Cause and Effect - Mrs. Maldonado's English Class

Cause and Effect Models for Writers Chapter 20 When do you engage in cause and effect writing? Every time you answer a question that asks why, you engage in the process of causal analysis that is

you try to determine a cause or series of causes for a particular effect. Causal analysis Sound reasoning and logic are central to any causal analysis When writing cause/effect essays, writers do not

allow their own prejudices interfere with the log of their analysis and presentations Be cautious of logical fallacies- post hoc, ergo propter hos after this, therefore because of this Immediate causes

Readily apparent (because they are closest to the effect) Ultimate causes Not as apparent (because they are somewhat removed and even hidden)

Causal chain Ultimate causes may bring about effects that themselves become immediate causes, thus creating a causal chain. Example Sally, a computer salesperson, prepared

extensively for a meeting with an important client (ultimate cause), impressed the client (immediate cause), and made a very large sale (chain effect). The chain did not stop there: the large sale caused her to be promoted by her employer (effect). Now its your turn

Read and annotate I Think Therefore IM by Jennifer Lee Class will then discuss and respond to arguments made in the essay After class discussion, it will be your turn to write a cause and effect paper WRITING PROMPT: What are the effects of chronic use of instant messaging? You are responding to this prompt by discussing the

effects of excessive use of instant messaging and pointing out what causes those effects. You MUST use evidence from the reading to support your claims! (direct