Cause to Effect

The cause, which can be an event or action, can be stated right at the beginning of a paragraph, followed by
sentences stating the effects. This type of organization is best for explaining a single cause with different effects.

Example:
Salmonellosis is a type of food poisoning caused by Salmonella enterica
bacterium. People who are infected with such illness experience abdominal
cramps, fever, and diarrhea. Consequently, they suffer from severe dehydration,
vomiting, headaches, and body aches. Furthermore, salmonellosis can lead to
complications, such as Reiters syndrome (reactive arthritis) and focal infection.

Explanation:
The topic sentence right at the beginning of the paragraph defines salmonellosis, the cause. Then the rest of the
sentences enumerate the effects of the illness. The words consequently and furthermore are used to connect the ideas
between sentences

Effect to Cause
The effect can be stated at the beginning of the text, followed by sentences and paragraphs that expound on the
causes. This type of organization is best for presenting a single effect with different causes.

Example:
Global warming, the increase of Earths average surface temperature, is
happening. One of its major causes is the buildup of greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere. Those gases trap heat in the atmosphere, which keeps the Earth warm.
However, burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas produces more carbon
dioxide, a greenhouse gas, in the atmosphere. Thus, more heat is trapped in the
atmosphere, and the Earth gets warmer than usual.

Another major cause of the global warming is deforestation. When forests are burned, large amounts of carbon
are released into the atmosphere. Likewise, when trees are cut down, much carbon dioxide from living things, some of
which is absorbed by the trees, goes to the atmosphere.

Moreover, nitrogen-based fertilizers are contributing to global warming. They are used in farming to stimulate
microbes in the soil. At a very fast rate, the microbes convert nitrogen to nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas that can trap
more heat than carbon dioxide can. Also, it destroys the ozone, Earths defense from ultraviolet light.

Explanation:
The first sentence of the first paragraph states the effect, which is the main idea of the entire text. Then it is
followed by the statement of the first cause and its supporting information. The second and third causes are stated and
explained in the next two paragraphs.

Consecutive Cause and Effect

In this type of organization, the causes, each with its corresponding effect, are tackled one by one in a few
sentences or a paragraph. The writer explains each cause and effect completely before moving on to the next cause and
effect.

Example:
American women gained status during World War II. Many of them took over
mens jobs in factories and farms as men enlisted into the military. As a result, they
learned new skills and experienced work outside of the home. Also, women were
allowed to serve in the military following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, so they felt the
pride of being in the military service. Lastly, because of the absence of men, women
made decisions for themselves and their families.

Explanation:
The first sentence states the main idea of the paragraph. Then the next two sentences give the first supporting
information, the second sentence stating the cause and the third, the effect. The other supporting information is stated
in the rest of the sentences in the same pattern. Notice the use of signal words as a result and so to indicate an outcome,
and because of and so to signify a cause.