Cause and Effect Essay

The cause-and-effect essay is a form of argumentative essay that details the effect
relationships between two subjects. Cause and effect essay explains why an event
happened or what the consequences of such an event were. A cause and effect essay can
focus on causes, effects, or both. Oshima and Hogue states that cause and effect essay is
a form of writing that discuss the causes (reasons) for something, the effects (results), or
both. The purpose of this essay is to describe the causes or reasons for an event, to describe
the effects or consequences of an event. There are three main types of this essay :
1. Cause
If you want to show why something happened, then you will discuss causes. There
may be direct causes and/or indirect causes.
2. Effect
If you want to show the results of an occurrence, then you will discuss effects. These
too may be direct or indirect, depending on the desire of the writer.
3. Cause-effect
Sometimes causes and effects may be linked in a chain. In this case, the writer must
show a situation chronologically, moving from cause to effect.
When you write a cause and effect paragraph, focus on two main points. First,
indicate whether you are focusing on causes, effects, or both. Because a paragraph is not
very long, it is often easier to focus on either causes or effects. If you do decide to focus on
both causes and effects, make sure that your topic sentence announces your purpose to the
reader. Then ensure that your causes and effects are valid. Determine real causes and
effects, and do not simply list things that happened before or after the event. Also, verify
that your assumptions are logical. The topic sentence in a cause and effect paragraph must
clearly state whether the focus is on causes, effects, or both. Also, make sure that you have
clearly indicated your controlling idea.
For example you often analyze the causes or effects of something. Like while you
were at home, you may wonder about the effects of certain foods on your health. Then you
can write about the effect of too much eat those food.
A cause and effect essay is structured around the goal of discovering and discussing
events that lead to certain results. When writing a cause and effect essay, you should be
sure that you have researched the specific causes and are confident that you’re
demonstrating why they lead to particular results. You may either concentrate on all causes,
effects or a combination of both.
References :
Kumala, Arini S. 2018. An Analysis of Problemsfaced by First Year Students of Stkip
Muhammadiyah Muaro Bungoin Writing Cause and Effect Essay. Jurnal Muara Pendidikan.