Causal Analysis
Essay Instructions
For the second essay, you will analyze the
causal relationship that explains a given issue. There are two basic approaches: 1) you can
choose a current event or phenomenon and explain how past events caused it, or
2) you can look at a current event or phenomenon and speculate as to what
effects it may have in the future.
Your
goal in this essay is to persuade the reader that a given causal relationship
exists and that it matters.
General Requirements:
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Use MLA formatting and submit as a
.docx attachment.
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Write at least 800 words.
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Use a more formal tone. Avoid personal pronouns like “I” and “we.”
Content Requirements
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At the end of your first
paragraph, your thesis statement must clearly establish the causal relationship
you will be analyzing, as well as some indication of why it matters.
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Be careful to define any specific
terms you use that are central to your argument. Some terms are “loaded” and can be
misinterpreted, while other terms can be technical and be misunderstood. An initial body paragraph with this added
context may or may not be needed to make sure these terms are properly defined
in your essay.
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In the body of your essay, make
sure you focus heavily on showing that a given causal relationship exists. Another person might not agree with the
causal relationship you’ve identified.
How can you persuasively argue that the relationship exists? Answering this question will constitute the
majority of your essay.
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In the conclusion of your essay,
make sure to indicate why this causal relationship matters. What implications does this causal
relationship have on real life? How can
someone in real life benefit from this knowledge?
Research and Citation Requirements
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You must include a Works Cited page.
You must follow MLA guidelines for using a Works Cited page. Your Works Cited page will need to pass the
naked-eye test.
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You must use at least 3 sources that are academically worthy. Google Scholar is a good website to find
academically worthy sources.
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Make sure to include at least one in-text citation for each
source on your Works Cited page.
Since you’ll have a minimum of three sources, that means you’ll need a
minimum of three in-text citations.
