Develop an outline for the topic. If you do not know anything about the assigned topic, then research it first.
Develop a strong introduction and thesis statement. The introduction should give a preview of what the essay will be about. The thesis statement is what the essay will prove. For example, if the essay is about Prohibition in the Unites States, the thesis statement might be, "Pressure from religious groups caused governments to implement prohibition, creating a lucrative illegal industry."
Develop at least three strong arguments for both the cause and the effect. These are the main points of the essay. Each argument should be backed up with two or three strong statements of fact supporting it. For example, if the argument is, "Violent crime during the Prohibition era increased due to feuding bootleggers," then the support might be crime statistics from that time.
Write a powerful conclusion. The conclusion sums up the main points of the essay and reminds the reader of the over arching cause and effects of the topic. The conclusion can also include the author's insight into solutions, perspectives and ideas on the topic.