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150 Good Cause and Effect Essay Topics

October 25, 2024

Way back in the 6th and 5th centuries BCE, Heraclitus was the first to tell us that the only constant in life is change. His words still ring true today. Every day, our world changes in infinite ways, and even the smallest decisions can end up making history. Cause and effect essays are explorations of exactly this concept. They’re all about examining the domino effect, and writing a cause and effect essay is a great chance to explore the origins and consequences of a historical, social, or natural event or any other type of change that fascinates you (Continue for Cause and Effect Essay Topics and Ideas).

What is a Cause and Effect Essay?

By definition, a cause and effect essay will contain two parts. One part will be the influence (cause) and the other will be the consequence (effect). Your job as a writer is to explore the chain of events that the influence causes to occur. Depending on what topic you choose, you might need to consider the consequences of cultural trends, social changes, historical events, medical and technological inventions, or personal decisions. Your goal will be to offer your reader a clear understanding of 1) what occurred and 2) the outcome of that event.

At first glance, it may seem like a cause and effect essay assignment is primarily asking you to summarize information. But take note: a cause and effect essay is, at its core, an argumentative essay in which you will need to make a solid case for your own unique take on the connection between influences and consequences. For a strong essay, plan to do research and offer your reader many examples to back up your argument.

150 Cause and Effect Essay Topic Ideas

The options are endless, but we’ve gathered 150 cause and effect essay topic ideas to get you started on the right path. Use these ideas to start your research process or take one and put your own unique spin on it.

Ready to start exploring ideas? We’ve divided topics into 11 categories that are sure to spark your interest. Below, explore options in:

  • Cause and Effect Essay Topics—Social Issues

Cause and Effect Essay Topics—Science Topics

  • Cause and Effect Essay Topics—Environmental Topics
  • Cause and Effect Essay Topics—Technology
  • Cause and Effect Essay Topics—Mental Health

Cause and Effect Essay Topics—School and Growing Up

Cause and effect essay topics—relationships and family.

  • Cause and Effect Essay Topics—Medicine
  • Cause and Effect Essay Topics—History

Cause and Effect Essay Topics—Personal Topics

  • Cause and Effect Essay Topics—Fun Topics

Social Issues – Cause and Effect Essay Topics

  • How social media influences social norms
  • The consequences of ageism on elderly well-being
  • How fatphobia impacts medical care
  • How gender impacts hiring practices
  • The role religion plays in shaping social norms
  • How economic class impacts medical access and care
  • Urban planning’s relationship to city food deserts
  • How educational disparities affect social mobility
  • The effects of gentrification on city communities
  • The effects of gender-based income inequality
  • How immigration status impacts medical care
  • Causes of homelessness
  • The effects of LGBTQ+ media representation
  • The consequences of high student debt
  • What causes volcanic eruptions
  • What causes tidal waves
  • What causes earthquakes
  • What causes aurorae borealis
  • What causes tornadoes or hurricanes
  • The consequences of pollution on ecosystems
  • How overfishing impacts marine food chains
  • How deforestation affects biodiversity
  • What causes animals to become endangered
  • How wildfires impact humans and the environment
  • The benefits of controlled burns
  • How GMO foods affect consumer health
  • How immunizations affect human health
  • The effects of conservation efforts

Environmental Topics

  • How fast fashion impacts environmental sustainability
  • How air pollution impacts health
  • The effects of climate change on coastal regions
  • The effects of climate change on low-income communities
  • Describe how human behavior impacts the environment
  • How do plastics impact the environment
  • How does urbanization affect the environment
  • How has climate change impacted immigration trends
  • How pollution affects marine environments
  • The impact of nuclear energy on the environment
  • How climate change has influenced weather patterns
  • How deforestation contributes to climate patterns
  • How climate change alters animal behavior
  • How sustainable household practices contribute to climate change relief
  • How scientists protect endangered species

Technology – Cause and Effect Essay Ideas

  • How AI has affected company hiring practices
  • How AI has affected college admissions
  • The impact of screen time on sleep
  • How automation has impacted career opportunities
  • The role technology plays in environmental sustainability
  • The impact of technological advances on health care costs
  • How technology affects interpersonal relationships
  • The effect of technology on productivity
  • How social media has impacted our definition of privacy
  • How private companies have changed space exploration
  • How 3D printing has changed manufacturing
  • The effects of online retail on brick and mortar shops

Mental Health 

  • The effect of academic pressure on mental health
  • The impact of mental health stigma on seeking mental health care
  • The effects of childhood trauma on mental health
  • The influence of work stress on adult mental health
  • Bullying and its effects on mental health
  • The impacts of mindfulness practices on happiness and well-being
  • The relationship between social isolation and mental health
  • Social media’s impact on mental health
  • The COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on mental health
  • The impact of climate change on mental health
  • The impact of prejudice on mental health
  • The effects of gender stereotypes on mental health
  • How immigration status impacts mental health
  • Poverty’s impact on access to education
  • The relationship between student to teacher ratios and academic performance
  • How parents influence academic success
  • How parents influence students’ academic interests
  • How standardized testing impacts educational outcomes
  • The impact of technology on student learning
  • The effect of early childhood access to educational resources on later academic performance
  • How having parents with college education impacts a students’ likeliness to attend college
  • How teacher education level affects educational outcomes
  • The impact of extracurricular activities on student success
  • How AI has affected education
  • How technology has changed dating and romantic relationships
  • How smartphones have impacted marriages and relationships
  • How gender norms influence dating customs
  • How gender norms influence household and family roles
  • The role religion plays in dating customs and norms
  • How sibling relationships impact family dynamics
  • How growing up as a single child influences well-being
  • The effect of elder care on a family’s financial well-being
  • The gendered break-down of elder care responsibility
  • The influence of single-parent households on childhood development
  • How financial stress affects families
  • How children are affected by multi-generational households
  • The impact of divorce on child well-being
  • The role religion plays in defining family values and norms

Medicine – Cause and Effect Essay Topics

  • The effects of the opioid epidemic
  • The effects of the Affordable Care Act on health care access
  • How telehealth has impacted healthcare
  • The effects of insulin shortages on patient health
  • The impact of penicillin on global health
  • Choose a medical advancement: how has it affected the medical field?
  • How gender shapes medical care outcomes
  • How race and ethnicity shape medical care outcomes
  • How native language shape medical care outcomes
  • The relationship between medical cost and patient health
  • How medical malpractice impacts health care costs
  • The impact of the AIDS crisis on U.S. society
  • How gene sequencing has impacted disease detection and treatment
  • How vaccines have impacted global health
  • How birth control changed female health outcomes
  • How colonization has impacted Indigenous cultures
  • How colonization has impacted food and culinary traditions
  • The effects of the Civil Rights Movement on social justice in the U.S.
  • The effects of Black Lives Matters on social justice in the U.S.
  • How early feminist movements impacted gender equality
  • How the MeToo movement has impacted gender equality
  • How the industrial revolution changed the world
  • How the Cold War affected international relations
  • How the invention of the computer altered our daily lives
  • How globalization has changed economic growth and wealth disparity
  • How the fall of the Roman Empire impacted Western civilization
  • How the transatlantic slave trade influenced America’s development
  • How 9/11 has impacted modern American society
  • The causes and effects of the Vietnam War
  • The causes and effects of the Iraq War
  • Pick a political leader or historical figure: how has their influence shaped history?
  • The relationship between music and mood
  • The relationship between time spent in nature and mood
  • How exercise impacts personal well-being
  • How travel affects cultural perspectives
  • How social media impacts self-image
  • The relationship between goal setting and achievement
  • The effect of procrastination on productivity
  • The relationship between healthy eating and energy levels
  • The impact of daily journaling
  • The effect of a competitive environment on well-being and achievement
  • How sibling birth order shapes personality
  • The relationship between sleep habits and decision-making ability
  • How daily affirmations impact well-being
  • Reflect on a favorite book: how did it impact you?
  • Reflect on a favorite class: how did it impact you?

Fun Cause and Effect Essay Ideas—

  • The relationship between owning a pet and stress reduction
  • How fashion trends reflect social values and gender norms
  • How memes influence internet culture
  • How social media influencers shape corporate advertising trends
  • The cultural impact of superhero movies
  • The relationship between youth sports and childhood development
  • How e-sports have changed athletics
  • How celebrities impact culture
  • How social media influencers impact culture
  • The impact of social media on social justice issues
  • The relationship between social media and food trends

  More Resources

Ready to start writing? Here are expert tips to help you nail your essay:

  • 20 Best Websites for Research for Students
  • 30 Topic Sentence Examples
  • 50 Common Prepositions You Need to Know
  • How to Improve Reading Comprehension – 10 Expert Tips

Need to master other essay types? We’ve got all you need to know:

  • 160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024
  • Guide to the IB Extended Essay
  • How to Write the AP Lang Argument Essay (With Example)
  • How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay (With Example)
  • High School Success

Christina Wood

Christina Wood holds a BA in Literature & Writing from UC San Diego, an MFA in Creative Writing from Washington University in St. Louis, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in English at the University of Georgia, where she teaches creative writing and first-year composition courses. Christina has published fiction and nonfiction in numerous publications, including The Paris Review , McSweeney’s , Granta , Virginia Quarterly Review , The Sewanee Review , Mississippi Review , and Puerto del Sol , among others. Her story “The Astronaut” won the 2018 Shirley Jackson Award for short fiction and received a “Distinguished Stories” mention in the 2019 Best American Short Stories anthology.

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Cause and Effect Essay Outline: Types, Examples and Writing Tips

20 June, 2020

9 minutes read

Author:  Tomas White

This is a complete guide on writing cause and effect essays. Find a link to our essay sample at the end. Let's get started!

Cause and Effect

What is a Cause and Effect Essay?

A cause and effect essay is the type of paper that the author is using to analyze the causes and effects of a particular action or event. A curriculum usually includes this type of exercise to test your ability to understand the logic of certain events or actions.

cause and effect essay

If you can see the logic behind cause and effect in the world around you, you will encounter fewer problems when writing. If not, writing this kind of paper will give you the chance to improve your skillset and your brain’s ability to reason.

“Shallow men believe in luck or in circumstance. Strong men believe in cause and effect.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

In this article, the  Handmade Writing team will find out how to create an outline for your cause and effect essay – the key to successful essay writing.

Types of the Cause and Effect Essay

Before writing this kind of essay, you need to draft the structure. A good structure will result in a good paper, so it’s important to have a plan before you start. But remember , there’s no need to reinvent the wheel: just about every type of structure has already been formulated by someone.

If you are still unsure about the definition of an essay, you can take a look at our guide:  What is an Essay?

Generally speaking, there are three types of cause and effect essays. We usually differentiate them by the number of and relationships between the different causes and the effects. Let’s take a quick look at these three different cases:

1. Many causes, one effect

Cause and effect graphic organizer

This kind of essay illustrates how different causes can lead to one effect. The idea here is to try and examine a variety of causes, preferably ones that come from different fields, and prove how they contributed to a particular effect. If you are writing about World War I, for example, mention the political, cultural, and historical factors that led to the great war.

By examining a range of fundamental causes, you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge about the topic.

Here is how to structure this type of essay:

  • Introduction
  • Cause #3 (and so on…)
  • The effect of the causes

2. One cause, many effects

Cause and effect chart

This type of cause and effect essay is constructed to show the various effects of a particular event, problem, or decision. Once again, you will have to demonstrate your comprehensive knowledge and analytical mastery of the field. There is no need to persuade the reader or present your argument . When writing this kind of essay, in-depth knowledge of the problem or event’s roots will be of great benefit. If you know why it happened, it will be much easier to write about its effects.

Here is the structure for this kind of essay:

  • Effect #3 (and so on…)

3. Chain of causes and effects

Cause and effect pictures

This is the most challenging type. You need to maintain a chain of logic that demonstrates a sequence of actions and consequences, leading to the end of the chain. Although this is usually the most interesting kind of cause and effect essay, it can also be the most difficult to write.

Here is the outline structure:

  • Effect #1 = Cause #2
  • Effect #2 = Cause #3
  • Effect #3 = Cause #4 (and so on…)

Cause and Effect Essay Outline Example

Let’s take a look at an example. Below, you will find an outline for the topic “The causes of obesity” (Type 1) :

Cause and effect examples

As you can see, we used a blended strategy here. When writing about the ever-increasing consumption of unhealthy food, it is logical to talk about the marketing strategies that encourage people to buy fast food. If you are discussing fitness trainers, it is important to mention that people need to be checked by a doctor more often, etc.

In case you face some issues with writing your Cause and Effect essay, you can always count on our Essay Writers !

How do I start writing once I have drafted the structure?

If you start by structuring each paragraph and collecting suitable examples, the writing process will be much simpler. The final essay might not come up as a classic five paragraph essay – it all depends on the cause-effect chain and the number of statements of your essay.

Five paragraph essay graphic organizer

In the Introduction, try to give the reader a general idea of what the cause and effect essay will contain. For an experienced reader, a thesis statement will be an indication that you know what you are writing about. It is also important to emphasize how and why this problem is relevant to modern life. If you ever need to write about the Caribbean crisis, for instance, state that the effects of the Cold War are still apparent in contemporary global politics. 

Related Post: How to write an Essay introduction | How to write a Thesis statement

In the Body, provide plenty of details about what causes led to the effects. Once again, if you have already assembled all the causes and effects with their relevant examples when writing your plan, you shouldn’t have any problems. But, there are some things to which you must pay particular attention. To begin with, try to make each paragraph the same length: it looks better visually. Then, try to avoid weak or unconvincing causes. This is a common mistake, and the reader will quickly realize that you are just trying to write enough characters to reach the required word count.

Moreover, you need to make sure that your causes are actually linked to their effects. This is particularly important when you write a “chained” cause and effect essay (type 3) . You need to be able to demonstrate that each cause was actually relevant to the final result. As I mentioned before, writing the Body without preparing a thorough and logical outline is often an omission.

The Conclusion must be a summary of the thesis statement that you proposed in the Introduction. An effective Conclusion means that you have a well-developed understanding of the subject. Notably, writing the Conclusion can be one of the most challenging parts of this kind of project. You typically write the Conclusion once you have finished the Body, but in practice, you will sometimes find that a well-written conclusion will reveal a few mistakes of logic in the body!

Cause and Effect Essay Sample

Be sure to check the sample essay, completed by our writers. Use it as an example to write your own cause and effect essay. Link: Cause and effect essay sample: Advertising ethic issues .

Tips and Common Mistakes from Our Expert Writers

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Check out Handmadewriting paper writing Guide to learn more about academic writing!

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137 Intriguing Cause & Effect Essay Topics for Students

Teach critical thinking, logic, and the art of persuasion.

What are some reasons a teacher may ban cell phones in class?

Cause-and-effect essays aren’t just a way to help students strengthen their writing skills. They’ll also learn critical thinking, logic, and the art of persuasion. In addition, they teach students to demonstrate how one thing directly influences another. Coming up with engaging cause-and-effect essay topics can be challenging, but we have you covered. This list of ideas includes a variety of topics that range from social and cultural movements to mental health and the environment.

Science and Environment Cause & Effect Essay Topics

  • Describe the effect of urbanization on the environment.
  • What is the impact of air pollution on health?
  • What are the causes and consequences of plastics on marine life?
  • What is the impact of rising sea temperatures on fish and marine life?
  • Describe the impact of human behavior on global warming.

Describe the impact of human behavior on global warming. Cause and effect essay

  • What is the effect of social media on environmentalism?
  • What causes volcanic eruptions?
  • What causes trees to die?
  • What are the effects of gravity?
  • Why are plants green?
  • Why do trees shed their leaves?
  • What causes a species to become endangered?
  • What are some of the causes of animals losing their habitats?
  • Describe the effect of overpopulation on the environment.
  • What are the effects of famine on human population?
  • What are the causes and effects of Antarctica floods?
  • What are the effects of pollution on the ocean?
  • What effect do cars have on the environment?
  • Why is it important to manage wildfires?
  • What has been the impact of DNA on crime scene processing?

What has been the impact of DNA on crime scene processing?

  • What are the impacts of deforestation in Brazil?
  • What are the effects of GMO foods on human health?
  • What are the impacts of immunizations on human health?

Technology and Social Media Cause & Effect Essay Topics

  • What are the effects of social media on adolescent development?
  • How does technology affect productivity?
  • What are the effects of video games on childhood development?
  • How do cell phones affect human relationships?
  • What are some reasons a teacher might ban cell phones from class?

What are some reasons a teacher might ban cell phones from class? Cause and effect essay

  • What effects do cell phones have on sleep?
  • What effects did the invention of the Internet have on technology?
  • What were the origins of cyberbullying?
  • What are the effects of tablet use on small children?
  • How has online dating changed relationships?
  • What makes some people less likely to use social media?
  • What are the effects of social media on privacy?
  • How does the rise of TikTok affect Facebook and Instagram?
  • In what ways could social media lead to extremism?
  • What is the impact of social media on the increasing popularity of plastic surgery and other enhancements?

What is the impact of social media on the increasing popularity of plastic surgery and other enhancements?

  • What are some of the benefits of owning a smartphone and what are some of the drawbacks?
  • What has been the impact of online shopping on brick-and-mortar stores?
  • What has been the impact of smartphones on marriages and relationships?
  • What are the causes and effects of texting while driving?
  • What has the rise of “influencers” meant for Hollywood?
  • In what ways have photo filters influenced young people’s self-esteem?

Culture and Social Issues Cause & Effect Essay Topics

  • What are some of the reasons for substance abuse in young people?
  • What are some of the effects of bullying?
  • How does economic status affect the quality of health care?
  • What are some of the causes of homelessness?
  • Explain the effects of ignorance on discrimination.
  • What are the impacts of death sentences on social justice?

What are the impacts of death sentences on social justice? Cause and effect essay

  • How does financial success affect societal privilege?
  • What effects does growing up poor have on children?
  • In what ways does religion influence society?
  • What are the effects of immigration on a host country?
  • What are the effects of ageism on job opportunities?
  • What is the impact of LGBTQ+ representation in TV and movies?
  • What are the effects of school shootings on politics?
  • How do school uniforms affect students?
  • What are the impacts of high student debt?
  • What are the impacts of body shaming on people?
  • What were the lasting impacts of the AIDS epidemic on society?

What were the lasting impacts of the AIDS epidemic on society? cause and effect essay

  • What impact does banning abortion have in the United States?
  • What has been the impact of marriage equality in the United States?
  • What are the causes and effects of noise pollution?
  • What are the causes and effects of inflation on the economy?
  • What are the effects of TV shows on our behavior?

Sports Cause & Effect Essay Topics

  • Examine the effects of exercise on mental health.
  • What led to baseball being an iconic American sport?
  • What drives people to participate in extreme sports?
  • In what ways did globalization affect modern sports?
  • What were the effects of doping on amateur and professional sports?
  • Select a sport and write about the historical factors that led to the popularization of that sport.

effect essays

  • Describe the ways in which youth sports influence a child’s development.
  • What were the driving forces behind the first Olympics?
  • How can team sports help develop social skills?
  • How have e-sports changed the sporting landscape?
  • In what ways do race biases influence sports?

In what ways do race biases influence sports.

  • What are the effects of regular workouts on immunity?
  • How does participating in sports affect leadership skills?
  • In what ways can sports lead to character development?
  • What effect does famous athletes’ social commentary have on their fans?

History Cause & Effect Essay Topics

  • What are the effects of the war in Syria on the United States?
  • What have been the lasting effects of the Civil Rights Movement?
  • What were the causes and effects of the attack on Pearl Harbor?
  • What led up to the Berlin Wall being torn down and what effects did that have?

What led up to the Berlin Wall being torn down and what effects did that have? Cause and effect essay

  • What lasting impact did 9/11 have on modern American society?
  • What were the causes of the Salem Witch Trials?
  • What was the cultural impact of the Spanish-American War?
  • How has globalization led to modern-day slavery?
  • What events led to the fall of the Roman Empire?
  • What were the impacts of the Great Depression on women’s employment?
  • How did cartels come into existence? What effect have they had on the United States and Mexico?
  • What were the causes and effects of the Women’s Liberation Movement?
  • Give an example of colonialism in history and name the resulting impact to the affected society.

Give an example of colonialism in history and name the resulting impact to the affected society.

  • What led to the rise of ISIS and what has the impact been on international security?
  • What factors led to the Titanic’s sinking?
  • What were the causes and effects of the Vietnam War?
  • Choose an American president. What led him to become president and what were the effects of his presidency?

Mental Health Cause & Effect Essay Topics

  • How can stress affect the immune system?
  • How does social anxiety affect young people?
  • How can high academic expectations lead to depression?
  • What are the effects of divorce on young people?
  • How does service in the armed forces lead to post-traumatic stress disorder?

How does service in the armed forces lead to post-traumatic stress disorder? Cause and effect essay topic

  • What are the effects of mindfulness on mental health?
  • Describe the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted mental health.
  • How does childhood trauma impact childhood development?
  • What impact does witnessing violence have on mental health?
  • What is behind increasingly high levels of anxiety in modern American society?

What is behind increasingly high levels of anxiety in modern American society? cause and effect essay topic

  • What are the causes and effects of panic attacks?
  • What are the causes and consequences of high stress in the workplace?
  • What are some of the causes of insomnia and in what ways does it affect mental health?
  • What is the impact of staying home for an extended period of time?

Current Events Cause & Effect Essay Topics

  • Choose a local public education campaign. What are the effects of that campaign?
  • What are the causes and effects of migration?
  • What are the causes and effects of terrorist attacks?

What are the causes and effects of terrorist attacks?

  • What are the effects of legalizing genetic engineering research?
  • How do low voting rates impact elections and government?
  • What is the effect of raising the minimum wage?
  • What are the effects of globalization on society?
  • How does gerrymandering affect election outcomes?
  • What are the causes and effects of police brutality?
  • What are the causes and effects of political polarization?

What are the causes and effects of political polarization?

  • What are the causes and effects of fake news?
  • What are the effects of global war on citizens?
  • What is the effect of international aid on poverty or health?
  • Why do some countries have nuclear weapons, and what does this mean for other countries?

Education Cause & Effect Essay Topics

  • What are the effects of teacher quality on student success?
  • What are the causes and effects of student loan debt?
  • What are the causes and effects of low graduation rates?

What are the causes and effects of low graduation rates?

  • What are the effects of assigning homework?
  • What are the causes and effects of school funding disparities?
  • What are the causes and effects of the digital divide in education?
  • What is the effect of AI on education?
  • What are the causes and effects of student burnout?
  • Should students be required to study a foreign language in school, and what are the effects of learning a foreign language?

Should students be required to study a foreign language in school, and what are the effects of learning a foreign language?

  • What effect has the COVID pandemic had on education?
  • What are the effects of same-sex classrooms or schools?

What are your best cause-and-effect essay topics for students? Come exchange ideas in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, check out our list of interesting persuasive essay topics for kids and teens..

Coming up with cause and effect essay topics can be challenging, but we have you covered. Check out our list with a variety of topics.

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Cause And Effect Essay Guide

Cause And Effect Essay Topics

Caleb S.

230+ Cause and Effect Essay Topics for Students

21 min read

cause and effect essay topics

People also read

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Are you struggling to find that perfect cause and effect essay topic that will not only captivate your readers but also make your writing process a breeze?

It's a common challenge for students. 

The frustration of staring at a blank page and the fear of choosing a topic that doesn't resonate with your interests or requirements can be overwhelming. 

But fear not!

In this blog, we will help you by providing a number of cause and effect essay topics examples. 

Let's dive in!

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  • 1. Cause and Effect Essay Topics for Students
  • 2. Cause and Effect Essay Topics - IELTS
  • 3. Cause And Effect Essay Topics For ESL Students
  • 4. Fun Cause and Effect Essay Topics
  • 5. Easy Cause and Effect Essay Topics 2024
  • 6. Interesting Cause and Effect Essay Topics
  • 7. Controversial Cause and Effect Essay Topics
  • 8. Cause and Effect Essay Topics on Mental Health
  • 9. Medical Cause and Effect Essay Topics
  • 10. Cause and Effect Essay Topics on Sports
  • 11. Cause and Effect Essay Topics on Social Media
  • 12. Technology Cause and Effect Essay Topics
  • 13. Environmental Cause and Effect Essay Topics
  • 14. Cause and Effect Essay Topics - History
  • 15. Personal Cause and Effect Essay Topics
  • 16. Cause and Effect Essay Topics About Education
  • 17. Cause And Effect Essay Topics About Animals 
  • 18. What is a Good Cause and Effect Essay Topic?
  • 19. How to Choose a Cause and Effect Essay Topic?

Cause and Effect Essay Topics for Students

Below is a list of good cause and effect essay topics for students to write a perfect essay.

Cause and Effect Essay Topics for Elementary Students

  • What are the effects of not getting up early in the morning?
  • The effects of eating healthy foods on growing strong
  • Explain the adverse effects of terrorism on education.
  • What are the causes of the success of Disney cartoons and movies?
  • What are the effects of playing violent video games?
  • The consequences of cleaning up our environment
  • Explain the effects of keeping a pet at home.
  • Discuss why some teachers are favorites for students.
  • Why do kids love their parents?
  • Why do girls enjoy playing with their fathers?

Cause and Effect Essay Topics for Middle School Students

  • The effects of bullying on mental health and self-esteem
  • How academic pressure affects students' stress levels
  • Causes and effects of peer pressure in middle school
  • The impact of social media on teenagers' relationships
  • Why eating junk food leads to health issues
  • The consequences of lack of physical activity on well-being
  • How parental involvement influences academic success
  • The effects of video games on cognitive development
  • Causes and effects of climate change on our environment
  • The impact of cyberbullying on emotional health

Cause and Effect Essay Topics for High School Students

  • Why substance abuse leads to health and social problems
  • The impact of technology on communication skills
  • Causes and effects of high school dropouts
  • How relationships with parents affect teenagers' emotional well-being
  • The effects of college preparation programs on future success
  • Why environmental awareness leads to sustainable practices
  • The consequences of gender inequality in high school sports
  • The impact of music education on cognitive development
  • Causes and effects of cybersecurity threats on personal privacy
  • How volunteering enhances leadership and empathy skills

Cause and Effect Essay Topics for College Students

Here are some cause and effect essay topics for college:

  • How cell phones impact communication among people?
  • What are the causes of using a tablet over the computer for browsing the web?
  • Discuss the effects of retirement age on baby boomers.
  • What are the effects of online shopping and does it motivate people to shop more?
  • Effects of increased usage of mobile phones in businesses. Discuss.
  • What are the causes of a video game to be popular among a specific community?
  • Explain the causes for purchases of phone plans or unlimited data.
  • Effects of social media on relationships. Elaborate.
  • Discuss the effects of tablets on young children.
  • What are the effects of mobile phone usage in classrooms and institutes?

Cause and Effect Essay Topics for University

  • The Long-Term Effects of Quantum Computing on Cybersecurity
  • The Causes and Consequences of Epigenetic Changes in Human Health
  • How Climate Change Influences the Evolution of Species
  • The Impact of CRISPR Technology on Genetic Engineering and Ethics
  • The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Accelerating Scientific Discoveries
  • The Effects of Global Financial Crises on International Trade Policies
  • The Influence of Neuroplasticity on Rehabilitation After Brain Injuries
  • How Blockchain Technology is Transforming Global Supply Chains
  • The Causes and Implications of Antibiotic Resistance in Modern Medicine
  • The Effect of Dark Matter Research on Theories of the Universe’s Origin

Cause and Effect Essay Topics - IELTS

  • Explain the effects of smoking refusal.
  • Elucidate the causes and effects of legal abortion.
  • Discuss the impact of low social status on basic health facilities.
  • Write about the causes and effects of constitutional changes.
  • What is the impact of being the only child on one’s personality?
  • What caused Hitler to become a dictator?
  • What are the major drivers of a social revolution?
  • Discuss the causes and effects of sexual promiscuity.
  • Why are people opting for working from home more?
  • How do siblings affect life learnings?

Cause And Effect Essay Topics For ESL Students

  • Causes and effects of using translation tools in language learning.
  • The influence of cultural immersion on language proficiency.
  • The impact of bilingualism on career opportunities.
  • Causes and effects of learning English for global communication.
  • How language learning affects one's understanding of other cultures.
  • The consequences of language proficiency on academic success.
  • The effects of accent and pronunciation on effective communication.
  • Causes and effects of language schools and courses on language skills.
  • The influence of subtitles in movies on language acquisition.
  • The impact of English proficiency on international travel and job opportunities.

Unique Cause and Effect Topics

  • Causes and effects of the "fear of missing out" (FOMO) in the digital age
  • The consequences of virtual reality and augmented reality on human perception
  • The effects of online dating on traditional relationships
  • The impact of eco-anxiety on environmental conservation
  • Causes and effects of the "minimalist lifestyle" trend
  • How the perception of time influences decision-making
  • The consequences of "cancel culture" on freedom of speech
  • The effects of eco-friendly practices on business profitability
  • Causes and effects of the "helicopter parenting" phenomenon
  • How the #MeToo movement shapes workplace dynamics

Fun Cause and Effect Essay Topics

View these funny cause and effect essay topics:

  • What are the causes and effects of making a laugh at the brand’s drummers?
  • Uploading the wrong photograph to Instagram. Discuss the consequences.
  • What are the causes of Harry Potter replacing Lord of the Rings?
  • The influence of funny memes on internet culture
  • Is having a larger social circle on Facebook an indication of being famous?
  • Enlist the things to ease the pain when the battery gets low outside
  • How to become a successful entrepreneur by selling funny items?
  • Describe things to make a student laugh out loud.
  • Causes and effects of puns and wordplay in language development
  • Why would you mix Coke and Pepsi at breakfast?

Easy Cause and Effect Essay Topics 2024

Here are some of the easiest cause and effect essay topics:

  • The impact of daily water intake on skin health and hydration.
  • Causes and effects of increased screen time on children's social skills.
  • The effects of practicing mindfulness meditation on stress reduction.
  • Causes and effects of rising tuition fees on college enrollment rates.
  • The influence of early childhood reading habits on academic success.
  • The impact of outdoor activities on physical fitness and mental health.
  • How homeschooling shapes students' academic and social development.
  • The consequences of urban gardening on local food sustainability.
  • The effects of social networking on maintaining long-distance relationships.
  • How music genres influence personal identity and lifestyle choices.

Need to make sure your essay stands out? Check out this read on how to create the perfect cause and effect outline for your essay!

Interesting Cause and Effect Essay Topics

  • What are the causes of a significant fall in the number of students in college libraries?
  • How can institutes produce better A–level students?
  • What is the effect of a physical education program on college students?
  • How can a civil war occur in modern society?
  • What is causing college students to feel anxiety?
  • Discuss the causes and effects of telling lies.
  • What are the causes of divorce?
  • What is the impact of genetically engineered food?
  • What causes racism?
  • What causes a person to act politely with others?

Controversial Cause and Effect Essay Topics

  • Why do living together before marriage makes the relationship much better?
  • Why do wives always hate their husbands’ relationships with other females?
  • Discuss sexism’s role in modern society.
  • Is homeschooling proving to be more productive than charter schools?
  • People who play popular video games are smarter. How?
  • Why is it hard to grow up with a single parent?
  • Can social media cause extremism?
  • Homelessness is mostly caused by low morale. Explain.
  • Explain the causes and effects of media violence.
  • What are the negative effects of the generation gap?

Cause and Effect Essay Topics Psychology

  • How does the media influence our self-esteem?
  • The influence of social support on coping with grief and loss
  • How can alcohol consumption lead to depression? 
  • What is the effect of family dynamics on a child's emotional development? 
  • Does social media have an effect on mental health issues?
  • How does religion impact mental health? 
  • What are the causes and effects of eating disorders? 
  • How does poverty affect cognitive development in children? 
  • Does environmental stress have an effect on mental health? 
  • How do gender roles influence behavior?

Cause and Effect Essay Topics Business

  • How does the global economy affect businesses? 
  • What causes companies to restructure their organization? 
  • What are the impacts of employee downsizing on a business’s productivity? 
  • How can entrepreneurial skills lead to success in business? 
  • Does technology have an effect on how businesses interact with customers? 
  • What are the effects of globalization on businesses? 
  • How do employee benefits affect job satisfaction? 
  • Does knowledge management have an effect on corporate culture? 
  • Does outsourcing lead to increased job opportunities for workers in other countries? 
  • How can multiculturalism influence success in the business world?

Cause and Effect Essay Topics on Health Care

  • How does the healthcare system affect patient outcomes?
  • What are the effects of inadequate access to health care in low-income communities? 
  • How does increasing prescription drug prices impact patients' ability to receive treatment? 
  • What are the effects of not having preventive mental health services available? 
  • Does the availability of telemedicine improve access to medical care?
  • Does health insurance have an effect on a patient's decision-making process?
  • How does the quality of healthcare impact public health? 
  • What are the effects of not having affordable healthcare available? 
  • Does increasing the number of medical professionals lead to better patient outcomes?
  • How does technology influence the delivery of healthcare services?

Cause and Effect Essay Topics on Mental Health

  • Explain the causes of post-traumatic stress disorder in the armed forces.
  • Discuss the causes of anxiety in young teens.
  • What are the effects of divorce on the mental health of minors?
  • Emotional problems can affect the immune system. How?
  • Why can broken relationships cause mental stress?
  • Discuss how continuous mental stress can affect the sleeping pattern.
  • Unemployment can cause psychological issues. Elaborate on the concept.
  • How is social anxiety affecting youth?
  • How does troubled family relationships lead to suicide among youngsters?
  • How can excessive academic assignments cause depression?

Medical Cause and Effect Essay Topics

  • Why eating excessive fast food can influence the energy levels of an individual.
  • Explain how junk food can cause the risk of child obesity.
  • How does a lack of food affect our physical health?
  • How can acne affect a teenager’s life?
  • Discuss the effects of poor diet on health.
  • Describe how smoking causes approximately 90% of all breast and lung cancer incidents.
  • Explain the effects of exercise on physical health.
  • What are the causes of chickenpox?
  • What causes depression among elders?
  • What are the effects of avoiding vaccines?

Cause and Effect Essay Topics on Sports

Some sports cause and effect essay topics are given below:

  • How can playing team sports develop social skills?
  • Extensive workouts can damage the physical health of an individual. Explain how?
  • Why does playing sports help to release hormones from the human body?
  • How can technology impact sports events?
  • How have the Olympics affected the overall international relations?
  • What caused the Olympics to begin?
  • What caused some sports to be more popular among children than others?
  • What causes violence in sports?
  • What causes a lack of interest in sports?
  • Can sports cause character development?

Cause and Effect Essay Topics on Social Media

  • What are the impacts of social media on youth?
  • Explain the impacts of social media on business.
  • Discuss the positive and negative effects of using social media.
  • What are the effects of social media on education?
  • What causes Google to be the most popular search engine?
  • Explain the effects of social media on cyberbullying.
  • How can social media influence kids?
  • What are the effects of online dating?
  • How excessive use of cell phones affects teenagers?
  • What causes social media to lose popularity?

Technology Cause and Effect Essay Topics

  • Discuss the effects of video games on young children in a narrative essay.
  • Explain the causes and effects of playing candy crush.
  • Explain the effect of technology on family time.
  • How smartphones affect business practices?
  • What are the positive and negative aspects of wireless technology?
  • Discuss the effects of technology in surgery?
  • What are the effects of using tablets in schools and colleges?
  • How has technology encouraged people to shop online more often?
  • How cellphones affect the ways people communicate with each other?
  • What causes data protection?

Want to ace your cause and effect essay? View these cause and effect essay examples to write a striking one on any topic!

Environmental Cause and Effect Essay Topics

  • What are the impacts of pollution?
  • Discuss the causes of rapid changes in oceans.
  • Discuss the natural causes of global warming.
  • Explain how water vapor causes the greenhouse effect?
  • The increase in global temperature leads to growing malaria. Discuss.
  • Discuss why is it essential to manage forest fires?
  • What are the leading causes of natural disasters?
  • Why is it important to conserve water?
  • Discuss the harmful effects of animal hunting on the ecosystem.
  • How is noise pollution affecting the ozone layer?

Cause and Effect Essay Topics - History

  • Discuss the causes of the Civil War.
  • Explain the effects of WWI.
  • Discuss the major reason behind the increasing crime rates in Europe.
  • Discuss the effects of the Civil Rights movement.
  • What are the effects of war in Syria on the United States?
  • Describe the main causes and consequences of the Arab Spring.
  • How did Christianity affect the Roman empire?
  • Discuss the effects of globalization on the position of women.
  • What are the major causes of the drug wars in Columbia?
  • Discuss the effects of WWII on Jewish people.

Personal Cause and Effect Essay Topics

  • The Impact of Social Media on Personal Relationships
  • Discuss causes of breakups in couples, especially in long-distance relationships..
  • What are the causes and effects of men's commitment phobia?
  • The impact of a life-changing travel experience on personal growth.
  • Effects of maintaining a daily journal for self-reflection.
  • The influence of a role model on personal values and aspirations.
  • Effects of a significant childhood memory on shaping personality.
  • What are the effects of the family structure on the personality of an individual?
  • Explain the causes of the common conflicts and stress within your family.
  • Discuss the effects of teachers on a student’s life.

Cause and Effect Essay Topics About Education

  • What makes an educational policy successful? How can you tell if it is successful and what is causing the success?
  • Causes and effects of standardized testing on educational outcomes.
  • What is the impact of charter school initiatives?
  • How do federal decisions affect the school systems in states and municipalities?
  • How do student-teacher relationships affect education?
  • Impact of online learning on students’ skills.
  • The effect of poverty on higher education in developed countries.
  • How the quality of school facilities and resources affects learning.
  • Describe the causes and effects behind educational gender parity.
  • Describe the causes and effects of online education.

Cause And Effect Essay Topics About Animals 

  • The Impact of Deforestation on Wildlife Extinction
  • Effects of Pollution on Aquatic Life
  • The Relationship between Climate Change and Animal Migration Patterns
  • How Overfishing Affects Ocean Ecosystems
  • The Consequences of Illegal Wildlife Trade on Endangered Species
  • Domestication of Animals and Its Effects on Behavior and Genetics
  • The Role of Pesticides in Declining Bee Populations
  • Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life
  • Human-Induced Habitat Destruction and Its Effects on Biodiversity
  • The Connection between Global Warming and Changes in Animal Habitats

What is a Good Cause and Effect Essay Topic?

Choosing a good cause and effect essay topic is crucial for writing a compelling and insightful essay. 

Here are the key elements that make up the best cause and effect essay topic:

  • Relevance: The topic should be timely and important, connecting with current issues or your academic focus.
  • Clear Cause-Effect Relationship: It should clearly define the cause and its effects, allowing for focused analysis.
  • Analytical Depth: The topic should prompt deep exploration and critical thinking, beyond just surface connections.
  • Engagement: Choose a topic that intrigues the reader and makes the essay compelling.
  • Availability of Research Material: Ensure there is ample research available to support your analysis.
  • Complexity: The topic should be complex enough to challenge you, offering more than simple cause-effect links.
  • Potential for Multiple Perspectives: It should allow exploration of different viewpoints, adding depth to the essay.

Considering these elements will help you create a well-structured, engaging, and relevant cause and effect essay.

How to Choose a Cause and Effect Essay Topic?

Choosing a topic for your cause and effect essay can sometimes be a challenging task, but it's a crucial step in crafting an engaging and informative essay. 

Here are some guidelines to help you select the perfect topic:

  • Identify Your Interests: Start by considering your own interests and passions. An essay is often more compelling when you're genuinely interested in the subject matter.
  • Consider Your Audience: Think about your target audience. What topics would resonate with them? Is there a particular issue or subject that's relevant to their lives or interests?
  • Research and Brainstorm: Spend some time researching and brainstorming potential topics. Explore current events, personal experiences, or academic subjects.
  • Narrow Down Your Focus: Once you have a list of potential topics, narrow it down to a manageable few. Consider the depth and breadth of available information on each topic. 
  • Evaluate Significance: Assess the importance and relevance of the topic. Does it address a pertinent issue or question? Will it provide valuable insights to your readers?
  • Personal Connection: If possible, choose a topic that you can personally connect with. Your own experiences and insights can add depth to your essay.

All in all , choosing the right causal essay topics can be a daunting task for most students. So, you can get help from the above-mentioned list of topics for the cause and effect essay. 

However, if you’re experiencing a writer’s block, buy cause and effect essay from our professional writers on any topic!

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  1. 150 Good Cause and Effect Essay Topics

    Cause and Effect Essay Topics—Environmental Topics. Cause and Effect Essay Topics—Technology. Cause and Effect Essay Topics—Mental Health. Cause and Effect Essay Topics—School and Growing Up. Cause and Effect Essay Topics—Relationships and Family. …

  2. Cause and Effect Essay Outline: Types, Examples

    What is a Cause and Effect Essay? A cause and effect essay is the type of paper that the author is using to analyze the causes and effects of a particular action or event. A curriculum usually includes this type of exercise to …

  3. 137 Intriguing Cause & Effect Essay Topics for Students …

    Cause-and-effect essays aren’t just a way to help students strengthen their writing skills. They’ll also learn critical thinking, logic, and the art of persuasion. In addition, they teach students to demonstrate how one thing …

  4. Cause and Effect Essay Examples

    Sometimes called reason and result essays, cause and effect essays are a type of essay that explores how an event or situation came into being (the cause) and what happens or transpires because of that event or …

  5. 230+ Cause and Effect Essay Topics for Students

    Struggling to find cause and effect essay topics? Overcome writer's block and discover topics that resonate with your interest and academic need in this guide.

  6. 100 Cause and Effect Essay Topics

    These are great and easy topics for your cause-effect paper. This article includes topic questions, videos, and links to help you find out how and what to write.