The Confident Writer

1. The Confident Writer Chapter 12: Explaining Causes and Effects

2. “What Is Causing Global Warming?” by David H. Levy

3. 3 signals of Cause and Effect: • The question/answer signal • why, reason, cause, result, because, etc. • The act/consequence signal • if…then • The probability signal • probable, possible, likely, unlikely, may, might, perhaps, etc. Signal Your Readers for Cause & Effect

4. Method 1: Several Causes, One Effect Method 2: Several Effects, One Cause How to Explain Causes and Effects

5. ?s to Consider for Process • Is your topic an issue, a problem, a decision, or a question that both interests and concerns you? • Will your topic also engage your audience? • What is your purpose? Why do you want to write about this topic? • What is your thesis or central idea? What do you want to say about your topic? • How will you introduce your thesis? • What causes or effects will you identify? • What details will you choose to explain them? • Which strategy will you use to alert your reader that a cause-and-effect analysis follows? • Will you use Method 1 or Method 2 to analyze your topic? • What will readers learn from your essay? Think through Your Topic

6. Here is your process for writing a cause and effect essay (follow these easy steps): • Brainstorm your topic using the three signals as a guide. • Decide on a purpose • Write a thesis statement that will control development of essay. • Select and organize evidence. • Avoid logical fallacies: • Oversimplification • Post Hoc • Circular Reasoning Plan & Write Your Essay