Cause and Effect in Informative Texts

Section 1What cause and effect means

Cause and effect is the relationship between why something happens and what happens because of it. The cause is the reason. The effect is the result. Here's the trick: ask, "What made this happen?" and "What happened because of it?"

Section 2Cause words and effect words

Writers often signal cause with words like because, since, due to, as, and owing to. Effects may be signalled by therefore, so, consequently, as a result, and led to. Watch out: not every cause-and-effect link uses a signal word, so you still need to read for meaning.

Section 3One cause, many effects

A single cause can produce several effects. Heavy rain may flood roads, delay school buses, damage crops, and force families to move belongings. In a comprehension answer, name the effect the question asks for instead of listing everything you know.

Section 4Many causes, one effect

One effect can also have several causes. Poor exam performance might result from weak revision, stress, illness, or misunderstanding the question. Easy to mix up - the passage decides the cause, not your personal guess.

Section 5Direct and indirect links

Some effects happen immediately, while others happen later. A direct effect of a blocked drain may be water collecting in the street. An indirect effect may be shop owners losing customers because people avoid the flooded area.

Section 6Answering cause-and-effect questions

CSEC-style questions may ask why something happened, what resulted from an action, or how one detail leads to another. A strong answer names the cause and effect, then explains the link. In plain words, do not just point at two facts; show how one creates or influences the other.