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A Writer's Guide /
A Writer's Situations: Examples and Activities
Activity: Explaining Causes and Effects


Read Examples of Cause and Effect

Whenever we try to understand why something happens, we are determining causes and identifying effects. Writers explain causes and effects to help readers understand a person, an idea, or a process. One of the most difficult aspects of writing a cause-and-effect paper is narrowing your subject to a manageable one.

Visit one of the following links. Consider possible causes for each of the phenomena as well as their effects. Then follow the instructions below.
In the text box below, list the remote and immediate causes and effects of the event described on the Web site. Here's how:

Causes:
  • Immediate causes clearly lead to the situation.
  • Remote causes seem to be the underlying, more basic reasons for the situation.

Effects:
  • Immediate effects or consequences of the situation happen right away.
  • Remote effects are the long-range effects that the situation might have.




When you are finished with your list, narrow your topic to a manageable size.

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