For an example of a detailed cause-and-effect analysis, read “Blood Loss” by Christopher Beam in which he provides reasons for the decline in serial killings in the United States.
Choose a Topic
In a 4-6 page essay, explain either three main causes or three important effects of a situation that concerns you.
Write the First Draft
Research your topic to provide examples for your cause-and-effect argument. Use no more than three sources.
Write a well-supported cause-and-effect analysis stating why the change happened and the effects that occurred as a result of what happened.
Evaluate your first draft against the ideas in the Checklist for Revising a Cause-and-Effect Essay
In addition to fine tuning the ideas and supporting examples in your essay, make corrections in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting.
Important note: You will need to use at least three sources to support your cause-and-effect analysis. Be sure to acknowledge any borrowed language in the body of your essay and include a separate correctly formatted Works Cited page that lists all sources.
