CAUSE and EFFECT

This is your supporting sentence

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?" 

CAUSE

This is your topic sentence.

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?"

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.

CAUSE and EFFECT

EXAMPLES:

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

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

Because joins one clause with another clause. It introduces a cause (reason) for the situation stated in the other clause. A comma is used when the connector is in initial-sentence position.

Consequently serves as a transition from one sentence to the next. It introduces an effect of situation stated in the sentence before it. A comma is used after the transition word.

Because Janice got home late,  she missed her TV program.

Janice got home late, so he missed her TV program.

Janice got home late; consequently, she missed her TV program.

Janice got home late.   She missed her TV program.

Alvin missed the bus.   He woke up late.

My brother does not sleep very well.   The neighbourhood is noisy.

Cities have grown very large.   Factory jobs attracted people.

She needs a job. She needs to be able to support herself.

Exercises:

Give her praise because she's a good student.

She visits the cafe because she wants to check on her employees.

We are confident because we are getting your overwhelming support.

Use because to indicate a reason of primary importance, a main or major reason.

Give her praise if only because she has shown up to school on time everyday.

She visits the cafe if only because she wants a bite to eat.

When a range of reasons exist, use if only because to indicate a minor reason or sometimes a trivial reason. A reason that is not the main or sole one.  "if for no other (better) reason than ..." or "because at least"

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