Cause and effect essays
Write problem, cause and solution essays: explain causes logically, describe effects, and propose realistic solutions.
In this lesson you will
- Structure cause/effect and problem/solution essays
- Link causes to effects logically
- Propose specific, realistic solutions
Learn
Cause/effect essay: Introduction → Causes paragraph → Effects paragraph → Conclusion. Problem/solution essay: Introduction → Problems/causes → Solutions → Conclusion.
Show logical chains: Because many people work longer hours, they have less time to cook; as a result, they rely on fast food, which contributes to obesity.
Solutions language: One possible solution would be to…; Governments could…; This could be addressed by…; An effective measure would be…; If…, this would…
Be specific: Governments could introduce a tax on sugary drinks is better than Governments should do something. Say who does what and why it would work.
Examples
- The main cause of traffic congestion is the growing number of private cars.
- As a result, commuting times have increased significantly.
- One effective measure would be to invest in cycle lanes.
- This could be addressed by offering incentives for car-sharing.
Vocabulary
address (a problem)
deal with
measure
an official action to solve a problem
incentive
something that encourages action
congestion
too much traffic
tackle
try to solve
Practice
Which is a better solution?
Speaking
Explain one social problem in your country: its causes, its effects and two realistic solutions (two minutes).
Writing
Write an essay (250 words): “Many cities suffer from air pollution. What are the causes, and what solutions can you suggest?”
- ☐ Two clear causes
- ☐ A logical chain from cause to effect
- ☐ Two specific solutions (who, what, why)
- ☐ Conclusion
Lesson quiz
“Tackle a problem” means…
Review
Key points
- Causes → effects, or problems → solutions.
- Show logical chains.
- Specific solutions: who, what, why.
- address / tackle / measure / incentive.
What you learned
- ✓ I can write cause/effect and problem/solution essays.
- ✓ I link ideas logically.
- ✓ I propose specific solutions.