Planning a Cause and Effect Essay

Planning a Cause-and-Effect (Causal) Argument

When planning your cause-and-effect argument, follow the steps below:

1

Research the topic.

2

Decide its significance. (Is it important enough to gain the interest of your audience?)

3

Brainstorm possible causes and/or effect. (Which is most practical for your argument essay and most likely to appeal to your audience?)

Once you have decided on the topic and mode of argument (causes or effects):

4

Decide how much your audience already knows (How much background do you need to include in your essay about the topic?)

5

Research the topic to find evidence to support your thesis argument. (Are there facts and examples in the research material to support your argument?)

6

Explore opposing viewpoints to your proposal. (Are you able to refute them and show your proposal as more reasonable and appealing?)

Chapter 11: Elements of Argument: 11-7 Planning a Cause-and-Effect (Causal) Argument
Book Title: The Well-Crafted Argument: A Guide and Reader