Cause and effect paragraphs

1. Analyzing Causes and Effects
Most situations, events, and actions have causes and effects. When you explain why something happened, or
why you made a certain decision, you are describing the ________.On the other hand, when you explain the
results of something happened, or the results of a decision you made, you are describing the ________.
Signal Words of Cause
I was very happy because I passed my exam. I was very happy since I passed my exam.
Because I passed my exam, I was very happy. Since I passed my exam, I was very happy.
* Use since and because to introduce a clause that states a reason or cause of something. *They can come at
the beginning or at the end of a sentence. *Use a comma if because and since + clause comes at the
beginning of a sentence.
Exercise 1: Complete the sentences below.
I am learning English because .....................................................................................................
I was very sad yesterday since .....................................................................................................
Due to the heavy rain this morning,..............................................................................................
Because of the economic crisis, ...................................................................................................
A topic sentence of a cause paragraph should include the situation (decision, event, etc.) andthe
number of causes. Use expressions such as several reasons, three main causes, two major reasons, etc.
Some examples of topic sentences:
1. I decided to move to New York for several reasons.
2. The economy is doing well for three main reasons.
3. There are several causes of diabets in adults.
Write a title and a topic sentence for the paragraph below.
_________________________
____________________________________________________________. Some people get married
for emotional reasons. They simply want to share a life with the person they love and trust. Others prefer to
marry for financial reasons. For example, sharing medical insurance or bills for couples and families can be
very cost effective. Finally, modern society puts pressure on couples to marry. Many couples feel intense
pressure to marry from their parents, relatives, or other married friends.
 Signal Words of Effect
I was tired. Therefore, I went to bed early. I was tired. As a result, I went to bed early.
I was tired. Consequently, I went to bed early. I was tired, so I went to bed early.
We use therefore,consequently and as a resultto introduce the effect, which is always stated in the second
sentence. Use comma after these words.

2. We also use so to show a cause/effect relationship. So combines two sentences into one. Use a comma
before so.
 The topic sentence for a paragraph about effects should state the situation, decision, event and indicate
that you will discuss its effects.
1. Computers have had several important effects on society.
2. There are a number of consequences of global warming.
3. The birth of my twins has had several effects on my life.
4. The flood caused several problems in our town.
.Write a title and a topic sentence for the paragraph below.
___________________________
_________________________________________________________________. The biggest effect
is on children. Children of divorced parents often have social or emotional problems. Women are also
affected.It is difficult for a divorced woman to find someone to marry. They may also suffer from financial
problems or from not being able to see their children. Men, of course, are also affected. Although many men
want t0 finda suitable partner, they may also find it difficult to get on with someone else. In addition, they
may suffer from financial problems as a result of their divorce. They may also have problems dealing with
their children.In conclusion, divorce is a serious issue with major implications for children, men, women,
and society.
Topics for Cause and Effect Paragraph
Write one cause paragraph and one effect paragraph on one of the topics below:on a)global warming,
b)getting divorced, c)quitting a job, d)buying a house, e)moving to another country, f) having a baby, and g)
moving to Istanbulh)global warmingi)getting marriedj)picking a universityk)choosing a careerl)buying a
house m)immigrating to a new country n)an unhealthy habit.