Writing a Cause-Effect Essay
You've selected a topic, done your research, and formed a focus. Now it's time to write your first draft. Relax. You have all the material you need. Now you just need to put it down in a first form. Your draft doesn't have to be perfect: That's what revising and editing are for.
Writing the Beginning Paragraph
Your beginning paragraph starts with a lead that gets your reader's attention, includes detail sentences that explain the cause-effect relationship, and ends with a focus statement that tells readers just what your essay will be about.
Write a lead.
Read each lead-writing strategy and example, and write your own leads related to your topic. Make a copy of this Google doc or download a Word template.
- Ask a question.
What did you eat for lunch today?
(Answers will vary.)
- Relate the topic to your own experience.
Last year, school lunches changed in a big way.
(Answers will vary.)
- Start with a thought-provoking fact or statement.
School districts are taking a closer look at school lunches.
(Answers will vary.)
Write your beginning paragraph.
Write your best lead sentence, add detail sentences, and provide your focus statement. Make a copy of this Google doc or download a Word template.
Lead Sentence
(Answers will vary.)
Detail Sentences
(Answers will vary.)
Focus Statement
(Answers will vary.)