Final answer:
Cause and effect writing explains the reasons behind actions (causes) and the outcomes that ensue (effects), using structures that start with either the cause or the effect. These structures help readers understand the logical connections between actions and their consequences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding cause and effect in writing is to comprehend the reasons behind actions and the results that follow. There are two main structures used to explain these relationships. Structure #1 starts with a cause, followed by its effects. For example, 'Because an oil spill occurred off the coast of California, the fur and feathers of animals became dangerously matted, waterways were damaged, and the environmental cleanup costs skyrocketed.'
Structure #2 begins with an effect, then describes the cause. An example of this could be, 'The pandemic led to a decrease in gas consumption, a decline in indoor dining at restaurants, and an increase in online shopping because of the widespread restrictions and changing consumer behaviors.'
Each sentence logically connects an action to its consequence, providing clear examples of cause and effect. This type of analysis not only illustrates what happened but also explains why it happened, which is essential in academic and professional writing.