How to Write a Causal Essay
“Why” is the most popular question among little kids. They want to know how and why everything around happens. Why do we lose this curiosity when we’re getting older? Perhaps, we don’t have much time to figure out all the reasons and effects. When you really need to provide a decent answer on the “why” question, you can write a causal essay. In the guide prepared by our essay writing service, we’ll explain in detail what is a causal essay and how to write it properly.
At the end of our article, you’ll also find a bonus: a list of causal essay topics and an example of a causal essay provided by one of our authors. Enjoy reading and never stop asking, “Why?”
What is a causal analysis essay
Actually, a causal essay or a causal analysis essay is very similar to a cause and effect essay. Certain sources associate causal essays with complex and difficult topics, while cause and effect essays develop mostly simple and narrow topics. We think that it doesn’t matter how you call this essay type. The only important thing to know is what the main purpose of such writing is.
When you write a causal essay, you have to carefully investigate the reasons or consequences of a certain event or phenomenon depending on the topic. Sometimes it can be challenging, as not all the reasons are obvious. Dig deep, and you’ll discover the smallest nuances!
How to write a causal essay: 10 helpful tips
We are sure that these tips will help you to make your essay as effective as possible. We won’t mention the obvious points like dividing your text into paragraphs or grammar checking. Our readers need something more special, right? Check out 10 unusual tips for advanced causal essay writing!
1. Various categories
When you analyze a particular event or phenomenon, pay attention to how it influences different spheres of human life. When you compose an outline, divide all the causes or results into various categories – for example, social, economic, political, etc.
2. Forecasting
If you chose to describe the consequences of a certain event, try forecasting. Some results are not visible at the moment, but you can make suggestions about the further effects. Sure, your predictions should be reasonable and logical.
3. Official statistics
Use official websites to include statistical data in your essay. Don’t forget about citing your sources. In such a manner, your readers will be sure that you’ve based your research on a reliable base.
4. Examples
When you write about a tendency or phenomenon that is widespread, you can use concrete examples to sound more persuasive. For example, if you investigate the main reasons for unemployment, mention the statistical data about a particular country.
5. Different perspectives
Try to look at your topic from different angles. For example, the plague can be considered as one of the factors that boosted the beginning of the Renaissance. Surprised?
6. Focus on the main points
All events have primary and secondary consequences. Firstly, concentrate on the main points and then proceed to less significant results if you’re out of ideas.
7. Summarize
A conclusion is a crucial part of any causal essay. Restate each reason or result in the concluding section to remind readers about the main points of your text.
8. No stereotypes
Don’t fall into stereotypes! For example, adults often blame computer games for teenage aggression. In fact, domestic violence has a much more negative impact on adolescent mentality.
9. Clear language
Make sure that your thoughts are understandable to the general public. Use concise language and clear arguments to simplify the reading process.
10. Logical fallacies
Avoid logical mistakes! A causal essay is one of the essay types that requires extremely accurate logic. You can easily find a list of the most common logical fallacies on the internet and check your writing.
Causal analysis essay topics
Below, you’ll find 20 causal essay topics for different levels of difficulty. Analyze the causes and effects of events, phenomena, and tendencies with EssayShark!
- The effect of social networking on interpersonal relationships.
- Why is there no universal language in the world?
- The main reasons for a college dropout.
- Why has the social attitude toward news changed recently?
- The effect of social media on marketing strategies.
- Why is cultural diversity important for big corporations?
- The effect of bilingualism on an individual’s mentality.
- Is racism less widespread in developed countries?
- Reasons for using GMOs in agriculture.
- What causes water pollution?
- How does music influence our mental health?
- Why have many countries abolished the death penalty?
- The negative impact of social media on stereotypes.
- Why has a healthy lifestyle become popular today?
- How do technologies influence art?
- The effect of alcohol on memory and logical thinking.
- A positive impact of computer games on teenagers.
- What influences trends of the job market?
- Why is a teenager’s self-esteem vulnerable?
- What causes the majority of divorces?
Now we’re at the homestretch! The last section of our guide is a well-written causal essay sample. Learn more about the structure of this essay type thanks to one of our talented writers!
Causal essay example
Effect of Television in American Culture
Television is a part of everyday life for people regardless of culture, religion, or race. The diversification of the products of television companies allows viewers to get entertaining content that evokes interest and satisfaction of needs. It should be noted that the media has always played an essential role in the development of culture. Therefore, information from television sources has the ability to set the trend in society, to focus attention on critical global problems, and to impose a certain urge. In its turn, American culture had both a positive and negative impact on television. Television products set the fundamental values and foundations of life in society, showing fiction films and TV shows depicting people’s real lives. On the other hand, orientation to high ratings and earnings causes TV companies to create products that will be successful, but not of a high quality.
A person needs to be distracted from everyday life in order to avoid routine. Television is one of the ways to spend leisure time. Consequently, the content on the screen has a significant impact on people’s lives, including the subconscious. The global nature of television determines the fact that influence on a broad audience allows one to set trends and give universal messages. Undoubtedly, diversification of content allows the creation of different products that instill values and that are educational (Watson and Arp). It is especially true for entertainment content, including movies, TV shows, talk shows, and reality shows. The popular American TV series Friends is worth noting. This show presents the usual life of three girls and three guys in New York with their problems, difficulties in relationships, and triumphs. The series became a favorite because of the urge that is carried to the audience. Friends shows that any life obstacles are solvable, and real friendship helps to overcome any difficulty. The audience of the series consists of people 16-34 years old, and popularity increased with the onset of school holidays. Therefore, Friends is appropriate for a young audience because it is about a youthful way of life. The characters overcome life’s difficulties and win without the help of their parents, and also have many ways to self-perfection and self-realization. This TV series had an impact on Americans and representatives of other nationalities. First of all, it instilled courage and optimism to start adult life without fear of failures, and also to rely on the help of close acquaintances. Consequently, Friends gave the effect that life is not a set of complexities, but only tests on the road to success.
Television played an essential role in the fight against racism in the United States. Racial segregation was one of the most critical problems in the 20th century, which degraded the dignity of black people over white people. It is no secret that racism is a pressing problem in the modern world. Nevertheless, the gradual emergence of representatives of different races in similar roles on the screen smoothed segregation, allowing to overcome skin color as a factor of choice of the actor or the presenter in place in the television program. For example, the famous African-American actor and TV presenter Bill Cosby had a significant role in American culture through television series. The Cosby Show demonstrated black heroes who were not shown as stereotypical images of poor and badly educated people, but as a full-fledged family with a stable income that has daily life experiences, problems, and triumphs. At that time, it was the flagship show in which the principal actors were black. It is worth noting that in the 1980s such projects were risky because of the possibility of a severe reaction of viewers who were accustomed to seeing white characters on television. Nevertheless, The Cosby Show became a successful series and received many prestigious awards, including an Emmy. Since that time, the role of black people on television has increased, and the emergence of representatives of different races has become more acceptable and common. Undoubtedly, racism is a deeper problem that can not be eradicated through television content alone. As mentioned above, American culture is also characterized in particular by the strong influence of television on society. Therefore, frequent observation of representatives of different races on the screen allows Americans to have subconscious tolerance to all people.
The level of development of television in the US has no analogs in the world.
Apparently, the diversity of television content allows one to reach different target audiences. Nevertheless, TV is also the central platform for promotional activities. Corporations invest in advertising, which millions of viewers will see, competing in the originality and effectiveness of the videos. Nevertheless, the negative side of the industry has a direct impact on society, making material income one of the main aspects of human success. It is no secret that advertising is created in order to obtain higher sales and revenue from a product or service. Consequently, the negative impact of advertising lies in the subconscious effect on the audience, forcing the person to make a choice contrary to rational desires. For example, studies show that the use of children in advertising increases the loyalty of viewers to the product and increases the likelihood of buying (Malik and Guptha). Proceeding from this, the constant psychological impact on the freedom of choice of a person violates the possibility of adequate thinking in the process of buying goods or services. The rapid development of advertising in conjunction with the exaggerated characteristics of products or services leads viewers into confusion and develops a subconscious desire to have this product. Consequently, the multi-year presence of advertising on television broadcasts has determined the constant impact on the psyche of viewers, becoming part of American culture.
Television has played a significant role in the development of modern American culture. Among the positive causes, it is worth noting the creation of films and serials that show the life of characters in the usual conditions familiar to many Americans. For example, Friends shows young people who independently achieve success in a big city.
Also worth noting is the contribution to the fight against racism and segregation. The Cosby Show was one of the first popular projects in which all the main characters were African-American and were not stereotypical images of this race. Nevertheless, television also has a negative impact on American society. The abundance of advertising demonstrates the thirst of corporations to have more sales and revenue, influencing the minds of the viewers. Using a variety of techniques that affect the psyche, commercials make people want and buy a particular product. In turn, it has become part of American culture, determining the set of spending of spectators on the goods imposed by advertising.
Works Cited
Malik, Garima, and Abhinav Guptha. “An Empirical Study on Behavioral Intent of Consumers in Online Shopping.” Business Perspectives and Research, vol. 2, no. 1, 2013, pp. 13–28.
Watson, Jamie Carlin., and Robert Arp. What’s Good on TV: Understanding Ethics Through Television. John Wiley & Sons, 2012.
FAQ on how to write a causal analysis essay
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What is a causal analysis essay?
Causal analysis essays are a form of academic writing. A causal analysis essay usually looks for the leading cause of a specific effect, although it can also be divided into two separate essays (one paper will focus on the cause and another on the effect). A causal analysis essay examines the causes of the economic or social problems stated in the introduction and explores various ways to solve them. This type of essay aims to determine what has led to a particular situation, problem, or effect and find the best way to reduce negative consequences.
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How to make an outline for a causal analysis essay?
Causal analysis essays are not the easiest type to write, but they can be done. You just need to put your mind to it and follow certain writing process steps. To begin writing a good causal analysis essay, you need to outline your work, which means gathering all of the ideas and information you will use in your future essay and writing them on a piece of paper in a specific order. A good outline is always comprehensive and organized. It should always cover the main idea and include all the critical details. It should consist of a well-written thesis statement that expresses your opinion on the topic and at least three reasons supporting your idea.
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What should be the structure of an excellent causal analysis essay?
The structure of an excellent causal analysis essay is a bit different than the usual essays. You’ll need to provide a thesis statement, along with four main steps that support it. First create an introduction, then give some background information on this topic. After the introduction, the second step should be the body paragraph. Here, you can explain how each factor affected the development of this topic. To illustrate your point, add facts and examples from related sources. The third step is usually a brief statement that summarizes what you have just said in the previous points. After that, end your essay with a conclusion. It doesn’t need to repeat everything you have said before, but it should reaffirm your main point. It’s also helpful to provide the readers with valuable advice on how to deal with similar issues in the future or avoid those mistakes again.
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Where to order a high-quality causal analysis essay?
If you have ever considered writing your paper and searched for a place to get it done, you may have encountered many companies that offer such services. Essays are a serious thing. You do not get the chance to make any mistakes. That is why using the service of an expert essay writer makes a lot of sense. This provides you the chance to earn high grades. What is even more important, if you choose the service of an expert essay writer, this person can make sure that your paper is checked for plagiarism before submission and thus make sure it is unique and of high quality.
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How to make a conclusion for a causal analysis essay?
While writing a causal analysis essay, your instructor tells you to make a conclusion. To do this, you need to elaborate on the points you made earlier in your essay and integrate the ideas presented by the other side of the issue into your discussion. Causal analysis essays are generally used when writers are expected to examine the reasons behind certain events and occurrences. They should be able to determine why something happened and whether there is a reason for it.
Causal analysis writing assistance from us
Our mission is accomplished! Now, you know for sure what is a causal essay and how to write it properly. Moreover, you have a great list of causal analysis essay topics. And don’t forget about our amazing sample! We know that you’ll do your best and create a truly brilliant essay using all these helpful tools. In case you don’t feel confident about your writing skills, contact us! The EssayShark team will lend you a helping hand.
