Cause & Effect Basics
What is a cause in a cause and effect relationship?
An action or event that triggers a result.
What type of workers do fast food companies often hire to save money?
Teenagers or inexperienced workers.
What is the main purpose of a cause and effect essay?
To explain how one event leads to another.
Whats a common mistake when identifying a cause and effect relationship that involves correlation?
Thinking that causation and correlation are the same thing.
What happens if you don’t change your car’s oil regularly?
The engine may get damaged or fail
What is an effect in a cause and effect relationship?
The result or outcome caused by an action.
Name one health effect linked to fast food consumption.
Obesity, heart disease, or diabetes.
What’s one common mistake to avoid in a cause and effect essay?
Confusing correlation with causation.
Why is oversimplifying a cause and effect relationship a mistake?
It ignores multiple causes or effects, making the argument weak.
What’s one effect of teenagers not getting enough sleep?
Poor concentration, mood swings, or low energy.
True or False: Correlation and causation mean the same thing.
False — correlation shows a connection, but not direct cause and effect.
What industry is known for dangerous working conditions linked to fast food demand?
Meatpacking industry.
Name one transition word used to show an effect.
Therefore, consequently, as a result.
What happens if you only explain effects without identifying the cause?
Your reader may not understand what triggered the situation.
What’s one effect of social media overuse?
Increased anxiety, poor sleep, or reduced productivity.
Give an example of a common cause and effect relationship in everyday life.
Answers may vary (e.g., Forgetting to charge your phone → Phone dies.)
What environmental effect does mass fast food production contribute to?
Pollution, deforestation, or excessive waste.
What part of the essay should introduce the main cause and key effects?
The introduction
Why is failing to use transition words a problem in a cause and effect essay?
It confuses the reader and weakens the flow of ideas.
What’s one effect of neglecting exercise and a healthy diet?
Increased risk of heart disease, obesity, or low energy levels.
What key words often signal a cause and effect relationship?
Because, therefore, as a result, due to, consequently.
What major social effect has fast food had on family meal traditions?
Reduced time spent cooking or eating home-cooked meals together.
What’s one way to make your cause and effect essay more engaging?
Use real-life examples, statistics, or anecdotes.
What’s an example of a weak cause and effect claim?
"Video games cause violence" or other if approved
What’s one possible effect of procrastinating on an essay until the night before?
Rushed ideas, poor structure, or missed deadlines.