3. Cause and effect

Many couples these days are choosing to have fewer children.Why is this the case?
In other cases, you may be asked to discuss only effects, such as:
Migration between countries is becoming increasingly common. Discuss any consequences this might have, whether positive or negative.
Sometimes the two might be combined and you could be asked to discuss both causes and effects. For example:
An increasing number of adults in their twenties or even thirties are moving back into their parents' homes.What are the factors that lead to this situation, and how can it affect everybody involved?
How you write your essay, of course, depends on which variation you are given. Here are possible outlines for each:

Causes

INTRODUCTION

• General statement introducing problem or situation
• Thesis statement about causes

BODY PARAGRAPH 1

• First cause
• Support (examples or explanation)

BODY PARAGRAPH 2

• Second cause
• Support (examples or explanation)

CONCLUSION

• Summary of causes

Effects

INTRODUCTION

• General statement introducing problem or situation
• Thesis statement about effects

BODY PARAGRAPH 1

• Present first effect
• Support (examples or explanation)

BODY PARAGRAPH 2

• Present second effect
• Support (examples or explanation)

CONCLUSION

• Summary of effects

Causes and effects

INTRODUCTION

• General statement introducing problem or situation
• Thesis statement about causes and effects

BODY PARAGRAPH 1

• All causes
• Support (examples or explanation)

BODY PARAGRAPH 2

• All effects
• Support (examples or explanation)

CONCLUSION

• Summary of causes and effects