Cause and Effect

Good Readers often use Cause and Effect

The Cause is the reason something happens. (Ask yourself - why or what is the reason) An Effect is the event that happens as a result of the cause. (Ask yourself - what happens as a result)

Look for Clue Words

Such, as, because, since, so, or as a result, are used to signal cause/effect. When no clue words are used, readers must make inferences to connect a cause to an effect.

Lets Practice
Because my watch stopped, I was late for school. My watch stopped, so I was late for school. What is the cause? (the reason something happened) Answer - (watched stopped)

What is the effect? (the event that happened as a result of the cause) Answer - (late for school)

Did

you see any clue words? Answer - (Because, so)

Index cards

Create two cards, one that says Cause and one that says Effect. Im going to show you several sentences on an overhead and Ill put a frame [ ] around either the cause or the effect. Your job is to hold up the cause or effect card. Be sure to look for clue words.