General Statement

Background information about the topic

(Why do you want the reader to read your essay?)

Thesis Statement

Identify the subject

(Identify the subject that you will write the causes and/or effects of and state whether you will focus on the causes or effects, or both. The thesis may also indicate what the causes and/or effects are. If the effects are not mentioned in the thesis statement, they are mentioned in the transition paragraph/sentence.)

Open your writing books to page 68.

Read the introduction of “Women’s Liberation”

Check the paragraph for the following items:

General Statement

Background information about the argument

Thesis Statement

The twentieth century saw a major shift in the way that vast numbers of people lived, as a result of changes in politics, ideology, economics, society, culture, science, technology, and medicine. Witnessing two world wars, it was a century that started with horses, telegraph and radio but ended with cars travelling at 350km/hour, airliners and the space shuttle, the Internet and cell phones. Another area where big changes were observed was the social structure, especially the role of women in societies. Since the middle of 20th century, women around the world have been seeking greater independence and recognition. No longer content with their traditional roles as housewives and mothers, women have joined together to create the “women’s liberation movement.” The force behind this international movement varies from culture to culture and from individual to individual. Yet, the basic causes of the women’s liberation movement in the United States can be traced back to the development of effective birth-control methods, the invention of labour-saving devices for the home, and World War II.

General Statement

Background information about the argument Thesis Statement

(Causes)

Topic Sentence #1 (First Cause)

The first cause is...

The second cause is...

Topic Sentence #2 (Second Cause)

Restatement of causes + introduction of effects

Transition Paragraph or Transition Sentence

The first effect is... The second effect is...

Topic Sentence #1 (First Effect)

Topic Sentence #2 (Second Effect)

Now read the body paragraphs of “Women’s Liberation”

Check the paragraphs for the following items:

Causes

Effects

Topic Sentence

In addition, try to identify transition words in the paragraph

Transition sentence

The first cause of the liberation of women was the development of effective birth-control methods. Many women in the U.S. were freed from the endless cycle of childbearing and rearing thanks to the development of contraceptives. As a result of having a choice as to when and if to bear children, women acquired the freedom and the time to pursue interests outside the home. Because of the development of birth control, women could delay having children or avoid having them altogether. Consequently, women had the opportunity to acquire an education and/or pursue a career instead of spending a lifetime raising the many children they had to have.

Topic Sentence First cause

Explanation of the cause + support

Transition word

These three events planted the seeds of a great change in society, and the effects of this change are being felt at all levels, in the family, in business, and in government. One of the biggest effects of the greater independence of women is being felt in the home. As many women today demand to have a life outside the home and do not want to be confined to household chores, the traditional husband-wife relationship is undergoing a radical transformation. Because so many women are in the work force, men are learning to share the household tasks of cooking, cleaning, and caring for children. In some families, there has even been a complete reversal of the traditional roles. Since many women choose to have demanding full-time jobs, the husband stays at home and does the housework while the wife earns the family’s income. It should be pointed out, however, that this is the exception, not the rule. In most families in the United States and Europe, the husband still earns most of the money, and the wife still does most of the housework. Yet, the once fixed roles of “wife” and “husband” are rapidly changing and intermingling..

Transition sentence Effects

Explanation of the effect + support

Transition word

Topic Sentence

Restatement of Main Ideas

Final Comment

Interpretation of the main points

solution

prediction

advice

suggestion

Now read the conclusion of “Women’s Liberation”

Check the conclusion for the following items:

Restatement of Main Ideas

Final Comment

Interpretation of the main points

solution

prediction

advice

suggestion

In conclusion, women in the United States and Europe have been acquiring greater independence due to the development of effective birth-control methods, the invention of labour-saving devices for the home, and World War II. These liberties are causing sweeping changes in society: at home, at work, and in politics. While men may not be happy with these changes, they should always remember that it was they, the men, who created the conditions leading to the liberation of women. Men made war. Male scientists developed birth control, and businessmen earned a lot of money selling vacuum cleaners and dishwashers. Yet, women are thankful to these men as it was because of these men that women finally realized that their rights may not be ignored or suppressed by law, local custom, and behavior in a particular society.

Restatement of Main Ideas

Final CommentSignal

Write a cause and effect essay:

What are the causes and effects of obesity

Before you start writing, watch the following clips about obesity:

The Obesity Epidemic

The Obesity Epidemic #2

Overcoming Obesity

Now write your essay

• You can use the information given on page 82 in your writing book.