Elements of Language: Sixth Course, Chapter 4

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Writer's Model

Cause-and-Effect Essay

A cause-and-effect essay is an attempt to explain the causes and effects of an event or situation. A good cause-and-effect essay clearly explains the relationship between actions and reactions in a specific context. This type of essay is particularly effective for examining complex scientific topics.

Many cause-and-effect essays use the structure illustrated in the framework below. Print this framework and use it as a guide when you write your own cause-and-effect essay.

Introduction
• Pique the readers' interest.
• Establish the situation or topic.
• Present the thesis.

Grab your readers' attention Your introduction should make readers want to keep reading your essay. Try starting with a thought-provoking question, an interesting quotation, or an anecdote.
Set up your topic Give your readers background information, including technical definitions, to help them understand the causal relationship you will explain.
State your thesis Write a statement that clearly states the focus of your essay. Indicate whether you will discuss causes, effects, or both.

Body
• State and support with evidence the first cause or effect.
• State and support with evidence the second cause or effect, and so on.

Organize clearly Make sure your analysis progresses in logical order. If you are analyzing a causal chain, use chronological order. Otherwise, use order of importance—from most important to least important or vice versa.
Make your case Provide evidence that supports each cause or effect. Use facts, examples, statistics, quotations, anecdotes, or expert opinions as evidence.

Conclusion
• Reinforce the thesis.
• Tie the ideas together with a summary.
• Leave the reader with a final thought.

Finish strongly Summarize your analysis and restate your thesis statement. You also might end with a call for your readers to take action.