Dietel-McLaughlin

WR 13300

Worksheet for Causes Paper

DIRECTIONS: Complete the following (a separate sheet of paper is fine) to support your research and
drafting of the Causes Essay. A paper copy of this worksheet and your library concept map is due in
class on 3/19, along with a brief (3-5 minute) presentation to the class about your project. 25 points.
Step One: Choose a Trend or Phenomenon
Think about things youve seen on campus, at your old high school, on the Web, or elsewhere. Present
your trend/phenomenon as a question, e.g. Why is the Grumpy Cat meme so popular? or What might
be causing more women to pursue careers in comedy?

TREND/PHENOMENON_______________________________________________________________
a) Which is it a trend or phenomenon? A trend is usually signified by an increase or decrease (in test
scores, divorce rates, etc.), whereas a phenomenon is something that can be widely observed over a
longer period of time or seems to be natural (teenage rebellion, popularity of roller coasters, etc.)
_____________________________________________________________________________
b) How do you intend to prove that the trend/phenomenon actually exists?
_____________________________________________________________________________
Step Two: Choose and consider your audience
Who is going to be most interested in your research? Who might also have something at stake in the
discussion?

AUDIENCE ______________________________________________________________________
Step Three: Consider Possible Causes
Consider a few possible causes for the trend/phenomenon youve selected.

POSSIBLE CAUSE #1_________________________________________________________________

How could this factor possibly be contributing to the trend/phenomenon?

Why is this probably not the main cause (or not the most important to your argument)?

POSSIBLE CAUSE #2__________________________________________________________________

How could this factor possibly be contributing to the trend/phenomenon?

Why is this probably not the main cause (or not the most important to your argument)?

POSSIBLE CAUSE #3 (if applicable) __________________________________________________

How could this factor possibly be contributing to the trend/phenomenon?

Why is this probably not the main cause (or not the most important to your argument)?

Step Four: Decide which cause is the main cause (or hidden cause) for the trend/phenomenon
This will be the most important part of your paper, to which you will devote the most space. Your
primary goal will be to convince readers that this cause warrants the most attention, either because it is

Dietel-McLaughlin
WR 13300

the most important cause for the trend/phenomenon or because it is a cause that people dont usually
think about (a hidden cause).

MAIN/MOST IMPORTANT CAUSE

_____________________________________________________________________
Step Five: Give reasons to convince your audience of how your main cause is an important
contributing factor that warrants consideration. Most important part of the paper = most space.

REASON #1_____________________________________________________________________
Evidence:

REASON #2_____________________________________________________________________
Evidence:

REASON #3_____________________________________________________________________
Evidence:
Step Six: List Possible Counterarguments and Responses
What kind of objections might readers have to your claim that your cause is the most important? Might
they think its not actually a cause for the trend/phenomenon? Might they dispute the existence of the
trend/phenomenon in the first place?

COUNTERARGUMENT #1 ____________________________________________________________
Evidence for CA:

Response/Rebuttal______________________________________________________________
Evidence for response:

COUNTERARGUMENT #2___________________________________________________________
Evidence for CA:
Response/Rebuttal________________________________________________________________
Evidence for response:
Step Seven: List Questions. What concerns do you have about your project so far? Where are you
running into trouble?
QUESTION #1_________________________________________________________________
QUESTION #2_________________________________________________________________
QUESTION #3_________________________________________________________________