Advance Writing—Cause and Effect Essays
Cause and Effect Essays
What is a Cause and Effect Essay?
Cause and effect essays are concerned with why things happen (causes) and what happens as a result
(effects). As a writer, you can approach the topic two different ways. You can set out to prove that certain
known causes will have a certain effect. Or you can approach it from the other direction, setting out to
prove that a particular effect was due to certain causes. Be careful to avoid some logical fallacies. Don’t
assume that an effect has only one cause, and don’t assume that a cause has only one effect. Also, don’t
assume that because one event precedes another event in time that it necessarily caused the other event.
You have to establish the link between the cause and effect, not merely assume it.
Steps to Writing a Cause and Effect Essay:
1. Choose your topic. Consult the list of suggested topic ideas. You are not required to use a
topic from this list, but it will give you an idea of the types of topics that would work well
for this type of essay. Identify the condition, event, or situation you want to address.
Brainstorm to generate ideas about its causes and/or effects.
2. Use the graphic organizer to categorize your ideas. Distinguish between cause and effect.
To determine causes, ask, "Why did this happen?" To identify effects, ask, "What
happened because of this?"
3. Develop your thesis statement to explain and prove the cause and effect relationship. Find
and organize supporting detail for your essay.
4. If there are multiple causes leading to a certain effect, or multiple effects from certain
causes, use these separate causes and effects as your guideline in paragraph formation.
5. Read through the sample cause and effect essay so that you will become familiar with
this essay’s format. Compose a rough draft of your cause and effect essay and schedule a
tutorial with your instructor to discuss your first draft.
6. Before your tutorial, review the grading rubric for a cause and effect essay. Go through
the checklist and identify those areas of concern that you would like to discuss with the
teacher.
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Advance Writing—Cause and Effect Essays
Suggested Topics for a Cause and Effect Essay
What caused a particular war?
What is the cause of war generally speaking?
The Bible says that the truth can make you free.
How?
What will be the future effect(s) of a choice you
make today?
What are the causes of a particular disease?
What are the causes of unhappiness?
What are the causes of happiness?
How does lack of sleep affect you?
What particular incidents or actions in a novel
(play, movie, short story, etc.) led to what
happened in the end?
What makes a person become a criminal?
What might be the future effect of learning a
foreign language?
What will be the future result of learning to play
the piano?
How will quitting piano lessons affect the
future?
Where can telling lies lead?
How might technology change schools in the
future?
Someone once said there is no such thing as an
accident. Is this true or false?
Why do we forget some things but remember
others?
Causes of break-ups or divorce
How to succeed in __________________
Causes of failure in __________________
Causes of the downfall of ______________
The effects of reading good literature
The personal effect of participating in sports
Causes of teenage driving mishaps
What makes a successful relationship/marriage?
Discuss this Spanish proverb: it is better to lose
a moment of life than to lose life in a
moment
Why people follow bad leaders
Why people follow mindless traditions/customs
The causes of poverty
What, if anything, could eliminate poverty in the
world?
The causes of world hunger?
What, if anything, could eliminate world
hunger?
Why are certain laws or rules necessary?
What causes most accidents around the house?
How and why did language begin?
What causes a person to become ___________
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Why might a good man break a particular bad
law?
Why might a good man obey a particular bad
law?
What might be the cause of a particular bad law?
What might be the effect of a particular bad law?
What causes child abuse?
Why do some people dislike_________?
Why do some people like ___________?
What causes a bully’s behavior?
What is (or will be) the effect of a particular
technological advance on society?
Why do you feel/not feel at home at _________?
What is the root cause of embarrassment?
What does excessive television viewing lead to?
What makes us laugh and why?
Why do most people vote as they do?
Why do people fall in love?
Why do people lie?
What are the main causes of early death?
Why do hunters hunt?
Why do some people become vegetarians?
Why do some people pursue particular careers?
Why do people like to travel?
Why do people like to play games/sports?
Why don’t people from different social groups
get along?
What doesn’t cause______________?
What isn’t an effect of _______________?
Why are some people obsessed with ________?
What is the effect of being obsessed with
________?
Explain why a certain plan failed
Explain why a certain plan succeeded
Explain the success/failure of a particular
business
Why is a particular book/author popular?
What causes loneliness?
What makes people happy?
Why would someone join a gang?
Why do people like scary movies?
Why do people like amusement park rides?
Why do schools have summer breaks?
Why are graduation requirements what they are?
Why do young people tend to like different
music than old people?
What makes a neighborhood get “run-down”?
What are the causes of homelessness?
What could end homelessness?
What causes conflict between racial groups?
Advance Writing—Cause and Effect Essays
What would bring about racial harmony?
Ways to achieve peace in _________________.
What is the effect in one’s life of believing or
not believing in God?
Is it generally a good idea or a bad idea for
people from different religions to marry?
Why should you or shouldn’t you give up your
seat to someone in a crowded bus or room?
What is the effect of good/bad manners?
What explains the way people sign their names?
How does individual behavior affect society?
How and why does “peer pressure” affect
people’s behavior?
Think of a particular rule or law and discuss the
possible results of keeping it or breaking it?
How does one respect or disrespect nature, and
what are the results?
What makes a person “attractive” to others?
What makes you like to be with someone?
What creates a happy family?
What is the formula for a good movie? What
does it have to have?
How can you get __________________?
How did ___________ get to be ____________?
In order to __________, you’ve got to________.
Almost always, _________ leads to__________.
If you want ________, you have to __________
If you want _________, don’t ______________
To prevent _________, you have to _________.
To prevent __________, don’t ______________
Why is it important to read to young children?
Why is it important to feast on the scriptures?
Why is it “not right that any man should be in
bondage one to another”? (D&C 1:01:79–
80)
Why does “[God hold] men accountable for their
acts in relation to [their governments]”?
(D&C 134:1)
Why does knowing the truth make you free?
(John 8:32)
Why does the word of Christ divide asunder all
the cunning and the snares and the wiles of
the devil? (Helaman 3:29)
Why should all men show respect and deference
to the laws? (D&C 134:6)
Why can fasting and praying oft lead to the
sanctification and purification of our hearts?
(Helaman 3:35)
Why is the song of the righteous answered with
a blessing upon their heads? (D&C 25:12)
Why when we come unto the Lord humbly and
with faith, can he make weak things become
strong? (Ether 12:27)
Why will the meek inherit the earth? (Matt 5:5)
* This list of suggested topics for cause and effect essays was originally developed by Lind Williams and
is modified and expanded by Leland Anderson with the author’s permission.
© 2013 Latter-day Learning
Advance Writing—Cause and Effect Essays
Additional Suggested Comparison/Contract Topics for Literary Analysis
All American Heritage School courses use inspired texts and documents to teach and defend
truth. References to the scriptures, words of modern-day prophets, documents of the Founding
Fathers, and the seven principles of American Christian education are strongly encouraged. Such
resources help us answer the “So what?” of each essay. It is essential to understand how each
piece of literature relates to your life personally and identify truths which strengthen your
testimony. You are also encouraged to use outside resources to support the ideas presented in
your essay.
 Identify a character who is obedient
or disobedient to the laws of God.
What are the ultimate consequences
of his/her actions?
 Identify a character who is selfgoverned and explain the decisions
he/she made in order to be governed
first from within.
 What forms of government are
present within the novel? What led to
such a state?
 Identify a character who has become
accountable for his own actions.
What change is he able to bring
about within himself (and those with
whom he associates)?
 How did dishonesty on the part of a
character lead to devastating
consequences?
 What is the result of a character’s
belief or unbelief in God? What
leads to a character’s faith or lack of
faith?
 What do you consider to be the
protagonist’s most important action?
What caused the character to act in
this way? What results occurred
because of the character’s action?
 What actions and events led to a
character’s ultimate happiness or
unhappiness?
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 How did specific actions or incidents
lead to what happened at the end of
the novel?
 What are the causes of a character’s
downfall? How does this downfall
affect the novel’s other characters?
 What motivations led to a character
acting or reacting in a specific way?
 How did an outside force influence a
character to act in a specific way?
What are the results of the
character’s actions?
 How did a character’s adherence to
or rebellion against society’s laws or
customs affect his/her life?
 How did violence against a character
affect the way he/she acted?
 What specific incidents or actions
cause a character to improve his/her
circumstances by the end of the
novel.
 What causes a character to become
_____________________ by the end
of the novel? (fulfilled, angry,
respected, satisfied, wise, lonely,
etc.)
 Why do other characters in the novel
like or dislike the main character?
 What causes the conflict between
two characters or groups in the
story? What needs to occur in order
for this conflict to be resolved?
Advance Writing—Cause and Effect Essays
 How does a character’s behavior
affect those around him/her (family,
community, society)?
 How and why does “peer pressure’
affect a character’s actions?
 How does a character respect or
disrespect the laws of nature? What
are the results?
 What will most likely be the future
results of a character’s current
actions?
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 How is a character able to move
among different social classes
through his/her actions? Is he/she
easily accepted among the new
group?
 Explain why a character’s plan either
succeeded or failed.
 How is a character able to move
among different social classes
through his/her actions? Is he/she
easily accepted among the new
group?
Advance Writing—Cause and Effect Essays
Cause & Effect Essay: Graphic Organizer
One cause can have several effects,
Cause
Effect
Implication
Effect
Implication
Effect
Implication
Or several causes can lead to one effect.
Cause
Cause
Cause
© 2013 Latter-day Learning
Effect
or
Results
Advance Writing—Cause and Effect Essays
Preparing the Way for the Fullness of Times
by Hannah Tolman
Author
catches the
reader’s
attention
using an
analogy
Use of
outside
resources
to support
ideas
Thesis statement
clearly lists the
four causes that
led to the First
Vision and the
one effect of
the First Vision
which is the
restoration of
the gospel.
Scientific studies require certain variables to be in place for the desired or
positive results to occur. In order to grow, a seed requires rich soil, sunlight, water,
and a workable habitat that will fit the plant‘s needs. Likewise, in order for the
Church to be restored again on the earth, it was necessary for certain events to take
place. When we look deeper, there are several proceedings that occurred which
prepared the way for the First Vision to come to pass. Among these events are the
fulfillment of prophecy, the harsh conditions for farming, the religious excitement of
upper state New York, and a young plowboy’s desire to find truth. These occurrences
led to the First Vision which was the spark that ultimately led to the restoration of the
gospel.
After the death of Christ, persecutors started killing his apostles, and many
Christians were martyred for their beliefs. This resulted in a loss of truth and
knowledge. The many, long years that the world lacked the light of the gospel were
known as the dark ages. Though many churches were formed which claimed to be
correct, the true church of Christ was absent from the earth until the 1800’s.
Thousands of years before this time, Joseph of Egypt prophesied, saying, “Thus
saith the Lord unto me: A choice seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins
…And his name shall be called after me; and it shall be after the name of his father.
And he shall be like unto me; for the thing, which the Lord shall bring forth by his
hand, by the power of the Lord shall bring my people unto salvation” (2 Nephi 3:7,
15). On December 23, 1805, Joseph Smith, Jr. was born. He was named after his
father, which was unusual because he was not the first-born child. Thus, the prophecy
of Joseph of Egypt was fulfilled. He was born into a choice family who raised him
with valuable ideals of patriotism and religious beliefs, teaching that God was a
personal and caring being. Later in his life, Joseph recalled, “Love of liberty was
diffused into my soul by my grandfathers while they dandled me on their knees.” His
grandfather, Asael Smith, predicted “God was going to raise up some branch of his
family to be a great benefit to mankind.” It was pivotal that Joseph was born into this
family. Their spiritual attitude helped prepare Joseph for his mission later in life. But
God not only prepared him spiritually, he also needed Joseph to be in the right place
at the right time.
The Smith family had moved from place to place looking for some fertile soil,
or various means by which to earn money. They moved to West Lebanon, New
Hampshire, and they were finally happy with their surroundings. But the typhoid
fever struck and raged furiously. Joseph was taken ill by the fever. Because of this
sickness, he needed to have a painful surgery on his leg, which left him with a slight
limp for the rest of his life. After this experience, they moved to Norwhich, Vermont.
Their first two crop seasons were epic failures, but they stayed, hoping for a better
future. The next season was commonly known as the year without a summer, or
“eighteen hundred and froze to death.” Mount Tambora in Indonesia had exploded in
mid-April of 1835, and was most likely the largest eruption ever recorded. “It ejected
an estimated twenty-five cubic miles of volcanic debris. Dust blew into the
stratosphere obscuring the sun more severely than any volcano since 1600 and
altering the weather pattern for an extended period.” (Church History The Fullness of
Times Institute Student Manual, 2003) This explosion tragically affected New
© 2013 Latter-day Learning
Writer provides
background
information
about the
apostasy
before
discussing the
causes/events
leading to the
1st Vision.
Transition
sentence
from 1st to
2nd topic
Advance Writing—Cause and Effect Essays
England. Four frosts came between June and August and destroyed almost all the
crops. Most people were unaware of the cause of their crops’ failing to grow.
Hundreds of people migrated out of New England, and among them were the Smiths.
Their new home, Palmyra, was bursting with religious excitement. The many
churches in that area caused division even within Joseph’s own family! These
churches fighting within themselves caused Joseph to explore many of the churches.
He longed for the truth he could not find. One day, while studying the scriptures, he
read James 1:5: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men
liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” After pondering this
scripture, he went to the woods near his house to pray and ask God for truth. For the
first time in his life, he started to pray aloud. The Devil seized upon him and tried to
stop him from seeking God. Darkness gathered around him, and he feared that he
would be destroyed. But he kept praying, with all the energy of his soul. He had never
felt so strong of a power, and just as his strength was failing, he saw a light above
him, which was brighter than the sun. As soon as it appeared, the darkness was lifted,
and the burden gone. As the light descended upon him, he saw two heavenly beings,
whose glory “defied all description” (Joseph Smith History). One of them called him
by name and pointed to the other, saying “This is my Beloved Son. Hear him!” The
Personages were Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ. He was told to join none
of the churches, as they were all corrupt.
He was later taught by heavenly messengers, who told him were to find an
ancient record of people who lived in the Americas. He translated it with the power
and authority of God. He then restored the fullness of the gospel to the earth once
more. Though many have persecuted and tried to destroy the Church, it has prospered
and is still vastly increasing in its numbers. The vision of Heavenly Father and His
Son prepared the way for the light of the gospel to be again upon the earth.
In conclusion, only the best and most diligent care will yield a good plant that
bears good fruit. In order for an oak seed to grow, it needs to be planted in the best
environment where it can thrive under the light of the sun and have access to water
for nourishment. If these necessities are present, it will grow strong and sure, and
bloom into a beautiful tree. Similarly God prepared the way for Joseph Smith to grow
in wisdom, understanding, and spiritual strength. He was chosen in the pre-mortal life
to complete this incredible mission, and through the strong, grounding foundation of
the Lord he was able to complete it. The harsh farming conditions led his family to
the exact location where the plates would be hidden and Joseph’s desires led him to
the grove to pray. The First Vision was but the beginning of the restoration of all
truth.
Conclusion refers
back to the intro.
and ties the whole
essay together
© 2013 Latter-day Learning
Transition
into the 3rd
& 4th topic
discussed
in the next
paragraph
Restates
the
thesis
Advance Writing—Cause and Effect Essays
Scoring Guide for a Cause and Effect Essay
Your paper will be evaluated on each of the “Traits of Effective Writing” using a 5-point
scale:
Goes beyond expectations. An exemplary performance.
5
4
A good performance. Any weaknesses are minor.
3
An adequate performance. Has some serious weaknesses, but not enough to be below
the basic standard.
Below standard performance. Problems are severe enough that the paper is not
acceptable as is. Needs revision.
You have misunderstood or ignored the basic requirements. No credit without
revision.
2
1
The assignment is worth 100 points, and your score on the paper will be the percentage of the
above points you earn. Categories 1-6 are worth 15 points. This will be calculated by taking the
points earned (1-5) and multiplying times three. Category 7 is worth 10 points. This will be
calculated by taking the points earned (1-5) and multiplying times two.

1. Ideas and
Information






2. Organization






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The writing contains interesting, specific information
(content).
You use a thought-provoking title.
You convey a clear and effective purpose.
The writing does not just scratch the surface of a topic, but
has depth and completeness.
The ideas are presented in such a way that keeps readers
reading.
Evidence and quotations from the literature text are used
when appropriate.
If multiple cause and/or effects are important, the writer
explores them in depth.
___ x 3
You use a purposeful organizational pattern.
The writing has logical divisions and sequence.
Essay is organized in well-developed paragraphs.
The introduction draws the reader in and has a clear thesis
statement.
The conclusion leaves the reader with a satisfying ending.
You use transitions between sentences and paragraphs to
make the writing smooth.
___ x 3
/15
/15
Advance Writing—Cause and Effect Essays

It is evident the writer sincerely cares about the topic and
audience.
The essay has the clear imprint of the writer. It is
expressive and engaging.
Appropriate to the intended audience or purpose. An
academic essay in your history or science class, for
example, would not have the same voice as a personal
essay, poem, or short story.
___ x 3






You use good words which are appropriate to the purpose.
Nouns and verbs are specific.
Modifiers often appeal to the senses.
Words are selected to fit meaning, not just to impress.
Vague words and overused expressions are avoided.
Many phrases seem fresh and original. The reader gets the
impression that nobody has said it exactly like this before.
___ x 3


Each sentence is well-constructed.
The writing flows smoothly and clearly from one sentence
to the next.
Sentences vary in length and don’t all begin in the same
way.
The sentences should not seem choppy and disconnected,
nor should they ramble (or run on) without a sense of
direction, order, or closure.
___ x 3
Carefully edited for clarity, brevity, usage, and mechanics.
Clarity means that the meaning is clear.
Brevity means that it is not wordy or repetitive.
Usage refers to acceptable language, word choice, and
grammar.
Mechanics means appropriate punctuation, spelling, and
capitalization.
___ x 3
Satisfies all length requirements (minimum of 300 words)
Typed on word processor, scoring guide attached, etc.
Font, margins, and spacing make the paper neat and
readable.
Any graphics used (optional) aid the reader.
___ x 2
3. Voice


4. Word Choice
5. Smooth,
Well-crafted
Sentences


6. Conventions





7. Presentation



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TOTAL
POINTS
EARNED:
/15
/15
/15
/15
/10
Comments:
/100
* This scoring guide was originally developed by Lind Williams and is modified here by Leland
Anderson and Laura Scholl with the author’s permission.
© 2013 Latter-day Learning