Page 461 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing

9. What would be the effects of a mandatory
parenting course for every first-time parent?

10. What would be the effect if all nonviolent, first-

time criminals had the option of performing community service

and undergoing counseling as an alternative to prison?

Wordsmith’s Corner: Examples of

Writing Using Cause and Effect

Following are two examples of student writing dealing with causes and

effects. Read each essay and answer the questions that follow.

Cause-Effect Essay 1

In this essay, the writer discusses the burden of perfectionism.

The Effects of Perfectionism

Some people urge themselves to better performance
with slogans like “Practice makes perfect.” However, I

am a perfectionist, and I have to remember another

slogan: “Sometimes good is good enough.” I stay away

from proverbs that urge perfection. Over the years, I

have noticed that the effects of perfectionism are mostly
negative.