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Cause & Effect in Academic Writing

Learn to express causes, effects, and consequences using appropriate academic connectors at B2-C1 level.

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Ex A – ReadingRead about climate change & food security, then answer comprehension questions using cause-effect connectors
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Ex B – Connector ChoiceChoose the correct cause-effect connector for each academic sentence
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Ex C – Register & FormalitySelect the appropriately formal connector for academic contexts
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Ex D – WritingWrite sentences using cause-effect language about real-world topics
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Exercise A

Climate Change and Food Security

Read the text and complete the gaps with the correct cause-effect connector.

📖 Reading Text

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing global agriculture today. Rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns are disrupting crop production worldwide. , many farmers in tropical regions are experiencing lower yields and shorter growing seasons.

Water scarcity is a particularly serious concern. prolonged droughts and unpredictable monsoons, irrigation systems can no longer keep pace with demand. This has had devastating effects on smallholder farmers, who often lack the resources to adapt.

Higher temperatures also encourage the spread of agricultural pests and diseases. Insects that were once confined to tropical zones are now moving into temperate areas warmer winters allow them to survive year-round. , crop losses from pest damage have increased by an estimated 10–25% in several regions.

The nutritional quality of crops is also at risk. Elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can boost plant growth; , research shows that this often reduces the protein and mineral content of staple grains such as wheat and rice.

Addressing these challenges requires coordinated global action. governments invest in climate-resilient farming practices and support vulnerable communities, food insecurity is likely to worsen in the coming decades.

Exercise B

Choosing the Right Connector

Select the correct cause-effect connector to complete each academic sentence.

📝 Gap-Fill

1. The university cancelled outdoor lectures the extreme heat warning issued by the city.

2. Many students fail to cite their sources properly; , they lose marks for academic integrity.

3. Air pollution has increased significantly in urban centres. the rapid growth of private vehicle ownership.

4. renewable energy costs have dropped sharply, many countries are now transitioning away from fossil fuels.

5. Deforestation in the Amazon basin has accelerated, significant biodiversity loss and soil erosion.

6. The experiment was repeated three times ensure the reliability of the results.

7. Screen time among teenagers has risen dramatically; , rates of sleep disorders in this age group have also increased.

8. limited funding, the research team was unable to complete the clinical trial.

Exercise C

Register & Formality

Each sentence needs a cause-effect connector. Choose the one that is most appropriate for formal academic writing.

🎓 Formal vs. Informal

1. The survey sample was too small; , the findings cannot be generalised to the wider population.

2. Unemployment rose sharply the economic recession that followed the pandemic.

3. the data showed a clear correlation, the researchers concluded that further investigation was warranted.

4. Investment in public transport a measurable reduction in urban congestion.

5. The patient's condition deteriorated rapidly; , the medical team decided to change the treatment plan.

6. participation rates have declined, the programme may need to be redesigned.

Exercise D

Writing with Cause & Effect Language

Write one complete sentence for each prompt. Use a different cause-effect connector each time. Aim for formal, academic language.

✍️ Writing Task

All exercises complete!

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