A cause is why something happens. An effect is what happens because of it. Good readers look for cause-and-effect relationships to understand stories and information better.
Look for clue words such as because, so, since, as a result, therefore. These often show a cause-and-effect connection.
Understanding cause and effect helps readers make sense of what happens in a story or text. It shows how events connect and helps explain why characters act a certain way or why events take place.
Ask yourself: “What happened?” (effect) and “Why did it happen?” (cause). This makes the story easier to understand.
Readers and writers often use organizers to match causes to their effects. These tools help make the connections clear and easy to remember.
Using charts or diagrams helps you match causes to their effects more clearly when reading or writing.
When you match causes with effects, you discover how events are connected. This skill makes you a stronger reader and helps you think carefully about what you read.
Remember: Good readers always connect the “why” (cause) with the “what happened” (effect). Doing both gives you the full picture.