1. Cause and Affect Effect Essays
What are they?
Why should I care?
How do I write one?

2. Cause and Effect Writing
Cause/Effect writing (aside from argument) is probably the second most-used writing style you’ll employ in college.
It can be used cross-curriculum in many of the core classes you’ll be taking (English, Math, Social Studies, Science) and in many of your others, so it’s important that you “get” how to set up the essay and how to write it.
Causes and Effects show a relationship between events.
(If ______ happened, then ______.)
Causes are the REASONS for events, the WHY something happened; effects are the results of the cause or causes.
Words like “causes,” “reasons,” and “factor,” help to show CAUSES while words like “effects,” “results,” “consequences” are used to show EFFECTS
Cause
Effect
Week 1: Tuesday

3. What the heck is your topic?
The nifty thing about cause and effect is that any sort of topic can be turned into a C/E essay.
A door slams the picture frame falls
The picture frame falls the glass breaks
The glass breaks you cut your foot
You cut your foot you get gangrene and die
Conclusion: Don’t slam doors or you will die.
Week 1: Tuesday

4. More Complex Topics
Most of the C/E essays you write will be on more complex topics rather than simple ones.
Consider this question. Write the answers in your notebook (bulleted list is OK): What are some of the causes of violent behavior in teens?
This question asks you to consider the CAUSES OR REASONS; the effect (violent behavior) has been provided to you.
Consider this question: In what ways does rap music affect teens?
This question asks you to consider the EFFECTS; the cause or reason (rap music) has been provided.
While both the cause(s) and effect(s) are introduced in your writing, one is emphasized. You will either highlight the causes of something or emphasize the effects of something. Your CHOICE!
Tuesday