The Writing Assignment

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Write an essay about an important or intriguing subject, and speculate about why it might have occurred or what its effects might be. Make sure that it is an appropriate subject for a speculative causal analysis and not simply a report of widely accepted causes or effects. Be sure to demonstrate that the subject exists and to argue for the plausibility of certain causes or effects, while anticipating your readers’ likely objections to your argument as well as their preferred alternative.

This Guide to Writing is designed to help you compose your own causal analysis and apply what you have learned from reading other selections in the same genre. The Starting Points chart will help you find answers to questions you might have about composing an essay arguing for causes or effects. Use the chart to find the guidance you need, when you need it.

STARTING POINTS: ARGUING FOR CAUSES OR EFFECTS

Click the Starting Points chart to download.

A Well-Presented Subject How do I come up with a subject to write about?

  • Consider possible topics: Popular culture.

  • Consider possible topics: Self-destructive behavior.

  • Consider possible topics: Current events.

  • Choose a subject to analyze.

  • Test Your Choice: Choosing a Topic
How can I present my subject clearly and effectively?

  • Determine the writer’s purpose and audience.

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: A well-presented subject.

  • A Well-Presented Subject: Reframing the Subject for Readers

  • A Well-Presented Subject: Using Examples to Reframe the Subject

  • A Well-Presented Subject: Using Anecdote to Dramatize the Subject

  • Present the subject to your readers.

  • A Troubleshooting Guide: A Well-Presented Subject

A Well-Supported Causal Analysis How do I come up with a list of possible causes to explore?

  • Analyze possible causes or effects.

  • Conduct research.

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How can I convince my readers that the causes I identify are plausible?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: A well-supported causal analysis.

  • A Well-Supported Causal Analysis: Using Examples and Comparisons

  • A Well-Supported Causal Analysis: Using a Variety of Sources

  • A Well-Supported Causal Analysis: Using a Source

  • Analyze possible causes or effects.

  • Conduct research.

  • Cite a variety of sources to support your causal analysis.

  • Formulate a working thesis stating your preferred cause(s) or effect(s).
An Effective Response to Objections and Alternative Causes or Effects How do I deal with my readers’ likely objections or alternative causes?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: An effective response to objections and alternative causes or effects.

  • An Effective Response: Putting Aside Obvious Causes or Effects

  • An Effective Response: Presenting, Conceding, and Refuting Opposing Views

  • An Effective Response: Using Counterexamples

  • Draft a response to objections readers are likely to raise.

  • Draft a response to the causes your readers are likely to favor.

  • A Troubleshooting Guide: An Effective Response
A Clear, Logical Organization How can I help my readers follow my argument?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: A clear, logical organization.

  • A Clear, Logical Organization: Using Cause-Effect Sentence Strategies

  • A Clear, Logical Organization: Using Headings and Other Strategies

  • A Clear, Logical Organization: Using Rhetorical Questions

  • Create an outline that will organize your causal analysis effectively for your readers.

  • A Troubleshooting Guide: A Clear, Logical Organization