This presentation identifies examples of words and phrases that can signal cause and effect.

1. CAUSE AND EFFECT
SIGNAL WORDS

2. What is Cause and Effect?
Cause and effect is a relationship between things, situations or
events that indicate that one is the reason for the occurrence
of the other.
In texts, cause and effect is a form of text structure that
organises information to show this relationship.

3. Cause and Effect Signal Words and Phrases
There are a few ways in which readers/listeners may identify cause
and effect. One is to identify the use of signal words and phrases in
the text.
Cause and effect signal words and phrases may be categorised
into:
• Synonyms for ‘cause’ and ‘effect’
• Conjunctions
• Transitional words and phrases
• Words that refer to examples of causes and effects
• Words that refer to time and sequence

4. Synonyms for ‘cause’ and ‘effect’
A cause and effect relationship is simply indicated sometimes by
the use of the words ‘cause’ or ‘effect’. For example:
The hurricane caused great damage to the island.
There are many negative effects to eating an unhealthy diet.
Synonyms for the words ‘cause’ and ‘effect’ can therefore function
as signal words and phrases. For instance:
Cause: reason, source, root
Effect: result, consequence, outcome, impact

5. Conjunctions
A conjunction is a word that is used to connect or co-ordinate words, phrases or
clauses.
There are some conjunctions that are used in particular to show a cause/effect
relationship. For example:
and so/ so that because since as in order to if…then
 He forgot his homework and was disciplined by the teacher.
 The cost of flour and oil increased so doubles vendors raised their prices.
 There was considerable damage to the homes in Los Iros because of the tornado.

6. Conjunctions
 Since the weather was good, many Trinidadians decided to go to
Maracas Bay.
 The country went into a lockdown as the number of Covid-19 cases
grew.
 The cricket team trains rigorously in order to stay ahead of the
competition.
 If you drive carefully, then you can avoid accidents.

7. Transitional words and phrases
Transitional words and phrases link together parts of a text. In
so doing, they help to signal relationships between ideas.
There are different categories of transitional words and
phrases based on their function. One such category is cause
and effect transitional words and phrases. Examples of these
words and phrases include:
consequently as a result therefore thus due to

8. Transitional words and phrases
Reading is encouraged by parents, teachers and
professionals everywhere. But why? There are many reasons why
reading is beneficial. Firstly, reading exposes people to situations,
events and personalities they may never encounter in their day-to-
day life. As a result, people who read receive a richness of
experience. Additionally, each new book will teach the reader new
words. Thus, a reader’s vocabulary can expand. Due to reading
also, a person’s cognitive capabilities can grow. Moreover, reading
can be simply enjoyable. There are books on an endless variety of
topics. Consequently, most people can find a book they can enjoy.
There are many benefits to read and it should therefore, be
encouraged.

9. Words that refer to examples of causes and effects
There are some words that generally refer to an example of a cause or effect.
These words can signal the presence of a cause and effect relationship in a text.
For instance:
risk reaction improvement help benefit worsen
Drivers who text and drive risk getting into accidents.
The teacher’s reaction to the fight was one of disapproval.
The newly painted classrooms were an improvement to the school’s
appearance.
Regular counselling sessions helped the victims of the robbery.
Eating lots of fruits and vegetables can benefit your immune system.
Not exercising can worsen the health of our bodies.

10. Words that refer to time and sequence
Time and sequence is a form of text structure on its own. However,
it can sometimes be related to cause and effect. This is because
cause and effect can be used to describe a process. Some words
that can help to signal cause and effect in this way include:
begin/beginning subsequently conclude end result
The journey to success begins with commitment to a goal.
Subsequently, one must work diligently. In this way, you can
achieve the end result of achieving your objectives.

11. Summary
Cause and effect is a type of text structure that organised information in a
text in a way to highlight relationships where one event/situation/thing
happens as the result of another.
Cause and effect can be identified based on signal words and phrases.
These may be categorised into:
• Synonyms for ‘cause’ and ‘effect’
• Conjunctions
• Transitional words and phrases
• Words that refer to examples of causes and effects
• Words that refer to time and sequence