7th Grade Language Arts

Cause and Effect

CauseDefinitions: (noun) something that brings about a result

or effect (verb) to serve as the reason for something

For example: The building was torn down because it was extremely damaged.

The cause is the damage to the building.

The word “because” is a signal word.

EffectDefinitions: (noun) a result or outcome

For example: As a result of the rain, we had a flood in our basement.

The effect is the flood in the basement.

The signal words “as a result of” show how the effect occurred.

When you want to show a cause and effect relationship between two situations, you can use signal words.

Signal words are words that signal a cause and its effect.

For example:We saw the play; therefore, we understood the importance of being earnest.

“Therefore” indicates that the play was the cause of them understanding something new.

We understood the importance of being earnest after seeing the play.

“After” indicates that their understanding was an effect of seeing the play.

Signal Words

Example Signal Words

Cause/Effect Signal Words

As a resultThereforeThenBeforeAfterConsequently

ThusSinceSoBecauseIfDue to

Cause and Effect Graphic Organizer

To help your “organize” a cause and effect relationship, you can use a block chart

This type of organizer can help you identify multiple causes and effects in a text

Block Chart A block chart helps link causes directly to their

effects

It looks something like this:Cause #1

Cause #2

Cause #3

Effect #1

Effect #2

Effect #3

Block Chart A block chart helps link causes directly to their

effects

It looks like this:Ralph

buys a cat

Ralph realizes he is allergic

to cats

Ralph is sad

Ralph can’t stop sneezing

Ralph has to get rid of the

cat

Ralph decides to get a turtle

instead

Block Chart Copy down this empty block chart in your notebook.

1. Write one event or situation in the Cause #1 box2. Then, pass your notebook to a shoulder partner3. He or she will write an event or situation in the

Event #1 box4. Keep passing notebooks back and forth till all of the

boxes are filled inCause #1

Cause #2

Cause #3

Effect #1

Effect #2

Effect #3