Unit 5: CAUSE AND EFFECT

ESSAY
 WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF CAUSE/ EFFECT ESSAY?

To
discuss…

◦ why things happen (causes) and

◦ what happens as a result (effects).

 It’s important because…

◦ it’s a common method of organizing and discussing ideas.
◦ most classes, history, biology, journalism, marketing, use
this technique to analyze things.
1. Distinguish between cause and effect.

To determine causes, ask, "Why did this happen?"

To identify effects, ask, "What happened because

of this?"
 Cause

 You are out of gas.

 Effect
 Your car won't start.
 For example

1.In some areas, water levels will fall; as a result ,

( cause )
these areas will no longer be able to support
agriculture.
(effect)
2. Most experts are convinced that the greenhouse
Cause
effect is irreversible; therefore, they advise us to

plan now for how best to cope with a changing

world.
Effect
 Sometimes, many causes contribute to a single
effect or many effects may result from a
single cause.
 Hereditary influences
 Lack of exercise
Obesity
 Slow metabolic rate

 Overeating
 Blood sugar imbalances
Excessive Tooth decay
consumption of Hyperactivity in children
Sugar Weight gain
 Listing Causes
 Listing Effects
Cause

Cause
Cause
Cause
Cause

Effect
If you want to mention the cause first:

Cause
Effect

Too much alcohol causes

causes
leads to

Too much alcohol gives rise to drunkenness

results in

brings about
 Cause
Effect

Drinking too much coffee causes sleeplessness.

Drinking too much coffee Leads to lack of attention

Drinking too much coffee gives rise to excitement

Drinking too much coffee Results in Addiction.

If you want to mention the effect first:

Effect
Cause

is due to

is caused by

Drunkenness results from too much alcohol.

is the result of

is the effect of
5
 Effect
Cause

Failure in exams results from not studying.

Failure in exams may result from carelessness.

headache on
Failure in exams might be the result of
that day

Failure in exams could be the effect of excitement

Damage to the liver _____________excessive drinking of
alcohol.

A rise in temperature __________the expansion of metals.

High atmospheric pressure __________ an increase in

the boiling point of water.

Paralysis is ______________ damage to the spinal cord.

 *Transition words/phrases
*Verbs
Cause Effect
 for  so
 because  but
 since  for this reason
 due to  as a result
 one cause is  consequently
 another is,  otherwise
 first, second,  therefore
 in view of,  thus
 result in, contribute to,  because of this,
 cause, affect, influence  hence
 lead to  resulted in,
 one result is, another is,
Useful sentence patterns for
cause:
 There are several reasons why / for…
 The reasons / causes for…are…
 The reasons why…are as follows.
 …is caused by / due to / because of…

Useful sentence patterns for effect:

 The result / effect consequence of…is…

 …will result in…
 Therefore, …
 As a result
(of…), …
 Write an essay on one of the following topics.

2) Explain the causes of water scarcity.

Why has water become that scarce? Explain.
3) Explain the causes of cheating in exams.
Why do students cheat? Explain.
4. What are the factors that lead young people to start smoking?
Why do young people smoke? Explain.