Cause and effect words

Choose the word that best completes the sentence: The game was cancelled _____ the heavy rain.

• due to

• as a result

• therefore

• so

Answer explanation

The phrase 'due to' correctly introduces the cause (the heavy rain) for the effect (the game's cancellation). The other words are typically used to introduce an effect.

In the sentence "Since I forgot my lunch, I had to buy it at school," what is the cause?

• I had to buy it at school.

• I forgot my lunch.

• The school sold lunch.

• I was hungry.

Answer explanation

Forgetting the lunch is the reason (cause) that led to the action of buying it at school (the effect). The word 'since' signals the cause.

Sort these words into two groups: Words that Signal a CAUSE and Words that Signal an EFFECT.

Groups:

(a) Words that Signal a CAUSE

,

(b) Words that Signal an EFFECT

• since

• therefore

• because

• as a result

• due to

• so

Answer explanation

Words like 'because,' 'due to,' and 'since' introduce the reason something happens (the cause). Words like 'so,' 'as a result,' and 'therefore' introduce the outcome (the effect).

What does the word "consequence" mean in a cause-and-effect relationship?

• The reason an event happens

• The result or effect of an action

• A plan to make something happen

• An unrelated, random event

Answer explanation

A 'consequence' is the outcome or result (the effect) that follows from a specific cause or action. The other options describe a cause, a plan, or an unrelated event.

In the sentence "The loud music led to a complaint from the neighbors," what is the effect?

• The loud music

• A complaint from the neighbors

• The neighbors were home

• The music stopped

Answer explanation

The complaint is the result (the effect) that happened because of the loud music (the cause). The phrase 'led to' points toward the effect.

Read the sentence: 'Since the library was closed, Maria decided to study at a coffee shop.' Which part of the sentence states the **effect**?

• Since the library was closed

• Maria decided to study at a coffee shop

• the library was closed

• to study at a coffee shop

Answer explanation

The effect is the result of an action or event. In this sentence, the library being closed (the cause) resulted in Maria deciding to study at a coffee shop (the effect).

Which sentence correctly uses the word "so" to show a cause-and-effect relationship?

• I like pizza, so my friend likes tacos.

• The alarm didn't go off, so I was late for school.

• The sun is bright, so the moon is out.

• He is tall, so he has brown hair.

Answer explanation

This sentence shows a logical result: being late is the effect of the alarm not going off. The other sentences connect two unrelated ideas.

Sort these signal phrases based on whether they typically introduce a CAUSE or an EFFECT.

Groups:

(a) Introduces a CAUSE

,

(b) Introduces an EFFECT

• Caused by

• Consequently

• As a result

• The reason was

Answer explanation

'Caused by' and 'The reason was' point back to the cause of an event. 'As a result' and 'consequently' introduce the effect or outcome that happens because of a cause.

Which word in the sentence "The project succeeded because of our teamwork" signals the cause?

• succeeded

• because of

• teamwork

• project

Answer explanation

The phrase 'because of' is a signal that introduces the cause or reason for an outcome. In this case, it explains why the project succeeded.

Match each cause-and-effect vocabulary word to its definition.

• A result or a consequence of an action

• Reason

• The final result of a process or event

• Cause

• An explanation for an action or event

• Outcome

• Something that makes an event happen

• Effect

Answer explanation

Each word is matched to its specific meaning within a cause-and-effect context. 'Cause' and 'Reason' are similar, as are 'Effect' and 'Outcome.'