Cause and Effect

 We learn about cause and effect

because we like to understand how
events are related to one another.
 Cause/Effect relationships help
explain why things happen.
 A cause is the reason something
happens.
 An effect is the thing that happens
as a result of the cause.
Example: Since I babysat during the
summer, I was able to buy a new
bike.
 How was she able to buy the bike?
(effect)
 She babysat during the summer.
(cause)
 Look for keywords that show a
cause/effect relationship.
 Sometimes there will be a
cause/effect relationship, and these
words will not be used.
 When you can’t find the key word,
then the relationship is “implied”
 Here are some key words:
Hence As a result of
So Consequently
Since As a consequence
In order to Was responsible for
Produced Led to
Thus Due to
 Key word hints:
For this reason
In response to
Result in
Therefore
Word “cause”
Word “effect”
 If possible, try to replace the
cause/effect relationship word so
that you can use the word “because”
 The most important linking word to
show a cause/effect relationship is
the word “because”
 If you change your sentences
around so their meaning does not
change and you can add “because”
to the events, you probably have the
correct cause/effect answer.
 Example:
Jerry did not study for his test. He
knew that he had to pass the test.
Jerry wasn’t surprised when he
failed the test.
 Jerry failed his test because he
didn’t study.
 Cause: He did not study
 Effect: He failed his test
 Sometimes cause/effect linking
words are “understood”
 This happens when writers leave out
the key words that define a
cause/effect relationship.
Example:
Ben was running late for school, but it
was a beautiful morning, so he
wanted to walk. Ben saw his
neighbor chasing his wild, little
puppy. Ben knew he had to help.
Why was Ben late?
(effect)
1st cause: he walked to school
2nd cause: he helped his neighbor

Both of these are causes/effects that

could have related to his being late.
 Sometimes cause/effect
relationships are only “implied” and
must be “inferred” by the reader.
 If the cause/effect is not directly
stated, you will have to infer:
Look for details
Use logical reasoning or common
sence
Example
Ben got up early enough to get ready
for school, but he knew he didn’t
write his English paper. He dreaded
going because his teacher would be
very disappointed.
 Why would Ben not go to school?

 It is implied that he would not go to

school (effect) since he didn’t turn in
his English paper (cause).
 When you are looking for
cause/effect relationships, there will
be other information with it.
 For example, when you are reading
a passage, textbook, or newspaper,
you will have cause/effect
relationships, but you will have
other information that you will have
to understand, too.
Answering Cause/Effect
Questions
 1. Read the passage carefully
 2. Figure out the question. What is
it asking for?
 3. Did you notice key words?
 4. Find your proof or support in the
passage.