3.6: Cause and Effect Sample Writing Process

Read the following sample of the prewriting process. You do not need to write anything, just read through each step and pay attention to how the writer develops the topic.

Topic: ____Causes/Effects of stress in college students

Step 1: Brainstorming

Causes and effects of Stress on College Students

Causes		Effects
Cost of tuition Family responsibility Academic Workload Work demands Sleep deprivation	Stress in College Students	Bad grades Health issues Depression Sleep deprivation

Step 2: Outlining

Outline of the Essay

Introduction: Causes of Stress in College Students
Subtopic #1: Family responsibility
Subtopic #2: College expenses
Subtopic #3: Academic workload
Conclusion will end with a prediction as a final thought.

Step 3: Detailed Outlining

I. Introduction

Hook: _______________________________________________________

Background Information: _________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

Thesis Statement: There are many causes for college students to feel stressed.

II. Cause/Effect: Perhaps the most common reason for them to feel stressed is family responsibility.

Explanation: _____________________________________________________

Example: _______________________________________________________

III. Cause/Effect: Another cause of stress is college expenses

Explanation: ____________________________________________________

Example: _______________________________________________________

IV. Cause/Effect: Third, the academic workload can cause students to feel stressed.

Explanation: _____________________________________________________

Example:________________________________________________________

V. Conclusion

Restate thesis: ______________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Final remarks: ______________________________________________________

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