1. What is cause and effect?
The method of development in which the writer analyses the reason(s) for an action, event, or decision, or analyses resulting consequences to support a point.
2. Why do writers use cause and effect? To
Discover order in a reality that is apparent chaos
Inform
Speculate
Change behavior.
3. What types of transitions does a writer use with cause and effect writing?
Because one event directly and sequentially influences another, sometimes the information is organized in time order. However, such a relationship may be an illusion, so rigorous scrutiny is necessary to confirm that the timing really was a contributing factor.
Most of the time, cause and effect information is organized using order of importance.
4. How can readers and writers recognize cause and effect when they see it?
a. Look for the status or composition of an object or situation to change as a result of something else. Indicator words are these and their various forms:
as a result
because of
the reason for
consequence
decrease
influence
change
why
cause
effect
b. Ask whether there is a cause or effect which dominates.
c. Look for the structure. Possibilities:
The cause(s) comes first, then the effect(s).
The effect(s) comes first, then the cause(s).
The writer traces a complex causal chain.
5. How does one write a cause and effect essay?
a. Choose a manageable subject that yields information needed by a specific group of people.
b. Decide on the thesis and state it in one of the prescribed patterns below.
c. Compose the examples and organize them with transitions to support each point.
d. Check drafts for oversimplifications and other errors in logic.
e. Strike a balanced tone: neither overstate nor understate the position.
6. How do the thesis patterns for cause and effect go?
{Effect} happens as a result of {Cause}.
{Effect} (verb) {Cause A, Cause B, and Cause C}.
{Cause} brings about {Effect}.
{Cause} (verb) {Effect A, Effect B, and Effect C}.
7. How can one practice recognizing cause and effect thinking?
In outside reading (not English or reading textbooks), look for examples of cause and effect paragraphs or essays and make note of the elements. Look also for examples in film.
An Example and Outline for Cause and Effect Writing
In what area of your life do you see a cause and effect relationship making a difference? What does a reader gain from looking at this with you? If youre assigned a cause and effect essay, make sure there is a valid purpose for making the analysis, then outline the content as follows:
I. Introduction that uses a college level strategy, tells how the subject came up, states the thesis, and names the audience who can benefit from knowing the information.
II. Body (also depends on the choice of thesis above)
A. Cause(s) (or effect[s])
B. Effect(s) (or cause[s])
III. Conclusion
A Brief Guide to Writing A Comparison/Contrast Essay
Writing a comparison/contrast paper involves comparing and contrasting two subjects. A comparison shows how two things are alike. A contrast shows how two things are different.
Choosing a Topic
When you choose a topic, be sure not to choose two totally unrelated subjects. You must start with subjects that have some basic similarities. For instance, you could choose to compare/contrast two movies, two authors, two modes of transportation, or two sports figures, but you would not want to try to compare train travel and Babe Ruth!
Brainstorming
The first thing you want to do is brainstorm everything you know about each subject and then go back and look for connections that show similarities and differences, which might look something like this:
Autumn Spring
cooler warmer
leaves change flowers bloom
brilliant colors trees bloom
precedes winter precedes summer
death birth
Developing a Thesis
The thesis statement will evolve from the brainstorming. Look at your list and ask yourself some questions.
"Is there something important, significant, or interesting in the similarities and differences on my list?
"What have I discovered about autumn and spring?"
After looking at the list, a thesis statement might be:
Although there is exquisite beauty in the seasons of autumn and spring, there are also distinctions which allow each season to stand on its own.
Organizing the Essay
The introduction of your essay should mention both subjects and end with a strong and clearly defined thesis statement.
There are two primary ways to organize the body of your paper, the divided pattern and the alternating pattern.
To follow the divided pattern, give all supporting details for one subject and then give all supporting details for the other subject:
Paragraphs 1-3 in Body Discuss and give supporting details for subject 1 (Autumn)
Paragraphs 4-6 in Body Discuss and give supporting details for subject 2 (Spring)
To follow the alternating pattern, alternate the details from one side of the comparison or contrast to the other:
Paragraph 1 in Body Discuss and give supporting details for subject 1 (Autumn)
Paragraph 2 in Body Discuss and give supporting details for subject 2 (Spring)
Paragraph 3 in Body Discuss and give further supporting details for subject 1 (Autumn)
Paragraph 4 in Body Discuss and give further supporting details for subject 2 (Spring)
The conclusion of your paper should include final correlations about the two subjects and a restatement of your thesis.
Be sure as you write the paper that you follow the organized structure of comparison and contrast and give details and examples to support the similarities and differences you have chosen.
Copyright 1997 Ella Berven