Writing Model for Cause/Effect Essay*

Introduction

Make general statements about the

situation or the problem. Do not mention specifics yet.

Follow the general statement with a sentence or two that links the

situation or problem with the causes or effects. State the thesis of the paper.

Body

Write a topic sentence which connects the thesis with the first paragraph. The topic sentence must clearly indicate whether

the focus is cause or effect.

Next, support the point with specific reason to support the point. Make sure the evidence is properly introduced,

explained, and cited.

Provide specific reasons and explanations in logical order until the point is clearly made. Use transitions to unify

the paragraph.

Finally, reinforce all that has been said in the paragraph with a summary sentence.

Repeat the same process for additional body paragraphs making sure that each one is smoothly connected to the thesis

and/or the preceding paragraph.

Conclusion

Restate the thesis to bring

the reader back to the main point. Then use one of the

techniques for conclusions stated in the basic essay format to close the essay.

*Focus of this essay may be either cause/effect or effect/cause.