29  Cause and Effect

29.1 Introduction

In Cause and Effect reasoning, you are given two statements.
You need to determine whether: - One statement is the cause and the other is its effect,
- Both are independent causes,
- Both are effects of a common cause,
- Or they are unrelated.

This topic tests logical linking of events.

29.2 1) What is Cause and Effect?

  • Cause: A reason, event, or situation that leads to another event.
  • Effect: The result or outcome of a cause.

Example:
Statement A: Heavy rains occurred in the city.
Statement B: Streets are flooded.
Here, A is the cause, B is the effect.

29.3 2) Possible Answer Types

When two statements A and B are given:

  1. A is the cause, B is the effect.
  2. B is the cause, A is the effect.
  3. Both are independent causes.
  4. Both are effects of a common cause.
  5. Both are unrelated.

29.4 3) Guidelines

  • Identify whether there is a direct logical link.
  • A cause precedes an effect in time.
  • Avoid assumptions beyond the information given.
  • If both can be explained by another hidden factor → “common cause.”
  • If no link → “unrelated.”

29.5 4) Examples

29.5.1 Example 1

A: Prices of petrol have risen sharply.
B: Transport fares have increased.
→ A is the cause, B is the effect.

29.5.2 Example 2

A: Many students are attending special coaching classes.
B: The level of competition in exams has increased.
→ B is the cause, A is the effect.

29.5.3 Example 3

A: There was an earthquake in the region.
B: Relief camps have been set up.
→ A is the cause, B is the effect.

29.5.4 Example 4

A: The monsoon has been poor this year.
B: Agricultural output has reduced.
→ A is the cause, B is the effect.

29.5.5 Example 5

A: The internet penetration in rural areas has increased.
B: Many online services and businesses have expanded in villages.
→ A is the cause, B is the effect.

29.6 5) Special Cases

  • Common Cause:
    A: Electricity consumption has increased.
    B: Use of air conditioners has increased.
    → Both are effects of hot weather (common cause).

  • Independent Causes:
    A: A train was delayed due to fog.
    B: A road accident blocked city traffic.
    → Independent, no relation.

29.7 6) Practice Questions

  1. A: Heavy rainfall caused waterlogging in the city.
    B: Schools declared a holiday.

  2. A: Bank interest rates increased.
    B: People are depositing more money in banks.

  3. A: The population of the country is rising rapidly.
    B: Demand for housing and infrastructure is increasing.

  4. A: Computer literacy programs were started in villages.
    B: Internet speed was reduced by telecom companies.

  5. A: Several flights were delayed at the airport.
    B: Dense fog was reported in the city.

29.8 7) Answer Key

  1. A → cause, B → effect.
  2. A → cause, B → effect.
  3. A → cause, B → effect.
  4. Unrelated.
  5. B → cause, A → effect.

29.9 Summary

  • Cause comes first; effect follows logically.
  • Judge direct relation, independent causes, or common cause.
  • Avoid making assumptions beyond the data.
  • This section trains quick logical mapping of events.