Causal Analysis Paper (Major Paper #5) Instructions & Topic Choices
Causal Analysis Paper (Paper #5)
Choose one of the assignment options listed on How To Write Anything page 159.
Please note that #2, the “Research Study” option, has been omitted because
all options will require significant research, and the book’s explanation could
apply to all other projects for this paper; however, the book’s explanation
provides a good example of a paper you could do.
(1) Causal Analysis – examine a root cause of an event, phenomenon, trend, etc. Feel free to refute what you regard as some faulty analysis of cause and effect by offering a more plausible explanation. Sample Questions: what do credible experts and sources identify as root causes? What inconsistencies and contradictions do I see? How can I synthesize their ideas to form my own thesis and theories? See example: “Global Warming and the Sun” (132).
(3) Exploratory/Refutation Essay – find an article that seeks to explain a cause & effect relationship, then write a detailed response to the causal issues it raises. For example, you could discuss why you find it convincing or speculate about how society might respond to its conclusions (some topic examples listed on p. 159). See example: “Where Have All The Women Gone?” (147).
(4) Cultural Analysis – Identify a trend you have noticed or a change in society or culture that deserves scrutiny. It might relate to technology, entertainment, political preferences, fashion, popularity of careers, or other areas. Write an analysis of the phenomenon, considering either causes or potential consequences of this new mania. Then illustrate the trend with images that suggest its cultural reach or significance (note that images do not count toward the text page total but can contribute to your grade). Spend some time in the opening of your paper describing the trend and establishing that it is consequential. See example: “Why We Love Beautiful Things” (155) and the explanation of how to base an assignment on that style of article on page 159.
(5) Prediction Analysis – Politicians and pundits alike are fond of offering predictions, some hopeful, but many dire. The economy, they might suggest, is about to boom or slide into depression; sports dynasties are destined to blossom or collapse; printed books to disappear; American teens to grow fond of musicals. Identify one such prediction about which you have some doubts. Develop a cause-and-effect analysis to suggest why it is likely to go awry. Be sure to explain in detail what factors you expect will make the prediction go wrong. If you are brave, offer an alternative vision of the future.
Use your ARGUMENT skills. This paper builds on the broader Argument approach and uses it for a particular style of analysis.
- Make sure your claim (thesis) is “disputable” and “arguable” and reflects your position.
- Present evidence that you use to help win over your readers.
Topics
- Your choice (mostly).
- Please avoid the following topics: Medical Marijuana; Distracted Driving; Abortion; the Death Penalty. Please don’t use a topic you used for a previous paper.
- Your instructor will gladly meet with you to discuss topic ideas, whether starting from scratch or working to narrow down a topic and make your claim.
Structure
Consider the structures shown on pp. 142-144. These will help you sketch
and plan your essay.
Other Requirements
- Minimum 5 pages total (double-spaced 12 point Times New Roman or Calibri font) of text;
- Minimum 3 sources – at least one from EbscoHost and/or Gale Cengage)
- MLA or APA format (include an additional Works Cited (MLA) or References (APA) page that does not count toward your 5 page total). Grading will be tighter on format this time around.
Additional Goals
- Thesis statement – provide a specific thesis statement that you refer or build up to throughout the essay; readers should be able to see how each part of the essay relates to your thesis. Thesis statement should be placed depending on your chosen structure.
- Clear, cohesive organization – readers should be able to easily outline your key ideas and examples. Better use of transitions and topic sentences.
- Improved use of summarizing, paraphrasing, and quoting – citing sources when you use them in the text.
- Using revision to improve between rough and final draft.
- Credible sources skillfully integrated to support well-developed points.
- Strong sentence structures and better use of more sophisticated sentences
- Style: Middle (see p. 145). For most of us, that means we will still need to elevate our writing style more than might be comfortable, so keep working at it. A highly relevant personal example would be acceptable but should be integrated appropriately and definitely should NOT be the center of the paper’s focus.
Course Name – Date
