Introduction Paragraph
What is the purpose of the introduction in a cause-and-effect essay?
To present the topic, explain its significance, and state the thesis.
What is the first sentence of a body paragraph called?
The Topic Sentence.
What phrase can you use to introduce a cause?
“One reason for this is...”
What phrase can you use to introduce an effect?
“One major effect is...”
What should the conclusion paragraph do?
Restate the thesis, summarize key points, and provide a final thought.
What is the first part of an introduction that grabs the reader’s attention?
The Hook.
What kind of evidence should be used in a cause-and-effect essay?
Statistics, expert opinions, real-world examples, and studies.
What is one major cause of social media addiction?
The use of persuasive algorithms that keep users engaged.
What is one major effect of excessive social media use on teenagers?
Increased anxiety and depression due to unrealistic beauty standards and cyberbullying.
What is an example of a strong closing statement?
“To prevent social media addiction, users must be mindful of their screen time and balance their online and offline lives.”
Give an example of a strong hook for an essay about climate change.
In the past century, global temperatures have risen faster than at any other time in recorded history.
Identify the transition signal: “Social media platforms use algorithms to keep users engaged.
“As a result” (Effect signal).
How does dopamine influence social media addiction?
Social media triggers dopamine release, making users crave more engagement, similar to gambling.
Rewrite this sentence using a transition signal: “Social media use has led to shorter attention spans.”
“As a result of social media use, attention spans have decreased significantly.”
Identify the transition signal: “Platforms should create ethical algorithms. Furthermore, users should be educated about digital well-being.”
“Furthermore” (Connecting Ideas).
What is the role of background information in an introduction?
It provides context and defines key terms related to the topic.
Rewrite this topic sentence to be more specific: “Technology has changed the way we communicate.”
“The rise of instant messaging apps has significantly reduced face-to-face interactions.”
Identify the cause and effect: “Due to excessive screen time, many teenagers experience sleep deprivation.”
Cause: Excessive screen time. Effect: Sleep deprivation.
What effect can persuasive algorithms have on mental health?
They can create addictive behaviors, leading to stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
What are two transition signals used to show cause?
“Because of...” and “Due to...”
Rewrite this thesis statement to be more effective: “This essay is about social media and mental health.”
“This essay will explore how social media addiction contributes to increased anxiety and depression.”
Which paragraph structure should you use when focusing on causes?
Answer: Topic Sentence → Explanation → Example/Evidence → Transition Sentence.
Block Organization
Write a sentence explaining a cause of procrastination using a transition signal.
“Because of easy access to distractions like social media, many students struggle to complete their homework on time.”
Explain how social media impacts self-esteem using an expert opinion.
“According to a study by the American Psychological Association, heavy social media users report lower self-esteem due to constant social comparison.”
Write a concluding sentence that connects the issue of social media addiction to future technology.
“As digital platforms continue to evolve, it is crucial to establish ethical technology practices that prioritize mental health.”