The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health
It must be kept in mind that these steps are only for illustrative purposes and not definition ones. Every person has his/her own individual approach to writing a thesis statement. You can adapt the steps and examples that suit your specific essay topic and content.
The topic involves a cause-and-effect relationship. | |
The main factor or event that leads to a specific result or outcome. | |
The result or consequence of the cause. | |
The use of cause and effect language indicates the relationship between the factors. | |
The specific aspect or angle of the topic explored in the essay. | |
A brief overview of the main causes and effects discussed in the essay. | |
Creating a clear and concise thesis statement that effectively communicates the cause and effect relationship. |
The increase in global temperatures is causing the melting of polar ice caps. | This statement presents a straightforward cause and effect relationship such as the rising global temperatures is causing the melting of polar ice caps. | |
Overconsumption of sugary drinks leads to obesity, tooth decay, and increased risk of diabetes. | This type of statement links a single cause, overconsumption of sugary drinks, to multiple effects, including obesity, tooth decay, and an increased risk of diabetes. | |
Poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and genetic predisposition contribute to the development of heart disease. | This type of statement identifies multiple causes, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and genetic predisposition, that collectively lead to a single effect, the development of heart disease. | |
Deforestation results in the loss of habitat for wildlife, disrupts ecosystems and contributes to climate change. | In a chain of causes and effects, one cause leads to an effect, which becomes the cause of the subsequent effect. Deforestation causes the loss of habitat for wildlife, which disrupts ecosystems, and ultimately contributes to climate change. | |
Lack of sleep leads to decreased cognitive function and productivity. | In a reverse cause and effect thesis statement, the typical cause and effect relationship is reversed. Here, the lack of sleep is the cause, and the effects include decreased cognitive function and productivity. | |
If students have access to quality education, they are more likely to secure well-paying jobs. | This type of statement presents a conditional cause and effect relationship. It states that if students have access to quality education (cause), they are more likely to secure well-paying jobs (effect). |
Smoking leads to various health problems. | The habitual smoking of cigarettes significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory disorders. | |
Lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating habits contribute to obesity. | The combination of sedentary lifestyles, characterized by minimal physical exercise, and the consumption of high-calorie processed foods significantly contributes to the prevalence of obesity. | |
Excessive use of technology negatively affects interpersonal relationships. | The excessive use of technology, such as smartphones and social media platforms, diminishes the quality of interpersonal relationships by impeding face-to-face communication, fostering isolation, and promoting superficial connections. | |
Industrial emissions are a major cause of environmental pollution. | The unregulated emissions of pollutants from industrial activities are a significant contributor to environmental pollution, leading to air and water contamination, habitat destruction, and adverse health effects. | |
Sleep deprivation results in decreased cognitive function. | Chronic sleep deprivation, caused by various factors including work demands and lifestyle choices, significantly impairs cognitive function, leading to reduced attention span, memory problems, and decreased overall productivity. |
It must be noted that the revised and edited thesis statements aim to provide more specific and focused cause-and-effect relationships.
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You need to write a cause and effect essay for your assignment. Well, where should you start?
Establishing a relationship between causes and effects is no simple task. You need to ensure logical connections between variables with credible evidence.
However, don't get overwhelmed by the sound of it. You can start by reading some great cause and effect essay examples.
In this blog, you can read cause and effect essays to get inspiration and learn how to write them. With these resources, you'll be able to start writing an awesome cause and effect paper.
Letâs dive in!
A cause and effect essay explores why things happen (causes) and what happens as a result (effects). This type of essay aims to uncover the connections between events, actions, or phenomena. It helps readers understand the reasons behind certain outcomes.
In a cause and effect essay, you typically:
Cause and effect essays are common in various academic disciplines. For instance, studies in sciences, history, and the social sciences rely on essential cause and effect questions. For instance, "what are the effects of climate change?", or "what are the causes of poverty?"
Now that you know what a cause and effect is, letâs read some examples.
Here is an example of a well-written cause and effect essay on social media. Letâs analyze it in parts to learn why it is good and how you can write an effective essay yourself.
Do you know that the average person now spends over two hours a day on social media platforms? Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. Whether it's Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, these platforms have revolutionized the way we connect, communicate, and share our experiences with the world. However, while they offer many advantages, the excessive use of social media can have detrimental effects on our mental health. In this essay, we will explore the causes and effects of this relationship, shedding light on the profound influence social media has on our well-being. |
The essay begins with a compelling hook that grabs the reader's attention. It presents a brief overview of the topic clearly and concisely. The introduction covers the issue and ends with a strong thesis statement , stating the essay's main argument â that excessive use of social media can negatively impact mental health.
The rise of social media has led to an unprecedented increase in screen time. According to recent statistics, the average person spends over two hours per day on social media platforms. This surge is largely due to the addictive nature of these platforms, which are designed to keep us engaged. Endless scrolling, constant notifications, and the desire for likes and comments contribute to a compulsive need to check social media. This excessive use of social media is the first point to examine. |
The first body paragraph sets the stage by discussing the first cause - excessive social media use. It provides data and statistics to support the claim, which makes the argument more compelling. The analysis highlights the addictive nature of social media and its impact on users. This clear and evidence-based explanation prepares the reader for the cause-and-effect relationship to be discussed.
As social media usage has surged, so too has the number of people reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression. Studies have shown a significant correlation between the time spent on social media and the likelihood of experiencing these mental health issues. Constant exposure to carefully curated, idealized representations of others' lives can lead to unfavorable social comparisons. We start to measure our worth by the number of likes and followers we have, and we often fall short, which leads to anxiety and depression. |
The second body paragraph effectively explores the effect of excessive social media use, which is increased anxiety and depression. It provides a clear cause-and-effect relationship, with studies backing the claims. The paragraph is well-structured and uses relatable examples, making the argument more persuasive.
A second cause of the negative impact of social media on mental health is the phenomenon of social comparison. When we scroll through our feeds and see our friends and acquaintances posting photos of their exotic vacations, happy relationships, and personal achievements, we can't help but compare our own lives. The fear of missing out (FOMO) is a real and growing concern in today's digital age. We are constantly bombarded with images and stories that make us feel like we are missing out on the excitement and fulfillment that others seem to be experiencing. |
The third body paragraph effectively introduces the second cause, which is social comparison and FOMO. It explains the concept clearly and provides relatable examples. It points out the relevance of this cause in the context of social media's impact on mental health, preparing the reader for the subsequent effect to be discussed.
Social comparison and FOMO have tangible effects on our mental health. People who engage in these comparisons often feel isolated and alone. The constant exposure to others' seemingly perfect lives can lead to a sense of inadequacy and decreased self-esteem. We start to question our own choices and accomplishments, believing that we are falling short in comparison to our peers. |
The fourth body paragraph effectively explores the second effect of social comparison and FOMO, which is isolation and decreased self-esteem. It provides real-world consequences and uses relatable examples.
In conclusion, the impact of social media on our mental health is undeniable. The excessive use of social media leads to increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy, while the fear of missing out amplifies these negative emotions. It's crucial to acknowledge these challenges and their effect on our well-being. As we navigate this ever-evolving digital landscape, finding a healthier balance in the digital age becomes essential. We must consider limiting our social media use, curating our online experiences, and promoting digital detox. By taking these steps, we can protect our mental health and ensure that the benefits of social media are enjoyed without the accompanying harm. |
The conclusion effectively summarizes the key points discussed in the essay. It restates the thesis statement and offers practical solutions, demonstrating a well-rounded understanding of the topic. The analysis emphasizes the significance of the conclusion in leaving the reader with a call to action or reflection on the essay's central theme.
This essay follows this clear cause and effect essay structure to convey the message effectively:
Read our cause and effect essay outline blog to learn more about how to structure your cause and effect essay effectively.
The analysis of the essay above is a good start to understanding how the paragraphs in a cause and effect essay are structured. You can read and analyze more examples below to improve your understanding.
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Wondering which topic to write your essay on? Here is a list of cause and effect essay topic ideas to help you out.
Need more topics? Check out our list of 150+ cause and effect essay topics to get more interesting ideas.
Reading and following the examples above can help you write a good essay. However, you can make your essay even better by following these tips.
To Sum Up ,
Cause and effect essays are important for comprehending the intricate relationships that shape our world. With the help of the examples and tips above, you can confidently get started on your essay.
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The Cause and effect essay is another common essay type, either as an essay type on its own, or as part of a larger essay which includes one or more paragraphs examining causes and effects. This page gives information on what a cause and effect essay is , how to structure this type of essay, and how to use cause and effect structure words (transition signals) for this type of essay. There is also an example cause and effect essay on the topic of women at work, as well as some exercises to help you practice this area.
For another look at the same content, check out YouTube » or Youku » , or this infographic » .
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 organisation in academic writing. Sometimes the whole essay will be cause and effect, though sometimes this may be only part of the whole essay. It is also possible, especially for short exam essays, that only the causes or the effects, not both, are discussed. See the examples below.
There are two main ways to structure a cause and effect essay. These are similar to the ways to structure problem-solution essays , namely using a block or a chain structure. For the block structure, all of the causes are listed first, and all of the effects are listed afterwards. For the chain structure, each cause is followed immediately by the effect. Usually that effect will then be the cause of the next effect, which is why this structure is called 'chain'. Both types of structure have their merits. The former is generally clearer, especially for shorter essays, while the latter ensures that any effects you present relate directly to the causes you have given.
The two types of structure, block and chain , are shown in the diagram below.
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Cause and effect structure words are transition signals which show the cause and effect relationships. It is important to be clear which is the cause (or reason) and which is the effect (or result), and to use the correct transition word or phrase. Remember that a cause happens first , and the effect happens later .
Below are some common cause and effect structure words. X is used to indicate a cause, while Y is used to indicate the effect.
Below is a cause and effect essay. This essay uses the block structure . Click on the different areas (in the shaded boxes to the right) to highlight the different structural aspects in this essay, i.e. Causes, Effects, and structure words. This will highlight not simply the paragraphs, but also the thesis statement and summary , as these repeat the causes and effects contained in the main body.
Title: More and more women are now going out to work and some women are now the major salary earner in the family. What are the causes of this, and what effect is this having on families and society?
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In the past, most women stayed at home to take care of domestic chores such as cooking or cleaning. Women's liberation and feminism have meant that this situation has been transformed and in contemporary society women are playing an almost equal role to men in terms of work. This has had significant consequences , both in terms of the family , for example by improving quality of life and increasing children's sense of independence , and also for society itself with greater gender equality . The main reasons behind the increase of women in the workplace are women's liberation and feminism. The women's liberation movement originated in the 1960s and was popularised by authors such as Simone de Beauvoir. As a consequence of this, new legislation emerged, granting women equal rights to men in many fields, in particular employment. Because of feminist ideas, men have taken up roles which were previously seen as being for women only, most importantly those related to child rearing. As a result of this, women have more time to pursue their own careers and interests. These have led to some significant effects, both to family life and to society as a whole. Although the earning capacity of a woman in her lifetime is generally much less than that of a man, she can nevertheless make a significant contribution to the family income. The most important consequence of this is an improved quality of life. By helping to maintain a steady income for the family, the pressure on the husband is considerably reduced, hence improving both the husband's and the wife's emotional wellbeing. Additionally, the purchasing power of the family will also be raised. This means that the family can afford more luxuries such as foreign travel and a family car. A further effect on the family is the promotion of independence in the children. Some might argue that having both parents working might be damaging to the children because of a lack of parental attention. However, such children have to learn to look after themselves at an earlier age, and their parents often rely on them to help with the housework. This therefore teaches them important life skills. As regards society, the most significant impact of women going to work is greater gender equality. There are an increasing number of women who are becoming politicians, lawyers, and even CEOs and company managers. This in turn has led to greater equality for women in all areas of life, not just employment. For example, women today have much stronger legal rights to protect themselves against domestic violence and sexual discrimination in the workplace. In conclusion, the increasing number of women at work has brought about some important changes to family life, including improved quality of life and increased independence for children, as well as affecting society itself. It is clear that the sexes are still a long way from being equal in all areas of life, however, and perhaps the challenge for the present century is to ensure that this takes place.
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Below is a checklist for cause and effect essays. Use it to check your own writing, or get a peer (another student) to help you.
The essay is a essay | ||
An appropriate is used, either or | ||
Cause and effect are used accurately | ||
The essay has clear | ||
Each paragraph has a clear | ||
The essay has strong support (facts, reasons, examples, etc.) | ||
The conclusion includes a of the main points |
Find out how to write problem-solution essays in the next section.
Go back to the previous section about compare & contrast essays .
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Compare & contrast essays examine the similarities of two or more objects, and the differences.
Cause & effect essays consider the reasons (or causes) for something, then discuss the results (or effects).
Discussion essays require you to examine both sides of a situation and to conclude by saying which side you favour.
Problem-solution essays are a sub-type of SPSE essays (Situation, Problem, Solution, Evaluation).
Transition signals are useful in achieving good cohesion and coherence in your writing.
Reporting verbs are used to link your in-text citations to the information cited.
Remember when that annoying light came on while you were driving home last night? Turns out it really did serve a purposeâto tell you one of your tires was low.
Unfortunately, you ignored the warning light. Unfortunately, you missed class because of your flat tire this morning. Because you missed class, you failed a quiz.
This is a perfect example of cause and effect.
The problem: Another light appeared on your dashboard.
The cause: Low air pressure in a tire.
The effects: You missed class. Because you missed class, you didnât realize there would be a quiz next week, and you failed the quiz.
Writing an effective cause and effect essay isnât that different from the facts of this scenario. Youâll outline the causes, the effects, or both the causes and effects of a specific problem or issue.
To better illustrate this, letâs take a look at the basics of this essay type before we dive into two cause and effect essay examples.
In order to understand how to write a good cause and effect essay, you need to know four basic points.
In order to write an effective essay, you need to follow your professorâs guidelines.
If your topic is childhood obesity, are you supposed to write about the causes, the effects, or about both the causes and effects of childhood obesity?
Paying attention to guidelines really does make a difference in your grade! Know what youâre supposed to be writing before you begin.
The thesis statement will establish the focus for your paper. In a cause and effect essay, your thesis should let readers know if youâre writing about causes, effects, or both.
Check out these examples:
Thesis statements about obesity might look like one of these.
If the focus of your paper is the causes of obesity, your thesis statement might be something like this:
Children today are increasingly overweight primarily due to overconsumption of highly processed foods.
If the focus of your paper is the effects of obesity, your thesis statement might be something like this:
The recent increase in childhood obesity has resulted in children suffering from numerous health problems, including high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
If the focus of your paper is both causes and effects of obesity, your thesis statement might be something like this:
Due to overconsumption of highly processed foods, childhood obesity is becoming epidemic and leaving children with numerous health problems, such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
If you start writing with a jumbled mess of thoughts in your head, your paper is likely going to end up a jumbled mess.
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Organize your ideas by starting with a simple chart like this (fancy colors optional, of course). Itâs a quick way to list information before you actually begin writing.
You may not end up using all of the causes and effects listed in your chart. But by listing as many as you can think of, youâll be able to choose the best options for your paper.
Readers need to be able to see how youâre connecting ideas. Move from one idea to the next by using the right transitions and transition sentences .
Hereâs a list of transitions you might use in your own cause and effect paper:
And for nearly endless transitional possibilities, check out 97 Transition Words for Essays You Need to Know .
With basic training complete, letâs take a look at two cause and effect essay examples. Then you can see what these elements look like in an actual paper.
This essay causes a stir not because itâs an amazing paper but because it’s still in need of some revision.
Itâs a good start to a cause and effect essay but struggles to get it right.
The essay does provide an overview of the topic, lists causes and effects, and uses transitions. But it has its share of concerns too.
One of the key problems in the introductions is the lack of a thesis statement. At the end of the first paragraph, it does have a broad overview. However, it lacks the specificity of a strong thesis statement.
The body of the paper struggles with organization. It does includes a lot of ideas and research. But it doesnât quite organize and develop them.
While the paper uses transitions to link ideas, it goes overboard. It includes transitions to link lists of statements rather than introduce fully developed arguments.
Finally, the conclusion is almost non-existent. A Works Cited is also missing.
Hopefully that helps you avoid some of these issues in your own essay. Now let’s dive into the second of our two cause and effect essay examples.
Though this paper struggles a bit with organization, it does include a clear thesis, use of transitions to link ideas, and a basic discussion of the negative effects of technology.
Note that this paper uses evidence from sources to support ideas but doesnât always use proper in-text citations and does not include a Works Cited. Both of these are required in MLA format .
Congratulations! Your basic training using cause and effect essay examples is complete.
Now that you know the basic components of a cause and effect essay and can spot them in a sample essay, itâs time to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).
Remember the weak elements in the cause and effect essay examples as you write your own essay to make yours shine.
If youâve drafted some causes and effects to your topic but are stumped as to how to put them into essay format, try outlining. (Read How to Write a 5-Paragraph Essay Outline .)
After youâve outlined and have a complete draft, send your paper to a Kibin editor to make sure your paper is in good shape!
Psst... 98% of Kibin users report better grades! Get inspiration from over 500,000 example essays .
About the Author
Susan M. Inez is a professor of English and writing goddess based out of the Northeast. In addition to a BA in English Education, an MA in Composition, and an MS in Education, Susan has 20 years of experience teaching courses on composition, writing in the professions, literature, and more. She also served as co-director of a campus writing center for 2 years.
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Published on January 11, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on August 15, 2023 by Eoghan Ryan.
A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . It usually comes near the end of your introduction .
Your thesis will look a bit different depending on the type of essay you’re writing. But the thesis statement should always clearly state the main idea you want to get across. Everything else in your essay should relate back to this idea.
You can write your thesis statement by following four simple steps:
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What is a thesis statement, placement of the thesis statement, step 1: start with a question, step 2: write your initial answer, step 3: develop your answer, step 4: refine your thesis statement, types of thesis statements, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about thesis statements.
A thesis statement summarizes the central points of your essay. It is a signpost telling the reader what the essay will argue and why.
The best thesis statements are:
The thesis statement generally appears at the end of your essay introduction or research paper introduction .
The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts and among young people more generally is hotly debated. For many who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education: the internet facilitates easier access to information, exposure to different perspectives, and a flexible learning environment for both students and teachers.
You should come up with an initial thesis, sometimes called a working thesis , early in the writing process . As soon as you’ve decided on your essay topic , you need to work out what you want to say about itâa clear thesis will give your essay direction and structure.
You might already have a question in your assignment, but if not, try to come up with your own. What would you like to find out or decide about your topic?
For example, you might ask:
After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process .
Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:
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Now you need to consider why this is your answer and how you will convince your reader to agree with you. As you read more about your topic and begin writing, your answer should get more detailed.
In your essay about the internet and education, the thesis states your position and sketches out the key arguments you’ll use to support it.
The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education because it facilitates easier access to information.
In your essay about braille, the thesis statement summarizes the key historical development that you’ll explain.
The invention of braille in the 19th century transformed the lives of blind people, allowing them to participate more actively in public life.
A strong thesis statement should tell the reader:
The final thesis statement doesn’t just state your position, but summarizes your overall argument or the entire topic you’re going to explain. To strengthen a weak thesis statement, it can help to consider the broader context of your topic.
These examples are more specific and show that you’ll explore your topic in depth.
Your thesis statement should match the goals of your essay, which vary depending on the type of essay you’re writing:
If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!
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A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.
The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:
Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.
Follow these four steps to come up with a thesis statement :
The thesis statement should be placed at the end of your essay introduction .
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When you eat a really good pizza, you say, âyumâ and likely reach for another slice. Thatâs basic cause and effect. The pizza was good, so you responded and ate more. Youâve 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?
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 âwhyâ or âhowâ of a situation.
You might see some slight variations in the structure of a cause and effect essay, but for the most part, youâre looking at a pretty rigid outline .
A basic cause and effect essay structure would look like:
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, youâd 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.
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 itâll help you generate new ideas for your own cause and effect essay.
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 canât 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. Itâs 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.
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.
Some people think conclusions can feel tacked on, so avoid doing that. Make your conclusion matter, whether thatâs 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.
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, hereâs some food for thought to get you started.
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!
Your head might be spinning with all that information, and itâs okay. Itâs 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.
Okay, that sounds a little more existential than intended, but itâs 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 itâs 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?
Because of how everything tends to be interlinked, youâll 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.
Despite the above, donât 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 youâre exploring is way outside the bounds of your thesis, it might be worth cutting it (save that pasta sauce writing for another day).
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Chapter 4: What Are You Writing, to Whom, and How?
Learning Objectives
It is often considered human nature to ask âwhy?â and âhow?â We may want to know how our child got sick so we can better prevent it from happening in the future, or why our colleague received 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.
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:
For example, if your essay is 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 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 words and phrases that denote such linkage. See below Phrases of Causation for examples of such terms.
The conclusion should wrap up the discussion and reinforce the thesis, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of the relationship that was analyzed.
Self-Practice Exercise 4.8
H5P:Â Cause and Effect Writing Practice
Exercise Preamble
In this exercise, we will think through the steps of a cause and effect essay. This can be tricky. We’ll start by choosing a topic. You want to pick something you know enough about to make claims about the relationships between cause and effect. For this in-class exercise, there’s no need to do external research, but remember that in a more formal assignment, you’ll want to have good sources for all your claims and to avoid speculation.
Some areas where cause and effect thinking is common include:
For example, you might write a cause and effect essay about whether violent video games cause children to act out, or whether universal basic income programs cause people to live more stable lives. Choose something you can argue from a position of confidence.
Set a timer and freewrite for five minutes about the topic you have chosen.
Can you identify a potential thesis statement from your freewriting? Remember: 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. In other words, you don’t need to claim the only cause or effect — we know that ideas are complex.
Organizing Your Draft
Which makes the most sense for what you are trying to argue in your thesis statement?
Using point form, sketch out the structure of your essay: how many paragraphs, what will each one focus on, and how will you support it?
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 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 Appendix 1: Readings: Examples of Essays  to read a sample cause and effect essay.
Key Takeaways
In week 7, you will need to submit an expository essay on one of the following topics. Consider these topics as you work through the rest of this chapter and the next. You will need to choose one topic from one of the rhetorical modes below and write a 750- to 900-word essay. You will need to produce a logically organized essay with a thesis statement, well developed and logically organized paragraphs (with topic sentences), and an introduction and conclusion. You will need to support your ideas using one to three sources and include an APA reference list and citations as outlined in the JIBC APA Style Guide. You need to also demonstrate appropriate use of grammar and correct spelling. Remember, your essay should not just be a story; it should demonstrate logical organization and idea development.
Choose any one of the exercises you have completed for Self-Practice 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, or 4.9 and develop it into your Expository Essay. Consult with your instructor or your classmates if you are having a hard time deciding which activity to develop further.
You need to submit this assignment to your instructor for marking . (15%)
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Cause and effect is a rhetorical style that discusses which events lead to specific results. You may find that you are assigned to write a cause and effect essay for a writing class, but you might also encounter cause and effect assignments in other disciplines. For example, you may be asked to write about the causes for the decline of a particular company in your business class, or you may be asked to write about the causes of the rise in obesity rates in the United States for your nursing class.
A cause and effect essay is structured around the goal of discovering and discussing events that lead to certain results. When writing a cause and effect essay, you should be sure that you have researched the specific causes and are confident that you’re demonstrating why they lead to particular results. You may either concentrate on all causes, effects or a combination of both.
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Cause-and-effect essays are used in academic writing to analyse the reasons for and potential consequences of the problem. However, crafting a properly organised essay may be problematic for beginners. With the right information, they can present their thoughts in their writing and provide a chance for readers to understand the concept from two different aspects.
As far as the framework is concerned, students need to make an effort to compose a good essay that will convince readers of their arguments. After analysing this article, youâll better comprehend the cause-and-effect essay structure. So, letâs start reading in detail:
Beginners should comprehend the cause-and-effect essay structure to discuss the connection between acts and their effects. If you are also looking for ways to organise ideas in your essay, this article is for you. This guide will help you write an essay structure and teach you how to craft a comprehensive paper. Go through the tips mentioned below to get a clear idea of an essay structure.
Continue reading to get a deep understanding of the recommendations for writing a compelling paper.
For novices, deciding on an appropriate subject matter is crucial for cause-and-effect essay structure. It is important to consider the right topic because it makes the writing interesting. Following are some tips for beginners on how to choose a topic:
A well-selected topic can make it less difficult to write a coherent paper taking into consideration efficient research of reasons and outcomes. Below are a few examples of essay topics:
It is crucial to pick out the essayâs attention whilst organising a cause-and-effect essay structure to create a clear and compelling argument. The particular facet of the subject that the author wishes to investigate and assess is referred to as the paperâs main focus. The writer should think about taking the following actions to decide on the focus:
Writing a compelling opening is important for a well-organised cause-and-effect essay structure, specifically for college beginners. The introduction establishes the tone and gives the reader a route to follow, acting as the main factor in the whole document. In addition, to grab the readerâs attention a sturdy opening clarifies the subject, the causes and results.
Consider the following components while writing a cause-and-effect essay introduction:
Grab the readerâs attention right after starting your essay with a strong hook statement. It should engage the reader and provide an insight into the subject being discussed.
Give a few historical facts on the problem, along with any required clarifications. This facilitates the reader and writer coming to a shared information.
Establish the essayâs thesis argument.
Give a concise summary of the primary ideas, in conjunction with the causes and results.
Conclude the introduction with a sentence that skilfully guides the reader into the essayâs body.
It is vital to set body paragraphs in a cause-and-effect essay structure to give a coherent and convincing thesis. By assigning a purpose or impact to every paragraph, this method makes it easier for the reader to see how the argument makes sense.
Below are a few suggestions for arranging body paragraphs according to cause or effect:
The writer needs to explain a specific reason for the topic in these paragraphs, helping the statement with examples and evidence.
The writer examines the effects of the concern in these paragraphs.
Another essential aspect is the paragraphsâ arrangement. It is usually really helpful to address the causes first and then the results. So, the reader will find it easier to understand the reasoning and a clean cause-and-effect setup. In addition, this guarantees that the writer would not stray from the important factors. In a few cases, beginners are not good at tackling complex reasons and impacts while structuring the paper. They may hire experienced essay writers in the UK for help in crafting a comprehensive document.
A cause-and-effect essay must be structured with supporting details to back up your assertions. The evidence can take many different forms, including data, professional judgment, firsthand accounts of historical events, and personal experiences. Furthermore, the secret is to prove the cause-and-effect causal relationship using pertinent and reliable sources.
The following advice can assist beginners in establishing their reasons and impact using evidence:
For fresh students, transitioning between ideas is an essential point of establishing a cause-and-effect essay structure. The essay flows coherently because it facilitates the writer to make logical connections between their ideas. In addition, the well-written transitions in a document help the readers understand the writerâs reasoning and the connections between reasons and effects.
Beginners can use a variety of techniques to create easy transitions:
Students should use transitional words to attach ideas. Examples of such words and phrases include âbut,â âfurther,â âwithin the meantime,â and âconsequently.â
Using critical phrases and terms again and again in a paper fosters coherence and strengthens the links.
Pronouns and synonyms can create more attractive and countless writing styles.
Use transitional sentences to create a continuing transition among ideas. Moreover, college students may use these sentences to introduce a new subject and summarise it.
Use analytical connections to attach reasons and effects and make the relationships among them. Logical connectors like âdue to the factâ and âas a resultâ may be used to attach reasons and results.
By transitioning among ideas, beginners can create a well-structured cause-and-effect essay that effectively communicates their thoughts. Furthermore, the writers engage the readers by incorporating these tactics into their writing.
The key ideas are summarised at the end to organise the cause-and-impact structure essay. To make a long-lasting effect and enhance the readerâs comprehension of the problem, this phase is essential.
Moreover, the argument needs to be restated within the conclusion, with an emphasis on the principal causes and consequences covered in the essay. This method aims to offer a concise comprehension of the primary ideas without the need to read the whole essay.
Summarise the critical factors to your conclusion phase with the aid of following the under-stated recommendations:
These are the essential points that determine the structure of the cause and effect essay. With the support of these suggestions, you can craft a good piece of writing. However, if you feel reluctant to do it yourself, we suggest you buy your essay online from reliable sources.
Review an example of a cause-and-effect essay from YourDictionary :
To write understandable and convincing papers, beginners must excel in the cause-and-effect essay structure. Adopting a methodical approach requires inspecting the connections between reasons and their results. In addition, this enhances the essential questioning capabilities and aids in the clear presentation of ideas.
Beginners will discover that writing a well-written paper becomes less difficult after comprehending these suggestions. A properly-supported essay efficiently communicates arguments to readers by emphasising reasons and results.
Hence, this makes it easier for the readers to understand the argument. Finally, with effort, beginners may reach their writing objectives and express their thoughts with precision and clarity while writing a cause-and-effect essay.
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A cause and effect essay typically consists of several key elements that help to establish a clear structure. These elements include an introduction, a thesis statement, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. By carefully organizing and structuring these elements, you can create a coherent and logical flow of ideas throughout your essay.
4. Using Transitional Words and Phrases. Use transitional words and phrases to ensure a smooth flow of ideas and improve the readability of your essay. Words and phrases such as "because," "as a result," "therefore," and "consequently" can help signal the cause and effect relationships in your writing. 5.
Create a clear thesis statement. In order to write a compelling cause and effect essay, it is essential to start with a clear and well-defined thesis statement. The thesis statement serves as the main idea or argument of your essay, providing a roadmap for the reader to understand the cause-and-effect relationship you will be exploring.
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.
That should be a message which you can develop and support throughout the text. Show an interconnection between one cause and its effects or one effect and its causes. Be well-organized (one sentence long). The reader should be able to understand the focus of your writing from one phrase. Be academically arguable.
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.
This is usually a succinct description of the event that will be taken apart and explored through the rest of the essay. The paragraph is brought to an end with the thesis statement. Thesis statement: A key element of the essay, the thesis statement concisely presents the primary cause and effect relationship that will be studied. The thesis ...
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.
The introduction to your cause and effect essay will have a thesis statement, generally at the end. You build up to the thesis statement by leading your reader to think about the causes and/or effects of the event or phenomenon. The thesis statement is the central message or main idea of your entire essay. Writing a strong thesis statement is ...
Here are ten simple steps to help you write an engaging essay that looks into how things are connected. 1. Select a Specific Topic. Choose a cause and effect relationship that sparks your interest. Ensure your topic is focused and manageable for a thorough exploration. 2.
Cause And Effect Essay Structure. Introduction: Hook: Start with an attention-grabbing statement or question to engage the reader. Background Information: Provide context and background information on the topic. Thesis Statement: Clearly state the main causes and effects you will discuss in your essay. Body Paragraphs: Paragraph 1: Introduction to Causes Topic Sentence: Introduce the first ...
Cause & Effect essays look at reasons for an event and/or the outcomes of an event. Students look at a situation and describe causes, how the situation came about, or effects, the situations that resulted from the event. Effects can be short-term or long-term. Students might need to focus their essay on one or the other or both.
đ 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.
Cause #1. Cause #2. Cause #3 (and so onâŠ) The effect of the causes. Conclusion. 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.
A cause and effect thesis statement comprises a sentence or a couple of sentences. It states the main idea or argument of the essay and focuses on the cause and effect relationship between two or more events, actions, or phenomena. It also explains how one factor influences or leads to another. It presents the overall purpose and direction of ...
Research and Gather Evidence: Gather relevant data, statistics, examples, and expert opinions to support your arguments. Strong evidence enhances the credibility of your essay. Outline Your Essay: Create a structured outline that outlines the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. This will provide a clear roadmap for your essay and ...
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. ... The essay has clear thesis statement: Each paragraph has a clear topic sentence: The essay has strong support (facts, reasons ...
The thesis statement will establish the focus for your paper. In a cause and effect essay, your thesis should let readers know if you're writing about causes, effects, or both. Check out these examples: Thesis statements about obesity might look like one of these. If the focus of your paper is the causes of obesity, your thesis statement ...
Step 2: Write your initial answer. After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process. The internet has had more of a positive than a negative effect on education.
A cause and effect essay is a type of essay that explores how an event came into being and what transpires because of that event. We guide you through writing one with examples. ... Reiterate your thesis statement. Consider further questions that could be explored within your cause and effect analysis, including other effects or other potential ...
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.
Written by MasterClass. Last updated: Jun 7, 2021 âą 2 min read. Cause-and-effect essay structure is a way of exploring relationships between ideas and events.
Cause & Effect Essay. Cause and effect is a rhetorical style that discusses which events lead to specific results. You may find that you are assigned to write a cause and effect essay for a writing class, but you might also encounter cause and effect assignments in other disciplines. For example, you may be asked to write about the causes for ...
Statement of the Thesis. Establish the essay's thesis argument. Summary of the Key Points. Give a concise summary of the primary ideas, in conjunction with the causes and results. Transition. Conclude the introduction with a sentence that skilfully guides the reader into the essay's body. 4. Organise Body Paragraphs by Cause or Effect