Cause and Effect Structure

Which of the following words signal cause-and-effect organization?

• since, as a result of, due to

• what, when, where

• how, how much, what kind

• before, after, nearly

Suri and Dawson are rock climbing. Suri decides to attempt a new skill she has learned. At first, she is successful, but then she loses her grip and falls. Suddenly, the safety ropes catch her, but she smashes her hand on the rock.

What is the effect of Suri's fall?

• Suri decides to try a new skill.

• Suri smashes her hand.

• At first, she is successful.

• Suri is rock climbing.

What causes Amelia to audition for school plays, sign up for acting classes, and subscribe to an acting magazine?

• her determination to be a well-known actor

• her dream of being rich one day

• her determination to get the lead in the school play

• her willingness to try new activities

One reason streams become polluted is storm water runoff. When rain or melted snow runs off, it carries trash from sidewalks and streets with it. These pollutants flow into storm sewers or directly into a lake, stream, or river. Then, bacteria from the trash spread to create health hazards. The trash itself can choke and suffocate ducks, fish, turtles, and birds. Used motor oil, paint, and insecticides can poison fish. According to this passage, which of the following is caused by storm water runoff?

• Swimming pools fill up.

• Snow melts and runs off.

• Trash chokes ducks, fish, and turtles.

• People leave trash on sidewalks and streets.

Today more people are connected to the internet than ever before, not only at home, but also on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Many of these people now get their news from the internet rather than reading newspapers. As a consequence, many newspapers have gone out of business. 

• Compare and Contrast

• Cause and Effect

• Description

• Chronological Order

Today more people are connected to the internet than ever before, not only at home, but also on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Many of these people now get their news from the internet rather than reading newspapers. As a result, many newspapers have gone out of business.

• Compare and Contrast

• Cause and Effect

• Description

• Chronological Order

There would be much less pollution________ people stopped using cars completely.

• if

• since

• when

• although

Choose the best answer to complete the sentences.

The river water is severely polluted, mostly________ the dumping of raw sewage.

• due to

• lead to

• because

• so

Sudden changes in water temperature can ________ mass killings of fish, plants, or

amphibians.

• come up

• result in

• dump into

• thank to

4. ________ plastic takes so long to break down, it pollutes the land and ocean.

• Because

• Due to

• Even if

• Although