MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Reading Practice Test

What describes a cause-and-effect relationship in a text?

1. It identifies two unrelated events

2. It shows one event resulting in another

3. It simply states facts without connection

4. It presents a list of events chronologically

The correct answer is: It shows one event resulting in another

A cause-and-effect relationship in a text refers to the connection between two events where one event (the cause) leads to or directly influences another event (the effect). This means that when examining a text for cause and effect, readers look for instances where a particular situation results in a specific outcome, helping them understand how and why things happen in a sequence. This type of relationship highlights the dynamics between actions and their repercussions, providing clarity on how various factors interconnect. In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent cause-and-effect relationships. Identifying two unrelated events does not establish any connection that would imply a cause leading to an effect. Stating facts without any connection fails to show how events influence one another. Presenting a list of events chronologically merely arranges events in order of occurrence without indicating how one event impacts the other. Therefore, recognizing one event resulting in another encapsulates the essence of a cause-and-effect relationship effectively.