1.
An essay that shows multiple causes having one
effect
A.
Factors--causes that are not related to each other
-
Order of familiarity (obvious to less obvious)
-
Order of interest (less interesting to more interesting)
-
Order of importance (most important always goes
last)
B.
Related causes
2.
An essay that shows how one cause can have multiple effects
A.
Effects that are not related to each other (organize by order of
importance)
B.
Related effects (organize immediate to remote)
3.
The causal chain, or domino effect (useful for explaining one of the causes in a multiple
cause essay or in science to analyze various kinds of cycles)
 Key
Idea
The
thesis statement in a cause/effect essay does not have to be persuasive.
Possible
Topics:
Multiple
causes—one effect
1.
The
causes of the fall of the Roman Empire
2. Why
college students smoke (or drink alcohol)
3. Global
warming
One
cause—multiple effects
1.
Every
family has problems (a member is unemployed, disabled, depressed,
alcohol or drug dependent, angry, etc.). Discuss the effects of a
family member's problem on a (your?) family.
2.
Discuss
the effects of a political or social change.
3.
Discuss
the effects of the fall of the Roman Empire.
Select
an idiosyncrasy or a bad habit of a family member or friend; why does
she or he have that peculiarity? Or, what effect does that have?
Causal
chain
1.
Selecting
King College
2.
Procrastination
3.
"I
chose the road less traveled by, and that has made all the
difference." (Robert Frost)
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