In a cause and effect essay, the writer studies the reasons for an event, the results of the event, or both.
Example topics:
Discuss the reasons people decide to have children (cause essay)
Examine the consequences of Brexit (effect essay)
Analyze the causes and effects of drug addiction (cause and effect essay)
We can use the five-paragraph approach for any type of cause and effect essay:
An introductory paragraph
The introduction should include a hook, which opens the essay in an engaging way. A few sentences of connecting information will lead to the thesis statement. The thesis statement will state whether you're focusing on effects, causes, or both.
Three evidentiary body paragraphs
Your three body paragraphs and their content will vary based on whether you're discussing only cause or effect, or cause and effect. See below for a general guideline.
A conclusion
Your conclusion will restate your thesis based on the points you made in the body of the essay. Then you can close your essay with an opinion, suggestion, or prediction.
Cause or Effect
Introduction
Cause/Effect 1 with supporting evidence and explanation
Cause/Effect 2 with supporting evidence and explanation
Cause/Effect 3 with supporting evidence and explanation
Conclusion
Cause and Effect
This structure has a bit more flexibility, depending on what causes and effects you choose to discuss, but here is one guideline:
Introduction
Cause 1 and Effect of Cause 1
Cause 2 and Effect of Cause 2
Cause 3 and Effect of Cause 3
Conclusion
As a consequence
As a result
For this reason
Moreover
For example
For instance
In conclusion
because
furthermore
in addition to
on account of
since
consequently
therefore
thus
so
due to
(X) causes / produces (Y)
(X) leads to / gives rise to / brings about / results in (Y)
This means that...
One consequence of this is...
These two words can be easy to confuse. Here's the difference:
affect
verb
have an effect on; make a difference to.
"Climate change affects animal habitats."
effect
noun
a change which is a result or consequence of an action or other cause.
"the effects of video games"
This outline of a cause and effect essay should help you with the content of your essay.
Your Name
Teacher’s Name
Course Title
Due Date
Title: Choose something informative that will let readers know if you're studying causes, effects, or both
Your introduction paragraph will open with a hook to engage the reader. Some connecting information should follow. Lastly, you should have your thesis statement. The thesis statement will summarize what you're studying: causes, effects, or both.
Cause/Effect 1: In this paragraph, address the first cause or effect. A good structure is to begin with evidence or supporting information and end with the cause or effect.
Cause/Effect 2: Examine the second cause or effect. It is good to have more than one point of evidence or information to support each cause or effect.
Cause/Effect 3: The third paragraph will have the third and final cause or effect. Remember to use the useful words and phrases from above to connect ideas.
Summarize your conclusions with your ending paragraph. Restate your thesis paragraph and your three points. Then end the essay with a suggestion, opinion, or prediction.
An accessible version of this essay appears at the bottom of this page.
NOTE: this is a sample essay designed to fit on one page. The number of words that you are required to write, the number of ideas that you are required to express, and the formatting rules you are required to follow may be different for your own assignment. Refer to your assignment instructions for this information.
"Chapter 9-2: The Cause & Effect Essay," by Jamie Bridge is licensed under a CC-BY-NC-SA license. Adapted by Laura Paciorek.
Maria Winger
Mr. Pelton
English 4
October 1, 2030
Traveling is a natural part of the human experience. For thousands of years, human populations have migrated across lands to find new opportunities. A nomadic existence is born out of necessity. People often travel to escape persecution or extreme weather. It may also be motivated by a desire for wealth or prosperity. Today, with globalization and the advent of technology, it is easier than ever to travel to new places. Traveling to different countries affects mental health in many beneficial ways.
Travelling is a learning experience. A common phrase among travelers is "culture shock." This happens when someone travels to a culture that is very different from their own. It can be very startling to see completely new ways of life and people who act much differently than people at home. At the same time, it is very beneficial for your worldview. While at home, most people are excluded and only see one way of life; when traveling, they can learn about new customs, holidays, family structures, food and drink, and more. As a result, they can feel more connected and empathetic with people who are different from them.
Moreover, taking a journey raises self-esteem. Although it is the best time in history to travel, it is still quite difficult for people to leave home to go somewhere new. Travelling involves added expenses, planning ahead, and leaving a familiar environment. Thus, travelers must work hard to achieve their goals. After booking flights, traveling itineraries, etc., they reap the reward by gaining higher self-confidence. They feel proud of themselves for stepping out of their comfort zone and achieving what could not be done at home.
Lastly, travelers gain a renewed sense of gratitude for their homes. Traveling to other countries can bring feelings of homesickness. When away for long periods, it is easy to miss familiar customs, family, friends, and loved ones. This may motivate immigrants to return and visit their native land to reconnect with their roots. In the same way, an immigrant occasionally visits, and a vacationing traveler returns from a trip.
In conclusion, traveling to different countries is beneficial in many ways. It helps people learn about cultures, gives higher self-esteem, and makes them grateful for their homes. Traveling has always been part of the human experience. Many of today’s political conflicts and problems could be solved if more people traveled outside their own country to connect with others.
Title: Use an informative title that lets the reader know if you are studying causes, effects, or both.
Introduction: Your introduction paragraph should have a hook, some connecting information, and end with your thesis statement.
Body: This essay discusses three effects of traveling in a different country and addresses one per paragraph.
Learning and connecting with new cultures.
Higher self-esteem
Renewed gratitude for home
Conclusion: Your closing paragraph rephrases the thesis statement and ends with an opinion, suggestions, or prediction.
440 words