The Confident Writer
Chapter 12:
Explaining Causes and Effects
Global
Warming
“What Is Causing Global Warming?”
by David H. Levy

3 signals of Cause and
Effect:
◦ The question/answer signal
 why, reason, cause, result,
because, etc.
◦ The act/consequence signal
 if…then
◦ The probability signal
 probable, possible, likely,
unlikely, may, might, perhaps,
etc.
Signal Your Readers for Cause & Effect
Method 1: Several
Causes, One Effect
Method 2: Several
Effects, One Cause
Effect
Cause
Cause
Cause
Cause
Effect
Effect
Effect
How to Explain Causes and Effects
1.
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10.
Is your topic an issue, a problem, a decision, or a question that
both interests and concerns you?
Will your topic also engage your audience?
What is your purpose? Why do you want to write about this
topic?
What is your thesis or central idea? What do you want to say
about your topic?
How will you introduce your thesis?
What causes or effects will you identify?
What details will you choose to explain them?
Which strategy will you use to alert your reader that a causeand-effect analysis follows?
Will you use Method 1 or Method 2 to analyze your topic?
What will readers learn from your essay?
Think through Your Topic
Here is your
for writing a cause and effect essay
(follow these easy steps):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Brainstorm your topic using the three signals as a guide.
Decide on a purpose
Write a thesis statement that will control development of
essay.
Select and organize evidence.
Avoid logical fallacies:
 Oversimplification
 Post Hoc
 Circular Reasoning
Plan & Write Your Essay