practicalargument3e

What Is a Cause-and-Effect Argument?

Cause-and-effect arguments attempt to find causes (Why don’t more Americans vote?) or identify possible effects (Does movie violence cause societal violence?). A cause-and-effect argument identifies the causes of an event or situation and takes a stand on what actually caused it. Alternatively, a cause-and-effect argument can focus on effects, taking a position on what a likely outcome is, has been, or will be.

Many of the arguments that you read and discuss examine causes and effects. In an essay on one of the topics listed below, you would search for the causes of an event or a situation, examining a number of different possible causes before concluding that a particular cause was the most likely one. You also could consider the possible outcomes or results of a given event or situation and conclude that one possible effect would most likely occur:

Are designated bicycle lanes really safer for cyclists?
Is fast food making Americans fat?
Is human activity responsible for climate change?

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Do mandatory minimum sentences discourage crime?
Do charter schools improve students’ academic performance?
Does profiling decrease the likelihood of a terrorist attack?

EXERCISE 13.1

Each of the following visuals takes a stand on an issue related to public health and safety. Look at the visuals, and consider the causes and effects you might discuss if you were writing a cause-and-effect argument, developing the position each one takes. List as many possible causes and effects as you can.

Advertisement promoting gun safety

NoDerog/iStock/Getty Images

Surgeon general’s warnings

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Public-service ad cautioning against driving after drinking alcohol

Courtesy of the Advertising Council. Used with permission.

EXERCISE 13.2

Bumper-sticker slogans frequently make cause-and-effect arguments that suggest the consequences of ignoring the message or the positive results of following the slogan’s advice. Choose three of the bumper stickers pictured below, and explain the cause-and-effect argument each slogan makes.

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Bumper stickers