Example thesis statements for Cause-Effect Essay:

Definition of a thesis statement: a debatable point or claim.

On gun control:

1. Gun laws are the cause of much violent crime in America, and they need to be changed to make it easier for Americans to purchase handguns, carry them as concealed weapons, and better protect themselves.
2. Gun laws are the cause of much violent crime in America, and the best way to resolve the problem is to change the laws so that owning an illegal firearm carries a very stiff prison sentence for first time offenders.

Past: In this essay you would examine the past effects of gun laws and violent crime. Perhaps you could suggest that even though gun-related crimes were less common in the past, today there are many more guns in America, and it is quite easy for criminals to obtain legal guns. Were gun laws at that time appropriate and effective? What were the effects of gun laws at that time?

Present: Are gun laws effective today? Is it too easy for people to obtain guns? Do the laws impose adequate penalties for those who use guns to commit crimes? What effect has the current state of gun laws had on society? Should it be easier or more difficult to obtain a gun, and why or why not? Should people be allowed to carry a concealed firearm?

Future: You can approach this in at least two different ways: if gun laws are not changed what future effects will it have on society? If gun laws are changed what future effects will it have on society?

On social security:

1. The failure to fund the Social Security system properly has resulted in a situation where the system will go bankrupt in the relatively near future; however, the privatization of the system is not the answer. The best way to fix the Social Security system is to . . .
2. The failure to fund the Social Security system properly has resulted in a situation where the system will go bankrupt in the relatively near future. The privatization of the system is the best way to ensure the futures of America’s senior citizens.

On immigration:

1. Immigration laws have certainly resulted in a situation where many illegal immigrants live and work in the United States, but it is also an issue that has been blown out of proportion by the media and politicians. Illegal immigrants are a benefit to the US economy because. . .
2. Immigration laws have resulted in a situation where many illegal immigrants live and work in the United States, and the laws must be changed so that illegal aliens are either deported or legalized.