Writing Instructions
1. Explain that "Cause-effect" sentences are two-part sentences which explain a situation, and the result of that situation. Good starter words for these sentences include: Because, and Since. 2. Note that all "Because" and "Since" statements are called Occasion/Position statements, and ALWAYS have a comma in the middle....listen for the natural pause. 3. Read non-fiction books to find cause-effect relationships in nature. Read carefully to identify migration patterns, adaptations, ecosystems/plant communities, and predator/prey relationships. 4. Ask each student to write at least five cause-effect statements. 5. Proofread their statements, and have each student select their favorite ONE. 6. Put every students' best statement on a single document anonymously, present the document to the class and allow students to vote on their favorite THREE. 7. After tallying the results, celebrate (and analyze) the successes! |
Cause-Effect Samples
Because the snowshoe hare has huge back feet, it is adapted to survive in the deep snow of the subalpine forest. (Mammals, p. 80) Because they are primary prey for predators, deer mice and cottontails have large and plentiful litters. (Mammals, p. 42, 80) Because there is less snow at lower elevations, deer and elk migrate downward in winter where food is more accessible. (Mammals, p. 60) Because snowmobilers pack down snow trails deep into the wilderness, coyotes are able to travel deeper into the subalpine wilderness. (Mammals, p. 40) Because the growing season is so short in the Alpine Tundra, no trees can grow there. (Mammals, p. 21) |