Page 460 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing

An effect is a result. If you ask “What will happen if . . .” or “What were
the results of . . .”, then your answer is an effect. What would the

results be if the speed limit were lowered by ten miles per hour? What

would happen if I set aside an hour a day to exercise? What would

happen if I threw these new red socks into the washer with my white

underwear? When you answer these and other “what if” questions,

your answer is an effect.

Exercise 10-2 Causes or Effects?

For each topic listed, indicate whether an essay or paragraph on the

topic would involve a discussion of causes (reasons) or effects

(results).

1. Why do so many people enjoy watching action-
adventure films?

2. What would the results be if private ownership of

automobiles were phased out over a ten-year period?

3. Why are so many American children overweight?

4. Describe your reasons for attending college.
5. What would happen if so-called recreational drugs

were made legal for adult use and regulated in the same way

as alcohol?

6. What would happen if private ownership of

handguns were banned?

7. What bad habit have you broken lately? Why did
you decide to break it?

8. Do you recycle? Why or why not?