Task: Analyze causes or effects of a phenomenon in an essay supported by research. Choose a topic related to your field of study or a field of study that interests you.

Length: 1500-2000 words

Format: APA

Sources: Minimum of 6. At least 3 of these must be from scholarly journals, and all sources should be selected based on reliability, currency, and level of information/analysis. The UMUC library will be very useful in helping you find appropriate sources.
Outcomes you should achieve by completing this assignment

As you complete the tasks required for this assignment, you will be working towards the various course outcomes:

Use research to write an essay on causes or effects that will inform or persuade an audience (Course outcome 1)

Form unified, coherent, and well-supported paragraphs in support of the thesis statement (Course outcome 2)

Select sources, use them to inform and support your writing, and document them in APA style (Course outcome 4)

Demonstrate accurate grammar and mechanics in writing (Course outcome 3)

Participate in the process of receiving feedback and revising your writing (Course outcome 1)

Choosing a topic

This assignment asks you to write about either causes or effects of a phenomenon. Do not try to cover both causes and effects of a phenomenon in your essay. This essay is not long enough to cover both causes and effects in enough detail.

For example, a student could write about various causes of pipeline accidents. This essay's thesis statement and supporting paragraphs would focus only on causes of the accidents. The essay would not go into detail on effects of the pipeline accidents, thought it might briefly mention effects, perhaps in the conclusion.

Another possible topic is the effects of exposure to a particular chemical. This essay would focus only on effects. The introduction might briefly mention how exposure occurs, and the conclusion might briefly mention how to avoid exposure. However, the thesis statement and the supporting paragraphs would focus on effects of exposure.

At the end of these instructions is a list of possible topics to get you started.
Organizing and supporting your essay

As you write your essay, be sure to include the following:
an engaging introductory paragraph that includes an effective and clear thesis statement
any definition of terms or background information that your reader is likely to need to understand your paper
unified, supported, and coherent body paragraphs that defend the thesis
an effective conclusion
Research is a key element of this paper. Take care to support your claims with research throughout the paper. Include in-text citations whenever you use sources, whether through quote, paraphrase, or summary. A reference list at the end of the paper should list all of the sources cited in the text of the paper.

Point of view
This essay will be written in an academic style. Use third person point of view. Do not use "I" or "you."

Persuasive or Expository
This essay can be a persuasive essay, in which you try to persuade the reader of a particular position. Or it can be an expository essay in which synthesize different viewpoints on an issue in order to inform the reader. The following examples help illustrate these two approaches.

A persuasive essay on the effects of video games on learning might the position that video games should be integrated into school science curricula to teach middle school students. The essay would cite articles that demonstrate research studies and other pieces of evidence to support the claim that video games can enhance instruction in science classes and will help middle school students learn science more effectively.

An expository essay on the effects of video games on learning would report ont the topic without taking a stand. The essay would synthesize information on this topic, by bringing together various sources and viewpoints. It would summarize and analyze research findings on the impacts of video games on learning.

Formatting your essay
Use APA style to format your essay, including the following guidelines:
Use one-inch margins.
Double space.
Use size 12 Times New Roman font.
Include a running head.
Include page numbers.
Include a title page.
Use in-text citations in APA format.
Include a reference list with all sources listed in APA format.
Note: An abstract is not required.
Revising your essay

You will submit at least two drafts of your essay. Your instructor will provide feedback on the first draft, and then you will revise and resubmit it. Your instructor may suggest more than two drafts.

Possible topics

By researching and writing this essay, you will have a chance to learn more about your field of study or a field of study that interests you. Expect your research to inform your ideas. Some possible topics for various majors are listed below. You are welcome to choose a topic that is not on this list.

Sciences (environmental management, biotechnology, laboratory management, social science, gerontology, psychology, political science):
the causes of an environmental problem
the effects of an environmental problem
the causes of impaired standing balance in elderly individuals
the effects of a particular drug on segments of the population
the effects of exposure to a chemical or microbial agent
the causes of income inequality in a certain segment of the population or a particular
geographic area
the causes of the British vote to leave the European Union
the effects of open offices on group productivity in the workplace
the causes of stress in a particular segment of the population or a particular job
the effects of social exclusion on the choices consumers make
page4image424
Computer Information Systems and Technology (computer networks and security, computer science, cybersecurity, digital media and web technology, information systems management):
the causes for users' difficulty using Google Maps
the effects of malicious code on networks
the effects of data breaches on insurance costs or sales
the causes of cyber attacks against corporations
the effects of cyber attacks against financial institutions
the effects of new media on political campaigns
the impact of social media on interpersonal relationships
the effects of information technology capability on the ability of organizations to change
the causes of a particular information systems management problem in a particular industry
page4image7952
Communication, Arts, and Humanities (communication studies and professional writing, East Asian studies, English, graphic communication, history, humanities, foreign language):
the impact of social media on advertising
the impact of digital media on student writing
the causes of the American Civil War
the effects of the emergence of instructional technology on the teaching of history or
humanities
the causes of a language change (e.g., a pronunciation shift, a grammatical development, etc.)
Business and Professional Program (accounting, business administration, finance, global business and public policy, human resource management, management studies, marketing, criminal justice, emergency management, fire service administration, homeland security, investigative forensics, legal studies):
the effects of the International Financial Reporting Standards on accounting quality
the causes of the emergence of ethics courses in accounting in the past 10-20 years
the effects of the Internet or day trading on stock prices
the causes of instability in financial markets in a particular industry
the causes of employee turnover in a particular industry
the effects of cause-related marketing plans
the Summary of assignment
Task: Analyze causes or effects of a phenomenon in an essay supported by research. Choose a topic related to your field of study or a field of study that interests you.
Length: 1500-2000 words
Format: APA
Sources: Minimum of 6. At least 3 of these must be from scholarly journals, and all sources should be selected based on reliability, currency, and level of information/analysis. The UMUC library will be very useful in helping you find appropriate sources.
Outcomes you should achieve by completing this assignment
As you complete the tasks required for this assignment, you will be working towards the various course outcomes:
Use research to write an essay on causes or effects that will inform or persuade an audience (Course outcome 1)
Form unified, coherent, and well-supported paragraphs in support of the thesis statement (Course outcome 2)
Select sources, use them to inform and support your writing, and document them in APA style (Course outcome 4)
Demonstrate accurate grammar and mechanics in writing (Course outcome 3)
Participate in the process of receiving feedback and revising your writing (Course
outcome 1)

Choosing a topic

This assignment asks you to write about either causes or effects of a phenomenon. Do not try to cover both causes and effects of a phenomenon in your essay. This essay is not long enough to cover both causes and effects in enough detail.

For example, a student could write about various causes of pipeline accidents. This essay's thesis statement and supporting paragraphs would focus only on causes of the accidents. The essay would not go into detail on effects of the pipeline accidents, thought it might briefly mention effects, perhaps in the conclusion.

Another possible topic is the effects of exposure to a particular chemical. This essay would focus only on effects. The introduction might briefly mention how exposure occurs, and the conclusion might briefly mention how to avoid exposure. However, the thesis statement and the supporting paragraphs would focus on effects of exposure.

At the end of these instructions is a list of possible topics to get you started.

Organizing and supporting your essay

As you write your essay, be sure to include the following:

an engaging introductory paragraph that includes an effective and clear thesis statement any definition of terms or background information that your reader is likely to need to understand your paper unified, supported, and coherent body paragraphs that defend the thesis an effective conclusion

Research is a key element of this paper. Take care to support your claims with research throughout the paper. Include in-text citations whenever you use sources, whether through quote, paraphrase, or summary. A reference list at the end of the paper should list all of the sources cited in the text of the paper.

Point of view

This essay will be written in an academic style. Use third person point of view. Do not use "I" or "you."

Persuasive or Expository

This essay can be a persuasive essay, in which you try to persuade the reader of a particular position. Or it can be an expository essay in which synthesize different viewpoints on an issue in order to inform the reader. The following examples help illustrate these two approaches.

A persuasive essay on the effects of video games on learning might the position that video games should be integrated into school science curricula to teach middle school students. The essay would cite articles that demonstrate research studies and other pieces of evidence to support the claim that video games can enhance instruction in science classes and will help middle school students learn science more effectively.

An expository essay on the effects of video games on learning would report ont the topic without taking a stand. The essay would synthesize information on this topic, by bringing together various sources and viewpoints. It would summarize and analyze research findings on the impacts of video games on learning.

Formatting your essay
Use APA style to format your essay, including the following guidelines:
Use one-inch margins.
Double space.
Use size 12 Times New Roman font.
Include a running head.
Include page numbers.
Include a title page.
Use in-text citations in APA format.
Include a reference list with all sources listed in APA format.

Note: An abstract is not required.

Revising your essay
You will submit at least two drafts of your essay. Your instructor will provide feedback on the first draft, and then you will revise and resubmit it. Your instructor may suggest more than two drafts.

Possible topics

By researching and writing this essay, you will have a chance to learn more about your field of study or a field of study that interests you. Expect your research to inform your ideas. Some possible topics for various majors are listed below. You are welcome to choose a topic that is not on this list.

Sciences (environmental management, biotechnology, laboratory management, social science, gerontology, psychology, political science):
the causes of an environmental problem
the effects of an environmental problem
the causes of impaired standing balance in elderly individuals
the effects of a particular drug on segments of the population
the effects of exposure to a chemical or microbial agent
the causes of income inequality in a certain segment of the population or a particular geographic area
the causes of the British vote to leave the European Union
the effects of open offices on group productivity in the workplace
the causes of stress in a particular segment of the population or a particular job
the effects of social exclusion on the choices consumers make

Computer Information Systems and Technology (computer networks and security, computer science, cybersecurity, digital media and web technology, information systems management):
the causes for users' difficulty using Google Maps
the effects of malicious code on networks
the effects of data breaches on insurance costs or sales
the causes of cyber attacks against corporations
the effects of cyber attacks against financial institutions
the effects of new media on political campaigns
the impact of social media on interpersonal relationships
the effects of information technology capability on the ability of organizations to change
the causes of a particular information systems management problem in a particular industry

Communication, Arts, and Humanities (communication studies and professional writing, East Asian studies, English, graphic communication, history, humanities, foreign language):
the impact of social media on advertising
the impact of digital media on student writing
the causes of the American Civil War
the effects of the emergence of instructional technology on the teaching of history or humanities
the causes of a language change (e.g., a pronunciation shift, a grammatical development, etc.)

Business and Professional Program (accounting, business administration, finance, global business and public policy, human resource management, management studies, marketing, criminal justice, emergency management, fire service administration, homeland security, investigative forensics, legal studies):
the effects of the International Financial Reporting Standards on accounting quality
the causes of the emergence of ethics courses in accounting in the past 10-20 years
the effects of the Internet or day trading on stock prices
the causes of instability in financial markets in a particular industry
the causes of employee turnover in a particular industry
the effects of cause-related marketing plans
the effects of tourism marketing on tourism patterns
the effects of sports marketing on the entertainment industry
the effect of crime television shows on verdicts made in court cases or on other aspects of the criminal justice system
the effects of a particular development in infrastructure on emergency management response
the causes of a particular school safety issue effects of tourism marketing on tourism patterns
the effects of sports marketing on the entertainment industry
the effect of crime television shows on verdicts made in court cases or on other aspects of the criminal justice system
the effects of a particular development in infrastructure on emergency management response
the causes of a particular school safety issue