G2 English K200 causal language is easy to overread. Words such as because, therefore, due to, leads to, contributes to, associated with and after do not all make the same claim. Some assert cause, some mark inference, some show chronology, and some deliberately stop short of causation.
This ninety-third Learner’s Guide develops causal-language control for comprehension, paraphrase, summary and writing. It follows Vol 0081 Quantifier and Scope Control and Vol 0085 Evidence-Strength Ladder.
The causal-language audit
For every causal-looking sentence, identify five elements: proposed cause, outcome, direction, strength and scope. Then ask whether the text states the relation directly or whether you are inferring it from sequence or association.
1. because
Function: typically introduces a reason or cause claimed for an outcome.
Control: check whether the text actually supports causal direction rather than mere sequence. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
2. because of
Function: links an outcome to a noun phrase cause.
Control: preserve the causal relation during paraphrase. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
3. therefore
Function: marks a conclusion drawn from earlier material.
Control: ask whether the premises really justify the conclusion. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
4. thus
Function: signals result or inference.
Control: do not treat the connector itself as proof. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
5. hence
Function: signals consequence or conclusion.
Control: trace what earlier evidence the consequence depends on. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
6. so
Function: can signal consequence in informal or narrative prose.
Control: distinguish causal so from other uses. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
7. as a result
Function: explicitly marks consequence.
Control: keep cause and outcome in correct order. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
8. consequently
Function: marks a result attributed to earlier conditions.
Control: check whether the source claims causation or only presents sequence. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
9. thereby
Function: links an action to the result it produces.
Control: identify which action owns the consequence. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
10. leading to
Function: presents one event as producing another.
Control: preserve chronology and mechanism where relevant. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
11. causing
Function: states strong causal relation.
Control: do not weaken or strengthen without evidence. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
12. caused by
Function: reverses grammatical order while preserving cause-effect direction.
Control: name cause and effect explicitly before paraphrasing. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
13. results in
Function: states outcome from condition.
Control: distinguish from results from, which points backward to cause. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
14. results from
Function: states source or cause.
Control: avoid reversing the arrow. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
15. due to
Function: attributes an outcome to a cause.
Control: check what noun or event the phrase modifies. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
16. owing to
Function: similar causal attribution.
Control: preserve scope. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
17. since causal
Function: can mean because.
Control: use context to distinguish from time meaning. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
18. since temporal
Function: can mean from a past time.
Control: do not invent causation from a temporal connector. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
19. as causal
Function: can mean because.
Control: distinguish from comparison or simultaneous-time uses. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
20. as temporal
Function: can mean while.
Control: do not force causal interpretation. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
21. for reason
Function: for can introduce an explanation in formal prose.
Control: check punctuation and context. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
22. given that
Function: supplies a premise or condition.
Control: a premise can support inference without proving causal mechanism. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
23. seeing that
Function: can introduce reason in conversational prose.
Control: calibrate formality and evidence. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
24. therefore after correlation
Function: a writer moves from association to causal conclusion.
Control: test whether the evidence warrants the leap. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
25. after therefore
Function: chronology alone does not establish cause.
Control: look for mechanism or controlled comparison. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
26. before/after sequence
Function: one event precedes another.
Control: sequence is necessary for many causal claims but not sufficient. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
27. coincides with
Function: events occur together.
Control: do not paraphrase as causes. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
28. associated with
Function: variables are related.
Control: do not upgrade to causes. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
29. linked to
Function: relationship wording may be deliberately non-causal.
Control: preserve ambiguity unless source clarifies. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
30. connected with
Function: broad relation wording.
Control: avoid inventing direction. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
31. predicts
Function: one variable forecasts another.
Control: prediction does not automatically establish causation. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
32. explains
Function: a mechanism or account is offered.
Control: check whether it is supported or merely proposed. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
33. contributes to
Function: one factor is part of a multi-causal explanation.
Control: do not rewrite as sole cause. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
34. partly because
Function: explicitly signals multiple causes.
Control: preserve partiality. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
35. mainly because
Function: marks dominant but not exclusive cause.
Control: leave room for secondary causes. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
36. primarily due to
Function: similar dominant-cause wording.
Control: do not rewrite as solely. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
37. solely because
Function: excludes alternative causes.
Control: requires strong fidelity in paraphrase. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
38. one reason
Function: leaves other reasons open.
Control: do not turn into the reason. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
39. the reason
Function: may imply a singled-out explanation.
Control: check context before treating it as exclusive. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
40. enables
Function: one condition makes an outcome possible.
Control: does not always mean it directly causes the outcome. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
41. allows
Function: creates possibility or permission.
Control: distinguish enabling from forcing. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
42. prevents
Function: a factor blocks an outcome.
Control: strong causal direction must match source. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
43. reduces
Function: a factor lowers quantity or likelihood.
Control: identify measured target. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
44. increases
Function: a factor raises quantity or likelihood.
Control: do not add desirability judgement. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
45. triggers
Function: suggests initiating cause.
Control: stronger than accompanies. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
46. prompts
Function: suggests eliciting response.
Control: context determines strength. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
47. encourages
Function: raises likelihood rather than guaranteeing outcome.
Control: do not rewrite as causes inevitably. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
48. discourages
Function: reduces likelihood or motivation.
Control: preserve probabilistic strength. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
49. influences
Function: signals effect without full determination.
Control: do not inflate to controls. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
50. affects
Function: broad causal wording.
Control: identify direction only if stated. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
51. determines
Function: strong dependence wording.
Control: stronger than influences. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
52. depends on
Function: outcome varies with condition.
Control: may involve necessity rather than sole cause. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
53. requires
Function: states necessity.
Control: necessary is not the same as sufficient. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
54. is sufficient for
Function: states enough to produce condition under model.
Control: do not confuse with necessary. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
55. is necessary for
Function: states required condition.
Control: does not mean the condition alone guarantees outcome. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
56. only if
Function: marks necessity.
Control: do not reverse into if. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
57. if
Function: can state conditional sufficiency in the sentence model.
Control: do not assume converse. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
58. if and only if
Function: states both directions.
Control: preserve two-way condition. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
59. unless
Function: marks exception condition.
Control: translate carefully before causal inference. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
60. despite
Function: signals outcome contrary to obstacle.
Control: do not paraphrase as because. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
61. although
Function: concedes a fact without making it the cause.
Control: contrast is not causation. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
62. however
Function: marks contrast.
Control: do not infer cause merely from adjacency. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
63. while
Function: can mark simultaneous events or contrast.
Control: simultaneity is not cause. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
64. whereas
Function: marks contrast.
Control: not causal by itself. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
65. then
Function: marks sequence.
Control: do not upgrade to therefore. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
66. after
Function: marks chronology.
Control: post hoc is not proof. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
67. before
Function: marks chronology.
Control: later event cannot cause earlier event in ordinary reading. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
68. when
Function: marks time or condition.
Control: context determines whether causation is claimed. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
69. whenever
Function: repeated co-occurrence.
Control: still distinguish correlation from cause. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
70. each time
Function: repeated sequence.
Control: repetition strengthens pattern but not necessarily mechanism. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
71. as soon as
Function: tight timing relation.
Control: close timing can support but not prove causation. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
72. immediately after
Function: strong temporal proximity.
Control: alternative causes may remain. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
73. because character says so
Function: a character supplies a motive.
Control: source ownership matters; character may be mistaken or unreliable. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
74. because narrator says so
Function: narrative authority may be stronger depending text.
Control: distinguish narrator statement from character belief. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
75. writer proposes cause
Function: authorial explanation is presented.
Control: evaluate evidence if question asks credibility. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
76. source claims cause
Function: one source attributes cause.
Control: do not present as uncontested fact in cross-text comparison. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
77. two sources disagree on cause
Function: same outcome has competing explanations.
Control: preserve source ownership and compare evidence. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
78. cause versus motive
Function: external cause and internal reason are different.
Control: do not confuse what happened with why a person chose. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
79. cause versus purpose
Function: purpose is intended outcome.
Control: intention does not prove actual effect. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
80. cause versus consequence
Function: keep arrow direction explicit.
Control: a consequence cannot explain its own earlier cause. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
81. cause versus condition
Function: background condition may enable rather than directly trigger.
Control: choose wording matching strength. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
82. cause versus evidence
Function: a detail can be evidence for a cause without being the cause itself.
Control: separate epistemic role from causal role. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
83. cause versus example
Function: an example illustrates a relation.
Control: one example does not prove universal causation. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
84. cause versus definition
Function: definitional relation is not causal.
Control: do not write because when equals or means is intended. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
85. cause in summary
Function: causal link may be a unique point.
Control: compress without deleting the arrow. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
86. cause in paraphrase
Function: change wording but preserve arrow and strength.
Control: do not turn contributes to into causes. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
87. cause in inference
Function: evidence may support one causal step only.
Control: avoid extending beyond the supported link. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
88. cause in language effect
Function: connector choice can signal certainty or logic.
Control: explain local function rather than naming connector alone. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
89. causal chain
Function: A leads to B leads to C.
Control: test each arrow separately. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
90. missing middle link
Function: cause and outcome are stated without mechanism.
Control: add only the needed bridge if explanation is requested. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
91. broken chain
Function: one arrow lacks evidence.
Control: do not let valid neighbouring arrows hide the gap. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
92. alternative cause
Function: another factor could produce same outcome.
Control: causal certainty should decrease. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
93. common cause
Function: two correlated outcomes may share a third cause.
Control: association between them need not be direct. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
94. reverse causation
Function: the supposed effect may influence the supposed cause.
Control: chronology and design matter. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
95. feedback
Function: cause and effect can influence each other over time.
Control: simple one-way wording may be incomplete. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
96. multi-causality
Function: several factors contribute.
Control: avoid single-cause overstatement. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
97. necessary not sufficient
Function: factor must be present but cannot produce outcome alone.
Control: preserve logical distinction. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
98. sufficient not necessary
Function: factor can produce outcome but alternatives exist.
Control: do not call it the only route. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
99. causal conclusion final check
Function: name cause, effect, direction, strength and scope.
Control: if any element is invented, narrow the sentence. For practice, rewrite the sentence one level stronger and one level weaker. Explain which wording changes the causal commitment and which wording changes only style.
In comprehension, preserve the source’s causal strength. In writing, choose a connector that matches the evidence you actually have. Strong prose is not prose that says “therefore” most often; it is prose whose logical connector is earned.
Causal language and chronology
A cause must be available before the effect it is said to produce, unless the text describes feedback or a continuing condition. Chronology is therefore a useful filter, but temporal order alone is not proof. “After” is weaker than “because”; “associated with” is weaker than “caused by”.
Links
Use the Secondary English Learning Hub, Vol 0077 Contrast-Signal Control, Vol 0073 Referent-Chain Control, the Examination Craft hub and the PSLE Learner’s Guide.
Official-source discipline
For current K200 assessment requirements, use the official SEAB 2027 G2 syllabus directory and linked English Language syllabus. If SEAB updates the syllabus, the current official document takes priority.
Final rule
Do not let one connector do more logical work than the evidence allows. Preserve cause, consequence, chronology, condition and association as different relationships. The strongest answer is the one whose causal wording matches the text exactly.
