Cause and effect words

Match the cause on the left to its most logical effect on the right.

• ...so they were well-prepared for the game.

• The phone's battery was dead

• ...so he was grounded for the weekend.

• He forgot to do his chores

• ...so she couldn't make any calls.

• The team practiced for weeks

Answer explanation

Each pair correctly links a cause (an action or event) with its logical effect (the result of that action or event).

Sort these words and phrases into the correct category: 'Cause Indicators' or 'Effect Indicators'.

Groups:

(a) Cause Indicators

,

(b) Effect Indicators

• because

• so

• due to

• as a result

• therefore

• since

Answer explanation

'Cause Indicators' like 'because' and 'due to' introduce a reason, while 'Effect Indicators' like 'therefore' and 'so' introduce a result.

In the sentence, "The unexpected outcome of the experiment surprised the scientists," what does the word 'outcome' refer to?

• The result or effect of the experiment

• The reason or cause for the experiment

• The beginning steps of the experiment

• An unrelated opinion about the experiment

Answer explanation

The word 'outcome' means the result, consequence, or effect of an action or event. In this sentence, it refers to what happened because of the experiment, thus signaling the effect.

These events happened in pairs. Sort each event into the 'Cause' or 'Effect' category.

Groups:

(a) Cause

,

(b) Effect

• Studying for a week

• Forgetting to set an alarm

• Missing the bus

• Acing the final exam

Answer explanation

A cause is the event that makes something else happen. An effect is the result. Forgetting an alarm causes one to miss the bus, and studying causes one to ace an exam.

I didn't save my game progress, so I had to start the level over. What is the effect in this sentence?

• I didn't save my game progress

• I had to start the level over

• I was playing a game

• The game was difficult

Answer explanation

The word 'so' introduces the effect or result. Having to start over is the result of not saving the game progress (the cause).

Match the cause to the ending that creates a logical sentence.

• ...as a result, she felt confident speaking.

• She practiced her presentation...

• ...consequently, there were several accidents.

• He stayed up late studying...

• ...therefore, he was tired the next day.

• The road was icy...

Answer explanation

Each sentence starter (cause) is correctly paired with an ending (effect) that logically follows, using an appropriate transition word.

The unexpected compliment prompted a smile. The word 'prompted' indicates the...

• cause of the smile

• effect of the smile

• location of the smile

• duration of the smile

Answer explanation

To 'prompt' something means to cause it to happen. Therefore, the compliment is the cause, and the smile is the effect.

Sort these sentences based on which part of the relationship is stated first.

Groups:

(a) Cause First

,

(b) Effect First

• The concert was sold out, so we couldn't get tickets.

• Since it was so hot, we went to the pool.

• My phone stopped working because I dropped it.

• The flight was delayed as a result of bad weather.

Answer explanation

Some sentences state the cause before the effect (e.g., 'Since it was hot, we went swimming'). Others state the effect first and then explain the cause (e.g., 'My phone stopped working because...').

In the sentence 'The project failed as a result of poor planning,' what is the cause?

• The project failed

• poor planning

• the result

• the project

Answer explanation

The phrase 'as a result of' signals that what follows is the cause. The project's failure (the effect) happened because of the poor planning (the cause).

Read the sentence: *The team did not practice; therefore, they lost the championship game.* What is the function of the word 'therefore' in this sentence?

• It signals the effect, showing the result of the team not practicing.

• It introduces the cause, explaining why the team lost.

• It presents a contrasting idea to the team's lack of practice.

• It provides an example of a championship game.

Answer explanation

'Therefore' is a transition word that indicates a conclusion or effect. In this sentence, the cause is 'The team did not practice,' and 'therefore' introduces the effect, which is 'they lost the championship game.'