Mode:  Cause and Effect (Chapter 12, page 183)

   As you write, show how a specific cause led to a specific effect.  To indicate those cause-and-effect relationships, use transitional words, such as the following:  “accordingly,” “as a result,” “because,” “consequently,” “for this purpose,” “for this reason,” “hence,” “just as,” “since,” “so,” “such as,” “thereby,” “therefore,” “to illustrate,” and “whereas.”  See pages 192-193 for guidelines.  A thesis statement for a causal analysis has two parts:  the event and the causes.  You can emphasize the causes or the effects.  Because it is hard to be absolutely sure what the causes are, it is a good idea to include a qualifying word:  “The main cause…,” “The most important cause…,” “Although possibly…,” and so forth.

Purpose:         To analyze and explain the causes, the effects, or both the causes and the effects of a phenomenon (text page 184).

Person:           Third person (they, he, she, it) or first person (I, we) strongly recommended

Length:           5 paragraphs, 4-8 sentences per paragraph—vary sentence structure (see page 650 for sample sentence structures).

Topics:            See page 184 for topic ideas

Tense:             Be consistent in your use of verb tense.  If you begin with past tense, continue in past tense.

 

Thesis Examples from Cause-and-Effect Papers:

Because of defective brakes, a hidden yield sign, and bad weather, I wrecked my car.

Kiki’s Chinese Restaurant closed because of its unsanitary conditions, inadequate communication with customers, and poorly prepared food.