مدونة التربية و التعليم في الجزائر – دروس، فروض، نتائج امتحانات مدونة التربية والتعليم في الجزائر | تحضير الدروس، فروض واختبارات، نتائج البكالوريا وBEM، مسابقات التوظيف، والتوجيه المدرسي للطلاب وأولياء الأمور.
English – Writing: Cause and Effect Essay Structure and Transitions – 2nd Year Secondary Bac – Algerian Curriculum
The cause and effect essay is one of the most common types of academic writing tested in the Baccalaureate exam. It explains why something happens (causes) and what happens as a result (effects). Mastering this essay type will strengthen your argumentation skills significantly.
Structure of a Cause and Effect Essay
1. Introduction
Start with a hook to grab attention, provide background information, and end with a clear thesis statement that indicates whether you will focus on causes, effects, or both.
Example introduction :
“In recent decades, social media has become an integral part of daily life for millions of people worldwide. While these platforms offer unprecedented connectivity, they also raise serious concerns about mental health. This essay will examine the main causes of social media’s negative impact on mental well-being and its most significant effects on users.”
2. Body Paragraphs
Each paragraph should focus on one cause or one effect. Use the following pattern :
- Topic sentence that states the cause/effect
- Explanation that provides details
- Evidence (examples, statistics, studies)
- Link back to the thesis or connect to the next point
Example body paragraph :
“The first significant cause of social media anxiety is the culture of comparison. Users constantly see carefully curated highlights of others’ lives, leading to feelings of inadequacy. A 2023 study found that 60% of teenagers report feeling worse about their own lives after browsing Instagram or TikTok.”
3. Conclusion
Summarize the main points, restate the thesis in different words, and end with a final thought or recommendation.
Useful Transition Words and Phrases
| For Causes | For Effects |
|---|---|
| Because of / Due to | As a result / Consequently |
| One reason is… | Therefore / Thus |
| Stems from… | Leads to / Results in |
| Caused by… | Hence / For this reason |
Exercise
Write a short cause and effect paragraph (about 100 words) on ONE of the following topics :
- The causes and effects of air pollution in big cities.
- Why homework is beneficial (or harmful) for students.
- The impact of technology on family relationships.
For more writing help, see our guide to formal letter writing and our lesson on linkers and transitions.