Mauk and Metz (2014)

For this assignment, you will research and write a 750-1,000 word causal (Note: That is “causal,” as in “causes of,”) essay. The goal of a causal essay is to prove a

cause/effect relationship between two elements. As stated in Mauk and Metz (2014), “The search for a cause begins with a question: Why did something happen? Why does

something continue? What causes some phenomenon?”

Essay Guidelines
1)    Address the following in your essay:
a.    Identify a particular problem (i.e., a behavior, event, or trend).
b.    Identify a possible cause (or equal causes) of the problem.
2)    Develop a causal argument. A causal argument is a reason (or point of view) put forth to explain the underlying cause for a particular problem.
3)    Your argument should include the following:
a.    A main claim/thesis
b.    Support
c.    Counterargument
d.    Concession
4)    Create a thesis statement. Your thesis must meet one or more of the following requirements:
i)    Argue for a particular cause.
ii)    Argue that several factors equally cause the phenomenon.
iii)    Argue against an apparent cause or widely held belief in favor of another cause.
iv)    Argue that a series of causes led to the problem.
5)    Integrate at least five reliable sources into the essay.

The assignment is separated into four parts. Each part will be due in a different module and graded separately.

4)    At least five reliable sources that support your explanation of a cause/effect relationship between two elements. As stated in Mauk and Metz (2014), “The search

for a cause begins with a question: Why did something happen? Why does something continue? What causes some phenomenon?”