Cause-and-Effect Argument Essay

In preparation for Essay 3 and by completing your textbook readings, you will be equipped to respond by objectively compiling information from a variety of sources to compose an essay that understands and practices reading, writing, and rhetoric within the context of a biblical worldview; applies methods of sound reasoning; produces well-structured essays; integrates sources accurately and effectively; writes with clarity; recognizes standard usage in English grammar, word choice (diction), phraseology, and sentence structure; and applies knowledge of sentence structure to basic sentence editing and revision (Syllabus MLOs: A, B, C, D, E, F, G and Module/Week 8 LOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5).

 

In Module/Week 7, you will write a thesis statement and outline for the cause and effect argument essay that you will write in the next module/week.

 

Develop an outline for your cause and effect argument essay that includes a clear thesis statement and a plan of support. Be sure to include all parts identified in “Structuring a Cause and Effect Argument” on pages 475–476 in your Practical Argument textbook. In addition, include at least 4 quotations, 1 summary, and 1 paraphrases into your essay from at least 3 outside sources to support your thesis statement and provide opposing argument(s). Be sure to document your sources correctly according to your documentation style (APA, MLA, or Turabian). Your outside sources can include scholarly sources and the Bible. (Note: Wikipedia is NOT an acceptable source for academic writing.)

 

Cause and Effect Essay Prompt

 

Write a cause and effect argument in which you answer one of the following questions:

 

1. How far should the government go to reduce the likelihood of terrorism on American soil?

2. Should illegal immigrants in the Unites States have constitutional rights?

3. Do immigrants have a duty to assimilate themselves into local culture?

 

Use academic research to include at least 4 quotations, 1 summary, and 1 paraphrase (at least 6 total) from at least 3 sources. Be sure to document your sources correctly according to your documentation style (current APA, MLA, or Turabian). The Bible can count as one of your sources.

 

After reading pages 468–481 in your Practical Argument textbook, you will be prepared to plan your own cause and effect argument that addresses one of the following questions:

 

1. How far should the government go to reduce the likelihood of terrorism on American soil?

2. Should illegal immigrants in the Unites States have constitutional rights?

3. Do immigrants have a duty to assimilate themselves into local culture?

 

Begin by reviewing the reading assignment with special attention to page 468—What is a Cause-and-Effect Argument?, page 471—Understanding Cause-and-Effect Relationships, and pages 475–476—Structuring a Cause-and-Effect Argument.

 

Next, do some preliminary research about your topic utilizing the scholarly resources such as those found on the Jerry Falwell Library. (You will need to integrate at least 4 quotations, 1 summary, and 1 paraphrases into your essay from at least 3 outside sources.)

 

Finally, create an outline that includes a clear thesis statement and a plan of support. Be sure to include all of the parts identified in “Structuring a Cause-and-Effect Argument” found on pages 475–476 in your Practical Argument textbook.

 

Review the Outline Suggestions and Proofreading Checklist (below) and the Ethical Argument Outline rubric before submitting your thesis/outline in Blackboard.

 

Outline Suggestions

 

One of the most common difficulties students experience while writing a paper is organization. After you have generated some ideas for your essay, you will want to create an outline. Use this information to create an outline for each of your essays before you write your initial draft. Remember that outlines are subject to change as the ideas in your essays evolve. Simply use the outline as a way to get you started.

 

Outlines will vary depending on the exact goal of the piece, but every outline should contain the following elements:

 

I. Introduction

A. Interest-catcher that relates to your thesis

B. Sentence that connects your interest-catcher to your thesis

C. Your thesis, which identifies the topic and reveals the central claim you are making about the issue

D. Overview of your main points (optional)

 

II. Several Body Paragraphs with Main Supporting Points (Remember that these should support the claim you have made in your thesis.)

A. Topic sentence introducing the focus of the paragraph in some clear way

B. Specific example(s), facts(s), etc. that support your point. Use properly cited quotes, paraphrases, or summaries.

C. Your explanation and analysis of example(s) (Avoid 1st and 2nd person pronoun usage)

D. Summative sentence

E. Remember to provide transitions for your reader.

 

III. Body Paragraph(s) Discussing Opposition (This could also be addressed before your supporting points. There are other possibilities for organization, but it takes great care to make the flow of thoughts understandable to the reader, so we will just start with these.)

A. Topic sentence identifying opposing viewpoint

B. Explanation as to why you disagree (Avoid 1st and 2nd person pronoun usage)

C. Examples, facts, etc. that support your reason for disagreement

D. Summative sentence

E. Remember transitions into the next paragraph.

 

IV. Conclusion

A. Sums up what you talked about in your body paragraphs

B. Reiterates your thesis in different words

C. Drives home any final thoughts or call for action

 

Remember that this is just a rough guide, not a strict formula.

 

Proofreading Checklist

 

Part 1

 

Read through your paper and check the appropriate boxes on the chart below. If any area of your paper needs revision, make sure you correct it before submitting your essay. One of the best ways to proofread your writing is to read it backward to forward, sentence-by-sentence. This helps you to see words and ideas that you may have missed. Another very successful tool for proofreading is to read your work out loud to someone else. Individuals often think that handing their paper to someone and asking them to read it is the same thing, but it is not. Instead, ask someone to listen while you read your own words. You will immediately hear what you missed or will want to improve in your writing.

 

Reading & Study Application

Successful

Needs Revision

 

 

 

1. Thesis statement: Makes a clear argument explaining the need to examine causes or to consider effects for one of the prompt questions provided.

 

 

2. Evidence: discusses less important causes or effects.

 

 

3. Evidence: discusses major causes or effects.

 

 

4. Integrates at least 4 quotes, 1 summary, and 1 paraphrase from at least 3 outside sources.

 

 

5. Refutation of opposing arguments: Considers and rejects other possible causes or effects.

 

 

6. Conclusion: Reinforces the argument’s main point; includes a strong concluding statement.

 

 

7. Contains pathos (emotional) appeals, (values/belief) appeals, and/or logos (factual) appeals as appropriate.

 

 

8. Title reflects issue and proposal information.

 

 

9. Uses only third person pronouns (all first and second person pronouns have been removed).

 

 

10. If using current  APA format , it contains properly formatted, title, abstract, and references page.

If using current  MLA format , it contains a properly formatted Works Cited page.

If using current  Turabian format , it contains a properly formatted title page and Bibliography page.

 

 

11. Double-spaced.

 

 

12. Font is 12-point Times New Roman.Font is 12-point Times New Roman.

 

 

13. References / Works Cited / Bibliography page includes all sources cited within the body of the essay.

 

 

14. Checked spelling, grammar / mechanics.

 

 

 

 

Part 2

 

When you are satisfied with the quality of your outline, post it to Blackboard. Do not forget to write your degree program and if you are using current MLA, APA, or Turabian on the title page and in the "Submission Title" field when submitting your paper.

 

Submit your Essay 3 Thesis / Outline by 11:59 pm (ET) on Monday of Module / Week 7.

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