Cause and Effect

A Mini Lesson by Diana Dell, Ed.S.

A cause is something that makes something else happen.  Out of two events, it is the event that happens first. To determine the cause, ask the question "Why Did it Happen?" 

An effect is what happens as a result of the cause.  Of two related events, it’s the one that happens second or last.  To determine the effect, ask the question "What Happened?"

CAUSE	EFFECT
The boy kicked the ball.	The ball rolled.
The girl teased the cat.	The cat growled.
Sally studied hard for a test.	Sally earned an A on her test.
Joe became really tired.	Joe went to sleep early.

Practice pairing causes and effects with these activities:
http://www.quia.com/mc/94601.html
http://www.quia.com/mc/20632.html 

At times connecting words are used to link the cause and effect.  Examples of connecting words are:

because, so, consequently, therefore, due to the fact, since, as a result, the reason for, thus, nevertheless

Practice selecting connecting words for sentences with this activity:
http://www.smccd.net/accounts/sevas/esl/gramcheck/8-7.html

You are now ready to apply what you have learned to your reading.

Read this article:
http://www.thursdaysclassroom.com/04may00/article1.html

Copy and paste the cause and effect chart into Word.  Complete the chart.  You may need to refer back to the article.
http://www.thursdaysclassroom.com/04may00/activity2.html