenings or facts that can be observed. , states The condition that something is in. , problems, illnesses, environments, and so forth. Regardless of the cause and effect you select, the development of an outline A preliminary plan for a piece of a writing, often in the form of a list. It should include a topic, audience, purpose, thesis statement, and main and supporting points. is helpful. In this lesson, you will learn the two primary methods for organizing a cause and effect essay and how to select the method that best suits your subject matter.

Determining the Relationships Between Cause and Effect

It is important to understand what is cause and what is effect. While this may appear obvious in some cases, it is not always so. A cause may have multiple effects; a cause may in turn become an effect, as well.

For example:

I have decided to prepare breakfast for my family. While frying the bacon, I knock several eggs off the countertop. As I reach for a towel to clean up the mess, the dog jumps on the counter and knocks the sizzling bacon pan from the stove. Hot oil spills everywhere, burning my hands. The bacon also lands in the egg mess and becomes inedible. Breakfast is ruined and I am injured.

What is the cause of these effects? The initial cause of the accident could be said to be the falling of the eggs onto the floor. If that had not happened, the narrator would not have reached for a towel, giving the dog the opportunity to knock the pan of hot grease over. However, that effect—the dog knocking over the hot grease—is also a cause. The dog knocking over the hot grease led to severe hand burns. This is another effect. The dog knocking over the hot grease caused the bacon to fall into a puddle of uncooked egg, rendering it inedible. This is yet another effect. The effect is that breakfast was ruined and the narrator was injured.

This scenario is just one demonstration of the complexity of cause and effect and is often referred to as a causal chain A series of events, each triggered by the one before. Causal chains have three parts: the initial cause, the final consequence, and all the steps that link the cause to the effect. Also called "the domino effect." , or domino effect A sequence of events, each triggered by the one before. Another name for a causal chain, the domino effect, refers to the result of pushing over the first domino in a row of them - one domino knocks over the domino next to it, which falls and knocks over the domino next to it, and so on. , because a string of events building on each other leads to a final effect. This complexity is another reason why organizing your thoughts and ideas into an outline prior to writing a cause and effect essay is essential. Without adequate planning, you might miss an event in the causal chain or fail to make relationships between events in the causal chain clear.

There are two major ways to organize a cause and effect essay: many effects stem from one cause or many causes lead to one effect .

1. Many effects stem from one cause .

In this type of essay, you are outlining all the effects stemming from a single cause. It is critical as you approach a cause and effect essay that you make the relationships between the effects and cause clear, as in the preceding example. If you address many causes at the same time as many effects, it will be unclear to the reader how they are connected to each other.

Cause: Childhood obesity

Effects: A number of immediate and long-term health and psychosocial effects

• Thesis statement: Today's parents have an obligation to help their children maintain a healthy weight because childhood obesity presents a number of negative health and psychosocial effects, both immediately and in the future.
• Obesity can result in the development of cardiovascular diseases, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
• Obesity can put children in danger of pre-diabetes, a condition linked to increased potential for development of diabetes.
• Obesity is linked to sleep apnea, a condition that contributes to insomnia, fatigue, and mental illness.
• Obesity is known to negatively impact bones and joints.
• Obesity contributes to a child's inability to participate in vital physical activities.
• Obesity has the potential to bring on increased feelings of sadness, low self-esteem, and depression.
• Obesity (and its related effects of hypertension and sleep apnea) can lead to anxiety.
• Obesity may negatively influence the forming of essential peer groups and create a difficulty forming friendships.
• Obesity may give rise to feelings of isolation due to the inability to participate in vital physical activities with schoolmates or peers.
• Obese children are more likely to be bullied by their schoolmates or peers.
• Obesity is associated with higher rates of heart disease later in life.
• Obese children are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes as adults.
• Obesity increases the likelihood of adult stroke.
• Obesity is linked to the adult development of osteoarthritis.
• Children who are obese are at greater risk for continued obesity as adults.
• Obesity increases the risk of long-term depression.
• Obesity increases the risk for long-term anxiety.
• Obese individuals experience increased loneliness due to difficulty in forming and sustaining long-term relationships.
• Obese individuals are more likely to experience social isolation.
• Obesity often invites criticism and judgment from peers, coworkers, family members, and communities at large.
• Childhood obesity contributes to a number of dangerous, damaging, and potentially unavoidable short- and long-term physical, psychological, and social effects. Parents have the opportunity to encourage and foster healthful eating and exercise habits in their children so as to avoid the devastating consequences of childhood obesity.

As you can see in this outline, a number of immediate and long-term health and psychosocial effects (many effects) stem from childhood obesity (one cause). If you choose to organize your essay in this manner, it is important to clarify for your reader that while there could be multiple causes for the discussed effects, your essay is focused on one specific cause. For example, there are many potential causes of the effects listed in the outline, but this essay is focused on childhood obesity as the cause of those effects.

2. Many causes lead to one effect .

In this type of essay, you are outlining all the causes leading to a single effect. Again, avoid including more than one effect or it will be unclear which cause led to which effect.

Effect: childhood obesity

Causes: cost and availability of healthy foods, changes in the education system (increased seat time and decreased recess/gym), changes in family structure, and perception of decreased safety

• Thesis statement: While many are quick to blame fast food and television for juvenile obesity, the actual causes are more varied and complex.
• Many American families survive on minimum wage, making purchasing healthful foods financially difficult.
• Many poor urban areas lack grocery stores.
• Many poor urban areas are overrun with inexpensive and unhealthful fast-food restaurants.
• Many schools, particularly in poor urban areas, can no longer afford to offer "special" courses, including physical education and after-school sports activities.
• Schools have decreased recess time and increased seat time in order to extend study time for state tests.
• School food is often unbalanced and unhealthy.
• More families are comprised of single parents and/or dual working parents, leading to an increased number of "latch key" kids who are unable to play outside after school.
• More families are comprised of parents who must work more than one job in order to support their children, leading to children's participation in sedentary afterschool programs or being left in the care of individuals who are unable to oversee outdoor playtime.
• There is an increased number of Amber alerts (reports of child abductions).
• Twenty-four-hour news coverage with headline stories of child abduction, inciting greater fear among parents and families.
• While incidents of child abduction have actually decreased, parents are still unwilling to let children play outside.
• While society's view of childhood obesity remains biased, there are in actuality a variety of causes contributing to the phenomenon that must be examined more closely.

In this outline, the cost and availability of healthy foods, changes in the education system, family structure, and perception of decreased safety (many causes) lead to childhood obesity (one effect) that the writer will develop when he or she writes this essay.

Whether you need to explain why a war happened or what happens when one adopts a regular exercise regimen, cause and effect essays are common college assignments. An understanding of how to organize a cause and effect essay will ensure that you develop a successful essay. Additionally, you can use the same technique when explaining to your boss why you should purchase a particular new piece of software.

Here is what a many effects stem from one cause outline might look like for the topic of cigarette smoking and teens.

Cigarette Smoking Among Teens and Immediate/Lifelong Physical Illness

• Thesis statement: While teenage smoking may be on the decline, smoking as a teenager presents a number of immediate and future negative health effects associated with the nicotine, tar, and carcinogens found in smoked tobacco.
• Recent studies have linked early cigarette smoking with damage to genetic materials related to the development of cancer.
• Not only does the act of smoking a cigarette lead to a nearly instantaneous spike in blood pressure, it can result in increased blood pressure overall.
• The nicotine released during cigarette smoking increases the smoker's heart rate and can result in increased heart rate overall.
• Cigarette smoking has been linked to headaches, including being a trigger for migraines.
• Cigarette smoking decreases the blood flow to the smoker's extremities, an effect that can contribute to cardiovascular problems.
• Cigarette smoking often triggers coughing, bronchial spasms, and difficulty breathing.
• Cigarette smoking increases the likelihood of bad breath.
• Cigarette smoking has been linked to an increased likelihood of teenage acne and other skin problems.
• Those who begin smoking at an early age—adolescence—are much more likely to become lifelong smokers.
• Cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke, increased blood pressure, and arterial blockages that restrict blood flow to the arms and legs, are long-term risks of smoking cigarettes.
• Heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease, blocked arteries, and heart attacks are associated with cigarette smoking.
• Smokers are at greater risk of developing respiratory diseases, such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, and lung cancer.
• Smoking increases the likelihood of cancer in many organs beside just the lungs; for example, the esophagus, liver, pancreas, and stomach.
• Smoking increases the likelihood of damage to tooth enamel, tooth staining, tooth loss, and gum disease.
• Smoking increases the likelihood of premature and increased skin damage, including discoloration and wrinkles.
• Cigarette smoking is associated with approximately twenty percent of all deaths in the United States each year.
• Teenage smoking increases the potential for individuals to become adult and/or lifelong smokers, a habit that is associated with a number of dangerous, debilitating, and often deadly health issues. It is our responsibility, as a society, to do what we can to discourage teenage smoking so as to decrease the disease burden brought on by cigarette smoking and improve the overall health of our communities.

Here is what a many causes lead to one effect outline might look like for this topic.

• Thesis statement: While many attribute the phenomenon of teenage smoking to advertising to minors, smoking in television shows and movies, and peer pressure, the actual causes are more varied and complex.
• Many adolescents seek ways to "act out," i.e. to engage in attention-getting behaviors. Smoking may be one of those behaviors.
• While smoking is less socially acceptable among teenage peer groups, it may appeal even more to those teens feeling alienated by their peer groups.
• Although cigarettes are kept behind store counters today, and businesses are heavily fined for not checking identification of purchasers, there remain stores that bend those rules and sell tobacco to minors.
• Young teen smokers can have their older peers, friends, siblings, or co-workers purchase their cigarettes.
• Children of smokers have access to their parents' cigarettes.
• Some tobacco can now be purchased online, with motivated teenagers able to find ways to bypass regulatory and safety systems.
• Nicotine is a highly addictive substance.
• Nicotine provides an enjoyable rush of pleasure and stress relief, often making it a substance upon which people become quickly dependent.
• They may be hesitant to ask their parents for help out of fear of punishment or disappointment.
• Addiction remains a highly stigmatized issue in our culture, eliciting embarrassment and shame.
• Teenagers may lack the financial resources to seek their own smoking cessation treatment.
• Teenagers may not wish to take advantage of health insurance programs around quitting smoking for fear of parental knowledge.
• While there remains a societal perception that what keeps teenagers smoking is the glamorization of the act by Hollywood and Joe Camel, in actuality, there are a variety of causes contributing to the continued phenomenon that must be examined more closely.

Develop your own outlines for a cause and effect essay by creating both a many effects stem from one cause outline and a many causes lead to one effect outline.

Choose from one of these subjects:

A) Cell phone use while driving

B) Procrastination

D) Bullying

Sample Answer

Cell Phone Usage and Car Accidents

• Thesis statement: The use of cellular telephones while driving is illegal in some states. Regardless, people continue to remove one or both hands from the wheel while driving in order to talk and/or text on their cell phones. This practice is associated with a number of negligent, reckless, dangerous, and deadly effects.
• Using a cell phone to converse or text while driving is distracting to the driver.
• Drivers are less likely to pay as close attention to their surroundings, driving conditions, and other cars when on their cell phones.
• Drivers may be less likely to hear emergency vehicles while using a cell phone.
• Drivers may drive faster than the speed limit due to failure to see speed limit postings.
• Most drivers are taught to place both hands on the steering wheel while operating their car. Using a handheld device requires removing one or both hands from the wheel.
• By not gripping the steering wheel with both hands, drivers have less control over their own car.
• Letting go of the steering wheel or using only one hand to steer can lead to over-steering, jerky driving, weaving across lanes, and other reckless driving behaviors.
• Reduced control of the steering wheel, combined with being distracted by a phone conversation or texting exchange can lead to an inability to react quickly when faced with other drivers' negligent or reckless driving.
• Having less than full control of the steering wheel can make it difficult, if not impossible, to react quickly to difficulties with the automobile, such as tire blow-outs, gear shift problems, transmission issues, and so forth.
• Over-steering, jerky driving, weaving across lanes, and other reckless driving behaviors can quickly become dangerous when faced with unexpected events, such as other drivers stopping short, accidents, lane closures, and rapid changes in weather conditions.
• Any of these negligent, reckless, or dangerous effects of using a cell phone while driving has the potential to result in a collision with another automobile, median strips, animals, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
• Collisions with other automobiles, median strips, animals, pedestrians, and bicyclists have the potential to be deadly for the driver/operator of the cell phone or any car, animal, or person he or she hits with his or her car.
• Due to the potential for numerous negative effects from talking or texting on cell phones while driving, we all have an obligation to refrain from such cell phone usage, pull over while needing to make phone calls or text, or invest in hands-free devices.

Now develop a many causes lead to one effect outline.

• Thesis statement: There is a common perception that the use of cell phones while driving is the primary cause of car accidents in this country. While the practice may certainly contribute to traffic accidents, there are many other causes that deserve equal attention.
• People often run late, provoking them to drive faster than the speed limit to reach their destination.
• Unexpected traffic jams disrupt drivers' schedules, requiring them to take unfamiliar routes or, once beyond the traffic, drive too fast to reach their destination.
• Emergency situations not managed by the authorities (for example, a pregnant driver goes into premature labor) may lead to speeding and otherwise reckless driving maneuvers in order to reach a place of safety and help.
• Many people live in the city and commute far into the outer parts of the suburbs to work or reside in the suburbs and drive over an hour to reach the city for work.
• So much driving, particularly in poor weather conditions or in the dark, can lead to reduced attention span, a decreased ability to focus on surroundings, and even falling asleep behind the wheel.
• Road construction is a common occurrence.
• Oftentimes, such construction requires rerouting of traffic and detours.
• Drivers unfamiliar with such detours, coupled with other factors mentioned earlier, such as hurry and fatigue, could result in hasty lane changes and other potentially dangerous driving choices.
• People often engage in other distracting behaviors while driving, such as putting on makeup, shaving, tooth brushing, eating, drinking hot coffee, and so forth, impacting their ability to hold the steering wheel with both hands or react to the conditions around them.
• People also listen to music in their cars and often at unreasonably loud volumes, compromising their ability to hear what is happening around them and respond appropriately.
• Although talking and texting on cell phones may add to the incidents of traffic violations and accidents on our roads, there are numerous other causes of such incidents that should be examined more closely.

Outlining your essay before you begin writing it will help you to generate new ideas, focus your thoughts, clarify your arguments, and form a solid and appropriate thesis statement.

The best way to narrow the focus of a cause and effect essay is to take into account the complex nature of causes and effects and any causal chains. Then examine each cause and effect to make sure that all of the causal connections have been made. Finally, consider whether the topic fits best under a "many effects stem from one cause" approach or a "many causes lead to one effect" approach. This decision helps to further shape and form your ideas and narrow your focus.

Copyright ©2022 The NROC Project

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

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

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

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

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

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

Different Types of Cause and Effect Essay Structure

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

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

Continue this pattern for additional causes if necessary.

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

Continue this pattern for additional causes and effects.

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

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Cause and Effect Essay Outline

I. Introduction

A. Explanation of cause and effect essays

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

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

II. Body Paragraph 1: Cause 1 - Decreased Focus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

V. Conclusion

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

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

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

10 Cause and Effect Essay Topics

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

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

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

Analyze the Reasons Behind the Increased Use of Smartphones by Children

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

Explore the Impacts of Climate Change on the Natural Environment

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

Investigate the Effects of Pollution on Human Health

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

Discuss How Social Isolation Can Lead to Mental Health Issues

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

Analyze the Reasons Behind the Rise of Populism in Politics

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

Explore the Impacts of the Internet on the Traditional Media Industry

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

Examine the Factors that Lead to the Growth of Online Shopping

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

Investigate the Effects of Globalization on Local Industries

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

Analyze The Impact of Social Media on Sleep Quality

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

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

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

Step 1: Choose a Topic

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

Step 2: Conduct Research

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

Step 3: Develop a Thesis Statement

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

Step 4: Create an Outline

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

Step 5: Write the Introduction

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

Step 6: Write the Body Paragraphs

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

Step 7: Write the Conclusion

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

Step 8: Proofread and Edit

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

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Cause and Effect Essay Examples

DoMyEssay professional writers have meticulously crafted a sample essay that delves into the cause and effect relationship between air pollution on human health.

Title: The Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health

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

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

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

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

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

A Final Perspective

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

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

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How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay: The Complete Guide

by  Antony W

November 4, 2021

Suppose the river where you spent many fun afternoons fishing or swimming is drying up. There must be a cause or many causes leading to that effect.

Or, suppose you want to investigate the effects of excessive logging upstream of your favorite river. The two events may be related, and it is the goal of a cause and effect essay to display this relationship.

Everything in this world has causes and effects, resulting in a cosmic interrelationship of infinite proportions.

As an example, writing a good essay results in good grades, good grades get you into a good college, a good college will likely get you a good life.

If you are looking for more practical help, order the cause and effect essay writing service here. Our team of highly skilled and experienced academic writers will handle it for you quickly and efficiently. 

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If you aim to learn what a cause and effect essay is, how to write one, and the criteria used to mark it, read on.

Be sure to stick around to the end for the detailed cause and effect essay outline example.

What Is A Cause And Effect Essay

While the name is self-explanatory, the definition is a bit more specific.

A cause and effect essay is an academic paper that analyzes the causes of an event and draws logical links between the two.

It can also be defined as a paper that investigates the causative factors of an event to draw clear, direct links between them.

From this definition, you can tell that there are two types of cause and effect essays.

One kind focuses on the event to find the causes, called a Focus-on-Effects essay. The other focuses on how various events cause a certain effect, so it is called a Focus-on-Causes essay.

This essay is not as simple as one might think.

For example, it is common in some parts of the world to have power outages during storms. However, do you think it is accurate to say the power went out because there was a storm?

Just because one precedes the other does not give it a direct correlation - instead, it might be better to say the power went out because a tree fell on the lines.

The goal of a cause and effect essay is to find out and clarify such nuances. 

What Makes A Good Cause and Effect Essay

There are no specific criteria that define what a good cause and effect essay is.

Most schools and instructors will use a custom rubric to grade the essays from their students.

However, from years of experience, top academicians at Help for Assessment cite the following qualities as necessary in a top-grade cause and effect essay.

• It needs to be interesting:  As with most essays, a clinical listing of factors and effects will deny the essay of character. Instead, it should be highly engaging, have links to real-life evidence and experiences, and have a unique character infused from the writer's point of view.
• Relevant: A cause and effect essay needs to have a direct impact on the real world. Don’t be drawn to analyze events in Harry Potter or some other fictional event because it will have no academic value.
• Accurate : The link between causes and effects you choose to explore must be clear, logical, and accurate. Support your assumptions and inferences with plenty of evidence and data. No matter how straightforward it seems, make sure that your claims are verifiable and have solid proof.
• Concise : A cause and effect essay is one of the shortest in academia, spanning only 5 paragraphs in total. Make sure that the topic chosen is highly specific, and that each of the ideas presented is thorough but brief.
• Simple and clear : The essay needs to be written in simple, clear language that even a layman can understand clearly. Anyone reading the essay should be able to follow the same logical steps as you do and arrive at a similar conclusion. Use linking phrases such as because, hence, due to, consequently, as a result of, since  and therefore. 

Each of the paragraphs has a specific purpose in the essay. As such, our next step is to review the cause and effect essay structure.

Cause and Effect Essay Format Sample

This is a chain cause and effect essay outline , where each cause is followed by an effect.

You will notice that this essay is very similar in structure to another common type of essay: the problem-solution essay. 

Another outline called the block format is also possible.

With the block format, all the causes/effects are listed first, then all the corresponding effects/causes are listed and then links drawn between the two. Below is a sample block format.

Sometimes, you find that a cause does not lead directly to an effect. Instead, it leads to a situation, and that situation to another, in a linked chain that leads to the effect.

In this case, you can choose to use the causal chain or domino pattern for the essay format.

Each paragraph in your essay will represent one link, and the essay will usually have up to seven paragraphs and five in the body. 

With that, it’s time to explore the step-by-step process that leads to writing the best cause and effect essay.

How to Write A Cause and Effect Essay Step-by-Step

1. brainstorm.

The first step is to come up with an appropriate cause and effect essay topic .

There are unlimited ideas for you to start with, but thinking about the qualities you want from your essay will help you to narrow down. 

That is, it should be specific, interesting, relevant, accurate, and consistent with your current level of education.  

You can gather ideas from books and publications, movies and videos, and even music. Write down all the ideas that pop into your head.

2. Selection

Narrow down the ideas you have so that you ultimately end up with one. You can start by eliminating those that are too common and likely to be overused.

You want your topic idea to be as unique and fresh as possible. You can also look at which will have relevance in your dream career.

For example, if you want to be a doctor, you might pick one that is related to that as opposed to one on climate change.

Take your chosen topic and narrow it down to a specific statement.

For example, if your idea was “Deforestation,” you can narrow it down to “The effects of deforestation in the Amazon on global climate.”

4. Identify The Causes/Effects And Your Supporting Points

If your topic will be cause-focused, identify the effects and its main supporting points or vice versa for the alternative viewpoint.

Write these down, and then choose the three strongest points which will fit into your essay body.

5. Craft a Concise Thesis Statement And Title

These should be as focused as possible to be able to tell the reader exactly what your essay is about.

To write the thesis statement, condense all the causes and effects into one brief but clear sentence. You can do it in two sentences if they don’t fit in one.

Now you know the what and the how of cause and effect essays. Checkout 20+ cause and effect essay sample topics here .

Need Help to Write Your Cause and Effect Essay?

A cause and effect essay is straightforward and relatively easy to write. However, this makes it all the harder to achieve top marks.

Your essay has to stand out and be exceptional if it to impress your instructor. 

Remember that Help for Assessment is here to take the burden off your hands. For all essay and project writing services,  check out our services page and order your paper at the most affordable rates in town. We'll even throw in a 50% discount for you if it's your first time  here !  

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Writing a Cause and Effect Essay Outline

What defines a cause and effect essay.

An author writes a cause and effect paper in an effort to examine and determine the reasons for, as well as the consequences of, a specific event or action in order to gain a better understanding of the event/process in question. Most curriculums include this type of essay writing because it's a great way to assess your ability to understand the logic behind various actions or events.

Being able to understand the logic behind cause and effect in your everyday life, and also throughout the world, will benefit you as a writer and will help you avoid a whole range of potential problem in the future. If you often find yourself questioning why something happened, then learning how to write a cause and effect essay will not only improve your writing but also your inherent ability to comprehend.

One of the most important factors in successful writing is knowing how to create an outline. A lot of students choose to ignore an essay outline, simply because they think that writing one takes too much of their precious time. The idea, however, is utterly wrong. Yes, sketching a cause and effect outline takes a bit of time. But, it saves even more time on the writing (and even editing) process. Just think about it - when you sit down to writing, you already have a detailed plan of action. The only thing left is to stick to it. This way, you eliminate all possible distractions and, as a result, write a logical, easy to follow paper. And the last one is what saves some more time on editing & proofreading - no need to rewrite any parts that fall out of the essay flow. Convinced yet? Great, let's go over all the steps you need to know to write a great cause and effect essay .

Different Types of Cause and Effect Essay

It’s important you first draft the structure before you start working on your essay. Planning ahead is vital to writing a good paper, and creating a structure first will get you there. Remember, you don't have to waste time trying to reinvent the wheel here; almost every type of essay structure has already been developed and accepted in the academe.

For the most part, there are three different types of cause and effect papers. The main difference between those lies in the number of causes and/or the number of effects, of course. That is, it all depends on how complicated the process/event you are describing is. The and the connections between causes and effect also matter a lot. Let's go over the three different types of cause and effect essays:

Many causes, one effect

This type of paper shows how a number of different causes can contribute to a specific effect. The purpose of this essay type is to analyze a variety of different reasons that can come from different fields and show how they are responsible for causing a certain effect. For example, if you were to write about global warming, you could show how pollution, overpopulation, and deforestation have all contributed to this problem. If you can examine the issue from different standpoints and base your reasoning on different factors, the essay will only become more impressive and interesting to read.

Here is an example of how to structure this type of cause and effect essay:

• Introduction
• Cause number 1
• Cause number 2
• Cause number 3 (etc.)
• The effect due to the causes

One cause, many effects

For this type of cause and effect paper, you will write about the different effects that were caused by one specific decision, problem, or event. It's important that you do your research in order to demonstrate that you have an in-depth understanding of the topic. Remember this is not an argumentative essay where you are trying to persuade the reader. Simply state the facts and show how or why it happened due to the effects.

Here is how you should structure this type of cause and effect essay:

• Effect number 1
• Effect number 2
• Effects number 3 (etc.)

Chain of causes and effects

For most people, this may be the most difficult type of cause and effect essay to write. Here you will need to show how a series of actions and consequences will lead to a specific conclusion. Although it can be challenging to write, it is often the most interesting and rewarding type of cause and effect essay.

• Effect number 1 = Cause number 2
• Effect number 2 = Cause number 3
• Effect number 3 = Cause number 4 (etc.)

Example of Cause and Effect Essay Outline

For a better idea of what a cause and effect outline can look like in practice, take a look at the example below. This sample essay focuses on the causes of divorce. So, as you might already understand, it's going to be 'many causes, one effect' type of essay:

• Introduction : The US has one of the highest divorce rates in the world due to a number of factors, including money, lack of communication and unrealistic expectations.
• Money plays an influential role in our lives, and when one spouse has different spending habits than the other, this can cause a lot of problems. When you’re always working to barely make ends meet, it can cause stress that affects the relationship. (Include statistics about the rates of divorce for couples in different income brackets.)
• A lack of communication can quickly lead to frustration and resentment from both parties. Causes: Not talking enough to your partner, insulting one another and yelling at your partner.
• Many people may come from single-parent homes or families where parents hid their problems from children, which, in turn, lead to unrealistic expectations from marriage. The excess of romance movies that only show the good can also play a factor in this.
• Effect: Unless couples can overcome these difficulties together, divorces will continue to be a big problem in the United States. (Add a prognosis about the divorce rates for the next ten years.)
• Conclusion : Money, lack of communication and unrealistic expectations continue to be some of the top reasons people get divorced today. Unless couples put in the effort and seek professional help when these problems arise, divorce rates will continue to remain high. (Give some examples of how married couples can tackle these issues.)

If you noticed, we used a blended strategy in this essay. When we talked about unrealistic expectations, it’s logical to talk about how the media plays a role in setting unrealistic goals. If you are discussing how to resolve relationship issues, it’s vital that you mention how a therapist can help with this problem.

Now That I’ve drafted the Structure, How do I Start Writing?

To make the writing process even easier, we suggest you start by doing the appropriate research. When you collect all the information you need, structuring each paragraph will no longer seem challenging. Depending on how many statements you plan to discuss in your essay (as well as the cause and effect chain you have in mind), you may not end up with the normal five-paragraph essay. It's normal for a cause and effect paper, so no need to worry about that.

Now, let's take a closer look and what you write in all of the structural parts described above.

Introduction : Here you will introduce the topic to the reader. Most people will be able to tell if you know what you are writing about from your thesis statement. To keep your audience's attention, you need to show how and why the subject of your paper is relevant today. If for instance, you are writing about the conflicts in the Middle East, you can state how the global change towards renewable energy has affected its economy. Also, don’t forget about a thesis statement (that is, the main idea you are going to prove in your paper). It is normally presented in the final sentence of your introduction.

Body : For the body, it's important that you provide the reader with all the facts that you've gathered about what causes prompted the effects. If you did your research, you shouldn't run into any problems here. However, there are some things you should keep in mind when writing the paper . Try to keep each paragraph around the same length; it not only looks better but is also easier to read. It's also important that you don't include unconvincing or weak causes just to reach your word count. Readers will immediately realize that, and your essay will lose credibility.

It’s important that the causes are related to the effects, especially if you are writing a chained cause and effect paper. Give examples to illustrate how the cause applies to the final result. If you don't take the time to prepare an outline, writing the body can become a difficult and time-consuming task.

Conclusion : Here, you will summarize the thesis statement that you presented at the beginning of your essay. If you have a real understanding of the subject, then you should have no problem writing an effective conclusion. Sometimes you will find that when you write the conclusion, you may find some logical inaccuracies in your essay's body.

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Pay special attention to the type of language you use for your essay. Since these types of essays are academic, you’ll want to avoid using informal writing. However, you may also want to avoid using complicated constructions and obscure vocabulary that will make your paper hard to read.
• It's important that you become familiar with the theme and all the research material you've collected in order to express your own thoughts and opinions on the subject. By using your critical thinking skills, you will be able to compose own arguments about the issue. Using the ideas and words of the researchers can become obvious to the reader.
• Don't expect to write a good essay if you haven't done proper research. It's important to investigate the topic and read what others have written about it before. Readers will always be able to tell if you know what you are writing about or if you simply pretend to know.
• Don't allow your paper to become absurd. This is a mistake that can happen to both advanced and beginner students. Advanced students will sometimes try to put in too much information and write everything they know about the cause and effect essay topic , including history facts, ideas, and theories. On the other hand, beginner students may not know enough to write a convincing and exciting cause and effect essay. Stick to the main idea and ensure that your paper is clear, concise and logical.

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

• Study Tips and Tricks

A cause and effect essay isn’t the most common type of written assignments in modern schools, but there is still a huge chance you will be tasked with writing a cause and effect essay at least once in your life.

In general, a cause and effect essay is less complicated and challenging than many other essays you have encountered. Plus, it can be very satisfying to notice and point out the connections between similarly different things. Here is a guide on how to write a cause and effect essay step by step from the professional writers of our best essay writing service USA!

What Is a Cause and Effect Essay?

A cause and effect essay is a piece of writing where the writer’s primary job is to identify the conditions that led to a particular event and the outcome of the event. While it sounds fairly simple on paper, in reality, there are many important things to consider when writing this essay.

The purpose of a cause and effect essay is not just to point out the connections between different things, but also to suggest how the event can be avoided if it has a negative effect, or repeated in case the effect is evaluated as positive.

Types of Cause and Effect Essay

If you are only learning how to write cause and effect essay for the first time, you may be surprised to know that there are actually several types of cause and effect essay to know about besides the most obvious one, where a single cause leads to a single effect. Specifically, you can be tasked with writing one of the three following types of cause and effect essay:

• Multiple causes and one effect

In this case, you are to analyze the several causes that led to a single effect. A common example of this topic is global warming, which has several equally potent causes such as environmental pollution and overpopulation.

• One cause and multiple effects

For this type of cause and effect essay, you need to focus on one cause that led to several effects. This type of essays is less common, but it can be even more interesting to analyze how a single event can lead to multiple effects, whether they are good or bad.

• Chain of causes and effects

Finally, the most challenging but also fascinating type of cause and effect essay is a paper where you follow a string of causes and effects that lead to one another. It may take you a lot of effort to figure out which events lead to other events, but it can also be very rewarding.

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay

Now you know what is a cause and effect essay and which types of cause and effect essays there are, but how to write a cause and effect essay that will impress your professor and peers? Here is how to write a cause and effect essay and choose the best cause and effect essay topic for your needs.

The important thing to know about this type of essays is that it’s imperative to start with crafting the outline of your future essay. You will be relieved to know that a typical cause and effect essay outline is not very different from the essay outlines you have written before and follows the classic essay structure of an introduction, three or more body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Introduction

The first part in any cause and effect essay outline example you’ll ever see is the introduction. The job of the introduction is to convince the reader to give your paper a detailed look instead of just skimming it.

The introduction to a cause and effect essay should be brief but powerful. Using the right tone and vocabulary, you need to demonstrate why the subject of your essay is so important that it requires deep analysis. To make readers pay even more attention to your writing, start the introduction with a hook sentence and end it with a thesis statement.

In most cases, there will be three body paragraphs in your cause and effect essay, but the exact number of paragraphs also depends on the type of essay you decided to go for. For example, when analyzing a chain of causes and effects, you may need to write more than three body paragraphs to make your essay complete.

With most other cause and effect essay types, you will dedicate one paragraph to a cause or effect and the remaining paragraphs to each of the multiple causes and effects you decided to write about.

The sign of a well-written cause and effect essay is the appropriate use of transitional words and phrases that create a clear and logical flow of your narrative and allow the readers to smoothly transition from one idea to another. These words and phrases include “Because of”, “As a result”, “Therefore”, “Owing to”, “Thus”, and other transitional phrases you have likely already used before in previous written assignments.

In your conclusion, you need to briefly summarize everything that has been said in the previous paragraphs of the paper without retelling the chapters word for word. Mention your thesis statement again and the strongest pieces of evidence supporting your ideas.

A good conclusion to a cause and effect essay will not only summarize the points of the paper, but will also include a thought-provoking ending that will stimulate the audience to do additional reading on the subject and educate themselves about the topic.

Topics for cause and effect essay

There are many good cause and effect essay topics, but the key to writing a successful cause and effect essay is to pick a topic that you personally find interesting and challenging. If you haven’t been given the topic for your cause and effect essay by your professor and are free to choose, here are some cause and effect essay ideas you can pick:

• Causes and effects of depression.
• Causes and effects of divorce in families with children.
• Causes and effects of being obsessed with social media.
• Causes and effects of childhood obesity.
• Causes and effects of having trouble finding a partner at a young age.
• Causes and effects of using coal for heating.
• Causes and effects of growing up in a single-parent household.
• Causes and effects of the organic food craze.
• Causes and effects of living below the poverty line.
• Causes and effects of the growing homeless epidemic.

Questions to Ask when Finishing Your Cause and Effect Essay

Reading the final draft and correcting possible grammar and spelling mistakes is important for ensuring a high quality of your paper, but you also need to make sure that the content of your cause and effect essay is sufficient. To evaluate the quality of your cause and effect essay, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the purpose of my essay clearly visible to all readers?
• Have I provided enough evidence to support my points?
• Did I use enough transitional words and phrases?
• Does my essay paint a complete picture of the subject?
• Are my introduction and conclusion powerful enough?

Final Tips from Our Writing Team

With our cause and effect essay topics and writing tips and tricks, we are convinced you will do a great job with your essay assignment. If you are having trouble completing the essay task due to the lack of time or other factors, we are happy to tell you that you have already found the best essay writing service for your needs. Reach out to us and we’ll find the perfect solution together!

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Cause And Effect Essay

Cause And Effect Essay Outline

Cause and Effect Essay Outline - A Complete Guide

Published on: Jan 6, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 19, 2023

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A cause and effect essay is one of the most common types of writing assignments in high school and colleges.

In this type of essay, the author identifies the reasons for a specific event or action to get a better understanding of the question.

If you are assigned to write a cause and effect essay and have no idea where to begin, this article can help you.

Refer to the following complete cause and effect essay outline to get started.

What is a Cause and Effect Essay Outline?

A cause and effect essay outline provides a structure and guidance for the writing process. An outline for a cause and effect essay briefly summarizes the whole content of your essay.

It will eventually organize the whole content in a clear and coherent manner. Knowing how to create an outline is important for writing a perfect  cause and effect essay  fast. So, better develop a cause and effect essay outline before starting writing your essay.

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Types of Cause and Effect Essay

In general, there are three types of cause and effect essays. Depending upon the type of essay, you need to develop your essay outline.

In this type of cause and effect essay, you need to focus on one cause that has led to multiple effects.

In this type, you are going to analyze multiple causes resulting in a single effect.

The most difficult type of cause and effect essay is where you need to follow a number of causes and effects resulting in one another.

How to Create a Cause and Effect Essay Outline?

Follow the steps below to develop an outline for a cause and effect essay.

Introduction

It is the first paragraph of a cause and effect essay outline where you need to introduce your topic. The main aim of the introductory paragraph is to give the reader an idea of what you are going to discuss in your essay.

The  essay introduction  should include the following elements:

• Attention grabber / hook statement
• Basic information
• Thesis statement

Body Paragraph

Your cause and effect essay should contain at least three body paragraphs. Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence and then provide details about what caused the effects.

Provide examples to illustrate how the cause applies to the final result.

Always use transitional words and phrases to create a clear and logical flow of your narrative. It allows the readers to smoothly shift from one idea to another. For example, as a result, therefore, are some of the example transition words.

There are some things you should keep in mind such as:

• Try to keep all the body paragraphs around the same length
• Do not include weak or unconvincing causes
• Do write unnecessary information in the body section just to reach the word count

Antithesis Paragraph

In this paragraph, you need to provide information regarding the opposite side’s argument. It compares the contrasting ideas in a parallel structure.

The last paragraph of a cause and effect essay outline in which you need to provide a summary of the main ideas. Pay attention to the positive and negative effects of the situation

The  essay conclusion  should include the following elements:

• Restate the thesis statement
• Remind the reader about the main points of the essay
• End it with a bright and catchy sentence

This is the basic outline that you need to follow for writing an impressive cause and effect essay. Choose a good cause and effect essay topic, make an outline, and start drafting your essay.

Haven’t decided on the topic yet? Read our best  cause and effect essay topics  and choose one for your essay.

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Cause and Effect Essay Outline Template

Usually, a cause and effect essay outline is structured according to the 5 paragraph format. It consists of an introduction, 3 or more body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

It examines a situation and identifies either its causes or effects. It is important to master this type of essay writing. Because a cause and effect essay is commonly assigned in high schools, colleges, and universities.

If you are working on your cause and effect essay, you can refer to the following cause and effect essay outline template sample.

Refer to this template and learn how to organize your thoughts and ideas for a perfect cause and effect essay.

Cause and Effect Essay Outline Examples

The easiest way to grasp a general idea of how a particular type of essay is written is to read other’s essay examples.

Having a well-written cause and effect essay layout example in hand can help you understand what this type of essay entails.

For your help, we have provided some helpful cause and effect essay outline examples that you can read.

These 5 paragraph cause and effect essay outline samples will help you understand how to arrange your ideas for an organized paper.

Cause and Effect Essay Outline Global Warming

Cause and Effect Essay Outline on Divorce

Cause and Effect Essay Smoking Outline

Cause and Effect Essay Outline MLA format

The above cause and effect paper outline and essay samples will help you write a perfect cause and effect essay on your own. You can also read our  free essays  and learn how a quality paper is written.

Hopefully, our detailed outline guide helps you to write a perfect cause and effect essay.

However, it is not an easy type of writing. Many students face difficulties when it comes to writing cause and effect essays. After all, this type of essay is based on the writer’s personal reflection regarding a particular topic.

If you are working on your cause and effect essay assignment and facing difficulty to come up with anything coherent, professional essay writers can help.

FreeEssayWriter.net  is the best essay writing service where you can get help with your essay, research paper, or any other academic paper.

All you have to do is fill the  order form  with your initial requirements and we will start working on it right away.

Contact us and get your essay done by a professional  essay writer  online.

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Jared P. is a renowned author and writing service provider with over fifteen years of experience in the publishing industry. He has a Ph.D. degree in English Literature and has spent his entire career helping students achieve their academic goals by providing expert writing assistance.

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Cause And Effect Essay Writing

Cause and Effect Essay - Complete Guide With Examples

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Published on: Mar 13, 2020

Last updated on: Nov 29, 2023

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Do you find it difficult to identify and explain the connections between events and their outcomes in your writing? 

Many students struggle with identifying strong cause and effect relationships or organizing their ideas in a clear and logical way. This can lead to frustration, poor grades, and a lack of confidence in their writing abilities.

However, with the right guidance and approach, students can master the art of cause and effect essay writing. 

By breaking down the process into manageable steps and learning how to analyze and communicate connections effectively. 

In this blog, we'll provide you with tips and tricks to master the art of cause and effect essay writing and achieve academic success.

So let’s get started!

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What is a Cause and Effect Essay? 

According to the Cause and Effect Essay Definition:

“A cause and effect essay is a piece of writing style as rhetorical that studies and discusses the events or concepts and their results.” 

This essay is structured around the goal of exploring events that lead to specific outcomes. 

When writing a cause-and-effect essay for academics, it is essential to deeply research specific causes and why those causes lead to certain results. Because of this, cause and effect is also known as a reason and result essay.

Purpose of Writing a Cause and Effect Essay

The cause-and-effect essay that you draft can do one of the following two things:

• It can study the ways in which one or multiple effects are observed from a specific cause
• It can study the ways in which one or more causes lead to a certain effect

Depending on the topic and the writer’s preference, either of the methods can be used to draft a cause-and-effect essay.

Like all types of essay , this also requires the writer to understand the topic and its structure. Your content will be effective if you have enough knowledge about the subject matter and the essay structure.

Cause and Effect Essay Outline 

If you want to write a good cause-and-effect essay, it is easy to do if you create an outline first. 

An outline is like a plan for your essay. It will help make your essay effective because the basic structure of an essay is its outline. 

Here is a format of cause and effect essay outline for your ease.

Want to learn how to create a proper outline for your next cause and effect essay? Read out this blog on cause and effect essay outline !

Cause and Effect Essay Structure

Without the proper structure, your essay will be a collection of raw data, which will be useless to the readers. 

There are two types of structures for cause-and-effect essays:

• Focus-on-effects
• Focus-on-causes method

Focus-on-Effects Structure 

Structure for a focus-on-effects method for your cause-and-effect essay:

Focus-on-Causes Structure 

Structure for a focus-on-causes method for your cause-and-effect essay:

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How to Start a Cause and Effect Essay?

To write professionally, you can not jump to the writing process of your essay instantly. A good cause-and-effect essay requires substantial planning and execution to be properly drafted. 

Here’s how to start your cause-and-effect essay:

• Choose a topic
• Select a technique
• Develop a thesis statement
• Conduct research
• Organize the data

To take each prewriting step effectively, it is vital to understand them thoroughly. 

The first and foremost step to take when drafting an essay is to come up with a good topic. The importance of a topic in your cause and effect essay can not be underestimated. Choose a good topic that you think is interesting enough to write an essay on.

The best way to pick a topic for your cause and effect essay is to analyze your interests and the audience. Write something you are passionate about and make sure that the audience is interested to know about it as well.

Once you have a topic in hand, select a technique through which you will address it and will structure your essay. Some of the topics will be drafted using focus-on-effects or focus-on-causes technique while others can use block or chain methods.

A block or chain method studies the effects and causes simultaneously. According to the block structure, all the causes are discussed first while the effects are given afterward. For a chain structure, every cause if followed by its effect.

Both of these techniques help in drafting a professional cause and effect essay. Although, a block structure is used for essays that are shorter in length while a chain method works the best for longer ones.

When you have a topic in hand you will know what stance to take over it. Your stance will be the major thesis statement on which the whole essay will be drafted. Forming a strong  thesis statement  is essential for creating an effective essay.

All body paragraphs will be drafted to support this significant argument, so it should be meaningful and strong. 

Once you have decided on your thesis statement, start collecting information to back it up. Conduct extensive research to gather facts and supporting evidence in order to prove the thesis statement.

It is important to keep in mind that the information gathered should be from credible sources . Consult sources like journals, books, and research papers for authentic and credible information.

The collected raw information needs to be arranged in a proper structure in order to be understandable.

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay Step by Step ?

After planning the essay and taking all the required pre-writing steps, move on to the writing process. Follow the writing procedure provided below to draft a compelling cause-and-effect essay.

Cause and Effect Essay Introduction

The first section to draft is the essay’s introduction. This part will be the first thing that the reader will be reading so it should be interesting. The introduction should be well-drafted if you want your audience to read the entire document. 

An essay introduction contains the following information:

• Hook statement
• Precise and relevant information
• Thesis Statement

An introductory paragraph starts using a hook statement to grab the reader’s attention. This statement can be a fact, anecdote, funny information, or statistics, depending on the nature of the topic.

After providing a catchy  hook statement , give some relevant background information about the topic. Make sure to not reveal important facts and only give away the introductory information.

At the end of the introduction section, the thesis statement is provided. This is to let the audience know why the specific essay is drafted and what to expect from the writing.

Keep in mind that the purpose of the first section is to introduce the topic. Keep it simple yet informative to motivate the readers to read the whole essay.

Cause and Effect Essay Body Paragraphs

After drafting the essay introduction, write the body paragraphs. The body of your cause-and-effect essay will contain all the gathered information that will support your main thesis statement.

Structure your body paragraphs according to the chosen method or technique. All the paragraphs in the body section should contain the following things:

• Topic sentence
• Explanation
• Transition words

Each paragraph in the body section is started with a topic sentence . It is an opening sentence of the paragraph in which the main point is stated that is to be discussed in that specific paragraph.

Next, explain the point made in the topic sentence. If you have stated a cause, elaborate on it and discuss providing facts. Alter your course of action according to the structure. Support the point made in a topic sentence with strong evidence and logical examples.

One element that makes cause and effect essays different from other types is the frequent use of transition words. The transition words tie the whole discussion together and maintain a smooth flow of the content.

Cause and Effect Essay Conclusion

The conclusion section of a cause and effect essay is drafted like that in other types of essays. It includes a summary of the strongest points in the content and a restated thesis statement.

The purpose of restating the thesis statement is to remind the audience of the writer’s main stance and how it is proved. Close your discussion by providing suggestions, opinions, and CTAs.

Proofread and Edit the Essay

Once you have written your essay, proofread it at least twice to make sure that the content is flawless. Recheck every small detail such as spelling mistakes, vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, structure, and tone to make sure that you have drafted a perfect piece.

Make edits if required before submitting your cause and effect essay to the instructor.

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 Template (PDF)

Cause and Effect Essay Sample

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay - Examples

Cause and Effect Essay for 6th Grade

Cause and Effect Essay Examples - Elementary School

Cause and Effect Essay Examples for High School

Cause and Effect Essay Examples for Middle School

Cause and Effect Essay Examples - College

Cause and Effect Essay on Smoking

Cause and Effect Examples on Poverty

Cause and Effect Essay on Covid-19

Simple Cause and Effect Essay Examples

Bullying Cause and Effect Essay

Cause and Effect Essay - IELTS

Personal Cause and Effect Essay Examples

5 Paragraph Cause and Effect Essay Examples

Climate Change Cause and Effect Essay

Cause and Effect Essay on Pollution

Cause and Effect Essay on Global Warming

Social Media Cause and Effect Essay

Obesity Cause and Effect Essay

Poverty Cause and Effect Essay

Good Cause and Effect Essay Topics

Choosing a good topic for an essay is mandatory. A good topic allows the writer to draft a successful essay. When students have several assignments due, they can not spend time thinking and coming up with a great topic.

A list of ideas is provided below to help students decide on a good theme for their essays.

Cause and Effect Essay Topics About Education 

• What is the role of social media in education? 
• How to improve the educational system of charter schools?
• How does a college education offer better life?
• The effect of poverty on the educational development of children.
• What effect do fine arts have on students?
• The main causes of bullying in educational establishments. 
• Effect of online schooling on students 
• The positive effect of professional education
• Good education and its effects
• Homeschooling has negative effects on kids  

Cause and Effect Essay Topics On Social Media

• The impact of social media and other social networks on a child’s academic performance. 
• The impact of addiction to social media on kids
• Why are teenagers most affected by social media?
• How excessive use of cell phones affects teenagers?
• Influence of social media on youngsters.
• What are the benefits of social media?
• How can social media make us feel great about ourselves? 
• Spending too much time on social media
• Good use of social media
• What are the effects of being on social media?

History Cause and Effect Essay Topics 

• What were the causes and effects of colonialism?
• The causes and effects of World War II
• The role of ancient Rome and Greece in history
• Women’s employment during the Great Depression.
• Discuss the effects of the civil rights movement.
• How did Abraham Lincoln affect American history?
• History of taxes. 
• What are the reasons for globalization? 
• The culture of colonization and subcultures. 
• American and Uk history

Politics Cause and Effect Essay Topics 

• What is the cause and effect of political correctness?
• Describe the politics of Putin against the neighboring states.
• The political decisions lead to high hostilities
• Personal religious beliefs and political opinions
• Causes and consequences of the U.S. government’s efforts
• Putin's politics against the neighboring countries
• What is the cause of increased militancy?
• The political drawbacks of declaring war on Iraq
• What affects countries’ decisions on immigration?
• The political decisions lead to the high hostilities

Social Occurences Cause and Effect Essay Topics 

• Impact of playing violent video games on a child’s psychology
• Causes and effects of depression in the United States 
• How does human behavior influence the climate?
• Causes and effects of advertisement on the brand image
• How reality-based TV shows impact the behaviors of teenagers. 
• How physical activities influence mental health
• Causes and effects of deforestation 
• The impact of having an emotional support animal on mental health
• How does negative publicity influence a person’s image?
• What are the main causes of police brutality?

You are in writer’s block and cannot think creatively? Check out this cause and effect essay topics blog!

Tips to Write a Cause and Effect Essay

Learning the correct writing process for your essay is not enough. There are some additional elements that professionals use to create a perfect document.

To help you draft yours correctly, expert essay writers of CollegeEssay.org have provided some tips and tricks to follow.

• Choose a topic that is significant and important to you and for your reader.
• Mind mapping is essential, so brainstorm creative ideas before collecting information.
• Identify the purpose of your assignment and keep it in mind the whole time while drafting the essay.
• Use strong supporting evidence collected from credible sources.
• Make sure to work according to the outline and avoid adding irrelevant information.
• Proofread your essay thoroughly to make your essay flawless.
• Use plagiarism checkers to ensure the originality and authenticity of your content.

You can also check out this video for a complete guide on cause and effect essay:

To conclude , learning the basic writing and outlining process is essential if you wish to score well. If your outlining is accurate, the writing process of your cause and effect essay will become way easier.

Many students face difficulties while drafting essays as they have plenty of assignments to deal with. They may find themselves struggling to keep up tasks other than cause and effect essays like narrative essays , and expository essays .  

As a result, the quality of work produced takes a huge hit, but don't worry, we can lend you a helping hand. 

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. 

In order to get help from our experienced and qualified writers, place your order today. Avail of amazing discounts and offers to get custom academic writing service in no time.  As a plus, you can use our AI writing tool if you need a quick fix to beat the deadline stress!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to know cause and effect.

Knowing what cause and effect scenarios are is helpful to students. They should understand that there's always an event responsible for the consequence it brings about, one of which can be known as a "cause." Creating analytical thinkers with this ability will help them solve complex problems in their lives or work. 

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

The purpose of the cause and effect essay is to determine how various phenomena or events affect one another. 

How do you end a cause and effect essay?

In order to summarize your essay, you must include cause-effect points. These should be reminders of how each idea ties into the whole and helps make sense of what was written before.

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10 Cause and Effect Essay Examples to Inspire Your Writing

Cause and effect essays are common in school and require students to look at why something happened and what came from it. These types of essays can be challenging to write, especially for students who are new to the genre. Fortunately, there are many  cause and effect essay  examples available to help guide you through the writing process. That being said, we have compiled a list of 10 excellent cause and effect essay examples that are sure to inspire your writing.

Table of Contents

10 Examples to Help You Get an Idea of How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay

These cause and effect essay examples cover a variety of topics and illustrate different approaches to the structure and content. Let’s get to read them all!

Example 1: Extract of the Cause and Effect Essay on Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is a serious issue that’s becoming more and more common in many parts of the world. According to the World Health Organization, it has become a worldwide epidemic, with over 40 million children under five who are overweight or obese. This essay looks into the causes of childhood obesity and how it affects the health and well-being of kids.

One of the main causes of childhood obesity is a sedentary lifestyle. Children who spend too much time watching television, playing video games, or using electronic devices are at higher risk of becoming overweight or obese. The lack of physical activity can also contribute to a slower metabolism, which means that the body burns fewer calories.

Another reason is the unhealthy diet. Kids can be at risk of obesity because of their diet. Unhealthy foods that are high in calories, fat, and sugar are easier to get and cheaper, so children tend to eat more of them. The sizes of fast food and restaurant meals have grown too, which means children are eating bigger portions than before, which leads to them putting on weight.

Childhood obesity can have serious consequences. Kids who are obese are more likely to have health issues like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and sleep apnea. They may also face low confidence, depression, and social exclusion due to bullying and being judged. And the effects of childhood obesity can last into adulthood, affecting physical and mental health, as well as school performance and social life.

In a nutshell, childhood obesity is a complex issue with multiple causes and negative effects. To address this problem, it is essential to promote healthy lifestyles, including regular physical activity and a balanced diet. Parents, schools, and governments can play a crucial role in creating supportive environments that encourage healthy behaviors and prevent childhood obesity. By addressing the root causes of childhood obesity, we can help children live healthier, happier lives.’

Example 2: Extract of the Cause and Effect Essay on Smoking

The average lifetime of a smoker is much less than the non-smoker. Knowing this fact, our society is still diving into this evil. Smoking is the cause of many deaths, higher than car accidents and this is validly proved by research. It is the cause of lung cancer, gums problems, social problems, etc.

Despite the causes of smoking, its effects are also evident in passive smokers. The smoke from the burning end is more hazardous than the filtered one. Hence, a passive smoker will always have ten times more sufferings than an active smoker.

Smoking not only has physical effects on health but also emotional and social effects. Smokers may experience anxiety, depression, and a decreased sense of taste and smell. They may also face social stigmatization and discrimination due to the negative effects of secondhand smoke on those around them.

Smoking is a harmful habit that has severe consequences on health, society, and the environment. The addiction to nicotine and the social and cultural factors surrounding smoking make it difficult for smokers to quit. To prevent the negative effects of smoking, it is essential to raise awareness of its harmful effects, promote smoking cessation programs, and implement policies that restrict smoking in public places. By reducing the prevalence of smoking, we can improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Example 3: Extract of the Cause and Effect Essay on Social Media 

Even though social media has been a huge help for businesses, especially these days, it also has its downsides. Recent research shows that younger people are spending more time on social media than on their school work, leading to a bad habit of being glued to their phones.

Studies have shown that social media use can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness. It can create unrealistic expectations of life and a sense of inadequacy and inferiority among users. The constant pressure to present a perfect life online can also lead to self-esteem issues and a fear of missing out (FOMO).

Social media is a huge part of life these days, but it has some notable effects on how we live. It’s made communication easier, but at the same time, it’s made us less likely to meet up in person and use our social skills. It can also have an impact on our mental health, plus it can spread false info and make people more divided. Knowing about these things is important so we can sensibly use social media and avoid any bad consequences.

Example 4: Extract of the Cause and Effect Essay on excessive non-work-related activities:

Distraction is the biggest harm to modern-day children. Nothing has affected them more than excessive non-work-related activities. Children in today’s world are more inclined toward adventure and glamor of things than being involved in their curricular activities. The advantages and disadvantages of non-work-related activities are seen in the consequences of it for the students.

Distraction is not just to draw one’s attention away, but also to confuse by unclear instructions and excessive non-work-related activities. Not just the causes, but the effects are manyfold too. Ranging from demotivation, and less mental growth, to disqualification, ill-mannerism, and many others. 

Example 5: Extract of the Cause and Effect Essay on Television and its role in Changing Our Way of Living

Since it first came out in 1954, TV has totally changed our lives. When color TV was invented in 1962, people went crazy for it. It’s changed the world in ways that were never seen before. We now spend more time inside, we watch TV with our families, our habits and routines have been completely altered, we exercise less and don’t interact with people as much as we used to. There are plenty of other effects too.

Example 6: Extract of the Cause and Effect Essay on Stress 

Stress is something that happens when we face demands from outside, like our job, relationships, or money problems. But when stress becomes too much or lasts too long, it can really hurt our bodies and our minds. The root of it all is how we feel about a problem or challenge – that’s what sets off our body’s reaction to fight or take off.

The effects of stress on the body are numerous and can lead to a range of health problems. Chronic stress can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. It can also weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and diseases. In addition, stress can cause muscle tension, headaches, and digestive problems.

Though it’s often seen as a negative thing, stress can actually have some positive effects. Eustress, or positive stress, can help you reach your goals and do even better. It can also help you grow and become stronger.

Stress is a natural reaction to the things life throws at us, but too much of it can have a bad impact on our physical and mental well-being. Prolonged stress can cause a bunch of health issues, from heart disease to mental health disorders. But it can also push us to grow and work toward our goals. It’s important to learn how to deal with stress to avoid the bad and make the most of the good.

Example 7: Extract of the Cause and Effect Essay on Good Health 

Being healthy is super important for living a good life. It’s about more than just not being sick; it’s about feeling good physically, mentally, and socially. What affects our health can vary, from our lifestyle choices to our genetics, the environment we live in, and how easy it is to access healthcare. In this essay, we’ll look at the reasons why health is affected and what the consequences are.

Should we prioritize our health? Absolutely! Health should come before anything else. It’s not just about exercising, eating right, and so on, but it also comes from developing positive relationships. You’d be surprised how having good connections can do more for your health and longevity than just focusing on physical activities.

Looking after your health is really important – it’s influenced by things like your lifestyle, genes, environment, and how easy it is to get healthcare. Having healthy habits and being able to get healthcare easily is really important for keeping fit and well. Choosing unhealthy lifestyles and not being able to get healthcare properly can lead to bad health and cost more in the long run. Individuals and society must prioritize looking after their health to be happy and enjoy life.

Example 8: Extract of the Cause and Effect Essay on Optimistic People vs. Pessimistic People 

Optimistic and pessimistic people are two contrasting personality types that affect how individuals approach and perceive life. Optimists tend to focus on the positive aspects of life, whereas pessimists tend to focus on the negative. The way people approach life can have a profound impact on their overall well-being, relationships, and success. In this essay, we will explore the causes and effects of optimistic and pessimistic attitudes.

The research shows that optimistic people are typically healthier than pessimistic folks. But why is that? It’s because optimistic behavior helps people stay motivated after setbacks, and prevents them from getting discouraged. The cheerful attitude of optimists helps them view problems with a positive outlook and try to find solutions. On the other hand, pessimistic people are a bit better at dealing with their stress.

Having an optimistic or pessimistic outlook affects your life. Those who are more optimistic tend to be in better mental and emotional health, have happier relationships, and be more successful. On the other hand, pessimists tend to suffer more in terms of their mental and emotional health, relationships, and success. It all comes down to the way you view and react to events, as well as how you perceive the world around you. Knowing the causes and consequences of these attitudes can help you make changes in your behavior and thinking that will positively impact your overall health and success.

Example 9: Extract of the Cause and Effect Essay on Air Pollution 

Air pollution is a major environmental issue the world faces today. It’s caused by a mix of human activities, natural processes, and industrial practices, and it can have a range of negative effects on our health, the environment, and the economy. In this essay, we’ll take a look at the causes and consequences of air pollution.

The main reason for air pollution is burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. This releases harmful stuff like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter into the air, which can cause health problems like breathing issues, heart disease, and even cancer.

The industry is a major contributor to air pollution. Manufacturing and mining can release a bunch of pollutants, like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, into the air. These pollutants can cause breathing issues and even cancer, which is really bad for human health.

Air pollution is a big ECO problem that can have serious consequences for our health, the environment, and the economy. Burning fossil fuels, driving, and industrial processes all contribute to air pollution and its effects are wide-reaching and serious. To really tackle this issue, it’s going to take a lot of work from people, businesses, and governments across the globe.

Example 10: Extract of the Cause and Effect Essay on Bullying 

Bullying is a major issue in schools and communities all over the world. It’s a kind of aggressive behavior that involves purposefully hurting someone either physically, psychologically, or socially. The reasons and consequences of bullying can be complicated, but it can have long-term, serious negative effects on those who are victimized. In this essay, we’ll delve into the causes and effects of bullying.

The consequences of bullying can be really serious. People who are bullied can end up feeling really anxious, depressed and have a low opinion of themselves, and in some cases, it can even lead to suicide. Bullying can also mess up school performance, making it hard for victims to focus or even make it to school. In the worst cases, bullying can even cause physical harm and long-term health issues.

Bullying can be extremely damaging, not just for the individuals involved, but for society as a whole. People may be scared to speak up or ask for help if they’re feeling threatened, which can create an atmosphere of fear and suspicion. Bullying can also lead to divisions and disputes within communities. Ultimately, it’s a complex issue that can have a huge range of negative impacts.

Get Help with Your Cause and Effect Essay from a Pro!

If you’re struggling to come up with ideas for your cause and effect essay, don’t worry, because we’re here to help! The experts at  Perfect Essay Writing  can provide you with the support and guidance you need to craft a compelling essay that will impress your readers. Whether you need help with brainstorming, outlining, or editing your essay, we’ve got you covered. So why wait?  Order now  and let us help you bring your ideas to life!

Conclusion 

Cause and effect essays are a great way for you to explore how different events and phenomena are connected. You can make it interesting with examples and evidence to back up your claims. Hopefully, these ten cause and effect essay examples were helpful to get your creative juices flowing. Just ensure to choose a topic that you are passionate about, make a good outline, keep your focus on the main idea, and use simple yet powerful language.

Of course, you can trust our experts to craft you this essay or any other academic assignment ranging from research paper writing, college paper writing, to biography writing and more.

An argumentative essay is when you present a debatable point of view and back it up with evidence. On the contrary, a cause and effect essay looks at how certain events are connected and how one event can cause another.

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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.

On this Page

What is a Cause and Effect Essay?

In this world, everything is inherently interconnected.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Types of Cause and Effect Essay

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

1. Effect-Focused Method

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

2. Cause-Focused Method

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

3. Causes and Effects-Focused Method

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

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

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

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

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Cause and Effect Essay Structure

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

1. Block structure

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

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

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

2. Chain Structure

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

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

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

Cause and Effect Essay Outline

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

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

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

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay?

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

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

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

1. Choose an Engaging and Significant Essay Topic

Selecting a topic is the easiest but trickiest part.

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for more topics for your cause and effect essay?

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

2. Start Your Research

After topic selection, move to the research section.

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

Ask questions! Why? What? How? When?

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

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

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

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

3. Craft a Thesis Statement

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

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

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

4. Write a Rough Draft

Don’t rush to put words down on paper.

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

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

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

5. Write a Cause and Effect Essay Introduction

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

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

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

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

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

6. Compose and Arrange the Body Paragraphs

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

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

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

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

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

7. End with a Powerful Conclusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Cause and Effect Essay Examples

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

CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY SAMPLE

CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY EXAMPLE

CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY ON DIVORCE

Cause and Effect Essay Topics

Here are some good cause and effect essay topics:

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

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

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!

PhD Essay, Literature

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

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