1. Traffic Congestion
Cause and Effect Essay

2. Introduction Three sentences 2: Two background sentences
1: “This essay will discuss…”

3. Introduction: Background
Two sentences
Describe the current situation or
Describe the past and present or
Give one side and the other side

4. Introduction: Background Ex.1
Describe the current situation
Abu Dhabi is a modern city, but it faces a modern problem. Every morning and evening, the streets are crowded with cars, taxis and trucks.

5. Introduction: Background Ex.2
Describe the past and present
Thirty years ago there were only a handful of cars in the dusty town of Abu Dhabi. Today, the streets are bumper-to-bumper with modern 4WD vehicles, luxury saloons, and taxis.

6. Introduction: Background Ex.3
Give one side and the other side
Abu Dhabi is one of the most highly developed cities in the Arab world. However, traffic congestion is a serious problem.

7. Introduction: Thesis Thesis: Say what the essay will do
This essay will examine the causes of traffic congestion in Abu Dhabi and look at some of the effects.
discuss, analyze, examine, describe, outline, look at, mention, illustrate, review, explore, investigate…

8. Sample Introduction
Abu Dhabi is a modern city, but it also has a modern problem. Every morning and evening, the streets are crowded with cars, taxis and trucks. This essay will examine the causes of traffic congestion in Abu Dhabi and look at some of the effects.

9. Causes Seven sentences (approx.) Opening sentence (Topic)
Cause 1, more information
Cause 2, more information
Cause 3, more information

10. Causes: Topic Sentences
Several factors have contributed to Abu Dhabi’s traffic problems.
Abu Dhabi’s gridlock is the result of several factors.
There are several reasons for Abu Dhabi’s traffic problems.
Specify! Don’t use pronouns like This or It in the opening.

11. Causes
No trains, trams, buses, metro, etc (poor public transport infrastructure)
Too many taxis
Everybody can afford a car due to rapid economic growth
Road building cannot keep up
Rapid population growth
Limited space on the island
High temperatures
Children cannot walk to school
No staggered hours

12. Causes: Sample 1
One of the main causes of congestion is the high number of cars. Because of the emirate’s rapid economic growth, most residents can afford private vehicles.

13. Causes: Sample 2
Another contributing factor is the lack of a public transport infrastructure. The absence of buses, trains, or an underground forces residents to rely on cars or taxis.

14. Causes: Sample 3
The road system is another cause of congestion. Although the roads are highly developed, planners have not been able to keep up with the rapid expansion of the population. Frequent road works also lead to delays.

15. Effects Seven sentences (approx.) Opening sentence (Topic)
Effect 1, more information
Effect 2, more information
Effect 3, more information

16. Effects Higher levels of anger and frustration
More air pollution due to emissions
Increased noise pollution
More wasted time, delays at work and at school or when doing errands
Reduced productivity
Less pleasant environment
Higher motoring costs (wasted fuel)

17. Effects: Topic Sentences
This congestion has several adverse effects.
Abu Dhabi’s traffic affects the city in various ways.
Traffic jams have many negative consequences for the city.
Specify! Don’t use pronouns like This or It in the opening.

18. Effects: Sample 1
The biggest effect is increased anger and frustration. Commuters and shoppers experience delays, resulting in tension and stress as they sit in traffic. This can even lead to increased accident rates.

19. Effects: Sample 2
Another adverse effect is on the environment. Air quality declines as vehicle emissions rise. Noise levels also increase. In general, the city becomes a less pleasant place to live or work.

20. Effects: Sample 3
A major effect is on productivity and efficiency. Workers and students are late for work or school. Salesmen and travelers waste hours in traffic jams, leading to lost profits.

21. Conclusion Two or three sentences Look to the Future
Summarize the main ideas and/or
Give your opinion
Look to the Future

22. Conclusion: Sample 1
Overall, Abu Dhabi’s traffic problems are caused by an over-reliance on private transport and a failure to keep up with the rapidly expanding population. However, the city has shown it can solve problems in the past, and I am confident that it can reduce traffic congestion in the future.

23. Conclusion: Sample 2
Overall, too many cars for too few road have lead to severe congestion in the city. However, if the municipal authorities encourage residents to use public transport, I am sure Abu Dhabi will continue to be a pleasant city to live in in the future.

24. Traffic Congestion
Cause and Effect Essay