What Is a Cause-and-Effect Argument?

Cause-and-effect arguments attempt to find causes (Why don’t more Americans vote?) or identify possible effects (Does movie violence cause societal violence?). A cause-and-effect argument identifies the causes of an event or situation and takes a stand on what actually caused it. Alternatively, a cause-and-effect argument can focus on effects, taking a position on what a likely outcome is, has been, or will be.

Many of the arguments that you read and discuss examine causes and effects. In an essay on one of the topics listed below, you would search for the causes of an event or a situation, examining a number of different possible causes before concluding that a particular cause was the most likely one. You also could consider the possible outcomes or results of a given event or situation and conclude that one possible effect would most likely occur:

• Are designated bicycle lanes really safer for cyclists?

• Is fast food making Americans fat?

• Is human activity responsible for climate change?

• Do mandatory minimum sentences discourage crime?

• Do charter schools improve students’ academic performance?

• Does profiling decrease the likelihood of a terrorist attack?