ANALYZING CAUSES AND EFFECTS

What is Cause-Effect?

Cause and Effect Analysis is our innate curiosity. Human nature is fascinated with finding out why something happens and/or what if it happens. Causal analysis (as it is sometimes called) is the process of examining reasons why something happens (causes) and exploring the possible results (effects) of something that happens.

Especially as children, we have all bothered our parents and other adults with endless questions: “Why does the moon follow us when we’re riding in the car?” “What would happen if the sun didn’t shine?”

Although it may seem an idle pastime, curiosity is a healthy attitude because it enables us to learn by discovery and to solve problems by thinking logically.

Careful analysis of reasons and results helps us to make sense of our experiences.

Uses of Cause and Effect Analysis Informative writing

Example: The editor of an American History textbook may examine the causes and effects of the American Revolution. His or her purpose is to teach students the facts concerning the war and the significance of those facts. As a student, you may be asked to use causal analysis in order to explain these events.

Persuasive writing

Example: Copy writers for advertising companies may use causes and effects in a persuasive way by showing the customer “before” and “after” results. Beauty and fitness products are especially fond of this technique.

Entertaining writing

Example: Dave Barry uses some cause and effect analysis in a humorous vein in his essay, “Beauty and the Beast.” His observations are based on opinion, experience, and knowledge of human nature (rather than facts).

Characteristics of Good Causal Analysis Messages Logical: the most reliable and/or persuasive messages

have content that is valid and organization that is flawless and free of logical fallacies (see pages 658-659 in your Longman Reader).

Credible: you must avoid oversimplification by examining at least two causes, two effects, or both. Nothing happens “just because” or “because I said so” (just leaving more questions for the reader or listener).

Well-supported evidence: you will want to support your opinions and experience with information gained through some research .

Organization Patterns

You may use one of 4 possible organization patterns: Examine causes (you have the result or results already)

or reasons why something happens Examine possible effects (“what ifs”) of something

happening Examine related causes and effects (select the most

notable, or you may be writing forever) Examine all causes and effects as part of a “domino

chain” or “causal chain.” This pattern examines the idea that all events related to something that happens occur in the sequence of a causal chain (remember what happens when you line up dominoes and knock over the first one?)

Documentation of Sources

Avoid plagiarism by giving credit to your sources. Use direct quotes, summaries, or paraphrases of material gained from research.

Show your work by using MLA parenthetical references and a works cited page. Don’t try to avoid this step by choosing a topic you already know about; you’ll lose a substantial number of points.

See the documented essay on pages 496-502 in your Longman Reader for examples of MLA documentation.

Write your paper in your own voice! Contrary to public opinion, Sherlock Holmes lives.

Writing a Cause and Effect Essay Find a topic that can be explained in terms of causes and effects (see the

end of Chapter 9 in your Longman Reader) , use one of my suggestions, or generate your own.

Do some freewriting about the topics that interest you. Generate a thesis that narrows your topic to manageable size; possibly

mention the direction of your essay (causes, effects, or both) Gather support for your essay: use personal experiences and

observations, as well as material from one or two reliable sources. Organize your essay (use one of the 4 patterns suggested on your

website). You must use at least 2 causes and/or at least 2 effects. Write your first (rough draft); don’t forget effective sentence techniques.

See the example essay, “Compulsory National Service” for ways of incorporating source material into your essay.

Share your work for peer editing; the more editors, the better. Proofread carefully for major errors and effective sentences.

Edit your final draft.

You did it! Congratulations!

Works Cited

Nadell, Judith, et. al. “Cause-Effect.” The Longman Reader. Boston: Pearson, 2009. Print