Causal Analysis and Classification in Writing

Causal Analysis

  • Definition: Refers to the writer's capability and responsibility to discuss ideas clearly and concisely.
  • Key Concept: Involves identifying the causes and effects of a particular situation, event, or phenomenon.
  • Important Aspects:
    • Cause and Effect Relationship: Must involve at least two happenings.
    • Key Questions: Answers "why" and "how?"
    • Keywords: Terms like "therefore," "because," "following," and "previously" are commonly used in causal analysis.

Types of Causal Analysis

  • Causal Chain: A set of cause and effect that leads to multiple other happenings one after another.
    • Example: Studying well can lead to feeling good for the rest of the day.

Faulty Causality

  • Definition: Refers to the erroneous assumption that event A is always the cause of event B, or that event B is always the effect of event A.
  • Latin Term: "Post hoc" (meaning "after this"), which describes this fallacy.

Structure of Causal Analysis Essays

  1. Introduction:

    • Describe the event or situation to be explored.
    • Include a thesis statement outlining the main cause or effect.

  2. Body Paragraph (Causes):

    • Start with what the writer perceives as the main cause of the event.
    • Provide evidence to support this argument.
    • Discuss secondary causes following the main cause.

  3. Body Paragraph (Effect):

    • Discuss the main effect that arose from the causes previously illustrated.
    • Provide supporting evidence to back the argument.

  4. Conclusion:

    • Summary of key points discussed in the essay.

Classification and Division

  • Definition: Classification creates an order in writing by categorizing topics while division breaks down a concept into its parts.
  • Importance: Both processes are essential for systematization in writing and help create a sense of order and predictability in concepts.
Key Principles of Classification and Division:
  1. Consistency: Ensure that similarities are parallel in the items being classified or divided.
  2. Exclusiveness: Ensure no overlapping between or among classified items.
  3. Completeness: Ensure that all important parts are included in the writing without omissions.