Post- Foundation ENGL 202, Fall 2023– Cause/Effect Essay 1 Prompts

Directions:
Read all four topics below and pick the one you will use to write your 5-paragraph cause/effect essay. Begin by brainstorming. Then, create a
mind map and outline to help organize your ideas. Your essay should have a strong thesis statement, clear topic sentences, relevant examples,
and an ending note that inspires readers. *You cannot use or copy facts from the prompt as main ideas in your essay. If you use any of the
information in other ways, it must be paraphrased properly. (Word limit = 450-500 words.)
***If a particular topic is chosen by too many students, your instructor has the right to ask you to select one of the other topics***

Focus on Causes

1. Topic: Causes of Increased Anxiety and Depression in Today’s World

Globally, almost 1 billion people have some form of mental disorder. Anxiety and depression are a particular problem. According to the World
Health Organization (WHO), for example, there has been a 25% increase in anxiety and depression worldwide since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Numerous other factors have contributed to the rise in anxiety and depression, as well. Medical professionals and economists agree that
countries need to improve access to mental health services. They argue this is necessary in order to help people who are mentally suffering and
to boost economic activity. According to the highly respected journal The Lancet, anxiety and depression alone cost the global economy $1
trillion a year.

Question: What are some of the causes of increased anxiety and depression in today’s world? Write an essay presenting three causes and
include strong supporting details and examples. U can use marvel stoppage as an example
Helpful Video: https://youtu.be/IvnT7HwOZic

2. Topic: Illegal Migration Increasing Globally

According to the United Nations (U.N.) the transport of illegal migrants is a truly global concern. Profit-seeking criminals smuggle migrants across
borders, oceans and between continents. These human traffickers take advantage of the poor migrants’ willingness to risk their lives to gain
access to another country and life. The journeys these migrants take are often expensive and extremely dangerous. Every year, many starve or
freeze in shipping containers bound for their destination, drown while crossing seas, or perish in deserts during travel. Despite the dangers, the
number of illegal migrants worldwide continues to increase.

Question: What are the main causes for the increase in illegal migration? Write an essay presenting three causes and include strong supporting
details and examples.

Helpful video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXVU-vrHwOs

Focus on Effects

3. Topic: Effects of Artificial Intelligence on Societies

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is growing in importance every day. AI is the development of machines to function and reason in a number of ways like
people. AI has the potential to transform professions and even whole societies. For example, AI has already had a large impact in medicine,
education, and the automotive industry. Some people worry, however, that AI could have a negative impact on societies. They argue it will alter
lifestyles and even cultural norms.

Question: What are some of the potential positive and/or negative effects of Artificial Intelligence on society? Write an essay presenting three
effects and include strong supporting details and examples.

Helpful Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ep8c9xNEiE

4. Topic: Online Shopping in Today’s Society

Online shopping is becoming more popular every day. Global e-commerce has grown rapidly over the past 3 years. Online sales at large
companies, such as Amazon, Alibaba, and Walmart, have grown exponentially since 2020. Online shopping is a fast-growing alternative to
shopping malls and local small businesses. Some people see the rise in e-commerce as a positive development. Others, however, fear that it will
have long-term disadvantages.

Question: What are some of the positive and/or negative effects of online shopping on today’s society? Write an essay presenting three effects
and include strong supporting details and examples.

Helpful video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUwaq09lK1w

Post- Foundation ENGL 202, Fall 2023– Cause/Effect Essay 1 Prompts

Brainstorm/Outline