P.1 Identify the cause and effect in informational texts
What is Cause and Effect?
Cause and effect is a reading strategy that helps us understand why something happens (the cause) and what happens as a result (the effect).
- It rained all day → The soccer game was canceled.
- The oven was left on → The cookies burned.
The cause is the reason something happens. The effect is the result of that cause.
How to Find Cause and Effect
To find cause and effect in a text, ask yourself two questions: What happened? and Why did it happen?
- Read the passage carefully.
- Look for signal words like “because,” “so,” “since,” or “as a result.”
- Decide which event is the cause and which is the effect.
Sometimes the cause comes first, but other times the effect is mentioned first. Always check both.
Signal Words for Cause and Effect
Authors often use special words to show cause and effect relationships in their writing.
- because
- so
- since
- therefore
- as a result
- consequently
When you see these words, stop and ask yourself if they are showing a cause and effect connection.
Why Cause and Effect Is Important
Understanding cause and effect helps readers make sense of events in a story or facts in nonfiction texts. It also improves critical thinking skills.
- Cause: The character did not study → Effect: She did not pass the test.
- Cause: The sun melted the ice → Effect: The road was wet.
Identifying cause and effect helps you predict what might happen next in a story.
Practicing Cause and Effect
Practice by looking for cause and effect in your daily life and in everything you read. This will make the skill easier and more natural.
- Cause: You forgot your umbrella → Effect: You got wet in the rain.
- Cause: You practiced every day → Effect: You improved at playing piano.
Remember: Every effect has a cause, and every cause leads to an effect.