Cause and

Effect

Definition: C ECause—The cause is why something happens

Effect—The effect is what happens; it is the result

Purposes:•To recognize relationships between main ideas/events and results •To make reasonable or likely predictions and inferences •To draw accurate conclusions

Cause Words:

problem, cause, contributed to

Effect Words:

because, as a result of, effect, outcome

Graphic Organizer

Example

Problem/Cause

Solution/Effect

Graphic Organizer

Problem/Cause

Solution/Effect

Example

Short Answer Format:Claim:Evidence: (detail/quote)Evidence: reasoning:

Example:School was cancelled due to snow. There was 5 inches of snow on the ground and the roads were unsafe. Since the busses could not pick up students due to the snow, school was cancelled.

Multiple Choice: Look for the answer in the text! You should find hints or clues in the reading. Often you will find key words as signal words to let you know there is a cause/effect relationship.Cause Words:

problem,

cause, contributed to

Effect Words: because, as a result of, effect, outcome