The University of Findlay

English 106
Spring 2019
Speculating on Causes and Effects

Well, we are here: the last essay. Congratulations! You’ve made it this far and have not lost too
much sanity; however, we still must embark on one more journey together: speculation. The last
argumentative essay we will work on in class contains many gray areas and can therefore be difficult.
Speculation is not concrete. It is not definitive. It does not have comfortable, clear-cut answers. If it
does, you’ve chosen the wrong topic. This essay asks you to logically discuss possible effects or causes of
a given situation. Logic is the difficult part because the effects have yet to happen, or the causes are too
ambiguous and the chain of events is murky, and though numerous causes and effects will be examined,
the scope will need to be whittled down to one (and possibly only one aspect of one).

The choice of topic is up to you within the realm of waste in the United States, but choose one
that will retain your interests while simultaneously allowing you to find support through credible
sources. Though you will not be able to prove your position, you will want to urge/lead your reader to
view the cause/effect the way you do. This will be done through the information you present with your
sources. You will need to analyze your audience to appropriately choose the style and voice you will use.
Also, you will need to conduct research that alludes to the conclusions you draw. The biggest suggestion
I have for you is to read, read, read. The more you understand the content, the more you will be able to
show your conclusions. Biased, self-serving persuasion will come across too pushy and often contain too
many unsubstantiated claims.

There will be numerous thoughts/possibilities for the causes/effects of a given circumstance,

and to help your ethos, you will want to acknowledge and potentially concede to alternative views
earlier in your essay, though the thesis and main body of the essay needs to focus on one effect/cause.
Enjoy your last paper, take time to choose the topic wisely, and show what you know/have learned over
the course of the last semester.

Length: 2000-2750 words

Format: APA

Criteria:

 Effective title
 Addressing alternative views/objections
 A defendable, direct, unique claim that serves as the focus for the entire paper
 Textual support (3-5 sources)
 Audience awareness
 Transitions
 Organization and coherence
 In-text citations with varying quote length, paraphrase, and summary usage
 Works Cited page
 Grammar, mechanics, and usage