Write a 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. 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 causes
