Cause-and-Effect Essays
A cause and effect essay looks at the reasons (or causes) for something, then discusses the results (or effects).
For this reason, cause and effect essays are sometimes referred to as reason and result essays. They are one of the most common forms of organization in academic writing.
Structure:
- Introduction;
- Body paragraph 1 (causes);
- Body paragraph 2 (effects);
- Conclusion.
Introduction
Write your introduction in two sentences:
1. Sentence 1 - paraphrase the statement (you can use ‘nowadays/today/these days’ to start);
2. Sentence 2 - say what you’ll write about in your essay.
Body paragraph 1 (causes)
1. Sentence 1 - state all the main causes;
2. Sentences 2-3 - describe the first cause. Assume that your reader has no knowledge in this area and you have to explain all the details to him.
3. Sentences 4-5 - describe the second cause. Don’t forget that it’s useful to give examples.
Body paragraph 2 (effects)
1. Sentence 1 - state all the possible effects;
2. Sentences 2-3 - explain the first effect and give an example;
3. Sentences 4-6 - explain the second effect and support it with an example.
Conclusion
For the conclusion you need to restate the problem and sum up the causes and effects that you described in your body paragraphs.
For this type of an essay, you guys may choose one of these topics:
2. The role of pop-music in a personality development
3. The impact of social media on modern society