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The Cause and effect essay is another common essay type, either as an essay type on its own, or as part of a larger essay which includes one or more paragraphs examining causes and effects. This page gives information on what a cause and effect essay is , how to structure this type of essay, and how to use cause and effect structure words (transition signals) for this type of essay. There is also an example cause and effect essay on the topic of women at work, as well as some exercises to help you practice this area.
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A cause and effect essay looks at the reasons (or causes) for something, then discusses the results (or effects). For this reason, cause and effect essays are sometimes referred to as reason and result essays. They are one of the most common forms of organisation in academic writing. Sometimes the whole essay will be cause and effect, though sometimes this may be only part of the whole essay. It is also possible, especially for short exam essays, that only the causes or the effects, not both, are discussed. See the examples below.
There are two main ways to structure a cause and effect essay. These are similar to the ways to structure problem-solution essays , namely using a block or a chain structure. For the block structure, all of the causes are listed first, and all of the effects are listed afterwards. For the chain structure, each cause is followed immediately by the effect. Usually that effect will then be the cause of the next effect, which is why this structure is called 'chain'. Both types of structure have their merits. The former is generally clearer, especially for shorter essays, while the latter ensures that any effects you present relate directly to the causes you have given.
The two types of structure, block and chain , are shown in the diagram below.
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Cause and effect structure words are transition signals which show the cause and effect relationships. It is important to be clear which is the cause (or reason) and which is the effect (or result), and to use the correct transition word or phrase. Remember that a cause happens first , and the effect happens later .
Below are some common cause and effect structure words. X is used to indicate a cause, while Y is used to indicate the effect.
Below is a cause and effect essay. This essay uses the block structure . Click on the different areas (in the shaded boxes to the right) to highlight the different structural aspects in this essay, i.e. Causes, Effects, and structure words. This will highlight not simply the paragraphs, but also the thesis statement and summary , as these repeat the causes and effects contained in the main body.
Title: More and more women are now going out to work and some women are now the major salary earner in the family. What are the causes of this, and what effect is this having on families and society?
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In the past, most women stayed at home to take care of domestic chores such as cooking or cleaning. Women's liberation and feminism have meant that this situation has been transformed and in contemporary society women are playing an almost equal role to men in terms of work. This has had significant consequences , both in terms of the family , for example by improving quality of life and increasing children's sense of independence , and also for society itself with greater gender equality . The main reasons behind the increase of women in the workplace are women's liberation and feminism. The women's liberation movement originated in the 1960s and was popularised by authors such as Simone de Beauvoir. As a consequence of this, new legislation emerged, granting women equal rights to men in many fields, in particular employment. Because of feminist ideas, men have taken up roles which were previously seen as being for women only, most importantly those related to child rearing. As a result of this, women have more time to pursue their own careers and interests. These have led to some significant effects, both to family life and to society as a whole. Although the earning capacity of a woman in her lifetime is generally much less than that of a man, she can nevertheless make a significant contribution to the family income. The most important consequence of this is an improved quality of life. By helping to maintain a steady income for the family, the pressure on the husband is considerably reduced, hence improving both the husband's and the wife's emotional wellbeing. Additionally, the purchasing power of the family will also be raised. This means that the family can afford more luxuries such as foreign travel and a family car. A further effect on the family is the promotion of independence in the children. Some might argue that having both parents working might be damaging to the children because of a lack of parental attention. However, such children have to learn to look after themselves at an earlier age, and their parents often rely on them to help with the housework. This therefore teaches them important life skills. As regards society, the most significant impact of women going to work is greater gender equality. There are an increasing number of women who are becoming politicians, lawyers, and even CEOs and company managers. This in turn has led to greater equality for women in all areas of life, not just employment. For example, women today have much stronger legal rights to protect themselves against domestic violence and sexual discrimination in the workplace. In conclusion, the increasing number of women at work has brought about some important changes to family life, including improved quality of life and increased independence for children, as well as affecting society itself. It is clear that the sexes are still a long way from being equal in all areas of life, however, and perhaps the challenge for the present century is to ensure that this takes place.
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Below is a checklist for cause and effect essays. Use it to check your own writing, or get a peer (another student) to help you.
The essay is a essay | ||
An appropriate is used, either or | ||
Cause and effect are used accurately | ||
The essay has clear | ||
Each paragraph has a clear | ||
The essay has strong support (facts, reasons, examples, etc.) | ||
The conclusion includes a of the main points |
Find out how to write problem-solution essays in the next section.
Go back to the previous section about compare & contrast essays .
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Author: Sheldon Smith    â    Last modified: 16 January 2022.
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Compare & contrast essays examine the similarities of two or more objects, and the differences.
Cause & effect essays consider the reasons (or causes) for something, then discuss the results (or effects).
Discussion essays require you to examine both sides of a situation and to conclude by saying which side you favour.
Problem-solution essays are a sub-type of SPSE essays (Situation, Problem, Solution, Evaluation).
Transition signals are useful in achieving good cohesion and coherence in your writing.
Reporting verbs are used to link your in-text citations to the information cited.
The title of this essay genre dispels all your concerns about the needed contents. You should build the link between two events or phenomena based on their cause-and-effect relationships. Mind that if one comes after another does not necessarily mean there is causality between them. Be sure to mention if the event or idea you describe is only a tiny part of the general structure.
The samples below comprise subjects ranging from history and economy to ecology and personal health.
Explore our cause-and-effect essay examples for free to boost your inspiration and get a general idea of how the writing should be done.
Political landscape in the us.
Effects of alcohol abuse on women.
The causes and consequences of world war two, theoretical perspective on the giraffe’s adaptation.
Water shortage’ major causes and implication.
Wwi-war: revolution, and reconstruction, the influence on health of economic inequality.
Chinas history and relations, the asian pacific americans.
Role of marriage/family & singlehood.
How the aftermath of the war of independence affected the lives of african slaves in the north and south.
Factor that cause immigration, technology impact on society and environment.
Violent movies and children, cuban americans throughout the u.s. history.
Causes of civil war.
Teenage pregnancy causes and effects.
The side effects of drinking alcohol.
Modern europe formation: east european studies, cheating on college exams is demoralizing, the impact of media on society.
Social & historical transformations caused by the âbookâ as the first mass medium.
What are the causes of the increased lack of internet privacy, the rise of democracy.
If you're a student, chances are you'll encounter a cause and effect essay during your studies. This type of essay is all about exploring the relationship between a specific event (the cause) and its outcomes (the effects). But don't worry, we've got you covered with this easy-to-follow guide that breaks down everything you need to know about what is cause and effect essay and the steps for writing it. So get set to dive into the fascinating world of cause and effect as we equip you with the skills to ace this writing task like a pro!
A cause and effect essay is a unique type of essay that focuses on examining the reasons (causes) behind an event or phenomenon and the resulting consequences (effects) that occur as a result. What sets it apart from other essays is its emphasis on establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship between two or more variables.
In a cause and effect essay, the writer analyzes and explains the connections between the causes and effects, providing evidence and supporting details to illustrate the relationship. This type of essay requires critical thinking, logical reasoning, and a structured approach to present the causal chain effectively.
Unlike descriptive or narrative essays that focus on storytelling or presenting facts, cause and effect essays delve into the underlying causes and explore the outcomes, aiming to inform and educate the reader about the relationships between different factors.
A cause and effect essay is a type of academic writing that explores the reasons (causes) and outcomes (effects) of a particular event, situation, or phenomenon. It aims to analyze the relationship between these causes and effects, providing a comprehensive understanding of how one factor leads to another. When structuring a cause and effect essay, there are several approaches you can take. Here are three common types of cause and effect essay structure from our experts:
Continue this pattern for additional causes if necessary.
Continue this pattern for additional causes and effects.
So Do Them, Leave Essay Writing for the Experts!
I. Introduction
A. Explanation of cause and effect essays
B. Hook: 'Have you ever wondered how excessive screen time affects academic performance?'
C. Thesis statement: Excessive screen time negatively impacts academic performance due to decreased focus, impaired cognitive abilities, and reduced study time.
II. Body Paragraph 1: Cause 1 - Decreased Focus
A. Topic sentence: Excessive screen time leads to decreased focus.
B. Explanation: Constant exposure to screens can overstimulate the brain and make it harder to concentrate on academic tasks.
C. Example: Studies have shown that students who spend excessive time on electronic devices during study sessions often struggle to maintain their focus, leading to reduced productivity and lower academic performance.
III. Body Paragraph 2: Cause 2 - Impaired Cognitive Abilities
A. Topic sentence: Excessive screen time impairs cognitive abilities.
B. Explanation: Prolonged screen usage can negatively impact cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and critical thinking skills.
C. Example: Research has indicated that excessive screen time, particularly in the form of video games or social media, can hinder the development of cognitive abilities, making it more difficult for students to comprehend complex concepts and retain information.
IV. Body Paragraph 3: Cause 3 - Reduced Study Time
A. Topic sentence: Excessive screen time reduces the amount of time dedicated to studying.
B. Explanation: The allure of screens can distract students and tempt them away from their academic responsibilities.
C. Example: A study conducted at XYZ University found that students who spent more time on social media or streaming platforms were more likely to allocate less time to study, resulting in poor performance on exams and assignments.
V. Conclusion
A. Restate the thesis statement: Excessive screen time has a detrimental effect on academic performance due to decreased focus, impaired cognitive abilities, and reduced study time.
B. Recap the main points discussed in each body paragraph.
C. Final thoughts: Encourage students to manage their screen time wisely to optimize their academic success.
If you are struggling to come up with a topic for your essay, consider one of these ten great cause and effect essay ideas below. Feel free to also hit us up with your ' write my essay ' request for a professionally crafted paper on your chosen topic.
Discuss the Effects of Social Media on Face-to-Face Communication
Social media has become a ubiquitous part of modern society, with platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram connecting people from all over the world. However, as social media usage has increased, so has concern over its impact on face-to-face communication. Some argue that social media has made it easier for people to stay in touch with friends and family, regardless of distance. Others worry that social media has led to a decline in the quality of face-to-face interactions, with people spending more time on their phones than engaging with those around them. This topic is ripe for exploration and analysis.
Analyze the Reasons Behind the Increased Use of Smartphones by Children
Smartphones have become a ubiquitous part of modern life, with people of all ages relying on them for communication, entertainment, and information. However, there has been a recent trend of children using smartphones at increasingly young ages. Some argue that smartphones can be a valuable tool for education and communication, while others worry that they can be addictive and harmful to children's development. This topic is worth exploring in depth, with a focus on the factors that have led to this trend and its potential long-term effects.
Explore the Impacts of Climate Change on the Natural Environment
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing the world today, with rising temperatures, sea levels, and extreme weather events all having profound impacts on the natural environment. This topic is complex and multifaceted, with a range of potential causes and effects to explore. Some of the key areas to consider might include the impact of climate change on ecosystems, wildlife, and natural resources, as well as the potential long-term consequences for human societies.
Investigate the Effects of Pollution on Human Health
Pollution is a major problem in many parts of the world, with air, water, and soil pollution all having serious consequences for human health. This topic is worth exploring in depth, with a focus on the specific ways in which pollution can impact different aspects of human health, including respiratory health, cardiovascular health, and mental health. Some of the key factors to consider might include the impact of pollution on vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, as well as potential strategies for prevention and mitigation.
Discuss How Social Isolation Can Lead to Mental Health Issues
Social isolation is a growing problem in many parts of the world, with people of all ages and backgrounds feeling increasingly disconnected from their communities and social networks. This topic is worth exploring in depth, with a focus on the specific ways in which social isolation can impact mental health. Some of the key areas to consider might include the impact of social isolation on depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders, as well as potential strategies for prevention and treatment.
Analyze the Reasons Behind the Rise of Populism in Politics
Populism has become an increasingly prominent force in politics in recent years, with populist politicians and movements gaining ground in many parts of the world. This topic is complex and multifaceted, with a range of potential causes and effects to explore. Some of the key areas to consider might include the impact of economic inequality, globalization, and cultural change on the rise of populism, as well as potential strategies for addressing this trend.
Explore the Impacts of the Internet on the Traditional Media Industry
The internet has had a profound impact on the media industry, with traditional forms of media such as newspapers, television, and radio facing increasing competition from online sources. This topic is worth exploring in depth, with a focus on the specific ways in which the internet has disrupted traditional media models. Some of the key areas to consider might include the impact of social media on news consumption, the rise of citizen journalism, and the challenges facing traditional media outlets in the digital age.
Examine the Factors that Lead to the Growth of Online Shopping
Online shopping has become an increasingly popular way for people to purchase goods and services, with e-commerce platforms like Amazon and eBay dominating the retail landscape. This topic is worth exploring in depth, with a focus on the specific factors that have contributed to the growth of online shopping. Some of the key areas to consider might include the impact of convenience and accessibility, the rise of mobile devices, and the changing demographics of consumers.
Investigate the Effects of Globalization on Local Industries
Globalization has had a profound impact on the world economy, with goods, services, and capital flowing more freely across borders than ever before. This topic is worth exploring in depth, with a focus on the specific ways in which globalization has affected local industries. Some of the key areas to consider might include the impact of outsourcing and offshoring on employment, the role of multinational corporations in shaping local economies, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of globalization for different regions of the world.
Analyze The Impact of Social Media on Sleep Quality
Analyzing the impact of social media on sleep quality requires examining various factors related to social media usage and its effects on sleep patterns. Investigate the correlation between the amount of time individuals spend on social media platforms and their sleep quality. Excessive use of social media may lead to delayed bedtime, shorter sleep duration, or disrupted sleep. You can also explore the impact of blue light emitted by electronic devices, including smartphones and tablets, which are commonly used for social media browsing.
In this section, we will unravel the essential elements of how to write a cause and effect essay, equipping you with the tips to present a logical and well-supported argument.
The first step in writing a great cause and effect examples essay is choosing the right topic. Consider something that interests you and is relevant to your academic field. The cause and effect essay topics should also be specific enough to allow for in-depth analysis in your assignment.
Once you have identified your topic, it is important to do extensive research to gather sufficient information to support your arguments. Use scholarly sources such as academic journals, books, or reputable websites to do your research.
The thesis statement is the core idea of your essay and should be presented in the opening paragraph. It is a single sentence that clearly states the cause and effect relationship you will be discussing in the essay. A well-crafted thesis statement is critical to the success of your essay.
Creating a cause and effect essay outline is a crucial element of the writing process. It helps in organizing your thoughts and providing a clear structure for your essay. Divide your essay into an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
The introduction is the first paragraph of your essay, and it should catch the reader's attention and provide background information on the topic at hand. The introduction should also include the thesis statement.
The body paragraphs should discuss the causes and effects of the event or topic at hand. Each paragraph should discuss one specific cause or effect followed by supporting evidence from your research.
The cause and effect essay conclusion should restate the thesis statement and provide a summary of your arguments. It should also demonstrate the relationship between the various causes and effects you have discussed.
The final step is to proofread and edit your essay. Ensure that your grammar, spelling, and punctuation are all correct and that your ideas are presented in a clear and concise manner.
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You can order an essay from professional writers have meticulously crafted a sample essay that delves into the cause and effect relationship between air pollution on human health.
Title: The Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health
Air pollution is a prevalent issue that has detrimental effects on human health. This essay will explore the multiple causes and consequences of air pollution, highlighting the interconnectedness between environmental factors and public well-being.
The primary cause of air pollution is industrial emissions. Factories and power plants release harmful pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, into the atmosphere. These pollutants contribute to the formation of smog, which can be inhaled by individuals, leading to respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer. Furthermore, vehicular emissions also contribute significantly to air pollution, particularly in urban areas with heavy traffic congestion.
The effects of air pollution on human health are alarming. Prolonged exposure to polluted air can cause respiratory diseases, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Studies have also linked air pollution to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, children and the elderly are more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution, as their immune systems are less robust.
Moreover, air pollution has broader societal consequences. It contributes to the degradation of ecosystems, reduces crop yields, and harms biodiversity. It also poses economic burdens by increasing healthcare costs and decreasing productivity due to illnesses and absenteeism.
In conclusion, air pollution has far-reaching effects on human health and the environment. The causes, including industrial emissions and vehicular pollution, directly impact the quality of the air we breathe. The consequences, such as respiratory diseases and cardiovascular problems, highlight the urgent need for measures to mitigate and control air pollution. Efforts to reduce emissions, promote cleaner technologies, and raise public awareness are crucial steps toward safeguarding human health and preserving the environment for future generations.
In our exploration of cause and effect essays, we've covered all the essentials. We've defined what is a cause and effect essay, delved into good cause and effect essay topics, and taken a closer look at its structure.
Now, here's the deal: if you put in the time and effort to prepare, your professor will definitely notice and give you the grade you deserve. But hey, we get it! Sometimes these tasks can be confusing and eat up all your time. If that's the case, no worries! You can easily hire an essay writer to lend a hand and enjoy some well-deserved free time without the stress of assignments.
Ever wondered how things are connected in our world? Think of the butterfly effectâwhere a butterfly's wings in Brazil can set off a tornado in Texas. It's a quirky idea, but it shows how events are intertwined. Writing a cause and effect essay is like unraveling these connections, connecting the dots to reveal how things influence each other and shape our experiences.
In this guide, experts from our paper writing service will explore the concept of causality and share practical tips for creating great cause and effect essays. These essays won't just provide informationâthey'll leave a lasting impression on your readers.
A cause and effect essay is a form of writing that aims to explore and explain the relationships between different events, actions, or circumstances. The central idea is to investigate why certain things happen (causes) and what results from those occurrences (effects). It's like peeling back the layers to reveal the interconnectedness of events, understanding the domino effect in the narrative of life.
Here's a breakdown of the key components:
When crafting such an essay, you're essentially acting as a storyteller and investigator rolled into one. Your goal is to guide the reader through the web of interconnected events, providing insights into the 'why' and 'what happens next.'
Understanding how to write a cause and effect essay is like putting together a puzzle. Here are ten simple steps to help you write an engaging essay that looks into how things are connected.
1. Select a Specific Topic
2. Explore Causal Links
3. Craft a Clear Thesis Statement
4. Organize Chronologically or by Significance
5. Utilize Transitional Phrases
6. Support Arguments with Credible Evidence
7. Illustrate Chain Reactions
8. Analyze Root Causes
9. Consider Alternative Causes
10. Conclude with Impact
When setting up your essay, you can choose from different structures to make it organized. Let's look at two common types of cause and effect essay structures:
The block structure is a clear and organized way to present causes and effects in your essay. Here, you dedicate one section to discussing all the causes, covering multiple causes within each category. After that, you have another section to explore all the effects. This separation makes your ideas easy to understand.
Using the block structure allows you to dive deep into each category, thoroughly looking at causes and effects separately. It's handy when you want to give a detailed analysis and show the importance of each part of the causal relationship. This way, readers can fully grasp each element before moving on.
On the other hand, the chain structure focuses on how events are connected and create ripple effects. It highlights how one cause leads to a specific effect, and that effect becomes the cause of more effects in an ongoing chain. This method is potent for illustrating the complexity of causal relationships.
The chain structure works well when you want to emphasize the sequence of events or deal with intricate cause-and-effect scenarios. It allows you to show how actions trigger a series of reactions, displaying the domino effect that leads to a specific outcome.
Regardless of the structural style you choose, if you require assistance with your academic paper, reach out to us with your ' write my paper for me ' request. Our experienced team is ready to tailor your paper to your specific requirements and ensure its excellence.
Creating an effective cause and effect essay begins with a well-structured outline. This roadmap helps you organize your thoughts, maintain a logical flow, and ensure that your essay effectively conveys the causal relationships between events. Below, we'll outline the key components of the essay along with examples:
I. Introduction
II. Body Paragraphs
C. Causes (Continued)
D. Effects (Continued)
III. Conclusion
To help you grasp cause and effect essay writing with clarity, we have prepared two distinct essay examples that will guide you through the intricacies of both block and chain structures. Additionally, should you ever find yourself requiring assistance with academic writing or descriptive essays examples , simply send us your ' write my research paper ' request. Our expert writers are here to provide the support you need!
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Choosing a good topic starts with recognizing cause and effect key words. Here are 10 interesting topics that let you dig into fascinating connections and their important consequences:
Knowing what a cause and effect essay is and how to write it helps you uncover connections in different topics. With this guide, you can share your ideas in a clear and impactful way.
Meanwhile, if you're in need of a reaction paper example , rest assured we have you covered as well. So, seize this opportunity, put your thoughts on paper logically, and witness your essays leaving a lasting and influential mark.
Don't procrastinate when you can cause an effect on your grades right now!
Daniel Parker
is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Danielâs work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.
is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.
Cause And Effect Essay Writing
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Published on: Mar 13, 2020
Last updated on: Mar 25, 2024
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Are you struggling to wrap your head around cause and effect essays? Donât worry; youâre not alone.
These essays might seem complex at first glance, but with the right approach, they can become easier to write.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll look into what cause and effect essays are, how to structure them, and provide valuable tips and examples to help you understand this type of writing.
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A cause and effect essay is a type of essay writing that explores the relationship between events, actions, or phenomena (causes) and their outcomes or consequences (effects) .Â
In this type of essay, the writer analyzes how one event leads to another, providing insights into the underlying causes and the resulting effects. Cause and effect essays aim to explain the connections between various occurrences and explain the reasons behind certain outcomes.Â
They often require critical thinking, careful analysis, and the use of evidence and examples to support arguments.
You may confuse cause-and-effect essays with compare and contrast essays . While cause and effect essays focus on analyzing the relationship between events, compare and contrast essays examine similarities and differences between two or more subjects or ideas.
There are two main structural types commonly used to write a cause and effect essay: the block structure and the chain structure.
In the block structure, the writer first discusses all the causes of the event in one section, followed by a separate section dedicated to discussing all the effects.
This cause and effect essay format allows for a clear separation between the causes and effects, making it easier for the reader to understand the relationships between them.
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Use the block structure when:
In the chain structure, each cause is followed immediately by its corresponding effect(s), creating a chain-like sequence of events.
This structure emphasizes the direct relationship between each cause and its effect, providing a more immediate and interconnected narrative.
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Use the chain structure when:
Creating an outline is essential for organizing your thoughts and structuring your cause and effect essay effectively.Â
Here's a basic outline to guide you through the writing process:
Start with an attention-grabbing statement or question to engage the reader. Provide context and background information on the topic. Clearly state the main causes and effects you will discuss in your essay.
Introduction to Causes Introduce the first cause you will discuss. Provide an explanation of the cause and its significance. Support your explanation with relevant examples or evidence.Introduce the effects resulting from the first cause. Discuss the consequences or outcomes of the cause. Provide examples or evidence to illustrate the effects. Repeat the above structure for each additional cause and its corresponding effects. Summarize the main causes and effects discussed in the essay. Highlight the connections between the causes and effects. End with a thought-provoking statement or suggestion for further exploration of the topic. |
Need a detailed outline guide? Be sure to check out our blog on " Cause and Effect Essay Outline " for a comprehensive breakdown of how to organize your essay.
Writing a cause and effect essay involves examining the reasons (causes) and outcomes (effects) of a particular event, phenomenon, or situation. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you craft an effective cause and effect essay:
Start by selecting a topic that interests you and has clear cause-and-effect relationships. It could be a social issue, scientific phenomenon, historical event, or any other subject with identifiable causes and effects.Â
For example, "The Effects of Climate Change on Wildlife Populations" or "Causes of Obesity in Developed Countries."
Gather relevant information and evidence to support your thesis statement . Look for credible sources such as academic journals, books, government reports, and reputable websites.Â
Ensure you have a thorough understanding of both the causes and effects related to your chosen topic.
Craft a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the main causes and effects you will discuss in your essay. Your thesis should provide a roadmap for the reader and clearly state your position on the topic.Â
For instance, "The rise in carbon emissions from human activities is leading to severe consequences for global ecosystems."
Create a structured outline that organizes your ideas and arguments logically. Divide your essay into introduction , body paragraphs (each discussing a specific cause or effect), and conclusion .Â
Each body paragraph should focus on one cause or effect and provide supporting details and evidence.
Begin with an engaging introduction that provides background information on the topic and introduces your thesis statement.Â
Hook the reader's attention with an interesting fact, statistic, or anecdote related to your topic. Clearly state the purpose of your essay and preview the main points you will discuss.
In recent years, the proliferation of social media platforms has revolutionized the way people communicate, connect, and consume information. While these platforms offer numerous benefits such as instant communication and global networking, they have also been associated with various negative effects on mental health. This essay explores the causes behind the rise of social media and its detrimental effects on individuals' mental well-being. |
In the body paragraphs, explore the causes or effects of the topic in detail. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the cause or effect you will be discussing.Â
Then, provide evidence and examples to support your claim. Use data, statistics, expert opinions, and real-life examples to strengthen your arguments. Make sure to explain the causal relationship between the factors you're discussing.
One of the primary causes behind the surge in social media usage is the widespread availability of smartphones and internet access. With the advent of affordable smartphones and widespread internet connectivity, people have constant access to social media platforms, leading to increased usage. Additionally, the addictive nature of social media interfaces, characterized by endless scrolling and notifications, further fuels this phenomenon. As individuals spend more time on social media, they become increasingly dependent on these platforms for social validation, entertainment, and information.
The excessive use of social media has been linked to various detrimental effects on mental health, including increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Constant exposure to carefully curated images and lifestyles on social media can create unrealistic expectations and foster feelings of inadequacy among users. Moreover, the prevalence of cyberbullying and online harassment on these platforms can exacerbate existing mental health issues and lead to social withdrawal. Studies have shown a correlation between heavy social media usage and poor sleep quality, as individuals often sacrifice sleep to engage with online content, further compromising their mental well-being. |
Use transition words and sentences to smoothly transition between paragraphs and maintain coherence throughout your essay.Â
These transitions help guide the reader through your arguments and ensure a logical flow of ideas.
Summarize the main points of your essay in the conclusion and restate your thesis statement. Reflect on the significance of your findings and emphasize the importance of understanding the causes and effects of the topic.Â
Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion; instead, offer insights or suggestions for further research or action.
In conclusion, the rise of social media has had profound implications for individuals' mental health, driven by factors such as increased smartphone usage and the addictive nature of social media platforms. While social media offers unparalleled opportunities for communication and connection, its negative effects on mental well-being cannot be ignored. It is essential for individuals to strike a balance between online and offline interactions and practice mindfulness while using social media to mitigate its adverse effects on mental health. Additionally, further research and awareness efforts are needed to address the underlying causes and consequences of excessive social media usage in society. |
Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy. Make sure each paragraph contributes to the overall argument and that your ideas are well-supported by evidence.
Once you've made revisions and edits, finalize your essay by formatting it according to the guidelines provided by your instructor or publication.Â
Double-check citations and references to ensure they are accurate and properly formatted according to the required citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).
When writing a cause and effect essay for the first time, it is recommended to go through a few examples. It will help you understand the structure and how to use a method effectively.
The following are some of the great cause and effect examples free to use.
Cause and Effect Essay
Cause and Effect Essay Sample
Climate Change Cause and Effect Essay
Poverty Cause and Effect Essay
Air Pollution Cause and Effect Essay
Here are some cause and effect essay topics:
These topics reflect current societal concerns and offer opportunities for in-depth analysis of cause-and-effect relationships. If you need more such ideas check out our cause and effect essay topics  blog!
Here are additional tips for writing a cause and effect essay:
To conclude, writing a cause and effect essay can be a rewarding experience that allows you to look into complex issues. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide and applying your critical thinking skills, you can create compelling essays that inform and engage your audience.Â
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Learning objectives.
It is often considered human nature to ask, âwhy?â and âhow?â We want to know how our child got sick so we can better prevent it from happening in the future, or why our colleague a pay raise because we want one as well. We want to know how much money we will save over the long term if we buy a hybrid car. These examples identify only a few of the relationships we think about in our lives, but each shows the importance of understanding cause and effect.
A cause is something that produces an event or condition; an effect is what results from an event or condition. The purpose of the cause-and-effect essay is to determine how various phenomena relate in terms of origins and results. Sometimes the connection between cause and effect is clear, but often determining the exact relationship between the two is very difficult. For example, the following effects of a cold may be easily identifiable: a sore throat, runny nose, and a cough. But determining the cause of the sickness can be far more difficult. A number of causes are possible, and to complicate matters, these possible causes could have combined to cause the sickness. That is, more than one cause may be responsible for any given effect. Therefore, cause-and-effect discussions are often complicated and frequently lead to debates and arguments.
Use the complex nature of cause and effect to your advantage. Often it is not necessary, or even possible, to find the exact cause of an event or to name the exact effect. So, when formulating a thesis, you can claim one of a number of causes or effects to be the primary, or main, cause or effect. As soon as you claim that one cause or one effect is more crucial than the others, you have developed a thesis.
Consider the causes and effects in the following thesis statements. List a cause and effect for each one on your own sheet of paper.
Write three cause-and-effect thesis statements of your own for each of the following five broad topics.
The cause-and-effect essay opens with a general introduction to the topic, which then leads to a thesis that states the main cause, main effect, or various causes and effects of a condition or event.
The cause-and-effect essay can be organized in one of the following two primary ways:
For example, if your essay were on childhood obesity, you could start by talking about the effect of childhood obesity and then discuss the cause or you could start the same essay by talking about the cause of childhood obesity and then move to the effect.
Regardless of which structure you choose, be sure to explain each element of the essay fully and completely. Explaining complex relationships requires the full use of evidence, such as scientific studies, expert testimony, statistics, and anecdotes.
Because cause-and-effect essays determine how phenomena are linked, they make frequent use of certain words and phrases that denote such linkage. See Table 10.4 “Phrases of Causation” for examples of such terms.
Table 10.4 Phrases of Causation
as a result | consequently |
because | due to |
hence | since |
thus | therefore |
The conclusion should wrap up the discussion and reinforce the thesis, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of the relationship that was analyzed.
Be careful of resorting to empty speculation. In writing, speculation amounts to unsubstantiated guessing. Writers are particularly prone to such trappings in cause-and-effect arguments due to the complex nature of finding links between phenomena. Be sure to have clear evidence to support the claims that you make.
Look at some of the cause-and-effect relationships from Note 10.83 “Exercise 2” . Outline the links you listed. Outline one using a cause-then-effect structure. Outline the other using the effect-then-cause structure.
Choose an event or condition that you think has an interesting cause-and-effect relationship. Introduce your topic in an engaging way. End your introduction with a thesis that states the main cause, the main effect, or both.
Organize your essay by starting with either the cause-then-effect structure or the effect-then-cause structure. Within each section, you should clearly explain and support the causes and effects using a full range of evidence. If you are writing about multiple causes or multiple effects, you may choose to sequence either in terms of order of importance. In other words, order the causes from least to most important (or vice versa), or order the effects from least important to most important (or vice versa).
Use the phrases of causation when trying to forge connections between various events or conditions. This will help organize your ideas and orient the reader. End your essay with a conclusion that summarizes your main points and reinforces your thesis. See Chapter 15 “Readings: Examples of Essays” to read a sample cause-and-effect essay.
Choose one of the ideas you outlined in Note 10.85 “Exercise 3” and write a full cause-and-effect essay. Be sure to include an engaging introduction, a clear thesis, strong evidence and examples, and a thoughtful conclusion.
The cause-and-effect essay can be organized in one of these two primary ways:
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Cause And Effect Essay Guide
Cause And Effect Essay Outline
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In academic paper writing, students often tackle diverse essay types, including cause and effect essays.
Cause and effect essays act as a gauge for how well students can use logical reasoning to understand the outcomes of different actions.
However, the most crucial element while writing this type of essay is to create an outline.
Many students skip outlining, thinking it's time-consuming. While creating a cause and effect paper outline does take time, it actually saves more time during writing. Following a detailed plan makes the writing process easier, ensuring you don't miss key details and can draft a logical, organized essay.
Follow the steps given in this blog for a perfect outline.
A cause and effect essay outline is a detailed plan of action that students follow throughout the writing process. It is the key factor in writing a successful essay as it provides help in the following ways:
It is not required to write full sentences at this step. Instead, state the ideas and structure them in the right order.
Furthermore, it is important to choose a unique topic before developing an outline. Check out our compiled list of good cause and effect essay topics to grab the readerâs interest.
Cause and effect essay outline generally follows a five-paragraph format. However, the number of body paragraphs may vary according to the topic and scope of the essay. Typically, the cause and effect essay layout contains an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Here is the complete outline format structure of a cause and effect writing:
|
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Follow the steps below to write an effective cause and effect essay outline.
The following is a detailed description of the steps to writing an outline.
The introduction is the first section written to give an idea of what your essay is about. It provides background information about the topic under discussion. Similarly, it also discusses the issues and focus of the essayâs main argument, along with its purpose.
Thus, try to give a general idea to the reader with the help of a thesis statement . It is crucial to emphasize how and why the chosen event is relevant to modern life.
For example, if you are writing about the Cold War, state how it is still apparent in global politics.
Furthermore, the essay introduction paragraph includes the following elements.
Start your essay with a relevant, attention-grabbing hook statement. It can be in the form of a sentence, quote, anecdote, rhetorical question, or fact. The primary purpose of such a hook is to attract the audience at the beginning of the paper.
Mention some background information on the topic to get a clear picture. It will help readers understand the event and connect with the major argument. Similarly, this element is also used to understand the cause and effect before you start writing.
It is the central element while writing an introduction. Its absence will indicate that the essay lacks a focus. It is a statement of 1-2 sentences that briefly describes the major argument of the essay.
Moreover, a writer needs to discuss this idea through all the body paragraphs. Thus, make sure to craft a strong thesis statement that correlates with the outline.
The body paragraphs provide enough details and facts about the causes that led to the effects.
This part requires the writer to explain the current situation clearly. It will help the reader to understand the primary argument. Thus, it is important to describe the situation in a way that prepares the reader for effect.
For example, if you are writing about the loss of privacy, that will lead to individual freedom. The focus should be on the technologies that affect freedom.
It explains to the reader the logical steps that move from cause to effect. It focuses on explaining what the multiple effects are and how we move from cause to effect.
Following the above example, the writer will explain the connection between privacy and freedom.
Here, a writer must discuss the importance of the findings. It is used to describe the short and long-term results of the effects. Also, suggest the recommendations to tackle the situation along with future prospects.
This paragraph will discuss the other side of the issue by identifying the major causes and effects. Also, explain the causes behind choosing a topic and how it will be relevant to modern life.
This way, you can show the logic behind the occurrence of the two variables and their possible causes and effects.
The conclusion paragraph aims to provide a brief summary of your essay. Thus, it should leave the audience with the feeling of completeness and make a final emphasis on the major ideas.
This section requires the writer to show how their perspective of the issue has changed by the following analysis. Also, it should further describe the positive and negative effects of the situation.
The conclusion includes the elements discussed below:
Write a few sentences that connect the body paragraphs with the thesis statement. It must also indicate how this statement has helped in proving the main argument of the essay.
Here you describe your general outline in strong and precise sentences. Avoid adding any new information. In case you are writing about a major event that influenced the world, such as global warming.
You should write a call to action and suggest what necessary steps need to be taken to overcome the issue.
Like a convincing introduction; the conclusion should be catchy and compelling as well. Thus, pay attention to this section while writing a college or university essay.
Describe the research outcomes, along with the importance of the essayâs arguments.
Lastly, check out the examples available online. Consider the structure and vocabulary used by most authors to write a cause and effect essay conclusion.
Refer to the example below to better understand writing a cause and effect essay.
How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay Outline â Example
Cause and Effect Essay Outline Examples
Below are the cause and effect outline examples and samples for you to understand better.
Cause and Effect Essay Outline Template
5 Paragraph Cause and Effect Essay Outline
MLA Format Cause and Effect Essay Outline
Cause and Effect Essay Outline Sample
Cause and Effect Essay Outline on Divorce
Cause and Effect Essay Outline on Global Warming
Smoking Cause and Effect Essay Outline
Obesity Cause and Effect Essay Outline
Cause and Effect Essay Outline for College Students
Cause and Effect Essay Formal Outline
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To Sum it Up! This ultimate writing guide will help you write a perfect cause and effect paper outline.
Nevertheless, not everyone can develop a cause-and-effect chain relationship between variables. Therefore, instead of risking your grades, it is better to seek professional help.
MyPerfectWords.com stands as a professional writing service, poised to support you in your academic writing tasks. In addition to our core writing services, our essay writer service offers a range of free services, including plagiarism reports, editing, and revisions. So place your order now and get your perfect outline in no time!
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Cause And Effect Essay Writing
Cause And Effect Essay
Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023
By: Leanne R.
11 min read
Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.
Published on: Jun 9, 2020
A cause and effect essay is another type of expository essay explaining why one thing happens and how it affects the other.
Cause and effect essay writing is based on how an event or thing affects another event. Such essays explain this cause and effect relationship between different things and inform the readers about it.
These effects could both be short and long term.
This blog will make you understand how to write a cause and effect essay step by step and will also provide samples to help you.
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In this world, everything is inherently interconnected.
The rain makes the soil wet, and the plants grow. In the domino effect, when one domino is toppled, it hits the next, and then the next, and so forth, etc.
To understand the question of what does cause and effect mean, this essay will explore the âwhyâ and âhowâ of a situation.
Cause and effect essay definition states that such an essay serves to illustrate why certain things occur or situations arise. It also examines the consequences of those events, actions or phenomena.
School students and college students equally struggle with writing correctly structured essays that depict precise and factual information.
If you are a high school or college student; chances are that you will have to write this type of essay.
Staying on this website will equip you with the skills to analyze the events and deliver an impactful cause and effect essay.
The theme of this essay type revolves around the causes and multiple effects of certain issues, problems or situations.
At a basic level, these essays are of three types.
1. Effect-Focused Method
The analysis is focused on one or multiple effects that the occurrence of an event has had.
2. Cause-Focused Method
The analysis is focused on the different causes that lead to the event.
3. Causes and Effects-Focused Method
The analysis is focused on both the causes and the effects. The reason why something happened and the impacts it had.
The major aim of these essays is to develop studentâs skills in analyzing the events in depth.
These essays test the ability of students to present analytical and problem-solving skills involving various topics that impact our lives and our societies.
Effective topics may revolve around the following subject matters: social, political, medical, environmental and food-related issues. Cause and effect essay topic for college is mostly based on these subjects.
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There are 2 main structures of writing a cause and effect essay. You need to choose one before starting your essay.
1. Block structure
In a block structure essay, you will first write all the causes and then all the effects of your topic.
In block structure, there can be an effect-focused essay or a cause-focused essay.
Here is a visual representation of a block structure for your essay
Cause 1 |
Cause 2 |
Cause 3 |
Effect 1 |
Effect 2 |
Effect 3 |
2. Chain Structure
In the chain structure, you have to write a cause followed by its effect. Every cause should be followed by its possible effect. This is what your essay will look like if you follow the chain structure.
Cause and Effect 1 |
Cause and Effect 2 |
Cause and Effect 3 |
Some of the effective essay topics can be written efficiently by following the block structure. While some others fit into the chain structure.
It all depends on the choice and expertise of the students to present their points in an effective and convincing manner.
Before moving towards writing an essay, drafting an outline is quite important. It is essential in the case of writing a cause and effect essay because students have to consider the causes and effects of some issue or situation, without missing anything.
An essay outline provides the chance of following a specific guideline to ensure all the instructions are followed efficiently.
In order to write a cause and effect essay outline , you can follow this simple structure.
Writing based on personal beliefs and opinions shatters the whole purpose of such essays. You canât make a logical argument regarding the cause and effects of a particular situation or action.
You therefore need sound reasoning and authentic examples to prove your point.
Staying on this website will allow you the opportunity of learning the tips to create impactful content.
1. Choose an Engaging and Significant Essay Topic
Selecting a topic is the easiest but trickiest part.
Students often get confused when it comes to how to write a cause and effect essay. Because they choose a topic for a cause and effect essay, which sets them for failure.
If you plan to choose the title âMy Visit to my Grandparentsâ Houseâ and think it is correct as you will write the effects of your visit in the essay, then you are wrong!
Your topic should be based on logic and you should create a connection between the events.
For instance, if you choose the title âEffect of grandparents on my personalityâ, then this is an effective topic.
Cause and effects of the second world war on the United States or anorexia nervosa are also perfect effect essay topics.
Looking for more topics for your cause and effect essay?
Feel free to explore these cause and effect essay topics and pick any topic of your choice.
2. Start Your Research
After topic selection, move to the research section.
First tip: donât go straight to the paper and start writing your first draft. Take a deep breath and analyze all aspects of the topic.
Ask questions! Why? What? How? When?
Look at the present state of the topic. Inspect the previous stages and analyze future effects!
The more you research the more familiar you will become with the topic at hand. And it will help understand different aspects of your topic, giving you better ideas to write.
Along with reading different journals, scholarly articles, books for information, another helpful source is cause and effect essay samples. Go through different samples written by other students, this will not only give you insight about your topic, but will also help understand the essay structure better.
3. Craft a Thesis Statement
Once you have decided on your topic and gathered relevant information, the next step is to craft a thesis. The thesis statement of your essay will inform the reader why you chose the particular topic, its importance and the purpose of the paper.
Keep in mind that your thesis shouldnât be personal. Consider the feelings of your audience and they should also be able to resonate with it. Give reasons as to why you care about a particular issue, that others will understand as well.
Go check out this article for a better understanding of writing a thesis statement
4. Write a Rough Draft
Donât rush to put words down on paper.
Collect your thoughts and write down all the ideas and important points on paper. Your rough draft can be based only on these key points.
Donât worry about making it perfect at this stage. Just jot down your thoughts, assemble them and perfect it later.
To write an effective essay, a structured outline should be followed. Once you are done writing, it is essential to polish your final draft.
5. Write a Cause and Effect Essay Introduction
You must have heard the phrase âthe first impression is the last impression.â Similarly, the impression that your essay introduction leaves on the reader decides whether they will read further or not.
To make sure that the reader is impressed by your opening lines and is intrigued to learn more, use an attention grabber â hook.
A hook sentence acts as a tool to attract the readerâs attention, motivating them to read further. There are different types of hook sentences that you can use depending on your topic. Learn more about them from our blog on hook examples.
The next step is making your audience/reader familiar with the essay topic. Begin with a general introduction to the topic followed by the thesis statement. Understand the difference between cause and effect before you start writing. Give a general idea of your topic in the first paragraph.
The most important part of the introduction is the thesis statement. A thesis statement is the foundation of your essay and informs the reader of the purpose of writing the essay. Relate your topic to the current situation and its importance.
6. Compose and Arrange the Body Paragraphs
It is important to provide plenty of details you have collected on your topic regarding the causes and effects of your topic.
Assemble all the data with relevant examples to create credibility in your academic writing. The cause and effect essay should be based entirely on facts.
Link the causes to the effects using transitional words in your body paragraphs.
Successfully linking causes and effects depends on the approach you are following for your essay.
You may use either one of the structures mentioned above to present the causes and effects of your topic.
7. End with a Powerful Conclusion
Restate the thesis statement that you proposed in the introductory paragraph in the last paragraph. A well-written and precise conclusion gives closure to the entire argument and context of the essay.
Cause and effect essays are easy to write, just stay focused and try to create impact through your words and use of evidence.
Doing so will create chaos in your essay and the reader wonât be able to understand the information stated in the paragraphs.
When writing the body section, dedicate each paragraph to separate the ideas.
Every paragraph should have a separate topic sentence that clearly defines its purpose. Now you can start your essay writing .
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Following are a few cause and effect essay samples which will help you explore cause and effect essay prompts.
CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY SAMPLE
CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY EXAMPLE
CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY ON DIVORCE
Here are some good cause and effect essay topics:
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What is the main purpose of a cause and effect essay.
Cause and effect papers use strong analytical skills to examine the reasons for or outcomes of an event. These are often written as a way in which someone could potentially discover how something happened.
Such as why one particular decision led them down their current path-or if there were any other factors involved that caused the said outcome
Knowledge is power. Understanding how a single event can result in multiple effects, and then pinpointing that one cause for each of those results will help the students develop into analytical thinkers with the ability to work on their own.
A person who can think about the interconnected causes and effects of social events will be more successful in their day-to-day life. It's no surprise, then, that if you have this skill set your chances for success with solving real-world problems are much greater!
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You don’t need to be a nerd to understand the general idea behind cause and effect essays. Let’s see! If you skip a meal, you get hungry. And if you write an essay about it, your goal is achieved!
However, following multiple rules of academic writing can be a tough task. But donât worry; this guide can help you finish your cause and effect writing assignment on time and with little to no stress. By the end of this article by Custom-Writing.org experts, you will know the structure and variations of this essay type. Long story short, it’s a full guide on how to write a cause and effect essay (with examples!).
âïž how to write a cause and effect essay.
A cause and effect essay’s main focus is to work through the relationship between two events . Specifically, it highlights how one event leads to the second one. The writing structure changes depending on the ratio of causes to effects that you choose. Read the examples below for more detail.
As mentioned, this article can be considered the ultimate guide to writing a perfect cause and effect essay. It consists of smooth and clear instructions with examples.
In order to find a good topic for your cause and effect essay, you should choose what to focus on: the causes or the effects? Not only does the whole structure of your paper depend on it, but you also need to pick a suitable topic based on that decision. Letâs see how the topic would change depending on the focus.
Theme | Focus on the causes | Focus on the effects |
---|---|---|
World War II | The leading causes of the beginning of the . | How did it affect the US economy? |
Junk food | Why are people addicted to junk food? | Health issues caused by consuming junk food regularly. |
Eating disorders | Social factors affecting eating habits. | What damage do do to our bodies? |
Divorces | Main . | How do âs health? |
Wildfire | What causes wildfires in Australia? | Irreversible damage of wildfires on Australiaâs wildlife. |
Extinction | The causes of the sixth extinction. | How can the extinction of one endangered system affect the whole ecosystem? |
Climate change | How do humans cause climate change? | How will climate change alter our everyday life in fifty years? |
Language learning | What motivates people to become ? | What are the effects of language learning on cognitive abilities? |
Advertising | Why do big brands still need so much advertising? | The impact of advertising on . |
Pop music | The reasons why will never disappear. | How does pop music affect teenagersâ development? |
Cheating | Why do students cheat on exams? | The if youâre in an Ivy League school. |
High IQ | What influences IQ level? | How can high IQ be a curse when it comes to socializing at school? |
YouTube popularity | One viral video can make you insanely popular. | Becoming a star: what changes in your daily routine? |
Pets | What influences peopleâs choice of a ? | Boost your well-being: how do pets help? |
Immunity | How can negative thoughts lower your immunity? | What happens when your immune system is off guard? |
The best cause and effect essays also have a well-prepared thesis statement . Generally, the thesis statement would point out your point of view and your essay’s main ideas. Here, however, you should also not forget to highlight whether the focus is on causes or effects. You can use a thesis statement generator for essay to speed up the creation process. For instance, this statement highlights the effects of daily walks, states that the author supports this idea, and presents one thing that causes three effects:
Walking for at least half an hour every day can bring numerous positive benefits for your health: it improves blood circulation, strengthens joints, and helps with weight loss.
Like the topic, your cause and effect essay outline is affected by your writing focus. The structure depends on how many relations you choose to highlight. For instance, there may be only one leading cause or multiple. The same is with effects. Moreover, there is one additional type.
In this kind of essay, you would focus on discussing as many related causes as you can think of. An additional advantage would be if you could select various causes from different areas. But remember to prove that they all lead to one effect.
This cause and effect essay structure reflects the general outline you are used to (remember that conclusion is usually a paraphrase of a thesis statement from the introduction).
1. Introduction
1.1. Thesis statement: Bullying begins with personal desires or family issues and leads to increased numbers of suffering children.
2. Main body
2.1. Cause 1: Bullies want to be noticed.
2.2. Cause 2: They want to feel superior.
2.3. Cause 3: There are issues at home.
2.4. Effect: Many innocent kids become victims of bullying.
3. Conclusion
The outline of this type of essay would look a lot like the previous one, except that the ratio of causes and effects is mirrored. You should be quite competent in the topic you’re working on to produce a quality essay.
1.1. Thesis Statement: Overusing social media can lead to adverse psychological and emotional effects.
2.1. Cause: Spending too much time on social media, watching other users’ lives.
2.2. Effect 1: Users become more self-conscious about their appearance or quality of life.
2.3. Effect 2: It takes up time that could have been used for more useful activities.
2.3. Effect 3: Real-life relationships and other commitments suffer.
It may be more challenging than the other essays. The structure of this type of writing reflects a chain reaction. The effect of the initial cause leads to another cause and effect cycle. You will need to be careful and very attentive in order to maintain the logical order.
1.1. Thesis Statement: Through the chain of causes and effects, it can be observed that the use of hair spray may lead to a global catastrophe.
2.1. Cause and effect chain #1: Chlorofluorocarbons were used to make hairsprays 50 years ago, but they are harmful to the ozone layer – some of them are still in the atmosphere ruining ozone molecules.
2.2. Cause and effect chain #2: Less ozone layer causes icebergs to melt faster.
2.3. Cause and effect chain #3. Melting ice causes the sea level to rise and flood the land.
Since we are talking about academic writing here, it’s essential to keep your language appropriate. The most commonly used word, in this case, is “because .” However, you shouldn’t overuse it.
There are quite a few ready-to-use phrases that are most suitable for this type of essay. Include these in your cause and effect paragraphs to make the transition between ideas smoother and your writing more coherent:
Donât forget to use sentence connectors, such as:
After completing the first draft, you should proofread your writing and carefully check that there are no sentence fragments, like this:
Because I havenât slept in two days before the exam.
Sometimes, rushing through the writing process may lead your thoughts astray, and you leave the ending of the sentence unfinished. However, it’s a severe mistake, so try to avoid it.
In addition, you should not mix the verb tenses. If you are describing a past event, stick to the past tense. Of course, it may depend on the situation. For instance, the present tense is used to talk about universal truth, while different tenses can be used for writing a report.
We have gone step by step through the process of writing a good cause and effect essay. Now, finally, you can check out how it should look altogether. The following writing follows the template of the outline about bullying that we introduced earlier. It has all the necessary elements, such as the structure, vocabulary, and the thesis statement highlighted. It is a great example of a cause and effect essay, so go ahead and read it through!
The number of children reported to suffer from bullying rises every year. Teachers and parents are struggling to find a resolution for this issue. But what if the key to stopping this abusive behavior is understanding the causes? | |
It appears that bullying begins with personal desires or family issues and leads to the increasing number of kids who suffer from it. | |
Sometimes a child lacks attention either from their parents or peers, which causes them to seek attention in other places. It results in aggressive behaviors towards other kids since supervisors cannot ignore such action, and they attend to the violators. Bullies finally achieve their goal – being noticed, which encourages them to continue their faulty behavior. | |
Another reason for such aggressive behavior may result from a desire to be invincible. Maybe a bully was humiliated or embarrassed once, and they never wanted to experience it again. Thus, they do everything possible to stay the strongest one and be in charge. Not only does it protect them, but it gives them a feeling of superiority, which sometimes becomes addictive. | |
In addition, bullies might project their family issues onto others. For instance, if a child feels negative emotions from physical or emotional abuse at home or the family facing tough times, they may keep those emotions inside. However, negative emotions cannot stay inside forever, and as a consequence, they begin projecting those emotions onto their peers later. | |
All the causes mentioned above lead to an increasing number of bullies. Whatever the reason is, the primary effect is the suffering of the innocent kids who become victims. Bullies have different reasons for acting like that, but sometimes it is no more than an unconscious reaction to the environment, just like it happens with family issues. | |
There are a number of reasons for such a widespread phenomenon as bullying, including attention-seeking, a desire to be superior, and family issues. Knowing the causes may help schools and families to develop and implement preventive measures. Therefore, instead of struggling with the consequences of bullies’ aggressive behavior, teachers and parents may prevent that altogether. |
Want more samples? Weâve got you covered! Hereâs a bonus list of cause and effect essay examples.
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Cause and effect composition is a common type of writing in English that shows up often on important tests and is, therefore, necessary to master. Develop your cause and effect writing skills by first reviewing the structures and practices of standard essay writing and then diving into what makes a successful cause and effect essay.
As when writing any other essay, you need to use evidence and examples as well as attention-grabbing techniques when doing cause and effect writing. The key difference between standard essays and cause and effect essays is that cause and effect composition addresses topics or problems by outlining the causes and effects, or reasons and results, of several components of a topic.
Cause and effect essays are generally organized by problems, outcomes, and possible solutions. Though cause and effect writing isn't exclusively used to address problems, this type of composition often involves writing prose that proposes solutions to an issueâcause and effect writers can use the consequences of various occurrences to speculate about how to solve a dilemma.
No matter what the purpose of your cause and effect essay, the first thing you need to do to start writing is brainstorm.
Step 1: Come up with ideas. Get started brainstorming topics right awayâthe objective of brainstorming is to generate as many ideas as possible before writing. Brainstorming helps you think creatively about a cause and effect topic in order to come up with something that you truly want to write about. Don't get caught writing about a topic that doesn't interest you because you didn't take the time to brainstorm.
When brainstorming for cause and effect essays specifically, be sure to think of both reasons and results. Follow each idea from its cause to its effect to make sure that your arguments are well-founded so that you don't waste time on ideas that won't go anywhere.
The following cause and effect example ideas show the results of a successful brainstorming session.
Cause and Effect Examples | ||
---|---|---|
Topic | Cause | Effect |
College | Go to college to get a stable career Apply only to prestigious schools Choose to study a popular major for job security | Graduate with debt/loans Don't get accepted into college anywhere Heavy job competition upon graduation |
Sports | Play a sport to stay fit and healthy Prioritize sports over other extracurriculars Join a team for the comradery  | Sustain injuries from repeated bodily strain Difficulty getting into desired college Trouble maintaining relationships with friends that do not play sports |
Step 2: Create an outline. An outline provides a map for your writing and you should never try to write an essay without one. Some teachers even require you to write an outline before you are allowed to start an introductory or body paragraph because they improve the quality of writing so significantly.
Use ideas from your brainstorming session to "jot down", or quickly write, ideas for how your whole essay might progress (these do not have to be in complete sentences). An outline makes organizing much easier but does not have to be rigidâfeel free to make changes as needed. See the following cause and effect essay outline example for help.
Title: How Fighting Fast Food Can Help End Obesity
I. Introduction
II. Body Paragraph 1: Availability and overeating
III. Body Paragraph 2: Affordability and overspending
IV. Body Paragraph 3: Convenience
V. Conclusion
Step 3: Choose the right language. Now you can write a great cause and effect essay using your outline. There are several language formulas that can effectively show cause and effect relationships, so take the time to choose the best ones for your piece. As always, vary your sentence structures for a smoother read and use plenty of evidence to write a convincing essay, then try some of these phrases to take your cause and effect arguments to the next level.
Make your cause and effect essay more coherent with linking languageâor sentence connectorsâthat make the relationships between causes and effects crystal clear.
Use the following conjunctive adverbs to smoothly transition from one idea to the next in your cause and effect writing.
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If you are reading this article, then youâre already on your way to start loving essay writing. By the time you finish reading it, you will have all the necessary instruments at hand to craft an impressive essay of one particular type â that is, a cause and effect essay (sometimes also called cause-effect or reason and result essay).
It is impossible to do something well without knowing what exactly it is that you have to do. So, letâs start with the basics â the cause and effect essay definition.
A cause and effect essay (also called cause-effect or reason and result essay) is a type of an analytical academic paper in which the relationship between causes and effects of a particular event or phenomenon is being analyzed. It usually answers the questions, âwhy?â (cause) and âwhat is the result?â (effect), and utilizes subjunctive mood extensively. If already at this moment you feel you're unlikely to be able to cope with writing an essay yourself â relax and get help from professional dissertation writing services .
Now that we know what a cause and effect essay is, we can start working on its structure. Having a clear structure is essential for the successful completion of your assignment. So, itâs highly important to devote enough time to this part of the task. If you think it's pretty challenging for you or you simply don't want to spend time on it, you can always look for coursework writing help , custom essay writing and get help from experts in the field.
There are two main ways to structure a cause and effect essay â using a block or a chain pattern. Your essay outline will differ depending on what option you choose.
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A cause and effect essay outline consists of a minimum of four sections â an introduction, at least two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each section, in turn, consists of several parts, and their contents vary depending on what pattern â block or chain â you choose.
Letâs start with a block structure. This is how it will look like:
Depending on your topic and approach, you can focus more on the effects or the causes and have various numbers of both. For example, if you put the main focus on the effects, your outline may look like this:
If you choose the chain pattern, it will mean that in your body paragraphs, every cause will be immediately followed by its effect. The outline will then be as follows:
In this case, too, the numbers of causes and effects may vary â it is their sequence that matters.
Now, letâs look closer at every section of the structure.
Every essay starts with an introduction. In this section, you must introduce your topic to the reader, give some background information, and explain how youâre going to approach the discussion.
This is what an introduction section of a cause and effect essay must include:
If youâre wondering how to start a cause and effect essay, you can use some of the proven techniques like using a quote, a rhetorical question, or a statement that is surprising or paradoxical. Then, after giving some background information, move on to a thesis statement.
A thesis is the part of your essay in which the main point of discussion is stated. It should be clear and concise and allow no ambiguity.
Example: âThe gender gap is still very far from being closed. Globally, gender parity stands at 68.6%, according to the Global Gender Gap Report (2020). In this essay, weâll look closely at some of the causes and effects of this phenomenonâ.
Depending on what type of structure you choose, your body paragraphs may be slightly different. But, in any case, they should contain the following elements:
These may be arranged in a different way, but their presence is essential. Letâs again turn to our gender inequality topic and see how it works. In the causes section, we will list the various causes of the discussed phenomena:
Each of these causes should be supported by evidence to be persuasive to the reader. This is how it may be put in a paragraph:
âOne of the main causes of such inequality is the societal mindset that still regards women as primarily being responsible for providing home comfort and childcare. Most men still expect their wives to stay at home and sacrifice their careers in order to take the majority of household responsibilities (support with evidence â statistical figures, etc.).
Treat the next causes in the same manner.
This paragraph is basically the same as the previous one, with the only difference that here, we will discuss the effects of the phenomenon. Letâs continue with our topic:
Keep in mind that the effects must be direct consequences of your causes â you canât just pick random facts. You should also make that connection clear in your text.
Example: âSuch prejudiced societal mindset regarding women and their role in the society results in higher levels of frustration among women. They feel that they have reached their glass ceiling just because of the fact that they have been born female â i.e., something they just couldnât affect in any way (support with evidence)â.
Then, go on in the same manner in the next body-effects paragraphs.
After youâve discussed all the causes and effects that you planned, continue with making a short conclusion. It must contain the following points:
This is what it will look like in our case:
âAs we see, gender inequality is still a pressing issue in the modern world, and itâs far from being solved. This phenomenon has multiple causes, the most obvious of which are societyâs prejudiced attitude, lack of childcare, and lack of political representation for women. The effects of these problems are plausible: women end up feeling frustrated, having lower income, and being generally vulnerable. In order to change the situation, we mustnât avoid discussions of this issue and should try to find solutions to the problems that cause itâ.
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If youâre looking for an interesting topic for cause and effect essay, this section is for you. Listed below are some good cause and effect essay topics on various popular themes â history, politics, society, and more. Use them as examples to brainstorm ideas of your own.
History and politics:
Environment:
Now that you have all the tools necessary to create a good cause and effect essay of your own letâs look at an example to see how all the components work together. Letâs assume that our topic is âProcrastination among college students.â Here, we will use a block structure, and this is how our example cause and effect essay will look like.
Procrastination Among College Students.
Our first paragraph is an introduction. Here we introduce our topic with a hook statement, give some background information, and make a thesis statement.Â
Procrastination is dangerous for college students. At the same time, itâs extremely common among them: various studies show that up to 95% of college students engage in it from time to time, and almost 50% do this systematically. The causes of this phenomenon are multi-faceted and profound, and itâs vital to discover them in every particular case to be able to fight procrastination effectively. But to start treating procrastination as a problem, students must be aware of its harmful consequences. There are many of them, but one of the most acute ones for college students is its negative effect on their academic performance.
Here, the topic suggests that we have to focus more on the effects than on the causes, so the first body paragraph will be about an effect mentioned in the title. First, we will name the effect and then bring arguments and evidence to support our claim.
Procrastination is putting off things one has to do till the last minute and spending oneâs time on some other, less important occupations. When students procrastinate instead of doing their academic assignments, they usually end up not having enough time to complete their tasks properly by the deadline. As a result, they only do what they can in the amount of time left, and the quality of their work may suffer. For most students, it means receiving lower grades than they could have achieved had they spent their time more wisely. And this is not a mere assumption: a study conducted by Warwick Business School has proven that procrastination leads students to lower grades (2019). One may argue that it depends largely on how gifted a student is, but even the talented ones may get to the point when the assignment is so difficult that they cannot do it well quickly.
Our second body paragraph will be about another effect. We will write it using the same scheme as in the previous paragraph.
Whatâs worse, procrastination can also cause mental health problems among students (Source, year). When a person finds out that they only have several hours to complete an assignment that requires several days to be done well, they are most likely to succumb to anxiety. Science proves this, too: for example, a 2010 study titled âIâll Go to Therapy, Eventuallyâ found a clear connection between procrastination and poorer mental health. Then, worries about failing to do a task properly resulted in even more anxiety and stress, and if a student eventually gets a lower grade than expected, it may lead to a feeling of guilt, regret, and even to depression, especially if the situation is repeated often.
In the third body paragraph, we will talk about the causes.Â
It may be tempting to just label students who keep putting off their assignments as sluggards, but there are more complex and profound reasons for procrastination than mere laziness. As A. Chris Heath, MD, a psychiatrist from Dallas, says, procrastination usually happens because the task seems too difficult. It can also be an issue of self-esteem, he adds, â when a person thinks he or she is not good enough to cope with a demanding task. There are many other causes for procrastination among students, like having trouble concentrating or not possessing enough organizational skills. But whatever the reasons are, the results procrastination leads to are always devastating.
Conclusion. Here, we reiterate our thesis, site the significance of the topic, and add some afterthoughts.
As we see now, procrastination is a huge problem for college students. Being considered a result of pure laziness by many, it is often overlooked as a common problem. But this approach can be very dangerous.
In reality, procrastination has deeper roots, and the effects it causes are quite harmful. If treated lightly, systematic procrastination eventually leads college students to lower grades, mental health problems, and poorer overall academic performance.
So, itâs essential for every college student not to ignore the problem and find the causes of procrastination in their particular case as early as possible to be able to avoid its dreadful consequences.
Thatâs it! Feel free to use this essay as a model to generate your unique cause and effect essay ideas. If you need another example, download cause and effect essay sample here.  Â
In this article, weâve covered all the important issues on how to write a cause and effect essay. After reading it thoroughly, you should know what a cause and effect essay is, how to structure it well, and make an outline that will work. Weâve also explained how to work on every paragraph of your text and provided some good essay topics as well as examples of a cause and effect essay with commentary.Â
Still puzzled about how to write your cause and effect essay properly? Get instant write a paper for me help from professional editors and writers. Â With such detailed instruction, you cannot fail, if you are diligent enough to practice writing essays on your own using the information given. Donât get downhearted if you wonât be able to write a flawless paper from the first try; remember: practice makes perfect. So, put effort into your essay writing, and this will pay you back in the future â not only with excellent marks but with better critical thinking and logical skills, too.
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An essay outline is a structured plan that organizes the main points and supporting details of an essay before writing. It guides the flow of ideas and ensures that each section of the essay is logically connected and coherent.
In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to build a strong essay outline. You'll discover how to define your thesis, arrange your main points, and structure your outline for clarity and effectiveness. If you're still having trouble putting your outline together after reading this, EssayService can provide expert help to make sure your essay is well-structured and persuasive!
An essay begins with an introduction, which is followed by one or more body paragraphs that expand on the points introduced. It ends with a conclusion that restates the thesis and summarizes the main ideas from the body paragraphs.
Introduction
The introduction of an essay introduces the topic and engages the reader from the start. It usually starts with a hookâa statement or question that grabs attention. After the hook, some background information is given to provide context for the topic.
The introduction ends with a thesis statement, which clearly presents the main argument or purpose of the essay. This section not only introduces the topic but also outlines what the essay will cover, setting the tone for what follows.
Avoid these pitfalls:
The body of the essay is where your main ideas and arguments take shape. Each paragraph should open with a topic sentence that clearly states the main point. This is followed by supporting details like evidence, examples, and analysis that back up the topic sentence.
Smooth transitions between paragraphs are key to maintaining a logical flow throughout the essay. Together, the body paragraphs build and support the thesis by adding depth and detail to your argument.
Remember these tips for effective body paragraphs:
The conclusion of an essay wraps up the argument and reinforces the thesis. It usually starts by restating the thesis and reflecting on the discussion and evidence presented in the body paragraphs. A brief summary of the main points follows, highlighting the key arguments made throughout the essay.
The conclusion should close with a final thought or call to action, leaving the reader with something to think about or a sense of closure. The aim is to make a lasting impression that emphasizes the importance of the essay's conclusions.
Remember these tips:
Now, let's dive into the heart of this article and show you how to write an essay outline in just four smart steps:
Your thesis should present a specific point of view or a central idea that your essay will support or explore. Here's how to identify your thesis:
Once you have your thesis, identify the main points that support it. These points should be logical, relevant, and comprehensive.
The best way to organize your main points when writing an essay outline depends on the specific topic and purpose of your essay. Experiment with different arrangements to find the one that works best for you. Here are some strategies for organizing your main points:
Use this when | Example | |
---|---|---|
Chronological Order | Your essay is about a sequence of events or a process. | An essay about the history of the French Revolution could be organized chronologically, starting with the causes and ending with the aftermath. |
Spatial Order | Your essay is describing a physical space or object. | An essay about the architecture of the Colosseum could be organized spatially, moving from the exterior to the interior. |
Order of Importance | Your main points vary in significance. | An essay arguing for stricter gun control laws might begin with the most compelling argument and end with the least compelling. |
Compare and Contrast Order | Your essay examines similarities and differences between two or more things. | An essay comparing the philosophies of Plato and Aristotle could be organized by alternating between points of similarity and difference. |
When working on your essay outline, remember to choose supporting details that are relevant, specific, and convincing. The more evidence you can provide, the stronger your arguments will be. Consider these tips for developing supporting details for each one.
Once you've developed supporting details for each main point, you're ready to create a draft outline. This outline will serve as a roadmap for your essay, guiding you through the writing process.
Here's a basic outline template:
Body Paragraph 1
Body Paragraph 2
Body Paragraph 3
Remember to:
Now that you have an understanding of the basic structure of an essay outline let's explore some specific examples tailored to different essay genres. Remember, these are just templates, and you should feel free to adapt each essay outline example to fit your unique needs and writing style.
I. Introduction
II. Body Paragraph 1
III. Body Paragraph 2
IV. Body Paragraph 3
V. Counterargument
VI. Conclusion
V. Conclusion
As we sum up this article, let's recap the main steps for writing an outline:
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We've forgotten what community really means..
Intro from Zach Rausch and Jon Haidt:
Today, we publish our third post on what we now call the âfirst actâ of The Anxious Generation : the loss of community. (The second act is the loss of the play-based childhood. The third act is the rise of the phone-based childhood.) In our first post, Zach discussed Robert Putnamâs essential work on the decline of social capital and trust, which happened in part because new individualizing technologies (such as television) emerged and participation in local and communal activities waned. As communities weakened and trust eroded, so did the play-based childhood.
In the second post , we featured an essay by Seth Kaplan , author and lecturer at Johns Hopkins who studies fragile states. In it, he argued that to restore the play-based childhood, we must first rebuild strong in-person local communities. In this post, Seth takes his argument one step further, asserting that the upstream cause of the youth mental health crisis is the loss of community. As we are offered new virtual ways to connect with one another, Seth contends that we are only growing further apart.Â
We note that the first generation to move its social life onto social media platforms immediately became the loneliest generation on record. There is a spectrum of approaches that we as a society can take to address the crushing loneliness of Gen Z and Gen Alpha. On one end is doubling down on technology, typified by the recent introduction of the creepy AI âfriendâ orb , which young people can wear around their necks so that they always have a âfriendâ to talk with. On the other end is to focus on strengthening the real-world human communities and neighborhoods we live in. Seth advocates for the latter and provides us with a roadmap to get there.
â Zach and Jon
Jonathan Haidt and Zach Rausch argue that the loss of community is one of three factors behind the deterioration in youth mental health, along with the decline of play and the emergence of phone-mediated childhood. But in this article, I argue that itâs actually the dominant factor since it is upstream from the other two.Â
The rapid spread of smartphones in the early 2010s triggered the dramatic uptick in mental distress among youth, but this happened especially in places where the social system supporting them was already hollowed out. As Rausch writes , kids who live in well-rooted âreal-world communities ⊠spending more time engaging in their local community â attending religious services, working, spending more time with trusted adults , and spending more time with their friends in personâ â are less likely to experience the harms of the phone-based childhood. Where community is strong, the impact has been softened.
In this post, I argue that kids need real-world community to thrive and that the weakening (and even breakdown) of neighborhood communities across many countries explains many of the problems facing youth todayâfrom screen addiction and the decline in mental health to rising drug addiction and growing loneliness.
The term âcommunityâ is often used, but its meaning is rarely articulated. It is sometimes conflated with a âsense of community,â which can be produced by working with a dedicated group of volunteers or in a close-knit organization. But, an actual community is more permanent and is much harder to create. A prototypical community consists of most or all of the following:
A web of overlapping, affect-laden associations and relationships that crisscross and reinforce each other;
A set of shared values, norms, and goals âa common culture that unifies and constrains;
A common identity , ideally based on a common history and narrative and recognition of mutual interdependence;
Shared rituals that celebrate the group, its past, and future;
High levels of trust ;
High levels of commitment , with limited options for (or high costs to) exit;
Recognition of and respect for common authority figures who guide the groupâs decision-making;
Keystone actors and institutions that bridge and bond different members together;
A diverse range of skills and personalities that can contribute complementary things of value (e.g., money, time, expertise) to the group;
Role models who exhibit the cultural behaviors that the group should ideally replicate or at least aspire to;
Exhibiting a high degree of inclusiveness by actively seeking to encompass every member who shares the same identity or location;
Capacity to strongly encourage through moral suasion certain norms of conduct and, if necessary, sanction misconduct.
As we can see from this list, a community requires a commitment to a certain social orderâand usually to a placeâthat, by definition, must constrain some choices. In return for security, support, and belonging, members surrender some of their freedom. This explains why creating community in America today is so difficultâfew want to compromise their ability to make choices. This is especially true among those with the resources and/or capacity to relocate as soon as a better opportunity beckonsâthe very people whose leadership and role-modeling communities can ill afford to lose.
Much of a childâs learning and formation is absorbed from the environment rather than directly taught by adults; behavior is better shaped by modeling than by lecturing. The institutions (e.g., schools, churches, and parentsâ groups) and norms (e.g., regular family dinners, neighborhood play dates, and the expectation that adults will monitor streets) around us shape our kids' lives in ways we sometimes fail to consider because they are subtle. These institutions and norms determine the strength of families, interfamily networks, neighborhood relationships, and communal support systems. They shape each kidâs attitudes toward relationships, technology, and life goals. For example, when adults and older kids in my neighborhood model kindness, generosity, and responsibility to one another, my kids learn that these are the norms we should all aspire to in a way that no textbook or teacher (or parent) can instruct. When my religious neighborhood turns off technology for one day a weekâon Shabbatâwe are showing our kids that embodied relationships and interaction are more important than our phones and virtual networks. These institutions and the norms thus have an enormous influence on the choices parents and kids make every day, and on how vulnerable the latter are to various challenges like smartphones, drug use, and gang involvement.
As I documented in a previous essay at After Babel , unsupervised, child-directed play was in decline long before kids had smartphones. Why? Because place-based institutions and the communities they support were in decline. Instead of spending time with peers in the neighborhood (the norm for millennia because we all lived in place-based communities), kids were already spending much of their time outside of school at home with televisions , computers, or video games. More affluent children had many of their activities organized for them by their parents, putting them in a variety of highly structured functional groups with different kids rather than repeatedly playing freely with their neighbors. This oversupervision or âcoddlingââthe subject of the 2018 book co-authored by Greg Lukianoff and Jonâmade the attractions of smartphones and social media even more appealing. The newest devices and apps are just one more chapter in the transformation of American childhood.
Many praise the myriad benefits that smartphones and social media are said to bring; online connection can give a person a sense of âcommunity,â we are told. We can find new friends, discover just about any idea imaginable, network, and even date through our phones. We can video chat with hundreds of people simultaneously from far-flung locations. We can pursue learning largely untethered from any physical space. Based on all of this, it would be easy to assume that place doesnât matter.
I disagree. Physical place actually matters far more than we realize, especially as our lives become ever more placeless.
As Jon writes in The Anxious Generation , only real-world (place-based) social relationships and interactions have the four features that have characterized human interactions for millions of years. Such interactions are embodied, they are synchronous, they involve one-to-one or one-to-several communications, and they have a high bar for entry and exit. In contrast, virtual interactions are typically disembodied and asynchronous, involve one-to-many communications, and have a low bar for entry and exit. The challenge today is that smartphones and other digital devices bring so many interesting experiences to children and adolescents that they cause a serious problem: They reduce interest in all non-screen-based forms of experience . Virtual networks are not only insufficient replacements for communities, but their proliferation makes the establishment of communities more difficult.
Communityâand the relational security blanket it providesâis essential to the health and well-being of our children. Yet, over the last two generations, the U.S. has moved from a âtownshippedâ society in which neighbors regularly communicated and collaborated with each other through a host of place-based institutions to a ânetworkedâ and technologically-driven one in which local neighborhoods, schools, churches, and civic organizations are less important, and therefore they have weakened over time.Â
âThe Quest for Community,â in the words of Robert Nisbet , continues unabated, but today, the term âcommunityâ is often used in ways that are aspirational and limitless (e.g., many online advertisements for new social networks)âquite different from the original meaning of the term. Indeed, itâs a good example of âterm inflationâ â the stretching of a good idea to promote values and goals quite different from what is meant.
Why? Perhaps fewer individuals have any experience of what community really means. Young people are marketed to and formed by the twin pursuits of convenience and choice while simultaneously being told that a personâs chief purpose is to express themselves (usually through consumption). This vision of the good life is part of the next generationâs socialization. It feels ânaturalâ to them, and yet it does little to prepare them for the demands and delights of membership in a community.  Â
Community differs significantly from friendships, social networks, or what is experienced online. Whereas communities offer mutual support in times of good and bad and are bolstered by robust institutions and norms encouraging frequent, positive interactions, care and concern for one another, and ample opportunities to work together towards common goals, the alternatives typically fall short on these elements.Â
While one-to-one relationships, a string of individual 1:1 relationships, or participation in an online group can provide some benefitsâincluding a feeling of connectionâthey fall far short of actually producing community, which requires overlapping institutions and activities, things that are very hard to achieve if you donât share a physical place with one another.Â
Virtual groups are transitory and thin rather than permanent and thick. They cannot provide the dense web of supportive social ties that act like a security blanket when in need or the breadth of informal supportive daily interactions that are the lifeblood of a true community. Most online networks, for example, are instrumental, serving to connect people with a common history or interest or need together, as with Facebook or Discord Groups. They offer a stream of messages and connections, useful information, entertainment, and sometimes notes of support â from known and unknown people.Â
Some of these sell themselves as online communities â think of the concept of âfinding or creating communityâ through hashtags â where users find photos and videos of other people who share like-minded views (and then they like, comment, and share those photos and videos). But these fall far short of the meaning of community. On the net, online groups are more transactional, engendering little sense of mutual responsibility, and not necessarily useful when you need help nor protective when you are vulnerable. The norms of mutual support are significantly weakened and there is little of the sense of common destiny that a place-based community produces. Who would you rather call when in trouble - a real person you see regularly down the block from you or someone online who you have never met in person?Â
Itâs worth noting that online communities are also voluntary, with many being platforms built for expression or personal advancement. Few provide the diversity of personalities, experiences, income levels, and outlooks that were common in most neighborhoods a few decades ago. Few provide the incentives to earn recognition through the force of character rather than a performative act about oneself. Few provide multifaceted psychological and practical support when needed for members who feel vulnerable or fall into practical difficulties.Â
None of this is to say that online networks and relationships donât have significant value. In some cases, the virtual world can enhance pre-existing real-world relationships and groups. In others, it can connect people who would never meet otherwise. My point, however, is that we need to recognize that they are not sufficient replacements for what real-world in-person relationships and communities offer and that we should have a clear view of the limitations, which are significant.
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I moved to my current neighborhood, Kemp Mill, just north of Washington, D.C., 12 years ago to raise a family and (mostly) put an end to my nomadic wanderings. It offered something that few neighborhoods couldâa real community with high levels of hospitality and social trust. It is as institutionally thick as any place I have been in America, with these institutions nurturing the deep social ties and tight web of associations that bind us together and enhance our lives in countless invisible ways. The benefits of such ties are apparent every time we face a difficultyâwhether it involves safety, technology, or a pandemic.
When COVID-19 struck Kemp Mill, we found that our in-person networks had prepared us to weather such a challenge. A large number of volunteers appeared, ready to distribute food, masks, and medicine to the homebound and set up outdoor pods for kids to play. While many schools around the country went virtual for extended periods of time, ours made every effort to reopen within months by leveraging the medical talent in the neighborhood to develop nuanced procedures to safeguard everyone. Streams of volunteers supplemented what school staff could manage. Meanwhile, synagogues organized new virtual activities for kids and shifted their many programs for adults online. Neighbors hosted social gatherings in their front yards and encouraged kids to spend time together in the back yards. In sum, neighborliness and helpfulness were the default behavior. While I often hear about the negative aftereffects of COVID when meeting educators and parents elsewhere, I do not hear the same complaints from the families in our school.
I am thus not worried about social mediaâs impact on my kids. As a strong kids-centered community, we do not need the governmentâs help to restrict kidsâ use of social media. Our school and the parents of our childrenâs classmates already carefully monitor what information children consume. Youth get their phones at a later age than elsewhere in America, and our schools do not allow them anywhere near a classroom. Moreover, most receive older-style cell phones that cannot access social media. My kids are active readers, borrowing books from the local library and subscribing to compelling magazines and book subscriptions. And they regularly spend joyful time with their classmates and neighboring kids, going hours and hours together talking, playing board games and cards, singing, competing in sports, or just walking aroundâwith no phones in sight. In observing our faith, our whole community also regularly spends time (on the Sabbath and major holidays) with no access to any media at all. Parents model that they too know how to set their phones aside and attend to real community, in space and time.
If you are a parent and want to join or build a community to enmesh your kids in, what can you do? Here are a few ideas to get started.
First, you can select a place to live based on its social wealth. When my wife and I were ready to have kids, we were determined to find a supportive community to live in. We spent a year checking out half a dozen options between New York City (where we lived) and Washington, D.C. (where I was doing more work). In most cases, we visited, stayed overnight, met lots of people, and asked lots of questions. In the end, we chose the D.C. suburb where I live nowâa warm, welcoming, and institutionally rich place.
Second, consider how you can befriend neighbors and other parents in your immediate vicinity. Try the 8 Front Door Challenge , which helps you plan and host a Get-Together with neighbors closest to you. Participate in organizations or activities in your neighborhood. Spend time in places where people congregate locally. Organize a block party or play street . Create a neighborly block .Â
Third, leverage local institutions to build neighborhood community. Schools are best placed for this because of their direct ties to local families and kids, but libraries, local businesses, houses of worship, and any other entity with strong ties to your locale can play an important role. A parentsâ group based on the families from the schools in your neighborhood would not only build stronger ties between families but also provide a platform to organize activities where residents get to know each other and develop a stronger sense of mutual support and trust. Working with the local library to organize activities in or geared towards your specific neighborhood would create an opportunity for residents to meet one another. A church, synagogue, or mosque could more proactively embrace the neighborhood, as members of Parish Collective do. As for businesses, many have an active interest in building social ties with neighbors. Might they want to hold events, contribute to building community, or invest in some way to strengthen local relationships among neighbors? In general, itâs always easier if you find allies among your neighbors, build partnerships with existing institutions, and leverage the assets (cultural, environmental, educational, economic, etc.) you already have locally. Think incrementally, building momentum step by step rather than thinking there is a magic bullet.
While it is important to debate youth use of social media, and whether the government should regulate it, what is missing from this discussion is the strength of âthe little societyâ that kids inhabit daily. There are real tradeoffs in using social media, and external factors heavily impact the mix and balance between the positives and negatives involved. As Zach writes , kids â rooted in their real-world communitiesâ are â less likely to move their lives so deeply into the virtual world.â Instead, they âcontinue to spend more time with friends and trusted adults in person. They are, therefore, less likely to become anxious and depressed when they trade in their flip phones for smartphones, and they are also better able to find social support, which may make online harms less painful.â
What matters for our kids is not online connections, but in-person relationships; not just individual friendships but the strength and abundance of neighborhood institutions. Robust communities will foster hundreds of relationships and dozens of place-based institutions engendering trust, fraternity, mutual support, and stewardship. These will shape how we raise our kids and how they will, in turn, raise their own.
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Learn how to write a cause and effect essay step by step with helpful tips and examples, and improve your writing skills in a structured way.
Learn how to write a cause and effect essay, exploring the relationship between different events and their consequences.
A cause and effect essay is a type of expository essay that explores its topic by discussing the issue's causes and consequences. For example, a cause and effect essay about deforestation's role in climate change might discuss a few of deforestation's specific causes, like a demand for wood and the clearing of land for grazing pastures ...
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A cause and effect essay is a type of essay that explores how an event came into being and what transpires because of that event. We guide you through writing one with examples.
Cause and Effect Essay Outline: Types, Examples and Writing Tips 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!
A cause and effect essay looks at the reasons (or causes) for something, then discusses the results (or effects). For this reason, cause and effect essays are sometimes referred to as reason and result essays. They are one of the most common forms of organisation in academic writing. Sometimes the whole essay will be cause and effect, though ...
If you have been asked to write a cause and effect essay, it is because this type of essay is important in many classes. A cause and effect essay challenges you to think deeply and critically about a topic, analyzing the possible causes and effects of an event or phenomenon.
What is a Cause and Effect Essay? Essays that explore an event in terms of the relationship between factors that set the ball rolling (causes) and the eventual results (effects) are called cause and effect essays. They answer the "how" and "why" questions that can swirl around when understanding a particular phenomenon or event, and can also be referred to as reason and result essays ...
Writing a Cause-and-Effect Essay. Choose an event or condition that you think has an interesting cause-and-effect relationship. Introduce your topic in an engaging way. End your introduction with a thesis that states the main cause, the main effect, or both. Organize your essay by starting with either the cause-then-effect structure or the ...
Looking for đ cause and effect essay examples: political, social, or environmental? đ Check this page with a list of cause-effect samples. Daily updates!
In a cause and effect essay, the writer analyzes and explains the connections between the causes and effects, providing evidence and supporting details to illustrate the relationship. This type of essay requires critical thinking, logical reasoning, and a structured approach to present the causal chain effectively.
Learn how to write a cause and effect essay with our comprehensive guide. Explore effective techniques, topic selection, and structuring for impactful writing!
Learn how to write impressive cause and effect essays with our comprehensive guide. Get expert tips and examples to enhance your writing skills now.
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The purpose of the cause-and-effect essay is to determine how various phenomena relate in terms of origins and results. Sometimes the connection between cause and effect is clear, but often determining the exact relationship between the two is very difficult. For example, the following effects of a cold may be easily identifiable: a sore throat ...
Cause and effect is a method of essay development in which a writer analyzes the reasons for (or the consequences of) an action, event or decision.
Cause and effect essay outline generally follows a five-paragraph format. However, the number of body paragraphs may vary according to the topic and scope of the essay. Typically, the cause and effect essay layout contains an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Here is the complete outline format structure of a cause and ...
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A cause and effect essay (also called cause-effect or reason and result essay) is a type of an analytical academic paper in which the relationship between causes and effects of a particular event or phenomenon is being analyzed.
Cause-and-effect essay structure is a way of exploring relationships between ideas and events.
Example; Chronological Order: Your essay is about a sequence of events or a process. An essay about the history of the French Revolution could be organized chronologically, starting with the causes and ending with the aftermath. Spatial Order: Your essay is describing a physical space or object.
The Upstream Cause of the Youth Mental Health Crisis is the Loss of Community ... we featured an essay by Seth Kaplan, author and lecturer at Johns Hopkins who studies fragile states. In it, he argued that to restore the play-based childhood, we must first rebuild strong in-person local communities. ... For example, when adults and older kids ...
"America's Got Talent" alum Jay Jay Phillips died after becoming ill with COVID-19, his band said in an Instagram statement Friday. "It is with great sadness we inform you all of the loss of our ...