Cause/Effect Essay

Make sure in your paper that you: 

1.  1)  describe the problem and the immediate context where the problem exists. Present the problem as 

impacting real people, possibly through the use of an anecdote or scenario you create to illustrate the 

issue and its consequences (Pathos) 

2.  2)  Within your introduction, share your thesis where you identify the problem and discuss either the causes 

or effects (depending on the path you selected). 

3.  3)  If you choose to focus on the causes of the problem, what you are doing is giving some contextual history 

surrounding your issue or problem, specifically what has influenced the problem that might not be overtly apparent (politics, economics, limited, education, medical access, environmental influences, etc.) (Logos). If you choose to focus on the effects of the problem, offer possible, specific causal consequences, both immediate and long-term, concerning the problem, but make sure to be reasonable and realistic to avoid hyperbole (over exaggeration) (Logos). 

4.  4)  Address possible counterarguments against the causes and/or effects you give in your paper. This will allow you to recognize the reader might have other ideas about the problem, but YOUR ideas are the better ones to trust (Ethos)

5.  5)  Conclude by offering final hopes how once this issue is addressed the benefits and solutions will directly improve the lives of those impacted. 

Essay Length and Format Requirements: 

 Paper should be typed using Times New Roman, 12 point, double spaced and between 4-5 pages and more than 1,200 words. 

 The essay must include 2-3 peer-reviewed sources to support your assertions in the paper. The essay must include an MLA Works Cited Page that includes all sources cited