Cause and Effect Writing

Personal Connections

My Most Significant Decision

Causes Effects

I Dislike Doing HomeworkCause Effect

Cause Essay Structure

• Attention getter• Thesis with three major points

Introduction

• Cause #1 (Paragraph 1)• Cause #2 (Paragraph 2)• Cause #3 (Paragraph 3)Body•Reword thesis•Offer a solution

Conclusion

Effect Essay Structure

• Attention getter• Thesis with three major points

Introduction

• Effect #1 (Paragraph 1)• Effect #2 (Paragraph 2)• Effect #3 (Paragraph 3)Body•Reword thesis•Offer a solution

Conclusion

Address your audience—Are you writing a letter? A speech?

Begin with a quotation or question (attention grabber).

Connect the attention grabber with the prompt. Acknowledge the problem. What are you going

to argue? THESIS List the three major points that support your

thesis (historical, literary, and personal OR use what you know and the quotes on the prompt sheet).

Introduction Format

Begin with a transition and topic sentence.◦ Transitions: first, second, third/finally

◦ Example: Thesis: Teen violence is caused by the promotion of violence

by media sources such as video games, television shows, and websites.

First, personal violence is promoted by video games such as “Grand Theft Auto.” (evidence…examples)

Second, television shows, such as “Wild Boys,” encourage teens to destroy property that does not belong to them. (evidence…examples)

Third, websites such as YouTube promote violent acts as a form of passive entertainment. (evidence…examples)

Body Paragraphs

Begin with a transition (finally/in conclusion).

Offer a sentence that sums up what you have written.◦ Finally, one can see how the portrayal of violence

in various types of media can influence the actions of America’s teens.

Offer solutions for resolving the problem.

Conclusion Format