Cause Type Questions
There are a variety of 'cause type' essay questions. You have to give the reasons why something has happened, the causes, but then discuss a different aspect of it, such as the effects, solutions or the extent to whether it is a positive or negative development. Note that the question will dictate what you present.
Sometimes the question will ask for the causes and effects. The examiners want you to discuss the causes or reasons of the problem in one paragraph. The likely effects of that problem in the second paragraph separately. Please note that in this question, you should not make any paragraph about solutions.
Sometimes the question will ask for the causes and solutions. This means one paragraph discusses the causes and the other the solutions.
Look at the questions below:
1- There is increased teenage crimes in many countries. What are the causes and possible solutions to stop teenage crimes.
2- There is an increase in teenage crimes in many countries. What are the causes and possible effects of teenage crimes.
3- There is increased teenage crimes in many countries. What are the causes and effects? Give the possible solutions to teenage crimes.
You will notice that the questions above require you to present different views. With the first one, discuss the causes and solutions. The second requires you to discuss the causes and effects. Yet the third requires you to discuss the causes and effects, then the solutions.
SAMPLE TASK.
Not all drivers obey the laws while driving on roads. What are the reasons and what would be the possible solutions to fix the problem?
Braking traffic rules is common in many countries, especially in big cities. There are sundry reasons for this however, governments can still solve the problem in many ways.
On many occasions, with the fast-paced life in many cities, people are in a hurry and find it hard to follow traffic rules, like obeying traffic lights. The need to be on time evokes poor road usage. In some cities, not all road users are sobber, with multifarious of them driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In this way, it is hard to drive following traffic rules. It is imperative to note that some people are naturally rebellious and would dare to challenge the law, thus breaking traffic laws. There are cases of teenage delinquents who get on roads to quench their driving ego even without having taken driving lessons or acquired a driver’s license.
A score of solutions can be made, and first, governments implementing stricter penalties for poor road usage. These can include jail terms, heavy fines for bad driving and confiscation of a driver’s license for a longer period of time. It is cardinal for authorities to educate people about the dangers of not obeying road laws, among them being death or becoming permanently physically damaged. Suffice to note, there should be limits on how much alcohol should be taken before driving. Many accidents are caused by driving under the influence of alcohol.
In sum, driving under influence, teenage delinquency and fast-paced life evoke poor road use however, strict punishments, education on good driving and limits on alcohol take can suffice as solutions to bad driving.