Arctic Shortcut Sparks Worry

Cause and Effect

Student Objectives

1. Identify cause-and-effect
relationships.
2. Use signal words to identify causes
and effects
Cause and Effect

• Cause is the reason something happened.

– It answers the question why did this happen?

• Effect is the result.

– It answers the question what happened?
Cause and Effect Signal Words

• Words such as because of, why,

caused, since, due to, and as a
result, often signal a cause and
effect relationship.
• As you read, circle these words.
Directions for handout

1. Read paragraphs 1 and 2. Circle cause

and effect signal words. (That’s because)
2. Read paragraph 3. Circle signal words.
(due to, and As a result).
3. Read paragraph 4. Circle signal word.
(result).
After Reading

• Fill in the graphic organizer with 3 causes

and 3 effects
Cause
from the
Effect
article.

Cause Effect

Cause Effect
Possible Answers
• Cause-Frozen water blocked the way.
• Effect-Few sailors were able to travel
through.
• Cause-Due to global warming increasing
the temperature in the Arctic.
• Effect-Arctic ice cover has started to melt.
• Cause-The Arctic ice cover has started to
melt.
• Effect-The Northwest Passage is open to
many types of ships.