CAUSE AND EFFECT CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAYESSAY

For every action there is a reaction

Many actions occur as a result of certain factors or causes, either obvious or obscure. These actions may lead to several effects.

A cause is the reason for an event or a situation. An effect is the result of an event or situation.

Purpose of Cause-Effect essay

To understand the relationship of events that brought about an outcome (Cause)To understand the results that come out of an event (Effect)To explain:1. the causes of an event or situation2. the effects of an event or situation3. both causes and effects

Cause and Effect

By examining the causes causes or effects effects of

something, we seek to explainexplain things that happen in our lives.

Cause and EffectThere are nearly always multiple causescauses and

effectseffects associated with any phenomenonphenomenon

(action, event, idea, etc.).

Cause and EffectEmphasizing one or

another causecause and/or effecteffect is the pointpoint of

writing a cause-and-cause-and-effect effect essay.

Cause and EffectBe awareBe aware, however,

that in doing so, you are making an

argumentargument. Be sure to adequately supportsupport

your point!

Format of a Cause-Effect Essay Block Pattern of organizationAll the causes (or effects) are discussed first, either in one or several paragraphs, as a block, before moving to the next block, which discusses all the effects (or all the causes).

Sometimes the major sections are separated by a short paragraph known as a transition paragraph. This paragraph concludes the previous section and leads readers to the next section.

It is not necessary to include a transition paragraph for every cause-effect essay. It is useful to write one when your essay is long where there are several paragraphs dealing with the effects.

Block Pattern 1 Introduction stating the thesis statement

Cause 1, with topic sentence Cause 2,with topic sentence Cause 3, with topic sentence Transition paragraph concluding the section on causes Effect 1, with topic sentence Effect 2, with topic sentence Effect 3, with topic sentence _____________________________________________________________

Conclusion summarising the main ideas or restating the thesis statement

Other examples of block patterns will be shown

during tutorial

Chain Pattern of Organization

A chain pattern links the causes and effects together in a chain. One event causes another to occur, and this in turn, causes a third event to happen. This pattern continues to create subsequent events.

The chain pattern of organization is used when the causes and effects are too closely connected and cannot be discussed separately usng the block pattern.

Example of chain pattern of organization will be shown

during tutorial

Choosing Cause-Effect Essay Topic

1. Things I am interested in 2. Issues I have heard of or read about recently 3. Things I am curious about 4. Subjects that I know quite well

Brainstorming Topics I am interested in:•Poetry•Art films•Phones•Fashion•Environment •Blogging

General Topic: PhoneListing technique

What can I write about the topic ‘Phone’: Smart phone 8 mega pixel camera Wi-fi technology Easy access to social networking sites Photo and video sharing

Sharing photos and videos on social networking sites can lead to:•threats, blackmail•offensive postings•sensitive issues•identity theft•privacy compromised

Clustering Method for Cause-Effect Essay

This method helps you to see relationship between ideas within a broad topic at the centre, from which it branches out into sub-topics or related ideas.

Free Writing Free writing on broad topics help you start the flow of ideas related to the topic. In free writing, you do not have to worry yet about making mistakes. It’s to generate contents for your essay. The purpose is to write as many ideas as possible.

Child Abuse Yesterday, I read an article about a boy who was abused by his own mother. The visual showed he had scars everywhere and even cigarette burns on his arms. His thighs were black and blue. It is really sad that this is happening in our society. Why does this happen? Maybe, the boy’s mom is stressed with life. She is channelling her frustration on her son. Different people deal with stress differently. I can’t imagine my mom hitting me even though she must have been stressed looking after me and my five siblings. Whatever it is, I don’t think a child should ever be beaten black and blue for whatever reason. A child is just a child. Even a very naughty one. There are serious physical, psychological and social repercussions when a child is abused.

Based on the headlines from newspapers below, come up with cause-effect essay topics. You may discuss with your friend

1. No vaping in non-smoking areas 2. Obese cops suffer from heart problems and diabetes

3. NGOs laud govt’s decision to ban bauxite mining

4. A beautiful lake no more 5. Land cleared for farming 6. 50% rise in dengue deaths

Topics for Cause-Effect Essay

The Impact of Technology on Family Time The Effects of Smoking The Causes of Dengue Internet Influence on Children Causes and Effects of Stress Why Fast Food Restaurants are Popular? The Impact of Tsunami Effects of Iliteracy The influence of Reality Shows in People’s Lives

Outlines General topic: Bullying

Focussed topic: The Consequences of Bullying in SchoolsWhat are the consequences of bullying in schools?

What are the effects of bullying on the internet?

Rough outline:Anti-social behaviourPoor academic performanceEmotional problems

Thesis statement Important in all essays including cause-effect essay.

Based on everything you have thought of, read, and brainstormed, your thesis statement describes what you are saying about your topic. It defines the scope and focus of your paper and gives insight on the development of the topic.

Make sure your thesis statement is clear, strong and easily identified.

Thesis StatementAnti-social behaviourPoor academic performanceEmotional problems

Construct a thesis statement for the points above on the consequences of bullying in school.

Thesis statement: Antisocial behaviour, emotional problems and poor academic performance are the consequences of bullying in schools.

CohesionOrganization of the different parts of the essay a logical arrangement of ideas will enable your readers to easily understand the text.At this stage, you must ensure that:the topic sentence relates to the thesis statementthe details support the topic sentencethe ideas within paragraphs flow smoothly

Outline draft Thesis statement:

The effects of witnessing parental violence on children are numerous, which include the feeling of guilt, the development of cognitive problems, and the experience of stress-related physical illnesses.

The first topic sentence: The first effect is that these children believe the violence is caused by something that they have done. The second topic sentence: Another effect on children involves the inability to focus and concentrate. The third topic sentence: The last effect is that these children develop illnesses such as headaches and ulcers, which are common among stressful adults.

Transitional signals Use transitional signals to achieve cohesion. They are words or phrases that connect clauses and sentences so that there is a smooth flow between ideas

They act as signals; showing the readers the relationship between ideas.

To show result: as a result, therefore, consequently, hence, thus Example of how transitional signals are used: Next

Identify the transitional signals in the following paragraph.

The effects of witnessing parental violence on children are numerous, which include the feeling of guilt, the development of cognitive problems, and the experiencing of stress-related physical illnesses. The first effect is that these children believe the violence is caused by something that they have done. These unfortunate children more often than not feel responsible for the abuse they witnessed. In fact, they even feel guilty for not being able to stop the violence. Another effect on children involves the inability to focus and concentrate. Children from violent homes tend to have problems in school as they constantly feel anxious and depressed. As a result, their academic achievement is low. The last effect is that these children develop illnesses such as headaches and ulcers, which are common among stressful adults. Although not much is known about how domestic violence induces stress-related illnesses in children, most of the children who have been saved from violent homes are found to have severe migraine and chronic ulcers. In short, the effects of growing up in hostile environment on children are serious and detrimental. Hence, these children need to be saved from their violent homes immediately.

The effects of witnessing parental violence on children are numerous, which include the feeling of guilt, the development of cognitive problems, and the experiencing of stress-related physical illnesses. The first effect is that these children believe the violence is caused by something that they have done. These unfortunate children more often than not feel responsible for the abuse they witnessed. In fact, they even feel guilty for not being able to stop the violence. Another effect on children involves the inability to focus and concentrate. Children from violent homes tend to have problems in school as they constantly feel anxious and depressed. As a result, their academic achievement is low. The last effect is that these children develop illnesses such as headaches and ulcers, which are common among stressful adults. Although not much is known about how domestic violence induces stress-related illnesses in children, most of the children who have been saved from violent homes are found to have severe migraine and chronic ulcers. In short, the effects of growing up in hostile environment on children are serious and detrimental. Hence, these children need to be saved from their violent homes immediately.

Discuss the following questions with your partner or group

Think of three social problems that youngsters encounter nowadays. Next, discuss the causes and also the immediate and long term effects of these problems. Brainstorm ideas using the pre-writing methods shown earlier.

Reference Michael, G.R.D; Dhillon, P. K; Haliza Jaffar et al. (2010). EAP Crossing Borders. Malaysia. Pearson.