Writing Practice

I. A Brief Introduction

Cause and Effect Essay Writing

Cause and effect essays are concerned with why things happen (cause) and what happens as a result (effect). Cause and effect is a common method of organizing and discussing ideas. The following tips can help you draft this type of essay:

1)       Distinguish between cause and effect. To determine causes, ask, “Why did this happen?” To identify effects, ask, “What happened because of this?”

2)       Develop your thesis statement. State clearly whether you are discussing causes, effects, or both. Introduce your main idea, using the terms “cause” and/or “effect.”

3)       Find and organize supporting details. Back up your thesis with relevant and sufficient details that are organized.

4)       Use appropriate transitions. To blend details smoothly in cause and effect essays, use the transitional words and phrases.

II. A Sample

Stamp-collecting is an excellent hobby for many reasons. First, everyone, young and old, can participate. Second, it is not expensive. Expensive equipment is not necessary. Third, stamp-collecting can enrich people’s knowledge in history and geography. Finally, time, patience and interest are the only requirements of this fascinating and educational hobby. It is probably the most widespread of all hobbies.

 III. Homework

You are required to complete the following paragraph.

Students study English for different reasons.

- The first reason is that students may need English to read articles and text books about their subjects in English.

- The second reason is that many students study English because they have to! English is part of school curriculum.

- Another reason is that they are attracted by foreign culture.

- As a consequence, they are studying English hard to know more about the English-speaking people and countries.

- The last reason is possibly that a good knowledge of English will help students get a better job when they graduate from the university.