Rationale
English is a vital language for international communication, especially in Vietnam, where many foreign investors establish companies and seek employees proficient in English As a result, English proficiency has become a key criterion for securing good jobs in the country Learning English not only enhances job prospects but also broadens one's understanding of different cultures and lifestyles However, mastering a foreign language is challenging, and learners must focus on four essential skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking Among these, writing is often perceived as the most difficult skill, as it requires a solid grasp of grammar and a rich vocabulary Many learners mistakenly believe that strong speaking skills will automatically translate to writing ability, but they often find that writing presents unique challenges Therefore, developing writing skills demands patience and consistent practice.
Writing is an essential skill utilized across various professions and is a crucial part of daily life As students, you will encounter numerous writing tasks, including assignments, essays, and graduation reports To excel in writing, it is important to plan thoughtfully and understand the techniques necessary for effective communication.
If you want to write an essay effectively, first of all, you must write paragraphs well
Successful essay writing relies on various factors, particularly the understanding of writing skills and their impact on crafting coherent paragraphs and essays However, due to time constraints, the study of Cause and Effect essays is often not thoroughly covered in writing courses, leaving students with limited knowledge To deepen my understanding of this topic and share valuable insights on transition signals, I have chosen to focus my graduation paper on effectively writing Cause and Effect essays in English.
Aims of the study
Studying any subject requires significant time and effort to research all relevant factors, and this is particularly true for writing a Cause and Effect essay in English To effectively tackle this type of essay, it is essential to understand the fundamental principles of essay writing Therefore, my study focuses on achieving specific, concrete goals based on this foundational theory.
Providing learners with the theoretical background of writing, such as the theory of academic writing, essay and especially, the theory of Cause and Effect essay
Studying the processes of writing Cause and Effect essay in detail Pointing out the common mistakes facing the learners in the process of writing Case and Effect essay
Giving some suggested advices and specific exercises to help English learners improve writing Cause and Effect effectively.
Methods of the study
Utilizing a scientific method of study is crucial for completing my graduation paper I diligently search for essential documents in reference books and online sources After thoroughly reviewing these references, I extract and select valuable information pertinent to my research Consequently, I gather examples from a variety of writing materials and grammar books.
Besides, I also provided the learners with a lot of specific samples to demonstrate and help them understand deeply about Cause and Effect essay in each example
I applied my knowledge and experience achieved in the process of the study at Haiphong Private University on this subject
Especially, my supervisor as well as my friends have given me lots of useful advices.
Scope of the study
A Cause and Effect essay is a fundamental component of various forms of discourse, including speaking, reading, listening, and particularly writing This article will concentrate on the theory behind Cause and Effect essays, explore the different types available, and provide effective methods to assist students in crafting their own essays successfully.
Design of the study
This paper consists of three parts:
Part one: Introduction- shows the rationale, aims, methods, scope and design of the study
Part two: Development ( the main part of the study) is divided into three chapter:
Chapter I: Theoretical background – provides an overview of Academic writing, essay, Cause and Effect essay ( definition, structural parts and types of Cause and Effect essay)
Chapter II: Studies on how to write a Cause and Effect essay in English effectively It presents the processes; the rules and transition words of Cause and Effect essay
Chapter III: The implication of the study - states the problems facing learners and suggested solution in writing Cause and Effect essay
Part three: Conclusion: - Summarizes the main points of the study
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
An overview on academic writing
Academic writing is a formal style of writing used by students in colleges and universities to express their thoughts and experiences It encompasses various forms, including storytelling, event descriptions, and object analysis, all aimed at conveying clear and coherent ideas This type of writing is essential for effectively communicating knowledge and insights in an academic setting.
Oshima (2004.Addition Wesley Publishing Company) says that
“Academic writing, as the name implies, is kind of writing that you are inquired to do in college or university”
Stephen Bailey (2006.Routledge Publishing Company) defines :
Overseas students at English-medium colleges and universities often face significant challenges when it comes to writing essays and dissertations, as most courses require written assessments To support these international students, an academic writing course has been introduced, focusing on the skills necessary for completing coursework and exams in English.
Academic writing distinctively differs from other writing forms—such as personal, literary, journalistic, and business writing—primarily due to its unique audience, tone, and purpose, as noted by Oshima.
When writing, it's crucial to consider your audience, as understanding who will read your work enhances your ability to communicate clearly and effectively In the realm of academic writing, your primary audience consists of instructors and professors, making it essential to tailor your content to their expectations and standards.
When creating content, it's essential to consider both your audience and the tone of your writing, as the tone reflects your style and attitude towards the subject matter This tone is conveyed through your choice of words, grammatical structures, and even the length of your sentences, all of which should align with the expectations and preferences of your readers.
The tone of a piece of writing, whether serious, amusing, personal, or impersonal, is primarily influenced by its intended audience rather than its subject matter While academic writing typically maintains a formal tone, it doesn't always have to be excessively formal; authors may opt for a less formal language and structure to enhance communication with readers.
Every type of writing should have a distinct and clear objective In academic writing, the primary purpose is often to explain concepts, but it can also aim to persuade or convince the audience of the validity of a specific viewpoint on an issue.
The purpose of a piece of writing will determine the rhetorical form chosen it A persuasive essay will be organized in one way and an expository essay in another way
An essay is a comprehensive piece of writing that comprises multiple paragraphs focused on a single topic, which is often too complex to be addressed in just one or two paragraphs According to Oshima and Hogue (2004), to effectively explore this topic, it is essential to break it down into several paragraphs, each dedicated to a major point Additionally, the essay should be unified through an introduction and a conclusion that connect all the individual sections.
2.2 The structural parts of an essay
An essay has three main parts: Introduction, Body and Conclusion
It occupies about 10% of the total length, maybe one or several paragraphs depending on the essay length Consisting of two parts
- General statements : Introduce the topic, provide background information and limit the scope of discussion
- Thesis statements : Define the topic, and present the plan of coverage including your line of argument/viewpoint/conclusion
In short, these statements are from general to more specific
Including one or more paragraph Each paragraph has one main point ( topic sentence) and link together
Summing up argument or information with reference to the essay question Wider implication or future direction is mentioned
An overview on Cause and Effect essay
A cause and effect essay explores the relationship between events, detailing why an event occurred and the resulting consequences This type of essay can focus on both causes and effects or concentrate on just one aspect A cause essay examines the reasons behind an occurrence, while an effect essay analyzes the outcomes following a specific event or situation.
A cause and effect essay, as defined by Boardman and Frydenberg (2001), explores the relationship between two events or actions, analyzing how each influences the other and the outcomes that arise from these interactions Each topic in such an essay typically encompasses multiple potential causes and effects.
Marriage is often perceived as a pathway to happiness, yet this assumption can be challenged when considering factors like arranged marriages, those resulting from unexpected pregnancies, or unions formed for convenience This raises the question of whether happiness is a direct outcome of marriage or if, conversely, happiness can be the driving force leading to marriage.
3.2 Structure of Cause and Effect Essay
As aforementioned, cause and effect writing gives reasons and explanations for events, conditions, or behaviors The following is a common structure of a cause and effect essay a, Introduction
Hook: introduces the causes/effects
Background information helps the readers understand the causes and effects It can give historical information
Thesis statement showing a relation between causes and effects b,Body
Topic sentence Supporting details Body paragraph 2 (cause 2/effect2)
Topic sentence Supporting details Body paragraph 3 (cause 3/effect 3)
Topic sentence Supporting details c, Conclusion
Rebels with causes and Effects
Margaret Mead, a renowned anthropologist, is celebrated for her research on adolescents across different cultures, especially in primitive societies She posits that the transition from childhood to adulthood need not be a challenging experience However, in many cases, this transition is fraught with difficulties.
Western societies In the United Sates, for example, going through the teenage years is challenging for both teenagers and their parents
We can take comfort; however, in the fact that there are many reasons that teenagers rebel against their parents and in the fact that there are also positive effects
Teenage rebellion is primarily driven by physical and hormonal changes during puberty, which signal a transition from childhood to adolescence As adolescents experience these profound changes, they feel the need to assert their independence, leading to a psychological distancing from their parents This desire for autonomy is often accompanied by a physical separation, as teenagers increasingly seek to align themselves with their peers and distance themselves from parental influence Consequently, parents may come to symbolize authority and the establishment, which teenagers may view as representing the negativity in the world.
Despite the challenges of adolescence, this period offers significant benefits as teenagers develop their independence and critical thinking skills During this rebellious phase, they learn to assess the world around them, fostering socialization and a sense of autonomy separate from their families.
Forming relationships outside the family is crucial for teenagers' individual development and survival This period of experimentation allows them to gain valuable experiences, provided it is approached in a balanced manner.
The journey from adolescence to adulthood is marked by the development of confidence, which plays a crucial role in shaping a teenager's social and psychological strength This newfound self-assurance equips them to navigate the challenges of adult life, ultimately enabling them to become productive members of society.
In conclusion, although adolescence can be challenging and uncomfortable, it is an essential phase in developing responsible and thoughtful adults Both teenagers and parents may feel overwhelmed during this time, but most emerge from it stronger and more resilient.
3.2.1 Structure of the Cause Essay a, Introduction
In a cause paper, the introduction should include a concise overview of the effect being analyzed It is essential to present a clear thesis that outlines the basis for the causal chain and identifies the specific effects The central inquiry revolves around understanding the underlying causes of the phenomenon.
Government policies have significantly exacerbated fuel shortages, leading to more severe impacts than previously experienced The introduction of these policies has directly contributed to the current challenges in fuel availability, highlighting the need for a critical examination of their effects.
Discuss various links in the causal chain, either tracing it backwards from effect to first cause, or beginning with the first cause
Use transitions flexibly and appropriately c, Conclusion
Return to thesis, and then speculate on possible first causes to right a bad effect or possible other causes that might have destroyed or otherwise altered the good effect
In a cause essay, we have the block style : Multiple causes -> effect
Listing the causes of a situation a, Introduction : Effect of causes
Final comment Restateme nt b, Body:
What are the cause of happiness ? The causes of happiness can be physical, emotional, or behavioral things which you gain in your life
Achieving happiness involves cultivating peace of mind, maintaining physical activity, and staying energized throughout the day A peaceful mindset reduces worries, while engaging in sports not only keeps you fit and healthy but also boosts your overall happiness Additionally, ensuring a good night's sleep is essential for feeling refreshed and energized, enabling you to tackle the day without fatigue.
Emotional well-being is significantly enhanced by having supportive friends and family, fostering happiness and resilience during challenging times Engaging with loved ones provides essential support, helping you navigate difficulties you may struggle to face alone Additionally, maintaining a healthy self-esteem contributes to a positive self-image, while personal control empowers you to feel more confident and satisfied with yourself.
Behavioral happiness is achieved through social engagement, a positive attitude, and a cheerful personality To cultivate this happiness, it is essential to improve your behavior and actively connect with others.
Cause 3 and maintain steady partnerships You should also have a positive attitude because your attitude affects others and their attitude too
Personality is the way you express who you are as a person and this is how others determine their opinion of you
In conclusion, happiness can be found through physical, emotional, and behavioral happiness You should follow these three things to live a happy life
3.2.2 Structure of the Effect Essay a, Introduction
An effective introduction to an effects paper should begin by outlining the cause, serving as a reversal of a traditional cause paper It is essential to present a clear thesis that establishes the basis for the effects discussed Additionally, the primary cause should be described in detail, potentially spanning multiple paragraphs The central focus should be on exploring the various effects that arise from this cause.
For example, in an essay with the thesis “ Passage of a national health program will result in heavy burdens on doctors”, the introduction should discuss the health insurance program b, Body
Discuss each effect, tracing its path back to the casual chain and the root cause c, Conclusion
Return to thesis; speculate in possible first cause to right each bad effect
Positive and negative effects of internet
1996 was the year of Internet We constantly saw and heard the word
AN ANALYSIS ON PROCEDURE OF WRITING A
Rules for a good cause and effect essay
In cause-and-effect analysis, the focus is on the causal relationships between events rather than their chronological order This type of analysis explores how one event can lead to another, with multiple factors potentially contributing to a single outcome Understanding these causal links is essential for comprehending how various elements interact and influence each other.
In the introduction, it is essential to establish a solid foundation for your topic, offering relevant context that engages the reader Following this, a clear thesis statement should be presented, outlining whether the essay will focus on the causes or effects related to the subject matter.
Provide in your thesis statement an indication of the nature of the (typically three or four) causes or effects that you will discuss
In the body paragraph , analyze the causes or effects, giving a paragraph to each major cause or effect
Use proper word indicators to show causes or to show effects
Explore each cause or effect thoroughly; do not just write a list
Do not shift away from the causes or effects For instance, do not discuss ways to avoid sunburn in a paper whose purpose is to discuss the causes of sunburn
Regularly remind your reader of your main idea or state the importance of the topic
Analyzing causes involves understanding the relationship between events that lead to an unexpected outcome, which is unlikely to occur in the same manner again In contrast, analyzing effects focuses on the results of specific actions taken.
When analyzing multiple causes for a specific effect, it is essential to understand the different types of causes involved Although these causes may be unrelated to one another, they all contribute to the overall effect These causes are often referred to as factors, highlighting their individual roles in influencing the outcome without being causally connected.
When crafting your argument, focus on clarity and brevity; avoid overwhelming your audience with excessive information, as this is not a dissertation Stay on track by presenting your ideas concisely and directly, steering clear of a never-ending cycle of thoughts.
When addressing complex topics, it's essential to consider the various causes and effects involved Take the time to evaluate which factors are most relevant and beneficial for your discussion, as some may prove more useful than others.
Discuss causes or effects in a logical order:
-Least obvious to most obvious, or
-Most obvious to least obvious, or
-Most important to least important, or
-Least important to most important, or
-Sequence (first, second, third [or final])
When analyzing causes of varying significance or immediacy, it's advisable to structure your paragraphs by starting with the immediate causes and then moving to the remote ones, or by presenting the less important causes before the more significant ones.
SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO WRITE A CAUSE AND
Some suggestions to improve writing cause and effect essay
To enhance writing clarity and coherence, it's essential to use a variety of transition words that align with the type of paragraph and the writer's intent Each paragraph features its own unique transition signals, so writers should strive to employ these effectively Avoid repetitive use of the same transitional phrases to maintain reader engagement and improve overall flow.
In paragraph (2),(3),(4) the writer use a lot of “ because”, “because of”,
To create engaging cause-and-effect paragraphs, it's essential to utilize a variety of transitional words and phrases Writers should incorporate terms like "due to," "the consequence of," and "as a result of," along with common transition signals such as "first," "second," and "in addition." Additionally, phrases like "for example" can be effectively replaced with "for instance" to enhance clarity and coherence By diversifying transitional language, writers can avoid monotony and improve the overall impact of their writing.
The word “therefore” is changed by “ thus, hence, as a result, indeed, etc”
We can edit Sample Essay 4 by using various transition words
Factors that lead to Success in College
The journey to achieving a college degree is often fraught with challenges that can hinder students from reaching their goals However, with the right support from family and friends, along with strong motivation and a focused mindset, students can successfully overcome these obstacles and fulfill their dreams of graduation.
Students require strong family support to achieve success, as encouragement and assistance from family members can help them realize their potential, especially during challenging times when self-doubt arises The pressures of heavy workloads and difficult exams can lead to stress, making familial encouragement essential for perseverance Additionally, the high costs of tuition and living expenses often compel students to seek part-time work; financial support from their families allows them to focus entirely on their studies.
Students must maintain their motivation to study despite facing numerous responsibilities, including homework, research projects, and exam preparation Many also work after school, returning home late and feeling fatigued This exhaustion often leads to a desire for rest, causing some to postpone their studies However, only the most responsible students push themselves to complete their assignments before sleeping, which can leave them both physically and emotionally drained.
Students must prioritize their goals when choosing a college and major, as selecting the wrong path can lead to wasted time and money Many are unaware of the significance of this decision, often opting for majors that exceed their capabilities or fail to spark their interest This misalignment may result in the need to change majors or even drop out By concentrating on their true aspirations, students can significantly enhance their chances of achieving academic and career success.
Students can make their college journey smoother by staying passionate about their studies, focusing on their goals, and receiving support from their families By embodying the qualities of an eagle, they can learn to concentrate on their aspirations and pursue them relentlessly, regardless of the challenges they may face.
Cause-effect writing explains the reasons and motivations behind events, conditions, or behaviors, fulfilling our inherent desire to comprehend the world Common transitional words that enhance clarity in essays include:
One reason why/ The main reasons why/
There are other reasons that
Owing to/ On account of/ Thanks to
Therefore/Thus/Henc e/As a consequence/
Beyond any shadow of a doubt that/
There is no doubt that/
What is more important is… /
One of the most important reasons why…
Table 1 : Suggested transitional words in cause and effect essay
Basing on these transitional words, we can edit the Sample Essay 5 as follows:
Edited Essay 5: Causes of Overpopulation
Overpopulation occurs when the number of individuals surpasses the environment's capacity to support them, leading to significant challenges in daily life This condition affects everyone, making it one of the most pressing issues we must confront today.
Overpopulation leads to resource scarcity and economic inflation, creating significant challenges for quality of life Experiencing the adverse effects of overpopulation has highlighted the urgent need to address its underlying causes It is crucial that we recognize these issues and take action to mitigate them.
The decline in mortality rates, primarily due to advancements in medicine, is a fundamental cause of overpopulation With new treatments available for previously fatal diseases, life expectancy has significantly increased While modern medications and improved healthcare have enhanced our ability to combat illnesses and reduce deaths, they have also contributed to the challenge of overpopulation.
Recent advancements in nutritional science and medicine have significantly improved human fertility rates, offering various treatments and medications that enhance the chances of conception While these developments are a source of pride and joy, they have also contributed to the growing issue of overpopulation.
Immigration can lead to significant challenges in certain regions, particularly when the influx of people exceeds the outflow from their home countries This imbalance often results in overpopulation, where the local infrastructure struggles to accommodate the growing number of residents As immigrants settle in specific areas, it can create crowded conditions, exacerbating issues related to resource allocation and social services Consequently, managing population density becomes a critical concern for affected regions.
Illiteracy significantly contributes to overpopulation, as individuals without education often lack awareness of the importance of controlling population growth and the detrimental effects it can cause This ignorance leads to a lack of family planning, which is prevalent among the illiterate population and is a major factor in rising numbers While some may view overpopulation as an increase in human resources, it is essential to recognize that more people also means more consumers, resulting in greater demand for limited resources Not every nation can sufficiently provide for its growing population, and as the number of inhabitants continues to rise, the strain on resources will intensify, potentially leading to environmental degradation and disaster.
2.2 Writing correct topic sentences in body paragraphs
A topic sentence is essential for a coherent paragraph as it encapsulates the main idea while narrowing the focus to one or two specific areas for discussion This sentence not only identifies the topic but also presents controlling ideas that guide the content of the paragraph, ensuring clarity and relevance throughout.
We can rewrite the above essay by using correct topic sentences
You know that divorce is more common nowadays, but do you know the causes? According to the statistics offered by INEGI in a survey practiced in