Choose a topic from your own background and experience, a topic that will not require secondary support, but evidence is still required.

Write a well-developed causal analysis (500 words, 1 3/4 to 3 pages double spaced; five paragraphs required). Choose a topic from your own background and experience, a topic that will not require secondary support, but evidence is still required.
Be sure to narrow your topic and avoid fallacies in causal reasoning. When you are presenting causes, do not merely list them. In order to be convincing, you must demonstrate that the relationship between each suggested cause and the event is at least a probable one. In other words, you must present concrete details and facts.
In your organization you can use a causal chain or you can organize your events in order of importance.
Causal Chain:
Cause 1 —- Cause 2 —– Cause 3 —— Event
Order of importance (Least to most important)
Cause 1 ——–
Cause 2 ——— Event
Cause 3 ———
Remember that you are working backwards. Pick your event that you are writing about and write about the three causes that lead to that event. Use examples and descriptions to support and develop each cause.
Personal Causal Analysis Essay Rubric Part One:
Content – 25 %
_______25 Points A very well-developed introductory paragraph and thesis statement that engage the reader and creates interest. The thesis clearly states the event being analyzed. The body paragraphs provide a discussion of each cause.
_______ 20 Points The introduction and thesis are adequately engaging but might lack creativity. They do introduce the event being analyzed. The body paragraphs provide a good analysis of each cause, but they could use more detail.
_______ 15 Points The writing shows understanding of the cause and effect relationship. The writer provides broad examples that could better be explained. Gaps might exist in the causal chain.
_______ 10 Points The thesis is unclear. The body paragraphs do not adequately analyze the cause and effect relationship.
_______ 0 Points Off-Topic or student does not appear to understand the nature of the assignment.
Part Two: Organization—25%
_____ 25 Points The paper shows a thoughtful, logical, and clear layout of causes. Transition sentences are smooth. The essay includes an introduction with a clear thesis, three body paragraphs with clear topic sentences that relate to the thesis, supporting detail, and a concluding paragraph.
_______ 20 Points The paper is logically and clearly organized. The thesis might not thoroughly identify the causes to be discussed in the body paragraphs, and the topic sentences might need improvement to better reflect the thesis. The essay includes an introduction and conclusion.
_______ 10 Points The writing is somewhat organized. The writer’s points are identifiable with little confusion of the reader. The introduction and/or conclusion might be weak.
_______ 5 Points The paper is somewhat disorganized and difficult to follow. It lacks planning, and/or it does not contain sufficient content for organization.
_______ 0 Points No logical organization pattern.
Part Three: Format—25%
_______ 25 Points Correct MLA Format.
_______ 20 Points MLA Format with one or two errors on page 1.
_______5 Points MLA Format with incorrectly formatted or missing header, incorrect spacing, incorrect font/font size.
_______ 0 Points MLA format not followed.
Part Four: Conventions—25 %
_______ 25 Points Work has been proofread. The essay contains no grammatical or spelling errors that take away from comprehension.
_______ 20 Points The paper contains minor grammatical errors and/or a few spelling mistakes that do not affect the reader’s comprehension.
_______ 15 Points The paper includes several grammar and spelling mistakes that may slightly impinge upon the reader’s comprehension.
_______ 10 Points Numerous mistakes exist in grammar and spelling, making the essay difficult to read. The essay has clearly not been proofread.
_______ 0 Points The essay is incomprehensible because of grammar and spelling errors