Cause and Effect Identification

Name: _______________________________
Date: _______________________________

Instructions: Read each passage carefully. Identify the cause and effect relationships and answer the questions below each passage.

Passage 1:

The town of Greymouth experienced severe flooding last weekend. Heavy rainfall continued for three days straight, causing the Grey River to overflow its banks. As a result, many homes and businesses near the river were evacuated. Roads became impassable, and emergency services struggled to reach affected areas. The local council has now announced plans to improve the drainage system.

1. What caused the Grey River to overflow?
_________________________________________________________________
2. What were TWO effects of the flooding?
a) _________________________________________________________________
b) _________________________________________________________________

Passage 2:

Kōtare High School introduced a new breakfast programme at the beginning of term. Students who arrived early could enjoy free toast, cereal, and fruit before class. Teachers noticed that students were more focused during first period and participation in morning classes improved significantly. Attendance rates also increased, particularly among Year 9 and 10 students.

3. What was the cause of improved focus in first period classes?
_________________________________________________________________
4. Identify ONE effect of the breakfast programme mentioned in the passage.
_________________________________________________________________

Passage 3:

The kauri tree population in Northland has been declining rapidly due to kauri dieback disease. This disease is spread through contaminated soil on footwear and equipment. Consequently, the Department of Conservation installed cleaning stations at all major walking tracks. Visitors are now required to clean their boots before and after walks. Scientists believe these measures will slow the spread of the disease and protect remaining kauri forests.

5. What is causing the decline in kauri tree population?
_________________________________________________________________
6. What action was taken as a result of the disease spreading?
_________________________________________________________________
7. What effect do scientists hope the cleaning stations will have?
_________________________________________________________________

Challenge Question:

In Passage 3, identify a cause and effect chain (where one effect becomes the cause of another event).

8. Cause → Effect → New Cause → Effect
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________