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137 Intriguing Cause & Effect Essay Topics for Students

Teach critical thinking, logic, and the art of persuasion.

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Cause-and-effect essays aren’t just a way to help students strengthen their writing skills. They’ll also learn critical thinking, logic, and the art of persuasion. In addition, they teach students to demonstrate how one thing directly influences another. Coming up with engaging cause-and-effect essay topics can be challenging, but we have you covered. This list of ideas includes a variety of topics that range from social and cultural movements to mental health and the environment.

Science and Environment Cause & Effect Essay Topics

  • Describe the effect of urbanization on the environment.
  • What is the impact of air pollution on health?
  • What are the causes and consequences of plastics on marine life?
  • What is the impact of rising sea temperatures on fish and marine life?
  • Describe the impact of human behavior on global warming.

Describe the impact of human behavior on global warming. Cause and effect essay

  • What is the effect of social media on environmentalism?
  • What causes volcanic eruptions?
  • What causes trees to die?
  • What are the effects of gravity?
  • Why are plants green?
  • Why do trees shed their leaves?
  • What causes a species to become endangered?
  • What are some of the causes of animals losing their habitats?
  • Describe the effect of overpopulation on the environment.
  • What are the effects of famine on human population?
  • What are the causes and effects of Antarctica floods?
  • What are the effects of pollution on the ocean?
  • What effect do cars have on the environment?
  • Why is it important to manage wildfires?
  • What has been the impact of DNA on crime scene processing?

What has been the impact of DNA on crime scene processing?

  • What are the impacts of deforestation in Brazil?
  • What are the effects of GMO foods on human health?
  • What are the impacts of immunizations on human health?

Technology and Social Media Cause & Effect Essay Topics

  • What are the effects of social media on adolescent development?
  • How does technology affect productivity?
  • What are the effects of video games on childhood development?
  • How do cell phones affect human relationships?
  • What are some reasons a teacher might ban cell phones from class?

What are some reasons a teacher might ban cell phones from class? Cause and effect essay

  • What effects do cell phones have on sleep?
  • What effects did the invention of the Internet have on technology?
  • What were the origins of cyberbullying?
  • What are the effects of tablet use on small children?
  • How has online dating changed relationships?
  • What makes some people less likely to use social media?
  • What are the effects of social media on privacy?
  • How does the rise of TikTok affect Facebook and Instagram?
  • In what ways could social media lead to extremism?
  • What is the impact of social media on the increasing popularity of plastic surgery and other enhancements?

What is the impact of social media on the increasing popularity of plastic surgery and other enhancements?

  • What are some of the benefits of owning a smartphone and what are some of the drawbacks?
  • What has been the impact of online shopping on brick-and-mortar stores?
  • What has been the impact of smartphones on marriages and relationships?
  • What are the causes and effects of texting while driving?
  • What has the rise of “influencers” meant for Hollywood?
  • In what ways have photo filters influenced young people’s self-esteem?

Culture and Social Issues Cause & Effect Essay Topics

  • What are some of the reasons for substance abuse in young people?
  • What are some of the effects of bullying?
  • How does economic status affect the quality of health care?
  • What are some of the causes of homelessness?
  • Explain the effects of ignorance on discrimination.
  • What are the impacts of death sentences on social justice?

What are the impacts of death sentences on social justice? Cause and effect essay

  • How does financial success affect societal privilege?
  • What effects does growing up poor have on children?
  • In what ways does religion influence society?
  • What are the effects of immigration on a host country?
  • What are the effects of ageism on job opportunities?
  • What is the impact of LGBTQ+ representation in TV and movies?
  • What are the effects of school shootings on politics?
  • How do school uniforms affect students?
  • What are the impacts of high student debt?
  • What are the impacts of body shaming on people?
  • What were the lasting impacts of the AIDS epidemic on society?

What were the lasting impacts of the AIDS epidemic on society? cause and effect essay

  • What impact does banning abortion have in the United States?
  • What has been the impact of marriage equality in the United States?
  • What are the causes and effects of noise pollution?
  • What are the causes and effects of inflation on the economy?
  • What are the effects of TV shows on our behavior?

Sports Cause & Effect Essay Topics

  • Examine the effects of exercise on mental health.
  • What led to baseball being an iconic American sport?
  • What drives people to participate in extreme sports?
  • In what ways did globalization affect modern sports?
  • What were the effects of doping on amateur and professional sports?
  • Select a sport and write about the historical factors that led to the popularization of that sport.

cause and effect essay college education

  • Describe the ways in which youth sports influence a child’s development.
  • What were the driving forces behind the first Olympics?
  • How can team sports help develop social skills?
  • How have e-sports changed the sporting landscape?
  • In what ways do race biases influence sports?

In what ways do race biases influence sports.

  • What are the effects of regular workouts on immunity?
  • How does participating in sports affect leadership skills?
  • In what ways can sports lead to character development?
  • What effect does famous athletes’ social commentary have on their fans?

History Cause & Effect Essay Topics

  • What are the effects of the war in Syria on the United States?
  • What have been the lasting effects of the Civil Rights Movement?
  • What were the causes and effects of the attack on Pearl Harbor?
  • What led up to the Berlin Wall being torn down and what effects did that have?

What led up to the Berlin Wall being torn down and what effects did that have? Cause and effect essay

  • What lasting impact did 9/11 have on modern American society?
  • What were the causes of the Salem Witch Trials?
  • What was the cultural impact of the Spanish-American War?
  • How has globalization led to modern-day slavery?
  • What events led to the fall of the Roman Empire?
  • What were the impacts of the Great Depression on women’s employment?
  • How did cartels come into existence? What effect have they had on the United States and Mexico?
  • What were the causes and effects of the Women’s Liberation Movement?
  • Give an example of colonialism in history and name the resulting impact to the affected society.

Give an example of colonialism in history and name the resulting impact to the affected society.

  • What led to the rise of ISIS and what has the impact been on international security?
  • What factors led to the Titanic’s sinking?
  • What were the causes and effects of the Vietnam War?
  • Choose an American president. What led him to become president and what were the effects of his presidency?

Mental Health Cause & Effect Essay Topics

  • How can stress affect the immune system?
  • How does social anxiety affect young people?
  • How can high academic expectations lead to depression?
  • What are the effects of divorce on young people?
  • How does service in the armed forces lead to post-traumatic stress disorder?

How does service in the armed forces lead to post-traumatic stress disorder? Cause and effect essay topic

  • What are the effects of mindfulness on mental health?
  • Describe the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted mental health.
  • How does childhood trauma impact childhood development?
  • What impact does witnessing violence have on mental health?
  • What is behind increasingly high levels of anxiety in modern American society?

What is behind increasingly high levels of anxiety in modern American society? cause and effect essay topic

  • What are the causes and effects of panic attacks?
  • What are the causes and consequences of high stress in the workplace?
  • What are some of the causes of insomnia and in what ways does it affect mental health?
  • What is the impact of staying home for an extended period of time?

Current Events Cause & Effect Essay Topics

  • Choose a local public education campaign. What are the effects of that campaign?
  • What are the causes and effects of migration?
  • What are the causes and effects of terrorist attacks?

What are the causes and effects of terrorist attacks?

  • What are the effects of legalizing genetic engineering research?
  • How do low voting rates impact elections and government?
  • What is the effect of raising the minimum wage?
  • What are the effects of globalization on society?
  • How does gerrymandering affect election outcomes?
  • What are the causes and effects of police brutality?
  • What are the causes and effects of political polarization?

What are the causes and effects of political polarization?

  • What are the causes and effects of fake news?
  • What are the effects of global war on citizens?
  • What is the effect of international aid on poverty or health?
  • Why do some countries have nuclear weapons, and what does this mean for other countries?

Education Cause & Effect Essay Topics

  • What are the effects of teacher quality on student success?
  • What are the causes and effects of student loan debt?
  • What are the causes and effects of low graduation rates?

What are the causes and effects of low graduation rates?

  • What are the effects of assigning homework?
  • What are the causes and effects of school funding disparities?
  • What are the causes and effects of the digital divide in education?
  • What is the effect of AI on education?
  • What are the causes and effects of student burnout?
  • Should students be required to study a foreign language in school, and what are the effects of learning a foreign language?

Should students be required to study a foreign language in school, and what are the effects of learning a foreign language?

  • What effect has the COVID pandemic had on education?
  • What are the effects of same-sex classrooms or schools?

What are your best cause-and-effect essay topics for students? Come exchange ideas in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, check out our list of interesting persuasive essay topics for kids and teens..

Coming up with cause and effect essay topics can be challenging, but we have you covered. Check out our list with a variety of topics.

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180 Cause and Effect Essay Topics

Cause and Effect Essay Topics

cause and effect essay college education

That’s why cause-and-effect essays are one of the most commonly assigned writing assignments in all of academia. They test a student’s ability to draw connections and make logical arguments as well as research abilities and writing skills. 

They can be very enjoyable to write if you know the fundamentals of essay writing, understand what this type of essay requires, and choose the right topic. In this article, you’ll get a brief overview of what a cause and effect essay is, tips on how to choose the right topic, and a list of over 150 topics to inspire you!

What is a Cause and Effect Essay?

A cause and effect essay is a writing assignment that asks you to explore the causes of certain events and link them to their outcomes. These types of essays can be focussed on the causes, the effects, or both. They can follow the typical 5 paragraph essay format, or they can have more body paragraphs than usual, depending on the complexity of the topic chosen. 

How to Choose a Cause and Effect Essay Topic

Since the entire paper will be about the causes and effects of your topic, choosing the right topic is vitally important for this type of essay. Sometimes teachers give a general theme to follow which makes it easier to choose a specific topic. Having the freedom to choose any topic you want can be daunting but as long as you keep the following points in mind, you’ll find an excellent topic to write about. 

  • If you’ve been assigned a theme, spend time brainstorming several ideas to get a unique and interesting topic.
  • Get ideas about what you want to write about from articles you’ve recently read. This will also give you a headstart on research.
  • Take a broad topic and narrow it down to specific issues and relationships.
  • The scope of your essay shouldn’t be too broad or too narrow. Think about your word count and choose a topic you can explore properly within that limit.
  • You should always have facts and research to back up any claims you’re making, so choose a topic that has credible information available.
  • Use personal conversations and experiences to narrow down the list of potential topics.
  • Make sure there are a clear cause and effect relationship to explore in your topic. 
  • Always try and choose a topic that you feel personally interested in. Passion will make the research more enjoyable, make your writing more interesting, and cut down on the amount of time you spend on the assignment.

Cause and Effect Essay Topics List for Students

Cause and effect essay topics for high school.

20 topics for cause and effect essay for high school students related to their experiences and chosen to match the level of complexity expected. 

Can student activism cause changes in the world?
What is the impact of growing up a child of divorce?
What are the main causes of anxiety in high school?
What are the effects of having very rich or famous parents?
How does having a messy room impact productivity?
What are the reasons that comic book movies rarely get Academy Awards?
Why is music better today, or why was it better in the past?
Why do students cheat?
What are the effects of playing group sports on social bonding?
What should people do to avoid getting sick?
Can online shopping cause shopping addiction?
Why are some video games more fun than others?
Why are oil spills so bad for marine ecosystems?
Why does weight have such a large impact on self-esteem?
What is the effect of family vacation on family relationships?
Why are people afraid of trying new things?
Why should humans protect endangered species?
How does theoretical physics affect the real world?
What are the long-term effects of vaping?
Is there a connection between bullying culture and school violence?

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Cause and Effect Essay Topics for College Students

Here’s a collection of 20 unique topics for college-level papers that will benefit from research and deep analytical skills.

Why do so many Americans still live in poverty?
What is the impact of underage drinking?
How does fasting impact your overall health?
What would be the difference if an asteroid impacted land or ocean?
Why do we buy so many things we don’t need?
What is the UN doing to combat modern-day slavery?
What is the impact of religious oppression in a country?
Why do sports and physical activity release endorphins?
Why is Japan more technologically advanced than many countries in the world?
How has the internet affected education in remote villages in developing nations?
How did Christianity shape colonialism?
Why is it dangerous not to finish a course of prescription medication?
What are the effects of picture and video apps on self-esteem?
Should standardized testing have such a large impact on a student’s future?
What is the impact of colonialism on modern-day Africa?
What is the impact of distance learning on mental health?
What are the benefits of studying in a group versus studying alone?
Is it possible to date and still be focused on academics?
Do violent movies and video games lead to real-life violence?
What is the impact of being raised in a multi-generational household?

Cause and Effect Essay Topics for Middle School

These 20 topics are perfect for teenagers to think about and should inspire them to write a fantastic essay. 

What is the effect of bullying on school culture and school spirit?
Why is it important to think about the environment?
What are the effects of spending time in nature?
What were the causes of World War II?
How has Covid-19 changed your daily routine?
What would happen if everybody did only what they wanted to?
What is the connection between music and mathematics?
How can social media and the internet reduce loneliness?
Why was the invention of the steam engine so important?
Describe a society where people learned to get along with each other.
Should famous people who say or do bad things lose their fans?
Why do countries close to the equator usually have spicy food?
What has been the effect of rap lyrics on poetry?
What are some of the benefits of colonizing Mars?
How do video games affect academic achievement?
What is the role of parental punishment on motivation?
What are the benefits of celebrating holidays from different religions?
What is the fallout from posting an unpopular story on Instagram?
How can you build a successful social media channel?
How does having a fun teacher affect student motivation?

Cause and Effect Essay Topics for Elementary Level

While these types of essays can become very complex, it is important for young children to start understanding the connection between things and exploring causes and effects at an early age. Here are 20 topics perfect for kids!

Why is it important to learn to share?
Why is it important to eat a good breakfast?
What have you learned from your favorite cartoon character?
How does the weather impact your mood?
Why should children get more time to play?
How do you feel after getting a good night’s sleep?
Why should Santa Claus bring you the toys you want?
What would you do if you saw an injured animal?
Why are birthdays important?
Why is riding a bike good for the environment?
How would having a smartphone improve your life?
How does being an older brother or sister make you different?
How does being a younger brother or sister make you different?
Why is it important to learn math?
Do having pets make you more responsible?
What are the effects of bullying on the bully?
What is the impact of your favorite Marvel superhero on the plot of the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
What are the causes and effects of being popular?
Why is littering bad for society?
Why is it important to eat vegetables?

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Cause and Effect Essay Topics Ideas

Fun cause and effect essay topics.

20 good cause and effect essay topics that are just plain fun to think about!

How are esports going to change the future?
What would it be like to give up all social media as a high school student?
Should people with more money be taxed at a higher rate?
Are periodic revolutions good for the progression of society?
How does smiling affect how long you live?
What are the benefits of owning a pet?
What started the domestication of animals by humans?
How has the use of cell phones affected in-person interaction?
What would be the impact on society if people could directly vote for every important issue?
What makes Elon Musk such a magnetic person?
What would the world be like if Facebook never existed?
Why are young people better at gaming than older people?
How is virtual reality going to change entertainment?
Why have science fiction movies become so popular over the last decade?
What responsibilities should social media influencers automatically be aware of?
What was the impact of Star Wars on the film industry?
How did YouTube change the way humans create and consume media?
Would Harry Potter have been less popular if the main character was a woman?
What effect does the language you speak have on the way you think?
What would the impact of raising the minimum wage be?

Easy Cause and Effect Essay Topics

You don’t have to write something too complicated to get a good grade! Here are 20 easy essay topic examples for your paper. 

What are the main causes of teenage smoking?
How do school uniforms improve cohesion and morale?
What is the impact of sweet fruit juices on health?
What role does the media have on public opinion?
What are the benefits of traveling abroad?
Do people feel better after crying?
Does using a smartphone right before sleeping negatively impact sleep quality?
Why is it more difficult for immigrants to find a job?
What are the effects of working out too much?
Does online dating make people have lower social skills?
How can improving time management reduce stress?
What is the impact of family stability on academic performance?
How does attending college impact lifelong earning potential?
Why is Google the most popular search engine?
How is carbon dioxide a greenhouse gas?
Why was the #Metoo movement so important?
What are the benefits of reading for pleasure as a child?
How has globalization impacted the role of women in societies?
What are the negative impacts of sound pollution?
How can a single species impact large ecosystems?

Personal Cause and Effect Essay Topics

Go over these 20 essay topics to write an essay that relies more on self reflection and personal growth. 

How has your favorite book impacted your life?
Is parenthood always a rewarding experience?
How does being selfish eventually impact oneself negatively?
What are the impacts of optimism on happiness?
How can a single individual make a significant change in the world?
How can meditation improve quality of life?
How has guilt affected your life personally?
How do people do bad things without realizing it?
Why are people afraid of commitment?
How does being in an abusive relationship impact both people?
What is the impact of being a minority on self-identity?
What is the connection between overthinking and depression?
How has the most significant relationship in your life shaped you?
How does getting older impact the ability to learn new things?
Why do people chase a feeling of control?
What are the impacts of living with someone with a mental disorder?
How long does it take to get over a serious breakup?
What are the reasons you want to be rich?
What would make you happy?
What is the best way of using social power?

Interesting Cause and Effect Essay Topics

20 interesting essay topics that will make your essay stand out amongst the crowd. 

What are some of the ways the world would have been different if the axis powers won WWII?
Do strikes and protests work effectively for different types of issues?
What would happen to coastal populations if ocean levels increased by 2 meters?
How much do tv shows and movies impact the way people think about other countries?
What has been the impact of rising internet penetration rates in developing countries?
What social care measures should countries implement in the face of catastrophes like Covid-19?
What is the connection between science and religion?
What would you do if you could become president of the world for 1 year?
How do phytoplankton in the ocean impact life on Earth?
Why is going to college an indicator of long-term happiness?
Why are certain video games popular amongst certain groups?
How does someone decide which music genre is their favorite?
How is artificial intelligence going to change the military and therefore the world?
What makes someone exceptional in their chosen field?
What are the most important characteristics of a good boss?
Can escapism be beneficial in situations such as trauma?
Does living together before marriage hurt or harm the long-term relationship?
What effect do different colors have on mood?
Is the continued growth of technology going to make people value in-person events more?
How has the first amendment impacted countries around the world?

Controversial Cause and Effect Essay Topics

Here are 20 controversial topics to think about. Be warned! You’ll have to do really solid research and make your point eloquently.

What was the impact of American foreign policy during the Cold War?
Does stem cell research have the potential to save millions of lives?
How do genetically modified crops impact the human body?
How do increasing temperatures impact rates of transmissible diseases?
How do oil-producing companies and their lobbies impact the search for renewable energy?
How do fashion companies end up employing children in sweatshops?
Can pizza now be considered an American food?
How do kings, queens, or any form of royalty impact the society of a country?
What are some of the negative outcomes of social Darwinism?
Why did the communism of the Soviet Union fail?
What has China’s one-child policy done to advance economic growth in the country?
How have sedition laws been used to censor free speech?
If artificial intelligence develops sentience, should they be given human rights?
How does a bad president impact that country's international reputation?
What are the roots of Russia’s aggressive international policies?
What are the negative impacts of the introduction of nonnative species?
What are the effects of gun regulation laws on murder rates around the world?
Are certain drugs beneficial for psychiatric treatment?
What was the root of the eugenics movement around the world in the early 1900s?
What has the impact of animal testing been on human health?

Final Thoughts

If you want to delve deep into a particular topic and analyze the causes and effects, a cause and effect essay is the perfect choice for you. It can be a fascinating process if you choose the right topic. This article has provided you with 180 topics to consider and guidelines on selecting a topic. If you need any help with coursework writing , research paper writing service , or custom essay writing , Studyfy's team of professional writers and dissertation writing services can guide you in the right direction. Additionally, their essay editing and proofreading services can help you improve your essay and make it stand out. Choose Studyfy, the best essay service , to help you achieve academic success.

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10.8 Cause and Effect

Learning objectives.

  • Determine the purpose and structure of cause and effect in writing.
  • Understand how to write a cause-and-effect essay.

The Purpose of Cause and Effect in Writing

It is often considered human nature to ask, “why?” and “how?” We want to know how our child got sick so we can better prevent it from happening in the future, or why our colleague a pay raise because we want one as well. We want to know how much money we will save over the long term if we buy a hybrid car. These examples identify only a few of the relationships we think about in our lives, but each shows the importance of understanding cause and effect.

A cause is something that produces an event or condition; an effect is what results from an event or condition. The purpose of the cause-and-effect essay is to determine how various phenomena relate in terms of origins and results. Sometimes the connection between cause and effect is clear, but often determining the exact relationship between the two is very difficult. For example, the following effects of a cold may be easily identifiable: a sore throat, runny nose, and a cough. But determining the cause of the sickness can be far more difficult. A number of causes are possible, and to complicate matters, these possible causes could have combined to cause the sickness. That is, more than one cause may be responsible for any given effect. Therefore, cause-and-effect discussions are often complicated and frequently lead to debates and arguments.

Use the complex nature of cause and effect to your advantage. Often it is not necessary, or even possible, to find the exact cause of an event or to name the exact effect. So, when formulating a thesis, you can claim one of a number of causes or effects to be the primary, or main, cause or effect. As soon as you claim that one cause or one effect is more crucial than the others, you have developed a thesis.

Consider the causes and effects in the following thesis statements. List a cause and effect for each one on your own sheet of paper.

  • The growing childhood obesity epidemic is a result of technology.
  • Much of the wildlife is dying because of the oil spill.
  • The town continued programs that it could no longer afford, so it went bankrupt.
  • More young people became politically active as use of the Internet spread throughout society.
  • While many experts believed the rise in violence was due to the poor economy, it was really due to the summer-long heat wave.

Write three cause-and-effect thesis statements of your own for each of the following five broad topics.

  • Health and nutrition

The Structure of a Cause-and-Effect Essay

The cause-and-effect essay opens with a general introduction to the topic, which then leads to a thesis that states the main cause, main effect, or various causes and effects of a condition or event.

The cause-and-effect essay can be organized in one of the following two primary ways:

  • Start with the cause and then talk about the effects.
  • Start with the effect and then talk about the causes.

For example, if your essay were on childhood obesity, you could start by talking about the effect of childhood obesity and then discuss the cause or you could start the same essay by talking about the cause of childhood obesity and then move to the effect.

Regardless of which structure you choose, be sure to explain each element of the essay fully and completely. Explaining complex relationships requires the full use of evidence, such as scientific studies, expert testimony, statistics, and anecdotes.

Because cause-and-effect essays determine how phenomena are linked, they make frequent use of certain words and phrases that denote such linkage. See Table 10.4 “Phrases of Causation” for examples of such terms.

Table 10.4 Phrases of Causation

The conclusion should wrap up the discussion and reinforce the thesis, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of the relationship that was analyzed.

Be careful of resorting to empty speculation. In writing, speculation amounts to unsubstantiated guessing. Writers are particularly prone to such trappings in cause-and-effect arguments due to the complex nature of finding links between phenomena. Be sure to have clear evidence to support the claims that you make.

Look at some of the cause-and-effect relationships from Note 10.83 “Exercise 2” . Outline the links you listed. Outline one using a cause-then-effect structure. Outline the other using the effect-then-cause structure.

Writing a Cause-and-Effect Essay

Choose an event or condition that you think has an interesting cause-and-effect relationship. Introduce your topic in an engaging way. End your introduction with a thesis that states the main cause, the main effect, or both.

Organize your essay by starting with either the cause-then-effect structure or the effect-then-cause structure. Within each section, you should clearly explain and support the causes and effects using a full range of evidence. If you are writing about multiple causes or multiple effects, you may choose to sequence either in terms of order of importance. In other words, order the causes from least to most important (or vice versa), or order the effects from least important to most important (or vice versa).

Use the phrases of causation when trying to forge connections between various events or conditions. This will help organize your ideas and orient the reader. End your essay with a conclusion that summarizes your main points and reinforces your thesis. See Chapter 15 “Readings: Examples of Essays” to read a sample cause-and-effect essay.

Choose one of the ideas you outlined in Note 10.85 “Exercise 3” and write a full cause-and-effect essay. Be sure to include an engaging introduction, a clear thesis, strong evidence and examples, and a thoughtful conclusion.

Key Takeaways

  • The purpose of the cause-and-effect essay is to determine how various phenomena are related.
  • The thesis states what the writer sees as the main cause, main effect, or various causes and effects of a condition or event.

The cause-and-effect essay can be organized in one of these two primary ways:

  • Start with the cause and then talk about the effect.
  • Start with the effect and then talk about the cause.
  • Strong evidence is particularly important in the cause-and-effect essay due to the complexity of determining connections between phenomena.
  • Phrases of causation are helpful in signaling links between various elements in the essay.

Writing for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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3.1: Introduction to Cause and Effect Essay

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Many college assignments ask students to look at the causal relationships between events. Students need to explain the reasons behind an event (the causes) or the results of the event (the effects). The following are sample writing prompts from various academic disciplines that require cause-effect development.

· History: How were Native Americans on the Atlantic Coast of North America affected by the arrival of the first Europeans?

· Psychology: What factors are behind the increase in teen suicide?

· Environmental Science: What are some of the long-term environmental effects of Hurricane Katrina on the Louisiana coastal communities?

· Health: What are the effects of too much screen time on small children?

· Education: What reasons are behind the increase in lower SAT scores over the last few decades?

Key Elements Of The Cause & Effects Essay:

  • Cause & Effect essays look at reasons for an event and/or the outcomes of an event. Students look at a situation and describe causes, how the situation came about, or effects, the situations that resulted from the event.
  • Effects can be short-term or long-term. Students might need to focus their essay on one or the other or both.
  • Sometimes cause-effect essays describe a chain of linked events in which one effect becomes the cause of a subsequent effect which then becomes its own cause.
  • Cause and effect relationships need to be clearly and directly stated using specific vocabulary and structures. There is likely to be confusion if you expect the reader to make the connections

Objectives: By the end of this unit, you will be able to

  • Identify cause and effect relationships in model essays.
  • Construct clearly formulated thesis statements that show cause and effect relationships.
  • Use the writing process to complete and revise a five-paragraph practice cause and effect essay.
  • Combine simple sentences to create sentences expressing cause and effect relationships.
  • Produce complete sentences with correct subject-verb agreement.

Key Element Of The Cause & Effect Ess

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Exciting Cause and Effect Topics for Your Next Engaging Essay

Cause and Effect Topics

Sharpening your skills as a student involves a range of activities, not the least of which is gaining proficiency in disentangling intricate scenarios and recognizing the intertwined relationships between diverse factors. A cause and effect essay serves as a fantastic tool to achieve this, as it helps you to enhance both your innovative capacity and critical thinking skills. In this expansive post, we’re going to delve into an array of riveting cause and effect essay topics, providing you with insights on how to structure your essay to make a lasting impression. We’ll also shed light on the need for thorough research and backing up your stance with credible sources.

Picking a Compelling Cause and Effect Essay Topic

Embarking on the journey of writing a successful cause and effect essay begins with the choice of an engaging topic. Here are some pointers to aid you in selecting an ideal subject:

Relevance: Go for a topic that corresponds to your course, current happenings, or areas of interest. Aligning your chosen topic with your academic journey or personal inclinations will not only make writing an enjoyable task but also result in an intriguing essay.

Complexity: Choose a topic that has multiple origins or outcomes to facilitate comprehensive analysis. Subjects with a plethora of interconnected elements will allow for a deeper investigation, showcasing your analytical prowess.

Scope: Choose a topic that can be exhaustively discussed within the prescribed word limit. Steer clear of topics that are too expansive and would need extensive research, or ones that are too narrow, restricting exploration of varying viewpoints.

Assembling Your Cause and Effect Essay

A well-assembled and structured essay is essential to effectively transmit your insights. These steps will guide you in crafting a coherent and logical cause and effect essay:

Introduction: Offer a succinct overview of your topic and why it holds importance in a larger context. Clearly formulate your thesis, highlighting the cause(s) and effect(s) you’ll delve into in your essay. Enthrall your reader by introducing an intriguing hook or a challenging question related to your subject.

Body: Segment the main body of your essay into distinct paragraphs for each cause and effect pair. Discuss the cause initially, followed by the effect it instigates. Validate your arguments with examples and evidence from credible sources, illustrating how the cause directly or indirectly induces the effect.

Conclusion: Recap your main points and reiterate your thesis, emphasizing the significance of your discoveries. If relevant, propose insights or recommendations for future studies. Conclude your essay with a stimulating statement or question encouraging the reader to contemplate the topic and its ramifications.

Guidelines for Crafting an Engrossing Cause and Effect Essay

Make your cause and effect essay stand out by following these suggestions:

  • Use concise sentences and simple vocabulary to boost readability. This will ensure your message is easily understood by a broad audience.
  • Adopt an active voice for lively, clear sentences. Active voice highlights the subject in action, making your sentences more vibrant and easily digestible.
  • Utilize transitional phrases such as “hence,” “as a result,” and “consequently” to underline the relationships between causes and effects. These words will guide your readers through your analysis, ensuring a seamless flow within your essay .
  • Review and refine your essay to guarantee proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling. A meticulously edited essay exhibits your meticulousness and dedication to producing top-notch work.

Bolstering Your Essay with External Resources

Incorporate pertinent external resources into your essay to fortify your arguments and demonstrate your understanding. Use authoritative sources such as scholarly papers, governmental reports, or news articles to reinforce your analysis. Ensure to cite these sources properly to steer clear of plagiarism and acknowledge the original authors.

Enrich your sources: A diverse collection of sources will offer a well-rounded understanding of your topic and help prevent bias in your analysis.

Assess source reliability: Verify the dependability and accuracy of your sources by checking the author’s qualifications, the date of publication, and the reputation of the publisher.

Blend sources seamlessly: When merging external sources into your essay, use proper citations and smoothly integrate quotes or paraphrased data into your writing.

Intriguing Cause and Effect Essay Topics

We’ve assembled a list of engaging cause and effect essay topics to inspire your creativity. Feel free to personalize and adjust these suggestions to cater to your unique needs and interests. Reflect on how each topic resonates with your academic pursuit or personal passions to create a unique and impactful essay.

Delving into the World of Education

Let’s first explore topics related to the realm of education . Delve into the intricate dynamics of remote learning and its influence on students’ performance. Analyze the duality of its nature, highlighting the various challenges it presents along with its unique advantages. Contemplate over aspects such as student engagement, resource accessibility, and time management skills. Transition your focus towards the burgeoning concern of student loan debt, unraveling the roots of this issue like spiraling tuition fees, living expenses, and government policies. Lastly, evaluate the profound impact of teacher-student relationships on academic success and overall well-being. These discussions provide just a glimpse of the multifaceted topics awaiting your scrutiny within the realm of education. Other topics in education that you can delve into are presented below.

Education-Related Cause and Effect Topic Examples:

  • The impact of online learning on student performance
  • The effects of standardized testing on education quality
  • The influence of class size on student achievement
  • The consequences of grade inflation in higher education
  • The effects of school uniforms on student behavior
  • The impact of parental involvement on a child’s academic success
  • The causes of high dropout rates in urban schools
  • The effects of school vouchers on public education
  • The impact of extracurricular activities on student performance
  • The consequences of bullying in schools
  • The effects of homeschooling on social skills development
  • The impact of teacher-student ratio on learning outcomes
  • The influence of the learning environment on student success
  • The effects of teacher quality on student performance
  • The consequences of early childhood education on cognitive development
  • The impact of student debt on career choices
  • The effects of school funding disparities on educational outcomes
  • The role of parent-teacher communication in academic achievement
  • The consequences of grade retention on student success
  • The impact of extrinsic motivation on academic performance
  • The influence of early literacy intervention on reading proficiency
  • The effects of school violence on academic performance
  • The impact of educational policy changes on student outcomes
  • The consequences of implementing common core standards on learning outcomes
  • The influence of cultural factors on student achievement
  • The effects of teacher expectations on student performance
  • The impact of student engagement on academic success

Decoding the Enigma of Tech and Social Media

Let’s digitally teleport into the pulsating world of technology and social media, a realm brimming with captivating topics. Ponder upon the ripple effect of social media usage on mental health, charting the landscapes of anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. Shift your gaze to the transformative role of technology advancements on job markets, probing into their influence on job creation and evolution. Lastly, investigate the roots of the digital divide in society, considering factors like access to technology, education level, and socioeconomic status. These enticing topics serve as gateways to an array of equally engaging topics waiting to be explored in this dynamic domain.

Technology and Social Media Topic examples:

  • The effects of social media on interpersonal communication
  • The impact of smartphones on attention span
  • The consequences of video game addiction on mental health
  • The effects of internet usage on creativity
  • The impact of online privacy concerns on social media use
  • The consequences of cyberbullying on youth mental health
  • The effects of technology on family dynamics
  • The influence of social media on body image and self-esteem
  • The impact of technology on job displacement
  • The effects of texting on grammar and writing skills
  • The consequences of e-commerce on brick-and-mortar stores
  • The impact of streaming services on the music industry
  • The effects of social media on political discourse
  • The influence of technology on education
  • The consequences of information overload on decision-making
  • The impact of technology on relationships
  • The effects of artificial intelligence on job opportunities
  • The consequences of automation on the labor market
  • The influence of social media on the spread of misinformation
  • The effects of technology on mental health
  • The impact of online dating on interpersonal relationships
  • The consequences of screen time on children’s development
  • The effects of virtual reality on human interaction
  • The influence of the internet on the globalization of culture
  • The consequences of data breaches on consumer trust
  • The impact of electronic waste on the environment
  • The effects of internet censorship on freedom of expression

Navigating the Labyrinth of Health and Wellness

As we journey deeper into the maze of cause-effect essays, we encounter the intriguing intersection of health and wellness. Consider reflecting on the influence of stress on the academic achievements of college students and how it disrupts their focus, retaining of information, and overall academic success. Subsequently, delve into the factors fueling the surge in mental health issues among the college learners. Is it the relentless academic pressure, chilling social isolation, or looming financial worries? Lastly, explore the fascinating correlation between nutrition, regular exercise, and improved cognitive function. This exploration paves the way for numerous other stimulating health-related topics.

Health and Wellness Topic Examples:

  • The effects of poor nutrition on overall health
  • The impact of stress on mental health and well-being
  • The consequences of substance abuse on personal relationships
  • The effects of sedentary lifestyles on chronic diseases
  • The impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance
  • The consequences of air pollution on respiratory health
  • The effects of obesity on overall health and wellness
  • The influence of social support on mental health
  • The impact of regular exercise on mood and well-being
  • The effects of alcohol consumption on liver health
  • The consequences of smoking on lung cancer risk
  • The impact of climate change on human health
  • The effects of mental health stigma on help-seeking behavior
  • The influence of vaccinations on public health
  • The consequences of noise pollution on hearing loss
  • The impact of work-life balance on overall wellness
  • The effects of social isolation on mental health
  • The consequences of poor hygiene on infectious diseases
  • The influence of stress management techniques on overall health
  • The effects of childhood trauma on adult mental health
  • The impact of antibiotic resistance on public health
  • The consequences of substance abuse on brain function
  • The effects of meditation on stress reduction
  • The influence of a healthy diet on chronic disease prevention
  • The consequences of pollution on overall health and well-being
  • The impact of workplace stress on employee health
  • The effects of healthcare access on overall health outcomes

Painting the Canvas of Nature’s Narrative: Environmental Topics

Switching our lens to environmental concerns, we find topics that command significant interest and urgency. Unravel the roots and aftermath of climate change on worldwide ecosystems, drawing attention to the contribution of greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. Evaluate the extensive damage deforestation inflicts on biodiversity, and the dire threat that plastic waste presents to aquatic life. These broad-stroke ideas guide us into a universe of intriguing environmental topics that await our scrutiny.

Environmental Topic Examples:

  • The impact of climate change on biodiversity
  • The effects of deforestation on wildlife habitats
  • The consequences of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems
  • The effects of air pollution on human health
  • The impact of plastic waste on the environment
  • The consequences of water pollution on aquatic life
  • The effects of industrial agriculture on soil degradation
  • The influence of population growth on natural resources
  • The impact of urbanization on green spaces
  • The effects of invasive species on native ecosystems
  • The consequences of overfishing on marine life
  • The impact of natural disasters on wildlife populations
  • The effects of habitat fragmentation on species survival
  • The influence of climate change on water scarcity
  • The consequences of pesticide use on pollinator populations
  • The impact of melting ice caps on sea levels
  • The effects of nuclear accidents on the environment
  • The consequences of e-waste disposal on soil and water quality
  • The influence of renewable energy on reducing carbon emissions
  • The effects of mass transportation on reducing air pollution
  • The impact of sustainable agriculture practices on the environment
  • The consequences of desertification on food security
  • The effects of oil spills on marine life
  • The influence of environmental policies on conservation efforts
  • The consequences of climate change on weather patterns
  • The impact of overconsumption on the Earth’s resources
  • The effects of mining on the environment

Examinine Society’s Fabric: Social Issues

Social issues serve as the intricate threads woven into society’s fabric and offer a rich resource for cause-effect essays. Investigate the pervasive income inequality in modern societies, reflecting on aspects such as education, globalization, and government policies. Unearth the profound effects of racial and gender discrimination on career opportunities, and consider how immigration policies shape social integration. These topics offer just a glimpse into the myriad social issues waiting to be unraveled in your essays, while you can consider a plethora of other ideas to explore in greater depth.

Social Issues Topic Examples:

  • The impact of poverty on educational achievement
  • The effects of gender inequality on career opportunities
  • The consequences of racial discrimination on mental health
  • The effects of social media on self-esteem and body image
  • The impact of bullying on youth mental health
  • The consequences of income inequality on social mobility
  • The effects of homelessness on personal well-being
  • The influence of mass incarceration on community stability
  • The impact of human trafficking on victims and society
  • The effects of substance abuse on family dynamics
  • The consequences of domestic violence on mental health
  • The impact of child labor on the economy and human rights
  • The effects of gentrification on urban communities
  • The influence of cultural differences on communication and understanding
  • The consequences of ageism on the elderly population
  • The impact of child abuse on long-term mental health
  • The effects of divorce on children’s emotional well-being
  • The consequences of child marriage on women’s rights and health
  • The influence of cyberbullying on youth mental health
  • The effects of unemployment on mental health and crime rates
  • The impact of animal cruelty on society’s values
  • The consequences of social stigma on mental health
  • The effects of mass migration on cultural integration
  • The influence of hate crimes on minority communities
  • The consequences of police brutality on public trust
  • The impact of the gender pay gap on women’s financial security
  • The effects of religious discrimination on social cohesion

Stepping onto the Political Stage

Political topics like the effects of political polarization on national unity offer fertile ground for investigation. Exploring the implications of political polarization on a nation’s capacity to manage vital matters or studying catalysts for the recent emergence of populist movements – be they economic disparities, cultural resentment, or dissatisfaction with the political establishment — present a vast field to consider for writing a cause and effect essay. Moreover, a study of media bias’s effect on public sentiment and its implications for democratic societies can yield intriguing findings. Each political topic suggested in this article invites you into a deeper understanding of the intricate mechanics of our political systems.

Political Topic Examples:

  • The impact of political polarization on civil discourse
  • The effects of corruption on economic growth
  • The consequences of gerrymandering on democratic representation
  • The effects of campaign financing on political influence
  • The impact of authoritarianism on human rights
  • The consequences of political instability on economic development
  • The effects of media censorship on freedom of expression
  • The influence of nationalism on international relations
  • The impact of international conflicts on global security
  • The effects of terrorism on public safety and civil liberties
  • The consequences of voter suppression on democracy
  • The impact of lobbying on public policy outcomes
  • The effects of populism on political discourse
  • The influence of foreign interference on election integrity
  • The consequences of protectionism on international trade
  • The impact of climate change on geopolitical conflicts
  • The effects of colonialism on modern-day political dynamics
  • The consequences of economic sanctions on targeted countries
  • The influence of human rights abuses on global reputation
  • The effects of military spending on public services
  • The impact of political scandals on public trust
  • The consequences of the refugee crisis on host countries
  • The effects of political ideologies on social policies
  • The influence of diplomacy on international relations
  • The consequences of civil wars on national development
  • The impact of partisan gerrymandering on political representation
  • The effects of political activism on policy change

The World of Arts and Culture

The captivating realm of arts and culture offers abundance of intriguing topics. Investigate the impact of globalization on cultural identity, examining the precarious equilibrium between the dissemination of pop culture and the safeguarding of local customs. Reflect on the reasons for the waning of traditional art forms and the repercussions of streaming services on the music. These topics serve as your invitation to a grand ballroom filled with diverse themes from arts and culture.

Arts and Culture Topic Examples

  • The impact of censorship on artistic expression
  • The effects of cultural appropriation on minority communities
  • The consequences of the digital revolution on the music industry
  • The effects of social media on contemporary art
  • The impact of globalization on cultural diversity
  • The consequences of funding cuts on the arts and cultural institutions
  • The effects of public art on community engagement
  • The influence of celebrity culture on societal values
  • The impact of streaming platforms on the film industry
  • The effects of piracy on the creative industries
  • The consequences of gentrification on local art scenes
  • The impact of technological advancements on traditional art forms
  • The effects of cultural exchange on artistic innovation
  • The influence of political events on creative expression
  • The consequences of the digital age on print media
  • The impact of the internet on the preservation of cultural heritage
  • The effects of cultural tourism on local economies and communities
  • The consequences of the commodification of art on artistic integrity
  • The influence of popular culture on individual identity
  • The effects of commercialization on the creative process
  • The impact of arts education on academic achievement and personal development
  • The consequences of the decline in local journalism on communities
  • The effects of cultural diplomacy on international relations
  • The influence of the fashion industry on body image and self-esteem
  • The consequences of historical revisionism on cultural memory
  • The impact of digital archiving on the preservation of cultural artifacts
  • The effects of cultural identity on personal well-being

Plotting the Business and Economic Terrain

As we map the intricate business and economic terrain, intriguing topics continue to unfold exploration here provides a compass guiding you to a myriad of other fascinating business and economic topics.

Economics and Business Topic Examples

  • The impact of the gig economy on worker rights and benefits
  • The effects of outsourcing on domestic job markets
  • The consequences of income inequality on economic growth
  • The effects of market monopolies on consumer choice and innovation
  • The impact of automation on the workforce
  • The consequences of economic recessions on social welfare programs
  • The effects of consumerism on the environment and natural resources
  • The influence of corporate social responsibility on public perception and brand reputation
  • The impact of the sharing economy on traditional business models
  • The effects of free trade agreements on local industries
  • The consequences of predatory lending on personal debt and financial stability
  • The impact of the gender pay gap on career advancement and retirement savings
  • The effects of inflation on purchasing power and living standards
  • The influence of microfinance on poverty alleviation and economic empowerment
  • The consequences of the digital divide on global economic inequality
  • The impact of workplace diversity on productivity and employee satisfaction
  • The effects of corporate mergers and acquisitions on market competition
  • The consequences of urbanization on local economies and infrastructure
  • The influence of financial literacy on personal financial management
  • The effects of intellectual property rights on innovation and economic growth
  • The impact of corporate tax avoidance on public finances and services
  • The consequences of offshoring on job opportunities and economic development
  • The effects of foreign direct investment on host countries’ economies
  • The influence of e-commerce on traditional retail sectors
  • The consequences of currency fluctuations on international trade and investment
  • The impact of economic sanctions on targeted countries and global markets
  • The effects of fiscal policy on economic growth and stability

Unraveling the Science and Technology Conundrum

Exploration of the intricate labyrinth of science and technology presents plentiful opportunities for revelation. Investigate the societal repercussions of artificial intelligence, the reasons for antibiotic resistance, and the role of space exploration in propelling scientific progress. Your investigative journey in this realm may unlock a treasure chest of other fascinating topics.

Science and Technology Topic Examples:

  • The impact of artificial intelligence on job displacement and the future of work
  • The effects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on agriculture and food security
  • The consequences of climate change on ecosystems and biodiversity
  • The effects of space exploration on technological advancements and scientific knowledge
  • The impact of renewable energy sources on fossil fuel dependency and global emissions
  • The consequences of antibiotic resistance on public health and disease treatment
  • The effects of nanotechnology on medicine and manufacturing
  • The influence of virtual reality on entertainment and communication
  • The impact of 3D printing on manufacturing and product design
  • The effects of cybersecurity threats on privacy and data protection
  • The consequences of electronic waste on the environment and human health
  • The impact of the internet of things (IoT) on daily life and industry
  • The effects of advancements in biotechnology on healthcare and ethical concerns
  • The influence of big data on decision-making and privacy
  • The consequences of deforestation on climate change and wildlife habitats
  • The impact of electric vehicles on transportation and the environment
  • The effects of the digital divide on education and social equality
  • The consequences of urbanization on air quality and public health
  • The influence of telecommunications technology on globalization and economic development
  • The effects of emerging diseases on global health and pandemic preparedness
  • The impact of neuroscience advancements on mental health treatment
  • The consequences of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems and food chains
  • The effects of social media on privacy and mental health
  • The influence of robotics on industry and human interaction
  • The consequences of the global water crisis on agriculture and human health
  • The impact of the Mars exploration on human understanding of the universe
  • The effects of the CRISPR gene-editing technology on medicine and ethical concerns

The Complex Realms of Psychology and Sociology

Within the realms of psychology and sociology, consider a study on the impact of peer pressure on the behavior of teenagers. This investigation should explore both the favorable and unfavorable consequences. The rising incidence of social anxiety, propelled by factors like social media engagement, academic stress, and environmental influences, is also worthy of investigation. Lastly, an insightful topic for understanding and exploring is how parenting approaches influence various aspects of a child’s growth – cognitive, emotional, and social.

Psychology and Sociology Topic Examples

  • The impact of social media on self-esteem and interpersonal relationships
  • The effects of divorce on children’s emotional development and future relationships
  • The consequences of substance abuse on mental health and family dynamics
  • The effects of violent video games on aggressive behavior and desensitization
  • The impact of parenting styles on children’s cognitive and emotional development
  • The consequences of bullying on academic performance and psychological well-being
  • The effects of gender stereotypes on career choices and self-concept
  • The influence of peer pressure on adolescent decision-making and identity development
  • The impact of the aging population on healthcare systems and social support networks
  • The effects of poverty on mental health and educational outcomes
  • The consequences of racial and ethnic discrimination on social cohesion and mental health
  • The impact of the #MeToo movement on workplace dynamics and gender equality
  • The effects of urbanization on mental health and social isolation
  • The influence of religious beliefs on moral reasoning and decision-making
  • The consequences of the gig economy on worker satisfaction and mental health
  • The impact of immigration on cultural diversity and social integration
  • The effects of mass media on public opinion and political polarization
  • The consequences of the digital age on privacy and surveillance
  • The influence of family structure on child development and well-being
  • The effects of consumerism on personal values and societal expectations
  • The impact of the internet on social movements and activism
  • The consequences of celebrity culture on individual self-worth and aspirations
  • The effects of the gender pay gap on career satisfaction and family dynamics
  • The influence of social support networks on mental health and resilience
  • The consequences of online dating on interpersonal communication and relationship formation
  • The impact of globalization on cultural identity and social norms
  • The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, social interactions, and work-life balance

On the Final Note

Penning a cause and effect essay serves as a remarkable platform to exhibit your abilities in analysis and critique. With the selection of a captivating theme, and the orchestration of a well-structured narrative, complemented by the guidance from our writing suggestions, you’ll be able to craft a compelling piece of writing that reflects your prowess in untangling intricate scenarios and unveiling the hidden correlations within. Don’t forget to embellish your composition with reliable external references to bolster your claims and cement your authority on the subject. May your writing journey be filled with joy and discoveries!

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Common Essay Structures / Patterns of Development

Cause and effect.

Cause and effect is just what it says. You might write an essay that searches out the causes of something. Or you might write an essay that investigates a variety of effects that stem from a particular event or condition. Writing about causes and effects deals with identifying “reasons why” and/or “results.”

decorative image

When you write an essay using a cause and effect pattern, know that you can either focuses on causes, or focus on effects, or some combination of both. The important thing to remember is that this pattern calls for logical thinking in dealing with causes, and logical probabilities in explaining effects.  Don’t fall into a logical fallacy by assuming simple and/or incorrect causation.  Instead, make sure that you link causes and effects logically, carefully considering both evidence and probability.

As you develop a focus and working thesis for a cause and effect essay, you might ask yourself the following questions:

  • Do I want to focus on effects of a particular cause?  If so is there a main effect that’s broken down into smaller pieces, or are there multiple effects of equal weight?
  • Do I want to focus on the causes of a particular event, issue, etc.?  If so, is there one primary cause that’s broken down into smaller pieces, or are there multiple causes of equal weight?

It will help if you list causes/effects, or create a mind map as you prewrite for an essay applying a cause and effect pattern.

Remember that your topic should be focused enough to yield some depth and insight, yet broad enough to be developed.  Writing in general about the causes of the 2008 global financial crisis may be unproductive, because the multiple and complex nature of those causes cannot be dealt with briefly and might require a book with multiple chapters instead of a relatively brief college essay.  Or writing about the proposed effect of the World Health Organization’s initiative to eliminate rabies by 2030 through dog vaccinations and more available health education may be unproductive, because the effect is very focused and can be stated in a few sentences.  On the other hand, writing about the effects of the 2008 crash on Baby Boomers’ retirement plans, or writing about causes of rabies in rural areas in India, may be more productive, as these foci can be tackled within the framework of a college essay.

View the following video for more information about cause and effect essays.

Here are some graphic organizers for cause and effect essays.

Diagram begins with "Thesis for Causes" branching from there, "topic sentence 1st cause," "topic sentence for 2nd cause," "topic sentence for 3rd cause"; branching from each topic sentence is "details, examples, explanations"

Cause and Effect in Action

Make sure to read sample Cause and Effect essays in the Sample Essays section of this text.

  • Cause and Effect. Authored by : Susan Oaks. Provided by : Empire State College, SUNY OER Services. Project : College Writing. License : CC BY-NC: Attribution-NonCommercial
  • image of falling dominoes being stopped. Authored by : CSchmidt-EC. Provided by : Pixabay. Located at : https://pixabay.com/en/dominoes-domino-barricade-hand-1902622/%20 . License : CC0: No Rights Reserved
  • video Cause and Effect essay. Provided by : EAP Foundation. Located at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMD7VjsHfBA . License : Other . License Terms : Standard YouTube License

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How to Write an Impressive Cause and Effect Essay for College [+ 10 Topic Ideas]

Stefani H.

Table of contents

Do you remember studying Newton's Third Law in school, where every action has an equal and opposite reaction? The same holds true in life — and that’s what cause-and-effect essays are about.

It could be individual or societal, unexpected or circumstantial, joyous or unfortunate -- but if there’s a cause, you can be certain there will be an effect that follows.

So, how do you write a cause-and-effect essay for college?

In this article, we’ll tell you how to write a cause and effect for college, along with practical tips and topic ideas to help you along the way.

Order Now: 100% Original, High-Quality Cause and Effect Essay

How to write a cause and effect essay in 7 steps.

A cause-and-effect essay examines the reasons behind a situation or issue and evaluates the impact of those reasons.

For example, eating disorders can be the situation (cause), and the consequences (effect) can range from deteriorating mental health conditions to malnutrition and drug addiction.

Here’s how you can write a cause-and-effect essay for college in seven steps.

Brainstorm essay topics

The first thing that your professor sees is your essay topic , so you need to come up with a good one.

Cause and effect essays require critical thinking and a smooth structure, and coming up with a good topic for these essays involves observing the world and the environment and speculating for possible causes from it that you can pick out.

Choose a topic that you are passionate about and something your readers would want to learn more from. Here are a few topic areas you can consider:

  • social and cultural movements;
  • human body;
  • works of literature;
  • natural phenomenon;
  • technology;
  • human rights and the political system.

This will help you write a more genuine and interesting essay, helping you achieve better grades.

Create an outline

Once you know your topic, your next step is to figure out the outline technique for the essay.

Some of the topics that you brainstorm will require you to use focus on causes and focus on effects technique, while some of the topics can use the block or the chain method, which studies and analyzes the causes and effects of the selected topic simultaneously.

In the block method of outlining, the causes are listed first, followed by the expanded effects that come along with it. In the chain method of outlining, you can write each cause with its effect right after.

After establishing a thesis statement in the introduction, your body paragraphs should define proper examples and facts and come back to why the thesis statement is true. Outlining each portion of the cause-and-effect essay will help explore the relationship between the effects and their causes.

Establish a thesis statement

Crafting a strong thesis for your cause-and-effect essay is crucial when writing quality academic papers for top grades. As you read through and research your topic , you will find out your stance on the subject.

This stance will be subjected to the thesis statement on which your essay will be based. The thesis statement shows why you are holding onto your position for the essay and will give significance to the subject. It will also let your professor know what they should expect to learn from your essay.

Keep in mind to mention your position in your thesis statement or the introduction paragraph and the technique you will be using to write your essay.

Research and organize your data

Conduct thorough and proper research for your cause-and-effect essay, and avoid using sources such as personal blogs, unverified websites, or Wikipedia for your reference. Instead, look for credible sources, publications, research work, etc., as your primary source of information.

To make your essay flawless, you need to find valid and significant arguments, facts, examples, and responses that support your thesis statement for your cause-and-effect topic. This step will also help you gather additional questions, common trends, and other pivotal information about your topic.

This collected information needs to be organized into a structure that is easy for you to frame your essay and for your audience to understand the flow of the write-up without any trouble.

Divide all these sections into the introduction, body, and conclusion paragraphs, and build a coherent, clear, and interesting cause-and-effect essay .

Here’s an interesting video by Caro Porras on structuring a cause-and-effect essay.

Use transition phrases and words

Since you’re working on a cause-and-effect essay, there are some words that you need to know how to use and when to use them in your essay. Transition words are very important in academic essays like these as it provides the best and the easiest link for you to bridge two paragraphs for an easier flow.

Transition words give your professors an easier time to move from one point, discussion, or argument to another. They provide balance and bind all the important points together to form one complete quality paper.

Some transition words that are generally used in cause-and-effect essays are:

Addition ( to describe adding something more to the statement you just wrote )

  • furthermore, too, also;
  • moreover, in addition,;
  • besides, lastly, secondly, finally.

Time ( to help understand the timestamp of the argument or point, for adding relevancy )

  • next, never, immediately;
  • during, meanwhile, sometimes;
  • subsequently, whenever, always.

Compare and Contrast ( if you are planning to compare and contrast some facts in your essay to make it easier to bring proper effect )

  • likewise, otherwise, in contrast;
  • nevertheless, notwithstanding, though;
  • in the same way, similarly, after all.

Write the first essay draft

With the essay topic, structure, thesis statement, and vital information gathered in place, it is time to start working on your cause-and-effect essay draft.

Keeping your stance on the topic in mind, use the structuring technique that would make it easier to expand on your subject.

Give enough time to edit between your first and second drafts, and take a day or two to write the final draft. You will most likely notice mistakes and errors that went unnoticed while you were writing your first two drafts.

Review, revise, edit and proofread

The last and most important step is to review, revise, edit and proofread your cause-and-effect essay thoroughly as well as multiple times before submitting it to your professor.

Through this, you can eliminate common errors that are most likely to happen in cause-and-effect essays, such as:

  • unclear thesis statement;
  • irrelevant or confusing examples, anecdotes, and evidence;
  • spelling mistakes;
  • wrong punctuations;
  • grammatical errors;
  • incorrect format or structuring;
  • vague arguments.

8 Tips to Write High-Scoring Cause and Effect Essays for College

Now that you know the process of writing a cause-and-effect essay, here are some valuable tips to help you along the way.

1. Before starting your essay, make it a point to choose your topic and write three causes and effects of it. You can then pick the one that is the most interesting and write your paper on that stance.

2. Mind mapping is an essential brainstorming activity that will help in spilling out creative ideas and getting your thoughts organized before you start collecting your information.

3. Choose a topic that you are passionate about or are very interested in because if you choose a random topic that you don't know much about, your professor can clearly notice the lack of interest in your paper. This will eventually influence your grades.

4. Define the purpose of your essay and keep that in mind throughout while drafting your paper. You should not lose track of the main idea behind why you are writing this cause-and-effect essay, as this will, in turn, make you choose the wrong arguments and illogical examples for your topic. Your goal is to either inform or persuade your professor through your essay.

5. The main focus of your essay should be the immediate causes and their effects. Be sure to only include direct and clear causes and effects that add value to your paper.

6. Make sure to use grammar and plagiarism-checking tools on your essay, as this conveniently points out grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and wordy sentences that you may have missed out on while revising. Plagiarism checkers can help you identify plagiarised sentences, which you can edit to ensure authenticity and originality.

7. Avoid adding irrelevant information, and carefully check for any formatting irregularities or any other compliance issues with the essay guidelines.

8. Ask your friends or family members to proofread your paper. They might come up with a different perspective and give ideas that you didn't think of and identify places where you can improve, use better arguments, and give impartial feedback on the general quality of your essay.

10 Cause and Effect Essay Topic Ideas to Inspire Your Essay

1. Increased technological advances have increased online shopping but does it motivate people into increased online shopping?

2. Deliberate on the causes of the no homework policy for kindergarten kids and its impact on education effective next.

3. What causes some women to be repeatedly entangled in destructive relationships?

4. The cause and effect link between nutrition and health.

5. Social media and cyberbullying: What is the connection between the two?

6. Social media influences psychological health: Discuss.

7. In what ways does gender inequality influence the wage rate?

8. Covid-19 prevention measure - quarantine has a severe effect on the economic welfare of a country when it comes to games and teenagers. What causes addiction?

9. The repeated consumption of junk food increases the chance of developing obesity.

10. The fast food business has a severe impact on individuals' health.

When writing a cause-and-effect essay for the first time, it is a good practice to research and know more about how you can excel in the qualitative and quantitative aspects of your essay writing.

And now that you’ve learned how do you write a cause-and-effect essay for college - take notes of the entire process, keep simple yet effective tips in mind, adhere to the appropriate structuring, and work toward delivering a stellar essay based on the basic notion of how you can portray your cause and effect diligently on paper.

Still, stuck? Well, Writers Per Hour is here to help. Our professional writers are well-versed in the rules of cause-and-effect essays and can help you write a high-scoring paper. These papers are 100% original and written from scratch.

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  • A Research Guide
  • Essay Topics

120 Cause and Effect Essay Topics for College Students

Tips on how to choose cause and effect essay topic, cause and effect health essay topics:.

  • The Impact of Smoking on Lung Cancer Rates
  • The Relationship between Poor Diet and Obesity
  • The Effects of Air Pollution on Respiratory Health
  • The Link between Stress and Cardiovascular Disease
  • The Influence of Sedentary Lifestyle on Type 2 Diabetes
  • The Connection between Alcohol Consumption and Liver Disease
  • The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Mental Health
  • The Relationship between Fast Food Consumption and Heart Disease
  • The Impact of Environmental Toxins on Neurological Disorders
  • The Link between Excessive Screen Time and Eye Strain
  • The Effects of Noise Pollution on Hearing Loss
  • The Influence of Genetics on the Development of Allergies
  • The Connection between Lack of Physical Activity and Osteoporosis
  • The Impact of Social Isolation on Mental Well-being
  • The Relationship between Poor Oral Hygiene and Gum Disease

Cause and Effect Education Essay Topics:

  • The impact of technology on student learning outcomes
  • The influence of parental involvement on academic achievement
  • The effects of standardized testing on student motivation
  • The relationship between teacher quality and student performance
  • The consequences of inadequate funding for schools on educational quality
  • The impact of socioeconomic status on educational opportunities
  • The effects of bullying on student academic performance
  • The relationship between school discipline policies and student behavior
  • The consequences of early childhood education on long-term academic success
  • The influence of class size on student engagement and achievement
  • The effects of inclusive education on students with disabilities
  • The relationship between teacher-student relationships and student motivation
  • The consequences of high-stakes testing on curriculum and instruction
  • The impact of school leadership on teacher morale and job satisfaction
  • The effects of school violence on student mental health and academic performance

Cause and Effect Psychology Essay Topics:

  • The impact of childhood trauma on adult mental health
  • The influence of social media on body image dissatisfaction
  • The relationship between parental divorce and academic performance in children
  • The effects of bullying on adolescent self-esteem
  • The connection between sleep deprivation and cognitive functioning
  • The role of genetics in the development of anxiety disorders
  • The impact of video games on aggression in children
  • The relationship between childhood abuse and the development of borderline personality disorder
  • The effects of stress on physical health
  • The influence of peer pressure on substance abuse in teenagers
  • The connection between early attachment styles and adult romantic relationships
  • The impact of social isolation on mental well-being
  • The relationship between childhood neglect and the development of depression
  • The effects of parental neglect on emotional intelligence in children
  • The influence of media violence on aggressive behavior in adolescents

Cause and Effect Enviroment Essay Topics:

  • Deforestation: Causes and Effects on the Environment
  • Pollution from Industrial Activities: Impact on Air, Water, and Soil
  • Climate Change: Causes and Consequences for the Environment
  • Overpopulation: Effects on Natural Resources and Ecosystems
  • Loss of Biodiversity: Causes and Implications for the Environment
  • Water Pollution: Causes and Effects on Aquatic Life and Human Health
  • Urbanization: Impact on Natural Habitats and Wildlife
  • Agricultural Practices: Effects on Soil Degradation and Water Contamination
  • Mining Activities: Consequences for Landscapes and Ecosystems
  • Plastic Pollution: Causes and Impact on Marine Life and Ecosystems
  • Deficient Waste Management: Effects on Landfills and Pollution
  • Industrialization: Consequences for Air Quality and Human Health
  • Oil Spills: Environmental Effects and Long-term Consequences
  • Acid Rain: Causes and Impact on Forests, Lakes, and Soil
  • Pesticide Use: Effects on Wildlife, Ecosystems, and Human Health

Cause and Effect Technology Essay Topics:

  • The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
  • The Influence of Technology on Education
  • The Effects of Smartphone Addiction on Relationships
  • The Consequences of Cyberbullying in the Digital Age
  • The Impact of Video Games on Aggressive Behavior in Adolescents
  • The Effects of Technology on Sleep Patterns
  • The Influence of Technology on the Job Market
  • The Consequences of Online Shopping on Traditional Retail Stores
  • The Impact of Technology on the Environment
  • The Effects of Virtual Reality on Real-Life Experiences
  • The Influence of Technology on Physical Fitness and Health
  • The Consequences of Information Overload in the Digital Era
  • The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Employment Opportunities
  • The Effects of Technology on Privacy and Personal Data Protection
  • The Influence of Technology on Communication Skills and Social Interactions

Cause and Effect Philosophy Essay Topics:

  • The impact of free will on personal responsibility
  • The influence of societal norms on individual moral decision-making
  • The consequences of ethical relativism on moral judgments
  • The relationship between determinism and the concept of justice
  • The effects of existentialism on the search for meaning in life
  • The impact of utilitarianism on the distribution of resources in society
  • The consequences of skepticism on the pursuit of knowledge
  • The influence of cultural relativism on the perception of human rights
  • The relationship between egoism and altruism in ethical decision-making
  • The effects of dualism on the mind-body problem
  • The impact of consequentialism on the concept of personal happiness
  • The consequences of nihilism on the value of life and existence
  • The influence of social contract theory on political systems
  • The relationship between determinism and the concept of personal identity
  • The effects of metaphysical solipsism on the perception of reality

Cause and Effect History Essay Topics:

  • The Causes and Effects of the French Revolution
  • The Impact of Industrialization on European Society
  • The Causes and Consequences of World War I
  • The Effects of the Great Depression on Global Economies
  • The Causes and Effects of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States
  • The Impact of Colonialism on African Nations
  • The Causes and Effects of the Russian Revolution
  • The Consequences of the Cold War on Global Politics
  • The Causes and Effects of the American Revolution
  • The Impact of the Renaissance on European Art and Culture
  • The Causes and Consequences of the Holocaust
  • The Effects of Imperialism on Asian Countries
  • The Causes and Effects of the Mexican Revolution
  • The Impact of the Enlightenment on European Society
  • The Causes and Consequences of the Vietnam War

Cause and Effect Sociology Essay Topics:

  • The impact of social media on interpersonal relationships
  • The causes and effects of income inequality in society
  • The influence of family structure on juvenile delinquency rates
  • The effects of globalization on cultural identity
  • The causes and consequences of racial segregation in urban areas
  • The impact of education on social mobility
  • The causes and effects of gender inequality in the workplace
  • The influence of social class on health outcomes
  • The effects of immigration on social cohesion
  • The causes and consequences of youth unemployment
  • The impact of technology on social isolation
  • The causes and effects of substance abuse in society
  • The influence of media on body image and self-esteem
  • The effects of religious beliefs on political participation
  • The causes and consequences of political polarization in society

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Get top 100 cause and effect essay topics now.

cause and effect essay topics

When you need the best cause and effect essay topics on the Internet, all you have to do is read this blog post. We have a list of the best 100 cause and effect topics and these topics are updated periodically. You can get some ideas from our list right now, as it has just been updated for June, 2020. On top of the free topics, you also get to see why choosing a great topic is entirely in your best interest. Read on!

The Importance of Interesting Cause and Effect Essay Topics

Most students underestimate the importance of interesting cause and effect essay topic ideas. We don’t know why, but many students still prefer to get topics from the first three pages that pop up in Google’s SERPs. They probably don’t realize that at least a couple of their classmates will pick the exact same topics. You may thing that you have a good cause and effect topic and later realize that 5 other students have chosen that same topic for their essays. Here is why you need to come up with a 100% original cause and effect essay topic idea:

  • Your professor is bored of reading essays on the same plain old topics. When he sees a new topic, it’s like a breath of fresh air. Don’t underestimate how important this can be for your grade.
  • Interesting cause and effect paper topics have been shown by many studies to get higher grades. Why? It’s probably because professors tend to award bonus points for originality and uniqueness.
  • Consistently finding good cause and effect topics shows your professors that you really take the essay seriously. After all, you’re willing to dedicate a lot of time and effort to finding the most interesting things to talk about.

Where Can You Get Some Topics for Cause and Effect Essay?

Now that you know how important some original, fun cause and effect essay topics can be, it’s time to find the best of them. Of course, nobody expects you to spend hours every day thinking about topics. You are free to use the Internet. It’s an invaluable source of information, to be honest. There are several ways to get some really good topics:

  • You can go to the school library and read journals, articles and other writings to try to find topics for cause and effect essay. You’ll be able to find many ideas there, but it takes time to go through all the materials.
  • You can read newspapers and scientific articles online. New, intriguing research is being done every day, so you are almost guaranteed to find something interesting to write about sooner or later.
  • You can try to ask people to make some suggestions on blogs and forums. You can get some ideas from genuine experts, but it will take time.
  • You can read our list and pick a cause and effect topic for free. You are free to reword it just the way you like. And remember, we update the list periodically so we can help as many students as possible with original topics. Don’t hesitate to take a closer look at feminist essay topics .

Our Free List of Cause and Effect Essay Ideas

Without further ado, here is our list of 100% original cause and effect essay topics, updated for 2020. Pick a topic for cause and effect essay and start writing right now!

Social Media/Internet Cause and Effect Topics

Need some excellent social media/internet cause and effect topics? Look no further than our free list of topics:

  • The effect of cell phones on US youth.
  • The cause and effect of cyber bullying.
  • Why is Google the largest search engine?
  • The effects of identity theft.
  • Are social media sites losing popularity? Why?
  • Cause or playing video games and its effects.
  • Social media and its effects on teens.

Fun Cause and Effect Essay Topics

Of course, we have some very interesting and fun cause and effect essay topics for you. Pick any of these and start writing right now:

  • The causes why men are afraid to commit.
  • Does a happy marriage have an effect on mental health?
  • The causes why video games are so popular.
  • The effects of eating your veggies.
  • The cause and effect of a low grade on your essay.
  • The use of screens to write instead of pen and paper.
  • The effects of wearing a school uniform.

Culture Cause and Effect Topics

Looking for culture cause and effect topics? We have some of them in our list, of course. Just pick the best one:

  • Does mass media cause a bias effect?
  • Skinny models are causing a spike in anorexia cases.
  • Discuss China’s one-child-per-family policy.
  • Does college affect a student’s skills?
  • The effects of going to the theatre regularly.
  • Do some people learn foreign languages faster?
  • Reality shows have a negative impact on youths.

Very Good Cause and Effect Essay Topics

Looking for very good cause and effect essay topics? Want the best topics? Here are some ideas for you:

  • Hormonal changes are causing mood swings.
  • Is your career influenced by bad eating habits?
  • Personal relations are improved by humor.
  • Stress can be reduced by regular exercise.
  • Children are unhealthy because of junk food.
  • Doing lots of homework doesn’t get you better grades.

Health Cause and Effect Ideas

When it comes to health cause and effect ideas, you won’t find better topics than ours. Check them out below:

  • Causes and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Energy levels drop when eating junk food.
  • The causes of Parkinson’s disease.
  • Joint problems are caused by obesity.
  • The cause of stress and its effects on health.
  • Obesity is impacting the healthcare system in the US.
  • The main causes of cardiovascular disease.

Easy Cause and Effect Essay Topics

Don’t want to spend an entire day writing the essay? Just pick one of our easy cause and effect essay topics:

  • The effects of pollution in Europe.
  • How dangerous are earthquakes?
  • The main causes of racism.
  • The effect of telling a lie.
  • The cause of the tsunami.
  • Has your favorite book influenced you?
  • The effect your pet has on you.

Cause and Effect Essay Topics for College Students

Here are some cause and effect essay topics for college students that you will really appreciate:

  • Why did you choose your major?
  • The causes and effects of World War II.
  • Water vapors can cause a greenhouse effect.
  • The causes and effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Multitasking causes an increase in stress.
  • Strict immigration policies are causing severe tensions in the US.

Relationships Cause and Effect Ideas

Discussing relationships can be an excellent choice for an essay. Pick one of our relationships cause and effect ideas:

  • Many breakups are caused by financial problems.
  • How a parent’s behavior influences his or her kids.
  • Affordable housing causes an increase of happy couples.
  • Can a friendship end because of poor communication?
  • Facebook can ruin your relationship.
  • The effect of a Lottery win on relationships.
  • The effect of smartphones of relationships.

Cause and Effect Paragraph Topics

Looking to write just a cause and effect paragraph? No problem! Here are some cause and effect paragraph topics:

  • The effect of the Internet on high school students.
  • What causes you to get low grades?
  • Families are affected by vacations.
  • Illegal deforestation is causing global warming.
  • Should we conserve water?
  • The dangers of being bullied.

Cause and Effect Speech Topics

Need to write a speech? We have plenty of cause and effect speech topics. Check them out below:

  • Is your personal information private?
  • The effects of illegal immigration on the US.
  • The effects of the Coronavirus on the UK.
  • Which is more loyal, a dog or a human?
  • The main causes of global warming.
  • The effects of a positive mindset.
  • Good food really makes you happy.

Environment Cause and Effect Topics

Discussing the environment can be very interesting, so we have an entire section with environment cause and effect topics:

  • What causes forest fires in the US?
  • The effects of water conservation.
  • What causes natural disasters?
  • Do forecasts help prevent natural disasters?
  • Why do some fish go extinct?
  • The extinction of the dinosaurs.
  • The effects of city pollution on humans.

Smoking Cause and Effect Topics

Is smoking really that bad? What about the menthol in cigarettes? Pick one of our smoking cause and effect topics and start writing:

  • The effects of heavy smoking.
  • Is pancreatic cancer deadly?
  • The causes of not having medical insurance.
  • Does nicotine affect your brain?
  • The effects of quitting smoking.
  • The causes why people start smoking.

Cause and Effect Topic Ideas for High School

Perhaps you want something easier, more appropriate for high school students. Check out our cause and effect topic ideas for high school students:

  • The causes of acne.
  • Do children suffer from social anxiety?
  • The effects of cheating on your tests.
  • What causes rivalry between siblings?
  • The causes of teenage rebellion.
  • Why do people want to travel so much?

Education Cause and Effect Ideas

Want to make a change? Pick one of these education cause and effect ideas and present your opinion to your professor:

  • Does college education give you a better life?
  • The causes of cheating at exams.
  • The effect of standardized tests on students.
  • Why do students consider school boring?
  • Are single-sex classrooms necessary?
  • The effect of homeschooling on a child.
  • Do professors burn out?

Social Problems Cause and Effect Topic Ideas

There will always be social issues to be discussed. Choose one of the social problems cause and effect topic ideas and make a change:

  • Why are men earning more than women in the US?
  • The effect of food insecurity on people.
  • What causes extreme poverty in the UK?
  • What causes widespread racism views?
  • The causes of poor sanitation.
  • Why are disabled people unable to get good jobs?
  • Should children watch news reports?

Need More Cause and Effect Ideas?

Didn’t manage to find the perfect topic in our list of cause and effect topic ideas? Don’t worry about it! You can still get some help and avoid spending another day looking for a topic elsewhere. Our seasoned academic writers can send you an entire list of topics and you can pick the best one. We move very fast, so you can expect to get the list in no time. And remember, our writers are genuine experts and hold degrees in various fields. Get the help you need right now!

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Cause And Effect Essay Guide

Cause And Effect Essay Outline

Caleb S.

How to Create a Cause and Effect Outline - An Easy Guide

10 min read

cause and effect essay outline

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Best Cause and Effect Essay Examples To Get Inspiration + Simple Tips

How To Write A Cause and Effect Essay - Outline & Examples

230+ Cause and Effect Essay Topics to Boost Your Academic Writing

In academic paper writing, students often tackle diverse essay types, including cause and effect essays. 

Cause and effect essays act as a gauge for how well students can use logical reasoning to understand the outcomes of different actions.

However, the most crucial element while writing this type of essay is to create an outline. 

Many students skip outlining, thinking it's time-consuming. While creating a cause and effect paper outline does take time, it actually saves more time during writing. Following a detailed plan makes the writing process easier, ensuring you don't miss key details and can draft a logical, organized essay. 

Follow the steps given in this blog for a perfect outline.

Arrow Down

  • 1. What is a Cause and Effect Essay Outline?
  • 2. Cause and Effect Essay Outline Format
  • 3. How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay Outline?
  • 4. Cause and Effect Essay Outline Examples

What is a Cause and Effect Essay Outline?

A cause and effect essay outline is a detailed plan of action that students follow throughout the writing process. It is the key factor in writing a successful essay as it provides help in the following ways:

  • It is used to organize thoughts logically.
  • It makes the writing process easier and saves enough time to proofread.
  • It helps the writer concentrate on the main points that need to be described in the essay.

It is not required to write full sentences at this step. Instead, state the ideas and structure them in the right order.

Furthermore, it is important to choose a unique topic before developing an outline. Check out our compiled list of good  cause and effect essay topics  to grab the reader’s interest.

Cause and Effect Essay Outline Format

Cause and effect essay outline generally follows a five-paragraph format. However, the number of body paragraphs may vary according to the topic and scope of the essay. Typically, the cause and effect essay layout contains an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Here is the complete outline format structure of a cause and effect writing:

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How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay Outline?

Follow the steps below to write an effective cause and effect essay outline.

  • Introduction
  • Body paragraphs
  • Antithesis paragraph

The following is a detailed description of the steps to writing an outline.

Step 1: Cause and Effect Essay Introduction

The introduction is the first section written to give an idea of what your essay is about. It provides background information about the topic under discussion. Similarly, it also discusses the issues and focus of the essay’s main argument, along with its purpose.

Thus, try to give a general idea to the reader with the help of a  thesis statement . It is crucial to emphasize how and why the chosen event is relevant to modern life.

For example, if you are writing about the Cold War, state how it is still apparent in global politics.

Furthermore, the  essay introduction  paragraph includes the following elements.

Start With an Attention Grabber

Start your essay with a relevant, attention-grabbing hook statement. It can be in the form of a sentence, quote, anecdote, rhetorical question, or fact. The primary purpose of such a hook is to attract the audience at the beginning of the paper.

Basic Background Information

Mention some background information on the topic to get a clear picture. It will help readers understand the event and connect with the major argument. Similarly, this element is also used to understand the cause and effect before you start writing.

Thesis Statement

It is the central element while writing an introduction. Its absence will indicate that the essay lacks a focus. It is a statement of 1-2 sentences that briefly describes the major argument of the essay.

Moreover, a writer needs to discuss this idea through all the body paragraphs. Thus, make sure to craft a strong thesis statement that correlates with the outline.

Step 2: Cause and Effect Essay Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs provide enough details and facts about the causes that led to the effects.

  • Begin with  topic sentences  that indicate the first cause or effect of your topic. Also, brainstorm to describe their importance.
  • Each paragraph should discuss a single cause and a single effect. Furthermore, the information must be organized in chronological or reverse order.
  • Moreover, it is better to start the body paragraphs by describing causes and presenting the effects later. Analyze both the elements by explaining how and why an effect influenced the events or actions. Make sure that the content relates to the thesis statement and the overall topic.
  • Use  transitional words  to connect the ideas and give relevant examples. Most writers made a common mistake of adding weak and unconvincing causes to reach the word count. As a result, it affects the essay’s credibility.
  • Discuss the below elements while writing the body of your cause and effect essay.

Description of the Cause

This part requires the writer to explain the current situation clearly. It will help the reader to understand the primary argument. Thus, it is important to describe the situation in a way that prepares the reader for effect.

For example, if you are writing about the loss of privacy, that will lead to individual freedom. The focus should be on the technologies that affect freedom.

Description of the Effect

It explains to the reader the logical steps that move from cause to effect. It focuses on explaining what the multiple effects are and how we move from cause to effect.

Following the above example, the writer will explain the connection between privacy and freedom.

Explain the Cause and Effect Relationship

Here, a writer must discuss the importance of the findings. It is used to describe the short and long-term results of the effects. Also, suggest the recommendations to tackle the situation along with future prospects.

Step 3: Cause and Effect Essay Antithesis Paragraph

This paragraph will discuss the other side of the issue by identifying the major causes and effects. Also, explain the causes behind choosing a topic and how it will be relevant to modern life. 

This way, you can show the logic behind the occurrence of the two variables and their possible causes and effects.

Step 4: Cause and Effect Essay Conclusion

The conclusion paragraph aims to provide a brief summary of your essay. Thus, it should leave the audience with the feeling of completeness and make a final emphasis on the major ideas.

This section requires the writer to show how their perspective of the issue has changed by the following analysis. Also, it should further describe the positive and negative effects of the situation.

The conclusion includes the elements discussed below:

Restate the Thesis Statement

Write a few sentences that connect the body paragraphs with the thesis statement. It must also indicate how this statement has helped in proving the main argument of the essay.

Remind the Audience about the Main Points

Here you describe your general outline in strong and precise sentences. Avoid adding any new information. In case you are writing about a major event that influenced the world, such as global warming.

You should write a call to action and suggest what necessary steps need to be taken to overcome the issue.

Draft a Concluding Sentence

Like a convincing introduction; the conclusion should be catchy and compelling as well. Thus, pay attention to this section while writing a college or university essay.

Describe the research outcomes, along with the importance of the essay’s arguments.

Lastly, check out the examples available online. Consider the structure and vocabulary used by most authors to write a cause and effect essay conclusion.

Refer to the example below to better understand writing a cause and effect essay.

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay Outline – Example

Cause and Effect Essay Outline Examples

Below are the cause and effect outline examples and samples for you to understand better.

Cause and Effect Essay Outline Template

5 Paragraph Cause and Effect Essay Outline

MLA Format Cause and Effect Essay Outline

Cause and Effect Essay Outline Sample

Cause and Effect Essay Outline on Divorce

Cause and Effect Essay Outline on Global Warming

Smoking Cause and Effect Essay Outline

Obesity Cause and Effect Essay Outline

Cause and Effect Essay Outline for College Students

Cause and Effect Essay Formal Outline

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cause and effect essay examples

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  1. How to Write Cause and Effect Essay: Step by Step Guide : CollegeRant

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  3. How to write a Cause and Effect Essay?

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  4. How to Write Cause and Effect Essay Guide by EssayHub Writers

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  5. Cause and effect essay outline is the key to well-organized and

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  6. How Do I Write a Cause-Effect Essay?

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VIDEO

  1. Cause-and-Effect Essay

  2. Writing Academic English _ Chapter 6 _ Cause and Effect Essays

  3. Cause Effect Essay

  4. Cause and Effect Essay Assignment (11/7/2023)

  5. 11 Cause and effect essay topics for IELTS in 2020

  6. writing: Cause and Effect essay : الاسباب والنتائج

COMMENTS

  1. 137 Intriguing Cause & Effect Essay Topics for Students

    137 Intriguing Cause & Effect Essay Topics for Students. Teach critical thinking, logic, and the art of persuasion. Cause-and-effect essays aren't just a way to help students strengthen their writing skills. They'll also learn critical thinking, logic, and the art of persuasion. In addition, they teach students to demonstrate how one thing ...

  2. A Guide to Writing a Cause and Effect Essay

    What is a cause and effect essay? A cause and effect essay is a type of expository essay that explores its topic by discussing the issue's causes and consequences. For example, a cause and effect essay about deforestation's role in climate change might discuss a few of deforestation's specific causes, like a demand for wood and the clearing of land for grazing pastures, and then explain ...

  3. 180 Cause and Effect Essay Topics

    A cause and effect essay is a writing assignment that asks you to explore the causes of certain events and link them to their outcomes. These types of essays can be focussed on the causes, the effects, or both. They can follow the typical 5 paragraph essay format, or they can have more body paragraphs than usual, depending on the complexity of ...

  4. 10.8 Cause and Effect

    A cause is something that produces an event or condition; an effect is what results from an event or condition. The purpose of the cause-and-effect essay is to determine how various phenomena relate in terms of origins and results. Sometimes the connection between cause and effect is clear, but often determining the exact relationship between ...

  5. 4.3: Cause and Effect

    Sourced from LibreTexts , licensed under CC BY-NC-SA . 4.3: Cause and Effect is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts. A cause is something that produces an event or condition; an effect is what results from an event or condition. The purpose of the cause-and-effect essay is to determine how ...

  6. 4.4: Cause and Effect Essays

    Writing a Cause-and-Effect Essay. Choose an event or condition that you think has an interesting cause-and-effect relationship. Introduce your topic in an engaging way. End your introduction with a thesis that states the main cause, the main effect, or both. Organize your essay by starting with either the cause-then-effect structure or the ...

  7. 3.1: Introduction to Cause and Effect Essay

    Cause & Effect essays look at reasons for an event and/or the outcomes of an event. Students look at a situation and describe causes, how the situation came about, or effects, the situations that resulted from the event. Effects can be short-term or long-term. Students might need to focus their essay on one or the other or both.

  8. Cause & Effect Essay Topics on Education

    Cause & Effect Essay Topics on Education. Clio has taught education courses at the college level and has a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction. Learning to write cause and effect essays can help ...

  9. How to Write a Cause-and-Effect Essay

    How to Write a Cause-and-Effect Essay. Written by MasterClass. Last updated: Jun 7, 2021 • 2 min read. Cause-and-effect essay structure is a way of exploring relationships between ideas and events. Cause-and-effect essay structure is a way of exploring relationships between ideas and events.

  10. 100 Cause and Effect Essay Topics

    The answer to the question is your thesis. Simple! For step-by-step instructions, see " How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay ." Cause Effect Essays. Examine why something has happened or exists. Speculate about what caused the situation. Examine the results of an event, choice, or situation. Trace the start of a situation to a discussion of ...

  11. Engaging Cause-Effect Essay Topics for Every Interest Area

    Picking a Compelling Cause and Effect Essay Topic. Embarking on the journey of writing a successful cause and effect essay begins with the choice of an engaging topic. Here are some pointers to aid you in selecting an ideal subject: Relevance: Go for a topic that corresponds to your course, current happenings, or areas of interest.

  12. Cause and Effect

    On the other hand, writing about the effects of the 2008 crash on Baby Boomers' retirement plans, or writing about causes of rabies in rural areas in India, may be more productive, as these foci can be tackled within the framework of a college essay. View the following video for more information about cause and effect essays.

  13. 240+ Cause and Effect Essay Topics for Different Fields

    Tips Before Writing Cause and Effect Paper. 1. Define the Category. Write down your potential topic. Break down your subject into smaller statements. Choose an idea you want to cover. Find a way to link your idea to your cause and effect essay. You might end up with single or multiple effects. 2.

  14. The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Cause & Effect Essay for College

    How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay in 7 Steps. A cause-and-effect essay examines the reasons behind a situation or issue and evaluates the impact of those reasons. For example, eating disorders can be the situation (cause), and the consequences (effect) can range from deteriorating mental health conditions to malnutrition and drug addiction.

  15. 8 Cause and Effect Essay Examples to Help You Get Started

    Research and Gather Evidence: Gather relevant data, statistics, examples, and expert opinions to support your arguments. Strong evidence enhances the credibility of your essay. Outline Your Essay: Create a structured outline that outlines the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. This will provide a clear roadmap for your essay and ...

  16. 120 Cause and Effect Essay Topics for College Students

    Cause and Effect Health Essay Topics: The Impact of Smoking on Lung Cancer Rates. The Relationship between Poor Diet and Obesity. The Effects of Air Pollution on Respiratory Health. The Link between Stress and Cardiovascular Disease. The Influence of Sedentary Lifestyle on Type 2 Diabetes.

  17. Cause & Effect Essay

    Cause & Effect Essay. Cause and effect is a rhetorical style that discusses which events lead to specific results. You may find that you are assigned to write a cause and effect essay for a writing class, but you might also encounter cause and effect assignments in other disciplines. For example, you may be asked to write about the causes for ...

  18. 100 Best Cause And Effect Essay Topics For Students

    Causes and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Energy levels drop when eating junk food. The causes of Parkinson's disease. Joint problems are caused by obesity. The cause of stress and its effects on health. Obesity is impacting the healthcare system in the US. The main causes of cardiovascular disease.

  19. PDF Cause and Effect Essay Outline

    Explain the Cause and cause-and-effect relationship. Transition to the next effect relating to this paragraph Cause 2 Effect 2 Support of Thesis Topic sentence (indicates causes, effects, or both) Cause 2 (detailed explanation with examples) effect 2 (detailed explanation with examples) Explain the Cause and cause-and-effect relationship.

  20. Cause and Effect Essay Examples

    A cause and effect essay is a type of essay that explores how an event came into being and what transpires because of that event. We guide you through writing one with examples.

  21. Cause and Effect Essay Outline

    Typically, the cause and effect essay layout contains an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Here is the complete outline format structure of a cause and effect writing: Section 1 - Introduction. A hook statement that grabs the audience's attention. Basic historical information about the topic.

  22. College Education Cause And Effect Essay

    On the other hand, the effects of rising college costs are dropout rate increase, student loan debt, and lack of qualified job applicants. The first cause of rising college costs is student needs. Student needs are room and board, activity, and athletic. Most of higher education institution spend lots. 908 Words.

  23. College Education: Cause and Effect

    Another effect of attaining a college education is a person could have a development in terms of his social life. Mixed of people a person will meet during college days and it helps him to communicate to many people and brings him to a life where full of socializing. A college education is not only important in searching for future jobs to have ...