Cause/Effect (Part 4 of 7)
Cause/Effect is used to show how one thing causes another thing to happen, or how more than one thing occurs as a consequence. A cause may result in one, or many effects. Therefore, causal relationships can be simple or complex.
Within paragraphs, an author may choose to give reasons which explain why something happened; he or she is explaining the effect or effects of a cause. When planning the paragraph, the author may identify the cause first and follow with the effects. Or, he or she may begin by identifying the effect and follow with the cause or causes. It is important that readers recognise which elements are causes and which are effects.
Signal words:
accordingly, after, also, as a result, as if, as though, because, before, cause, consequence, consequently, effect, following, for this reason, hence, if, in order to, it follows that, not only, but, on account of, provided that, reason/s, since, so, so that, then, therefore, there upon, this led to, when, whenever, yet
Sample Text Model:
The following sample text model uses the Cause/Effect Structure.
The Mountain Pygmy Possum is endangered. In addition to natural predators such as quolls, snakes and owls, foxes, wild dogs and feral cats are known to feed on the small marsupial. Yet, perhaps the greatest threat to Mountain Pygmy Possums are human beings. People threaten the small possum when they disturb their habitats.
Whenever humans enjoy cold weather activities, such as skiing and snowboarding, they move into the habitat of the Mountain Pygmy Possum causing damage and destruction.
In addition, human activity leading to global warming also threatens the endangered mammal. On account of higher than average temperatures, the hibernation cycle is affected. Mountain Pygmy Possums are waking from hibernation one month early and before the arrival of their main food source, the fat and protein rich, Bogong Moth. As a result, high rates of death are caused by stress and starvation.
According to experts, the consequences of habitat destruction may cause extinction of this native species.
View the Graphic Organisers Black Line Masters.
Cause/Effect structures and the use of graphic organisers are covered in depth in our Balanced Literacy Program workshop.
Tags: Cause/Effect, graphic organisers