Causal Analysis Essay Assignment

Causal Analysis Essay Assignment
This Final Draft should be 5 to 7 pages in length. It should include a fully developed introduction, three
topic sections, and a clear conclusion.
A Causal Analysis Essay focuses on one problem and seeks to interpret and present the various causes that
led to that specific problem or dilemma. Your task is to focus on the theme of mechanization within Ken
Kesey’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and analyze its development based on the following three causes:
Mechanization can be defined as “the action or process of making something mechanical in character.” How
are the characters in the novel mechanized or turned into mindless automatons? How does this prevent
them from every achieving the American Dream?
1. Patients’ internalization of mechanization (How do the patients’ internalized beliefs contribute to their
mechanization?)
2. The ward’s reinforcement of mechanization of the patients (Consider the role of Nurse Ratched, the
orderlies, ward policies and regulations, the use of prescription drugs and EST, fear and intimidation,
and etc.)
3. Institutionalization of mechanization (The Combine is described by the Chief as an oppressive force,
typically wielded by those in power, to control all inhabitants of society.)
Then, compare the three causes that lead to mechanization in the novel to the three causes that contribute to a
very specific social issue or social climate in today’s America that contributes to the achievement of the
American dream or to its destruction. Consider reviewing the samples posted in Canvas.
Many have argued that the American Dream is a fraudulent deception. Others maintain that it is achievable in
today’s American landscape. Your goal in this essay assignment is to discover how today’s American culture
prevents the attainment of the American dream or empowers Americans to achieve it. Remember to state your
subject clearly and focus on the CAUSES that lead to this issue or circumstance. Here are a few sample claims
to consider:
1. Racism in today’s society is similar to the mechanization developed within Kesey’s novel. It cripples
certain group’s ability to achieve the American Dream.
2. Gender equality today empowers all individuals to chase after and obtain their version of the American
Dream. This differs vastly from the restrictive mechanization illustrated in Kesey’s novel.
3. Unequal access to quality education continues to deprive minorities of their share of the elusive
American Dream. This “otherization” of minorities today clearly mirrors the brutal repression the
patients experience under the tyrannical mechanization depicted in Kesey’s novel.
4. Americans’ optimism and sense of unity engendered in recent years has been critical in ensuring that
American citizens bask in the palpable dream that defines America. This reality is a stark contrast to the
gloom experienced by the patients in Kesey’s novel who are shackled and brutalized by the grips of
mechanization.
These are ideas to help you generate your own stance. I strongly recommend that you email me to schedule a
conference and review the samples posted in Canvas.
Body Paragraphs:
Each body paragraph should develop only one cause. Begin with a clear topic sentence that states the cause in
which you will be focusing. Then provide specific details revealing how this cause contributes to the main issue
English 201
or problem. Focus on one clear example and develop it fully. Explain thoroughly how this cause supports your
claim.
Your essay must have a clear organization and a focused claim.
Essay Format/Outline
I. Introductory Paragraph General Statement _____________________________________________
A. First Cause (Intro Kesey’s first cause and intro to your first cause.) __________________________
B. Second Cause (Intro Kesey’s second cause and intro to your second cause.) ___________________
C. Third Cause (Intro Kesey’s final cause and intro to your final cause.) ________________________
Claim: Subject:_________________________________ So What? ___________________________________
Impact: ________________________________
II. First Body Paragraph (First Cause) Transition Word _______________ First Topic Sentence
______________________________________________________________________________________
A. Intro Kesey’s cause: ________________________________________________________________
B. Novel quote ______________________________________________________________________
C. Intro your first cause: ______________________________________________________________
D. Research Quote: ___________________________________________________________________
E. Explain (how it supports claim) ______________________________________________________
III. Second Body Paragraph (First Cause) Transition Word _______________ Second Topic Sentence
______________________________________________________________________________________
A. Intro Kesey’s cause: ________________________________________________________________
B. Novel quote ______________________________________________________________________
C. Intro your second cause: ____________________________________________________________
D. Research Quote: ___________________________________________________________________
E. Explain (how it supports claim) ______________________________________________________
IV. First Body Paragraph (First Cause) Transition Word _______________ Third Topic Sentence
______________________________________________________________________________________
A. Intro Kesey’s cause: ________________________________________________________________
B. Novel quote ______________________________________________________________________
C. Intro your final cause: ______________________________________________________________
D. Research Quote: ___________________________________________________________________
English 201
E. Explain (how it supports claim) ______________________________________________________
V. Conclusion
Restate Thesis ____________________________________________________________________
A. Restate First Topic ________________________________________________________________
B. Restate Second Topic _______________________________________________________________
C. Restate Third Topic ________________________________________________________________
D. Idea to Ponder/Research ____________________________________________________________Causal Analysis Essay Assignment
This Final Draft should be 5 to 7 pages in length. It should include a fully developed introduction, three
topic sections, and a clear conclusion.
A Causal Analysis Essay focuses on one problem and seeks to interpret and present the various causes that
led to that specific problem or dilemma. Your task is to focus on the theme of mechanization within Ken
Kesey’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and analyze its development based on the following three causes:
Mechanization can be defined as “the action or process of making something mechanical in character.” How
are the characters in the novel mechanized or turned into mindless automatons? How does this prevent
them from every achieving the American Dream?
1. Patients’ internalization of mechanization (How do the patients’ internalized beliefs contribute to their
mechanization?)
2. The ward’s reinforcement of mechanization of the patients (Consider the role of Nurse Ratched, the
orderlies, ward policies and regulations, the use of prescription drugs and EST, fear and intimidation,
and etc.)
3. Institutionalization of mechanization (The Combine is described by the Chief as an oppressive force,
typically wielded by those in power, to control all inhabitants of society.)
Then, compare the three causes that lead to mechanization in the novel to the three causes that contribute to a
very specific social issue or social climate in today’s America that contributes to the achievement of the
American dream or to its destruction. Consider reviewing the samples posted in Canvas.
Many have argued that the American Dream is a fraudulent deception. Others maintain that it is achievable in
today’s American landscape. Your goal in this essay assignment is to discover how today’s American culture
prevents the attainment of the American dream or empowers Americans to achieve it. Remember to state your
subject clearly and focus on the CAUSES that lead to this issue or circumstance. Here are a few sample claims
to consider:
1. Racism in today’s society is similar to the mechanization developed within Kesey’s novel. It cripples
certain group’s ability to achieve the American Dream.
2. Gender equality today empowers all individuals to chase after and obtain their version of the American
Dream. This differs vastly from the restrictive mechanization illustrated in Kesey’s novel.
3. Unequal access to quality education continues to deprive minorities of their share of the elusive
American Dream. This “otherization” of minorities today clearly mirrors the brutal repression the
patients experience under the tyrannical mechanization depicted in Kesey’s novel.
4. Americans’ optimism and sense of unity engendered in recent years has been critical in ensuring that
American citizens bask in the palpable dream that defines America. This reality is a stark contrast to the
gloom experienced by the patients in Kesey’s novel who are shackled and brutalized by the grips of
mechanization.
These are ideas to help you generate your own stance. I strongly recommend that you email me to schedule a
conference and review the samples posted in Canvas.
Body Paragraphs:
Each body paragraph should develop only one cause. Begin with a clear topic sentence that states the cause in
which you will be focusing. Then provide specific details revealing how this cause contributes to the main issue
English 201
or problem. Focus on one clear example and develop it fully. Explain thoroughly how this cause supports your
claim.
Your essay must have a clear organization and a focused claim.
Essay Format/Outline
I. Introductory Paragraph General Statement _____________________________________________
A. First Cause (Intro Kesey’s first cause and intro to your first cause.) __________________________
B. Second Cause (Intro Kesey’s second cause and intro to your second cause.) ___________________
C. Third Cause (Intro Kesey’s final cause and intro to your final cause.) ________________________
Claim: Subject:_________________________________ So What? ___________________________________
Impact: ________________________________
II. First Body Paragraph (First Cause) Transition Word _______________ First Topic Sentence
______________________________________________________________________________________
A. Intro Kesey’s cause: ________________________________________________________________
B. Novel quote ______________________________________________________________________
C. Intro your first cause: ______________________________________________________________
D. Research Quote: ___________________________________________________________________
E. Explain (how it supports claim) ______________________________________________________
III. Second Body Paragraph (First Cause) Transition Word _______________ Second Topic Sentence
______________________________________________________________________________________
A. Intro Kesey’s cause: ________________________________________________________________
B. Novel quote ______________________________________________________________________
C. Intro your second cause: ____________________________________________________________
D. Research Quote: ___________________________________________________________________
E. Explain (how it supports claim) ______________________________________________________
IV. First Body Paragraph (First Cause) Transition Word _______________ Third Topic Sentence
______________________________________________________________________________________
A. Intro Kesey’s cause: ________________________________________________________________
B. Novel quote ______________________________________________________________________
C. Intro your final cause: ______________________________________________________________
D. Research Quote: ___________________________________________________________________
English 201
E. Explain (how it supports claim) ______________________________________________________
V. Conclusion
Restate Thesis ____________________________________________________________________
A. Restate First Topic ________________________________________________________________
B. Restate Second Topic _______________________________________________________________
C. Restate Third Topic ________________________________________________________________
D. Idea to Ponder/Research ____________________________________________________________

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