Analyzing causes and effects Chp.31 Khadijah Burroughs kevin jala

Introduction We often speculate about plausible cause or likely effects. When writing about, causes and effects , generally we’re arguing the causes and effects we consider probably

Determining Reasonable Cause and effect Whenever you have reasons to ask what caused this or what would happen, most likely there will be several possible causes and just as many effects. While there may be obvious causes they are often less important then others that are more difficult to find. In like manner, long term effect are more important then short effects. Sometimes you may have to do some research to recognize possible causes or effects.

Arguing for cause and effect After identifying several logical causes or foreseeable effects you will need to argue that some are probable than others. You must have convincing support for the argument since you cannot prove that A causes B; you can only show that A likely causes B. Most of the time you will need to qualify what you say when it comes to cause and effects. Meaning you should that it “suggest” rather than it “shows”, because probable causes and effects cannot be proved for sure, so acknowledge that your argument isn’t that final word on the subject.

Ways to organizing and analysis of cause and effect There are three different common ways to organize them: identify the cause and discuss the effects- the case leads to several different effects Identify the effect and than trace its cause- the effect results from several different causes. Identify a chain of causes and effects- the first cause leads to the effect, which then leads to the next effect, and etc. continue the chain as needed.

Considering the rhetorical situation As a writer or a speaker, it is necessary to think about the message you want to send to your audience. Purpose: Your purpose could be to analyze causes, but sometimes you will have another goal to analyze Audience: whose your intended audience and how does analyzing your causes reach your audience. Genre: Do you have to analyze your causes because of your genre? Stance: what is your view point, and could analyzing the causes and/or effects show that viewpoint? Can it help you demonstrate seriousness or show why your conclusion are reasonable? Media/ design: sometimes providing diagrams or drawing helps the readers see how the causes lead to the effects.