ELEMENTS OF LANGUAGE <MODEL BANK HOME    
Writer's Model
 Cause-and-Effect Essay
 
     
A cause-and-effect essay explores the causes and effects of an event or situation. A good cause-and-effect essay clearly explains the relationship between actions and reactions.
 
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
• Attention-grabbing beginning
• Main idea statement
• Definitions and/or background information		 Get your readers' attention It may help to start with ideas that are familiar to your readers.
Include a main idea statement Clearly state the cause-and-effect relationship you will be exploring.
Provide background information If your topic is unfamiliar to readers, include background information and definitions of terms your readers may not know. 		 
 
    Body
• Cause or Effect 1
  Support with elaboration
• Cause or Effect 2
  Support with elaboration		 Explain each cause or effect Write a separate paragraph for each cause or effect.
Elaborate on each cause or effect Include explanations, facts, and examples to support each statement. Use a sensible order and cause-and-effect clue words to create coherence.		  
 
    Conclusion
• Summary of causes or effects and/or
• Restatement of main idea 		Sum it up Remind readers of the main causes or effects you have explored. You may also want to restate your main idea.  
 
   
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