what is a good cause and effect essay

Cause and Effect Essay Outline: Types, Examples and Writing Tips

20 June, 2020

9 minutes read

Author: Tomas White

This is a complete guide on writing cause and effect essays. Find a link to our essay sample at the end. Let's get started!

What is a Cause and Effect Essay?

A cause and effect essay is the type of paper that the author is using to analyze the causes and effects of a particular action or event. A curriculum usually includes this type of exercise to test your ability to understand the logic of certain events or actions.

If you can see the logic behind cause and effect in the world around you, you will encounter fewer problems when writing. If not, writing this kind of paper will give you the chance to improve your skillset and your brain’s ability to reason.

“Shallow men believe in luck or in circumstance. Strong men believe in cause and effect.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

In this article, the Handmade Writing team will find out how to create an outline for your cause and effect essay – the key to successful essay writing.

Types of the Cause and Effect Essay

Before writing this kind of essay, you need to draft the structure. A good structure will result in a good paper, so it’s important to have a plan before you start. But remember , there’s no need to reinvent the wheel: just about every type of structure has already been formulated by someone.

If you are still unsure about the definition of an essay, you can take a look at our guide: What is an Essay?

Generally speaking, there are three types of cause and effect essays. We usually differentiate them by the number of and relationships between the different causes and the effects. Let’s take a quick look at these three different cases:

1. Many causes, one effect

This kind of essay illustrates how different causes can lead to one effect. The idea here is to try and examine a variety of causes, preferably ones that come from different fields, and prove how they contributed to a particular effect. If you are writing about World War I, for example, mention the political, cultural, and historical factors that led to the great war.

By examining a range of fundamental causes, you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge about the topic.

Here is how to structure this type of essay:

Introduction
Cause #3 (and so on…)
The effect of the causes

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. There is no need to persuade the reader or present your argument . When writing this kind of essay, in-depth knowledge of the problem or event’s roots will be of great benefit. If you know why it happened, it will be much easier to write about its effects.

Here is the structure for this kind of essay:

Effect #3 (and so on…)

3. Chain of causes and effects

This is the most challenging type. You need to maintain a chain of logic that demonstrates a sequence of actions and consequences, leading to the end of the chain. Although this is usually the most interesting kind of cause and effect essay, it can also be the most difficult to write.

Here is the outline structure:

Effect #1 = Cause #2
Effect #2 = Cause #3
Effect #3 = Cause #4 (and so on…)

Cause and Effect Essay Outline Example

Let’s take a look at an example. Below, you will find an outline for the topic “The causes of obesity” (Type 1) :

As you can see, we used a blended strategy here. When writing about the ever-increasing consumption of unhealthy food, it is logical to talk about the marketing strategies that encourage people to buy fast food. If you are discussing fitness trainers, it is important to mention that people need to be checked by a doctor more often, etc.

In case you face some issues with writing your Cause and Effect essay, you can always count on our Essay Writers !

How do I start writing once I have drafted the structure?

If you start by structuring each paragraph and collecting suitable examples, the writing process will be much simpler. The final essay might not come up as a classic five paragraph essay – it all depends on the cause-effect chain and the number of statements of your essay.

In the Introduction, try to give the reader a general idea of what the cause and effect essay will contain. For an experienced reader, a thesis statement will be an indication that you know what you are writing about. It is also important to emphasize how and why this problem is relevant to modern life. If you ever need to write about the Caribbean crisis, for instance, state that the effects of the Cold War are still apparent in contemporary global politics.

Related Post: How to write an Essay introduction | How to write a Thesis statement

In the Body, provide plenty of details about what causes led to the effects. Once again, if you have already assembled all the causes and effects with their relevant examples when writing your plan, you shouldn’t have any problems. But, there are some things to which you must pay particular attention. To begin with, try to make each paragraph the same length: it looks better visually. Then, try to avoid weak or unconvincing causes. This is a common mistake, and the reader will quickly realize that you are just trying to write enough characters to reach the required word count.

Moreover, you need to make sure that your causes are actually linked to their effects. This is particularly important when you write a “chained” cause and effect essay (type 3) . You need to be able to demonstrate that each cause was actually relevant to the final result. As I mentioned before, writing the Body without preparing a thorough and logical outline is often an omission.

The Conclusion must be a summary of the thesis statement that you proposed in the Introduction. An effective Conclusion means that you have a well-developed understanding of the subject. Notably, writing the Conclusion can be one of the most challenging parts of this kind of project. You typically write the Conclusion once you have finished the Body, but in practice, you will sometimes find that a well-written conclusion will reveal a few mistakes of logic in the body!

Cause and Effect Essay Sample

Be sure to check the sample essay, completed by our writers. Use it as an example to write your own cause and effect essay. Link: Cause and effect essay sample: Advertising ethic issues .

Tips and Common Mistakes from Our Expert Writers

Check out Handmadewriting paper writing Guide to learn more about academic writing!

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Cause And Effect Essay Guide

How To Write A Cause and Effect Essay - Outline & Examples

What is a Cause and Effect Essay

According to cause and effect essay definition:

It is a type of academic writing that explores the reasons behind an event or situation (the cause) and the outcomes or consequences that result from it (the effect).

It's a way to look at the connections between events or situations and understand how one thing can lead to another.

Here are the key components of a cause and effect essay:

These are the reasons or factors that lead to a specific event or situation.

Effects are the results or outcomes caused by those factors, showing how events or situations are influenced.

Connections

This is the link between the causes and effects, explaining how the causes lead to the effects and making the relationship between them clear.

The Purpose of a Cause and Effect Essay

The primary goal of writing a cause and effect essay is to provide insights into how different elements relate to one another. It helps readers comprehend the underlying reasons for certain events or phenomena. It enables you to:

Uncover Connections: Explore and explain the links between causes and their effects.
Analyze Events: Break down complex events into manageable parts.
Illustrate Patterns: Highlight recurring patterns and trends in various situations.

Cause And Effect Essay Structure

A well-structured outline is crucial for effectively conveying your ideas and insights. The basic cause and effect essay format includes the three main essay components which are, introduction , body paragraphs and a conclusion .

Here's how to structure a good cause and effect essay structure:

Need to know more about structuring your cause and effect essay? Check out this in-depth blog on cause and effect essay outline !

How To Write A Cause And Effect Essay

Writing a cause and effect essay allows you to explore the relationships between events and their consequences.

Steps To Write A Cause and Effect Essay - MyPerfectWords.com

To help you craft an effective cause and effect essay, here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose the Essay Topic

In-depth research is essential for constructing a strong essay. Gather reliable data, information, and examples related to your chosen topic.

A comprehensive understanding of the causes and effects will enable you to craft a well-informed and persuasive argument.

Step 2: Conduct Thorough Research

Research is a fundamental step. Gather reliable information, data, and examples related to your chosen topic.

Understanding the causes and effects comprehensively is vital for crafting a well-informed and persuasive essay.

Step 3: Create a Strong Thesis

Your thesis statement is the core of your essay. It should clearly state whether you are focusing on causes, effects, or both.

A well-crafted thesis provides direction for your essay and helps readers understand your essay's purpose.

Step 4: Structure Your Essay with an Outline

An outline serves as a roadmap for your essay. It should detail the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

You can choose between three main structure types:

Block structure: Discuss all the causes first, then move on to discuss the effects.
Chain structure: Present each cause followed directly by its corresponding effect, showing a clear link between the two.
Point-by-point structure: Alternate between causes and effects, addressing one cause and its related effect before moving to the next cause and effect pair.

Each paragraph should have a specific focus on a single cause or effect, ensuring a logical and organized flow.

Step 5: Craft Engaging Introduction

Your introduction sets the tone for your essay.

Begin with a compelling hook to grab the reader's attention, followed by essential background information to provide context for your topic. Conclude with your thesis statement, clearly laying the groundwork for your essay.

Step 6: Develop Detailed Body Paragraphs

In the body of your essay, explore each cause and effect in depth. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the specific cause or effect you are discussing.

Support your points with evidence, examples, and detailed explanations. Use smooth transitions between paragraphs to maintain a coherent flow.

Step 7: Address Counter Arguments in the Antithesis Paragraph

To present a balanced argument, include an antithesis paragraph where you acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints.

Recognizing counterarguments adds depth to your essay and strengthens your overall analysis by showing that you have considered multiple perspectives.

Step 8: Write an Effective Conclusion

The conclusion should wrap up your essay effectively. Restate your thesis statement for cause and effect essay to remind readers of your main argument.

Summarize the key insights discussed throughout your essay.

Conclude with a thought-provoking sentence that leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

Cause And Effect Essay Examples

To gain a better understanding of how cause and effect essays are structured and written, it's often helpful to explore examples of cause and effect essays.

Here are a few cause and effect essay pdfs that you can use as a starting point to guide your writing:

Cause And Effect Essay Sample

Cause And Effect Essay On Global Warming

Cause And Effect Essay On Climate Change

Covid 19 Cause And Effect Essay

Social Media Cause And Effect Essay

Poverty Cause And Effect Essay

Air Pollution Cause And Effect Essay

Cause And Effect Essay Examples College

Looking for more examples? Check out this cause and effect essay examples blog!

Good Cause And Effect Essay Topics

A good cause and effect essay topic should be engaging, relevant, and have clear relationships between causes and effects.

Selecting the right topic is the foundation of a compelling cause and effect essay.. Here's a collection of thought-provoking topics that can serve as a great starting point for your essay:

The Causes and Effects of Bullying on Mental Health
The Impact of Divorce on Children
The Causes and Effects of Global Warming on Human Health
The Long term Effects of Peer Pressure on Decision-Making
The Causes of Stress in the Modern World
The Impact of Online Shopping on Traditional Retail
The Causes and Effects of Immigration
The Causes and Effects of Teenage Rebellion
The Impact of Cell Phones on Personal Relationships
The Causes and Effects of Political Polarization

Need more topics? Read our cause and effect essay topics blog!

Tips for Writing Cause and Effect Essays

Crafting a compelling cause and effect essay requires a thoughtful approach. Here are some valuable tips to help you excel in your essay writing process:

Hook Your Readers: Begin with a compelling hook in your introduction to engage your audience from the start.
Provide Detailed Explanations: In your body paragraphs, offer detailed explanations, supporting evidence, and examples for causes and effects.
Use Transitional Phrases: Add transitional words and phrases to ensure a smooth and logical flow between ideas.
Consider Opposing Views: Include an antithesis paragraph to acknowledge contrasting viewpoints on your chosen topic.
Tailor to Your Audience: Think about your target readers and adapt your language and examples to their understanding and interest levels.
Avoid Plagiarism: Properly cite and reference all sources to maintain academic integrity and prevent plagiarism.
Maintain Objectivity: Keep an objective tone throughout your essay, focusing on presenting well-supported causes and effects rather than personal opinions.
Revise for Clarity: Review your essay to ensure that your cause-and-effect relationships are effectively and clearly conveyed.

Understanding how to write a cause and effect essay helps you explore and explain the relationships between events.

By following the steps outline—choosing a relevant topic, conducting research, and using a clear structure—you can create a compelling essay that clearly conveys the causes and effects.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format of a cause and effect essay.

A cause and effect essay typically follows this format: an introduction with a hook, background information, and a clear thesis; body paragraphs focusing on individual causes or effects with supporting evidence; and a conclusion that summarizes the main points, restates the thesis, and offers a final thought.

How do you start a cause and effect essay?

To start a cause and effect essay, choose a topic with clear cause-and-effect relationships.

Begin with a strong hook, such as an interesting fact or question, to capture the reader's attention.

Provide some background information for context, and conclude your introduction with a thesis statement that outlines whether your essay will focus on causes, effects, or both.

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