Which of the following is a cause-and-effect signal word?

• A. As a result
• B. Because
• C. For example
• D. In February

Answer: (B)

Understanding cause-and-effect in writing means spotting words that connect why something happens to what happens as a result. Because directly introduces the reason behind an outcome, making the cause clear. That direct link is why it’s the strongest cue for a cause in a sentence. For example, in a sentence like "The game was canceled because of rain," because signals the reason rain caused the cancellation.

Other options don’t serve the same purpose. As a result signals the effect or consequence that follows a cause, not the cause itself. For example, "The game was canceled, as a result, the team rescheduled" shows what happened because of the rain, but it’s not naming the reason. For example introduces an illustration or example, not a cause or outcome. In February is simply a time reference and does not connect events with a cause-and-effect relationship.