1. Unit 3
Cause and effect essay

2. Cause and Effect Essay
Causal analysis explains the cause-and- effect relationship between two or more elements.
Causes ask, why did “X” happen? Or why does “X” happens?
Effect, on the other hand, asks, what did “Y” produce? Or what does “Y” produce? Or what will “Y” produce?

3. Cause and Effect Continued
An example of organizing a cause and effect essay on your recent traffic accident.
A thesis emphasizing the causes will maybe focus on the following causes:
Cause (defective breaks)
Cause (hidden yield sign)
Cause (bad weather)

4. Thesis Continued
A thesis emphasizing the effects of the car accident will include the following effects:
Effect (doctor bills)
Effect (loss of car)
Effect (high insurance rates)

5. Recap: Thesis (Type A) that focuses on the causes
Car Accident
Defective Brakes
Hidden Yield Sign
Bad Weather

6. Recap: Thesis (Type B) that focuses on the effects
Loss of Car
Doctor’s Bills
Car Accident
High Insurance Rates

7. Suggestions/Questions to Consider for the Content
PURPOSE
What is the subject and purpose of your cause and effect essay?
DEVELOPMENT
Will your essay emphasize primarily the causes or the effects of your topic?
QUANTITY
List at least two major causes or effects that you might use in the discussion of your topic.

8. Just like Sesame Street…
This presentation has been brought to you by the letters “D” and “r” – Dr. Kathryn Strayer, associate professor of English and interim director of the faculty for the QEP.