Republic of the Philippines

ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY

R.T. Lim Boulevard, Baliwasan, Zamboanga City
COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION
Senior High School Laboratory

Reading and Writing

Cause and Effect

I. Introduction

A cause is a reason for, or events leading up to. An effect is the results of a

cause or causes. Having the skill to think in the mode of cause and effect is a key to
victory in daily situations.

II. Content of the topic

The cause and effect as a method in developing a paragraph is useful in

explaining why something happens. A paragraph emphasizing the ‘cause’, normally
starts with an effect. The goal of this is to explore how a particular paragraph is to
explore how such an effect came to be. Similarity, a paragraph emphasizing the ‘effect’
begins with a particular cause then explains the consequences of effects of this cause.
Notice how the causes of the avalanche are explained in the paragraph below.

An avalanche is a huge snow slide that rushes down the side of a mountain
carrying large trees, rocks, and other debris in its path. Avalanches are similar to
landslides but can be more dangerous and destructive. Avalanches can occur when
huge amounts of new snow fall on layers of snow and ice that have become unstable
because of melting. They can be triggered by explosions or earthquakes.

It is essential when writing a paragraph that shows cause and/or effect, and
determine the reason for discussing the cause and/or effect. Like any other pattern of
development, transitional words help to emphasize cause and/or effect relationships.
 The most common words and phrases that show cause include;
➢ Because;
➢ Since;
➢ Is due to; and
➢ Is caused by

While the word and phrases such as;

➢ For this reason;
➢ It follows;
➢ As a result;
➢ As a consequence; thus, so
➢ Therefore

Aside from the common single cause with single effect, there may be four types
of organization depending on the topic:

➢ Multiple Causes with Single Effect

➢ Single Cause with Multiple Effects
➢ Causal/Domino Effect
➢ Multiple Cause with Multiple Effects