Module 3

ESL 0202 Cause/Effect Model Essay 1:

EXERCISE 1:Read the following essay and answer the questions below.

1. Highlight the thesis and the concluding sentences in yellow. Is this essay about causes or effects?

2. Highlight transitions and linking words in pink. NOTE: there are various sentence structures featured in this essay.

3. Highlight the subtopic sentences in blue—those are the sentences that introduce each new subtopic.

4. What are the subtopics of this essay?

Video Game Addiction

Video game addiction is a serious problem in many parts of the world today and deserves more attention. It is no secret that children and adults in many countries throughout the world, including Japan, China, and the United States, play video games every day. Most players are able to limit their usage in ways that do not interfere with their daily lives, but many others have developed an addiction to playing video games. Regardless of the severity of the addiction, many suffer detrimental effects.

One common effect of video game addiction is isolation and withdrawal from social experiences. Video game players often hide in their homes or in Internet cafés for days at a time—only reemerging for the most pressing tasks and necessities. The effect of this isolation can lead to a breakdown of communication skills and often a loss in socialization. While it is true that many games, especially massive multiplayer online games, involve a very real form of e-based communication and coordination with others, and these virtual interactions often result in real communities that can be healthy for the players, these communities and forms of communication rarely translate to the types of valuable social interaction that humans need to maintain typical social functioning. As a result, the social networking in these online games often gives the users the impression that they are interacting socially, while their true social lives and personal relations may suffer.

Another unfortunate product of the isolation that often accompanies video game addiction is the disruption of the user’s career. While many players manage to enjoy video games and still hold their jobs without problems, others experience challenges at their workplace. Some may only experience warnings or demerits as a result of poorer performance, or others may end up losing their jobs altogether. Playing video games for extended periods of time often involves sleep deprivation, and this tends to carry over to the workplace, reducing production and causing habitual tardiness.

Finally, video game addiction may result in a decline in overall health and hygiene. Players who interact with video games for such significant amounts of time can go an entire day without eating and even longer without basic hygiene tasks, such as using the restroom or bathing. The effects of this behavior pose significant danger to their overall health.

In conclusion, the causes of video game addiction are complex and can vary greatly, but the effects have the potential to be severe. Playing video games can and should be a fun activity for all to enjoy. However, just like everything else, the amount of time one spends playing video games needs to be balanced with personal and social responsibilities. Otherwise, the effects can be detrimental in many ways.

Adapted from:

"Writing for Success"  by  University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing  is licensed under  CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

EXERCISE 2: Outlining the Model: Refer back to the essay “Video Game Addiction” and complete the following outline with the missing information.

I. Introduction: Thesis: Regardless of the severity of the addiction, many suffer detrimental effects.

II. One common effect of video game addiction is isolation and withdrawal from social experiences

A. Hiding at home or an internet cafe

B. some interaction in gaming communities but___________________

C. ____________________________________

III. Another unfortunate product of the isolation that often accompanies video game addiction is the disruption of the user’s career.

A. some people don’t have problems; some do

1. demerits / poor performance

2. _______________________

B. sleep deprivation

1. ______________________

2. ______________________

IV. ___________________________________________________________

A. days without eating

B. _________________

V. In conclusion, the causes of video game addiction are complex and can vary grtly, but the effects have the potential to be severe.