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A cause-and-effect essay is crucial for communicating ideas.

Length:  4 full content pages, MLA format

Cause and Effect Essay Prompt

Choose one of the following topics and answer it in an essay developed by analyzing causes and effects. 

  • Impact of expensive lifestyles
  • Causes and effects of divorces
  • Causes and effects of technology in education
  • YOU MUST DECIDE IF YOUR ESSAY IS GOING TO FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE OR THE NEGATIVE

 A number of causes are possible; therefore, you can claim one of a number of causes or effects to be the primary or main cause or effect.

The cause-and-effect essay can be organized in one of the two primary ways:

  • Start with the cause and then talk about the effects
  • Start with the effects and then talk about the causes

For example, if your essay was on childhood obesity, you could start by talking about the effect of childhood obesity and then discuss the causes or you could start the same essay by talking about the cause of childhood obesity and then move to the effects.

Classification Method of Causes: Different Kinds of Causes 

Intro with Thesis, analyzing Causes 

I. Body or Section 1: Cause 1 – with Exemplification 

II. Body or Section 2: Cause 2 – with Exemplification 

III. Body or Section 3: Cause 3 – with Exemplification 

IV. Body or Section 4: Overview of Key Effects – with Exemplification 

Conclusion: Restate thesis; other comments; end with strong concluding statement. 

Classification Method of Effects: Different Kinds of Effects 

Intro with Thesis, analyzing Effects 

I. Body or Section 1: Overview of Key Causes – with Exemplification 

II. Body or Section 2: Effect 1 – with Exemplification 

III. Body or Section 3: Effect 2 – with Exemplification 

IV. Body or Section 4: Effect 3 – with Exemplification 

Conclusion: Restate thesis; other comments; end with strong concluding statement.

Regardless of which structure you choose, be sure to explain each element of the essay fully and completely.  Explaining complex relationships requires the full use of evidence, such as scientific studies, expert testimony, statistics and anecdotes.  Consequently, you can only use the Dallas College Library Database for your research.  Do not use charts and graphs within the essay.  Be sure to have clear evidence to support the claims that you make.

Your introduction should contain a thesis that states the main causes and effects of a condition or event.  While the conclusion should reinforce the thesis.

Key Words:

Cause (The Why)

  • Because
  • Because of
  • Since
  • As a result of
  • As a consequence of
  • Now that

Effect (The What)

  • So
  • Therefore
  • This resulted in
  • Consequently
  • Hence
  • Accordingly