Causal Outline:
Thesis: The causes of X in Y
Cause 1
Cause 2
Cause 3
Cause 4
Counter
Conclusion
Causal Analysis Topic Selection:
For this paper, we will be identifying the causes of a certain issue or problem.
This is very different from a standard cause and effect papers that in most cases focus heavily on effect.
Introduction Paragraph
ï· Your problem needs to be local, in Baton Rouge, or Louisiana, it could also focus on an issue
specifically here at BRCC.
ï· Your topic needs to be a major issue or problem, remember, you will need to research this, “kids
knocking down mailboxes in my neighborhood” is not significant enough.
ï· This paper is its own assignment, but is also linked to the upcoming Proposal Paper, so make
sure your topic has a solution. For example “Cancer is a major issue in Louisiana” would not
work, because you cannot cure cancer.
Your topic should look something like this:
“The causes of X in Baton Rouge.”
Some possible topics could be:
crime, high school dropouts, college drop outs, unemployment, opioid addiction, teen
pregnancy etc.
These are merely meant to be ideas, I would prefer you to come up with your own topic.
The only thing you cannot write about is TRAFFIC!
Cause #1 (BP1)
Cause #2 (BP2)
Cause #3 (Bp3)
Problem
(effect)
Cause #4 (BP4)
English 1023 Causal Analysis Essay Assignment
1. Select your topic, make sure it fits the parameters discussed in class.
2. Write a clear, thoughtful, and well-drafted essay examining the causes of an
issue/problem. Support your assertions with specific examples and remember to
EXPLAIN the examples. Your essay should be comprised of an introduction, body
paragraphs that support your thesis, and a conclusion. Make sure you use transitions
between paragraphs and ideas. You will have an intro, 4 body paragraphs, a counter-
argument, and a conclusion. Your paper should be between 1200-1800 words. If you fall
below word count, the highest grade you can receive on this paper is a D.
3. You must use at least
four direct quotations (but no more than seven)
and have at least
four different reliable sources (but no more than six),
cited with proper parenthetical
citations and a works cited page.
YOUR SOURCES MUST BE FROM THE ONLINE
DATABASE FOR THIS PAPER.
Remember to cite all sources correctly! Also,
remember that a quotation must never stand alone; it must always be part of your own
sentence. Also remember that you must interpret or explain the quotation/example or
show how it helps to prove the point you are trying to make. Include a works cited page
in the essay, cited properly.
4. You are required to have a counter-argument paragraph for this assignment, it is different
from previous counter-arguments; make sure you review materials in Canvas for this
item.
5. This essay is due no later than the date listed in Canvas for your class. In accordance with
course policies, late papers will be accepted 2 days after the due date for a penalty of 10
points per day. After 2 days, you will receive a zero. You are responsible for ensuring
that you send the correct document. If you send the “wrong” file, a blank file, an
improperly formatted file, etc., and it is not corrected
prior to the deadline, your paper will be flagged as LATE.
6. You are expected to turn in a paper free from plagiarism, this includes stealing from other
sources, in full or in part, as well as self-plagiarism, or reusing a paper you turned in
previously. If you plagiarize in this paper, you will receive a zero, no excuses.
7. Your final essay must be word-processed using Microsoft Word, double-spaced, and
conform to MLA style. Use 12-point Times New Roman for your font style and size.
8. Your essay will be evaluated according to the grading guidelines rubric posted on
Canvas.
9. This assignment is considered one of the major components of the class (refer to your
syllabus). If you do not complete this assignment, you cannot pass the class.
