Definition of Cause and Solution Essay
A cause and solution essay explores the underlying causes of an issue or problem to provide possible solutions to address the problem at hand. This essay format requires a concise and logical presentation of the causes followed by an analysis of the potential solutions and their feasibility.
Cause and solution essay demonstrates a clear understanding of the problem. After this, it provides evidence-based reasoning for the causes, and propose practical solutions with the support of solid arguments and examples.
Types of Cause and Solution Essay
| Type | Detail | Main Points |
| Single Cause, Single Solution | Identify one specific cause and corresponding solution | Identify the cause: Lack of access to education in rural areas Solution: Establish mobile education units to reach remote communities Benefits: Increased literacy rates and opportunities for disadvantaged populations |
| Single Cause, Multiple Solutions | Identify a single cause and present multiple solutions | Identify the cause: High unemployment rates among youth. Solution 1: Enhance vocational training programs Solution 2: Promote entrepreneurship initiatives Solution 3: Create job placement programs Benefits: Reduced unemployment and increased economic growth |
| Multiple Causes, Single Solution | Explore multiple causes and propose a single solution | Identify multiple causes: Deforestation, industrial pollution, and climate change leading to environmental degradation Solution: Implement stricter environmental regulations and promote sustainable practices Benefits: Preserving ecosystems and mitigating climate change |
| Multiple Causes, Multiple Solutions | Consider multiple causes and provide multiple solutions | Identify multiple causes: Sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, and lack of awareness leading to obesity Solution 1: Promote physical activity in schools Solution 2: Improve access to nutritious food Solution 3: Launch public awareness campaigns Benefits: Healthier population and reduced healthcare costs |
| Causal Chain | Examine a sequence of causes and propose solutions addressing the chain | Identify the root cause: Poverty Cause 1: Lack of access to quality education Solution 1: Improve educational infrastructure and increase funding Cause 2: Limited employment opportunities Solution 2: Establish vocational training programs Benefits: Breaking the cycle of poverty |
| Comparative Analysis | Compare and contrast different causes and solutions, present the most suitable | Compare cause 1: Economic inequality Solution 1: Implement progressive taxation Compare cause 2: Inadequate healthcare system Solution 2: Universal healthcare coverage Compare cause 3: Gender discrimination Solution 3: Enforce equal pay policies Benefits: More equitable society and improved quality of life |
| Speculative Essay | Explore causes and solutions based on hypothetical scenarios or future predictions | Hypothetical cause: Widespread automation leading to job displacement Solution: Implement universal basic income Benefits: Ensuring financial stability and supporting individuals in a changing job market |
| Problem-Solution Proposal | Combine cause and solution essay elements with a persuasive proposal | Problem analysis: High levels of air pollution in urban areas Solution plan: Enhance public transportation, incentivize electric vehicles, and implement emission reduction policies Recommendations: Collaborate with local communities, invest in renewable energy sources, and enforce stricter emission standards |
| Personal Reflection | Reflect on personal experiences, discuss causes of a problem, propose solutions | Personal experience: Witnessing food insecurity in local communities Cause 1: Insufficient access to fresh produce Solution 1: Establish community gardens Cause 2: Limited knowledge of nutritious cooking Solution 2: Provide cooking classes and nutritional education Benefits: Improved food security and healthier lifestyles |
| Policy Analysis | Examine existing policies/systems contributing to a problem, suggest modifications or new policies | Policy analysis: Inadequate public transportation infrastructure Existing policy: Insufficient funding for public Transit Solution: Increase investment in public transportation infrastructure Benefits: Reduced traffic congestion, improved accessibility, and reduced carbon emissions |
Main Parts of Cause and Solution Essay
- Introduction: The introduction provides an overview of the problem and its significance, presents a clear thesis statement that states the main causes and proposes the solutions that will be discussed in the essay.
- Causes: This section explores the underlying causes of the problem, identifying and analyzing each cause in detail. Each cause should be supported by relevant evidence, such as data, research findings, or expert opinions, to establish its credibility and impact on the issue.
- Effects: In this section, the essay examines the effects or consequences of the identified causes. It highlights the implications of the problem, emphasizing why it is important to address and resolve it.
- Solutions: This section presents potential solutions to mitigate or solve the problem. Each solution should be discussed individually, outlining its feasibility, effectiveness, and potential benefits. It is essential to provide evidence or examples to support the viability of each proposed solution.
- Evaluation: The essay evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of each solution, considering factors such as practicality, cost, sustainability, and potential obstacles to implementation. Critical analysis and comparison of the solutions can help determine the most suitable and effective approach.
- Conclusion: The conclusion restates the main causes, summarizes the proposed solutions, and reinforces the importance of addressing the problem. It may also suggest future implications or potential areas for further research related to the topic. A strong concluding statement should have a lasting impression on the readers.
Outline/Structure of Cause and Solution Essay
| Outline | Example |
| I. Introduction | Hook: Provide a good hook relevant to the topic. Background: The prevalence of cyberbullying among teenagers in schools has become a growing concern in recent years. |
| Thesis statement: The main causes of cyberbullying include anonymity online, lack of awareness, and digital power dynamics, and addressing these issues through education, strict policies, and community involvement can effectively combat cyberbullying. | |
| II. Causes | Cause 1: Anonymity online allows individuals to hide their identity and engage in bullying behaviors without fear of consequences. |
| Cause 2: Lack of awareness among teenagers regarding the impact of cyberbullying and the importance of responsible digital behavior. | |
| Cause 3: Digital power dynamics, where individuals use technology to exert control and manipulate others for social status or dominance. | |
| III. Effects | Effect 1: Negative psychological effects on victims, such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. |
| Effect 2: Decline in academic performance due to the emotional distress caused by cyberbullying. | |
| Effect 3: Increased risk of social isolation and limited offline interactions, leading to feelings of loneliness. | |
| IV. Solutions | Solution 1: Implementing comprehensive digital literacy programs in schools to raise awareness about cyberbullying, its impact, and responsible online behavior. |
| Solution 2: Enforcing strict policies and consequences for cyberbullying incidents to deter potential bullies and protect victims. | |
| Solution 3: Encouraging community involvement through partnerships with parents, teachers, and online platforms to foster a safe and supportive online environment. | |
| V. Evaluation | Evaluation of Solution 1: Feasible through integration into the curriculum, potential challenge of changing attitudes and behaviors. |
| Evaluation of Solution 2: Feasible with clear policies, potential challenge of consistent enforcement and monitoring. | |
| Evaluation of Solution 3: Feasible through collaborations, potential challenge of maintaining engagement and long-term commitment. | |
| VI. Conclusion | Restating the main causes and proposed solutions to combat cyberbullying among teenagers. |
| Emphasizing the importance of addressing cyberbullying for the well-being and development of young individuals. | |
| Suggesting ongoing efforts to educate, enforce policies, and build supportive communities to tackle cyberbullying. |
Example of Cause and Solution Essay
| Essay Topic | Causes | Solutions |
| Theme: Alienation in The Catcher in the Rye | Intense pressure to conform and meet societal expectations | Promoting individuality and embracing diverse perspectives |
| Feeling disconnected from peers and unable to relate | Encouraging open dialogue and understanding between generations | |
| Traumatic experiences leading to a loss of trust | Implementing mental health support systems in schools | |
| Theme: Discrimination in To Kill a Mockingbird | Deep-rooted racial biases and stereotypes | Implementing anti-discrimination policies and laws |
| Lack of education and exposure to diverse cultures | Enhancing diversity education in schools | |
| Fear of the unknown and resistance to change | Encouraging community dialogue and cultural exchange programs | |
| Theme: Social Inequality in Great Expectations | Inherited wealth and privilege determining opportunities | Implementing progressive taxation and wealth redistribution |
| Lack of social mobility and limited access to education | Improving access to quality education and job training programs | |
| Exploitation of lower classes by upper classes | Enforcing fair labor laws and promoting a living wage for all | |
| Theme: War in War and Peace | Sociopolitical tensions and power struggles | Strengthening global institutions for conflict resolution |
| Nationalistic fervor and competition between nations | Investing in diplomatic efforts and peacekeeping missions | |
| Leadership failures and diplomatic breakdowns | Addressing underlying socioeconomic issues | |
| Theme: Gender Inequality in “The Yellow Wallpaper” | Patriarchal norms and societal expectations | Promoting gender equality in education and employment |
| Limited roles and opportunities for women | Encouraging diverse representation in media and literature | |
| Suppression of female autonomy and creativity | Advocating for accessible mental health resources for women |
Suggested Readings
- Birkerts, Sven. The Gutenberg Elegies: The Fate of Reading in an Electronic Age. Fawcett Columbine, 1994.
- Braddock, Richard. “The Frequency and Placement of Topic Sentences in Expository Prose.” Research in the Teaching of English, vol. 6, no. 2, 1972, pp. 99-116.
- Graff, Gerald, and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say/I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. 4th ed., W. W. Norton & Company, 2018.
- Hacker, Diana, and Nancy Sommers. A Writer’s Reference. 9th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2018.
- Johnson, Steven. The Ghost Map: The Story of London’s Most Terrifying Epidemic – and How It Changed Science, Cities, and the Modern World. Riverhead Books, 2007.
- McWhorter, Kathleen T. Patterns for College Writing: A Rhetorical Reader and Guide. 15th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2021.
- Sedaris, David. “Let It Snow.” The New Yorker, 17 March 2003, pp. 48-57.
