Cause and effect is a reading strategy that helps us understand why something happens (the cause) and what happens as a result (the effect).
The cause is the reason something happens. The effect is the result of that cause.
To find cause and effect in a text, ask yourself two questions: What happened? and Why did it happen?
Sometimes the cause comes first, but other times the effect is mentioned first. Always check both.
Authors often use special words to show cause and effect relationships in their writing.
When you see these words, stop and ask yourself if they are showing a cause and effect connection.
Understanding cause and effect helps readers make sense of events in a story or facts in nonfiction texts. It also improves critical thinking skills.
Identifying cause and effect helps you predict what might happen next in a story.
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.
Remember: Every effect has a cause, and every cause leads to an effect.