Causal analysis (cause and effect) focuses specifically on explanations that sho

Causal analysis (cause and effect) focuses specifically on explanations that show a
connection between a situation and its causes or effects. It either answers the question
“Why did this happen?” or “What will this do?” An answer to the first question will
result in an explanation of cause (reasons why); an answer to the second, a prediction
of effect (impact/result). Cause points to the reasons why a situation exists or past
occurrences, whereas effect discusses the impact of situations and predicts future
consequences.
Write a causal analysis essay on one of the topics below. List at least three (3)
causes or effects of the following situations:
1. Drug Abuse or Teenage Smoking
2. Increased Dropout rate in high schools
3. Gang violence in urban communities
4. High incidence of body art (among youth)
5. Domestic Violence or Child Abuse
6. Civil Unrest in a Foreign Country (Cite a specific country)
7. Digital divide (particularly older adults)
8. World-wide Economic Recession
9. Restrictions on Women’s Rights
10. Passage of Open Carry Legislation in Texas
11. High Divorce Rate in United States
12. Decreased Number of People Getting Married or Having Children
13. Impact of the Tense Political Treatment Between the U.S. and Russia, Iran, or
North Korea
14. Prejudice against particular individuals, communities, or countries
15. Environmental Pollution
Method of Developing the Causal Analysis Essay:
Introduction: (Paragraph One)
1) Lead-in: State the nature of the problem, situation; ask a question; give
statistics or anecdotes etc.
2) Central idea: State that you will discuss causes OR effects of the problem
3) Thesis: Name at least three reasons why or effects of the problem.
(Examples: There are three main reasons for ____ or there are three major
causes of ____
Body: (Paragraphs Two, Three, and Four)
1) Paragraph Two: Names and discusses 1st cause OR effect
2) Paragraph Three: Names and discusses 2nd cause OR effect
3) Paragraph Four: Names and discusses 3rd cause OR effect
Conclusion: (Paragraph Five)
1) Reiterate the thesis. (Restate the thesis in other words, in another way,
keeping the same idea, but do not restate it in the same words.)
2) Discuss the broader implications of the topic. (If you are discussing causes,
you could discuss effects and if you are discussing effects, you could discuss
cause