SAT Reading & Writing: Cause and Effect Transitions
40+ practice questions in Praczo
The concept, explained
- 1
Cause/effect transitions indicate that the first event caused the second, or the second is a logical conclusion of the first.
- 2
Key words: Therefore, Consequently, Thus, As a result, Accordingly, Hence.
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Before choosing one of these, you MUST verify that one clause actually caused the other. If they are just two related facts, use an additive word like "Furthermore" or "Indeed."
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If they are opposing facts, use a contrast word like "However."
- ✗ Using "therefore" to connect a sequence of events where no direct causation exists (e.g., "I woke up; therefore, I brushed my teeth." - "Subsquently" or "then" is better).
SAT-style practice
The soil in the region lacks essential nitrogen. _____, local farmers must rely heavily on synthetic fertilizers to grow crops.
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