Cause & Effect Paragraphs (Focus on Effect)
A cause-and-effect paragraph explains why something happens (the cause) and what results from it (the effects). When you focus on effect, the topic sentence names a cause and the body lists its effects, one after another.
Structural signals that introduce effects: as a result, consequently, therefore, thus, for this reason, will cause, leads to, will be responsible for. Enumerators help you order them: first of all, secondly, also.
Example paragraph (focus on effect — the Greenhouse Effect):
Some scientists warn that the gradual warming of the earth's atmosphere, known as the Greenhouse Effect, will cause dramatic changes in the world. First of all, because of the increase in temperature, there will be changes in patterns of agriculture — fertile areas like the U.S. Great Plains may become deserts. Secondly, since rainfall patterns will change, water supplies will diminish. Changes in water levels will also be responsible for altered living patterns. Consequently, low areas like Florida may become uninhabitable.
| Cause | Effects |
|---|---|
| Temperature increase | changes in agriculture (Great Plains, Saudi Arabia) |
| Change in rainfall patterns | water supplies diminish (rice fields in SE Asia) |
| Change in water levels | altered living patterns (Florida, Great Lakes) |
Tip: In a focus-on-effect paragraph, the single cause goes in the topic sentence; each effect gets its own supporting sentence with a structural signal.
Common mistake: Listing effects with no signal words, so the reader can't tell cause from effect. Use as a result, consequently, therefore.
✏️ Test Yourself
1. It rained heavily; ___, the match was cancelled.
2. The single ___ goes in the topic sentence.
3. "Will be responsible for" introduces an ___ .
4. "First of all, secondly" are ___ .
📒 Words to learn
Meaning — Deserving pity or compassion, evoking sympathy due to a sad or unfortunate situation.
“I haven't gone there after that pitiable incident.”
Meaning — A secret plan by a group of people to do something harmful or unlawful, often involving deceit or manipulation.
“We will baffle the conspiracies of our enemies.”
Meaning — To block or obstruct the airflow, making it difficult to breathe; also used metaphorically to describe feeling overwhelmed.
“He was choked by his friend without any reason.”
Meaning — To throw, toss, or present something forcefully; often used in sales or presentations.
“The kidnapers pitched them into a car.”
Meaning — The act of being degraded, humiliated, or lowered in quality or value.
“Each confession brought her into degradation.”