Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The cause-effect method is an organizational strategy used in writing to explain the relationship between events or actions. It involves identifying the causes that lead to certain effects or outcomes.
Related terms
Expository Writing: Expository writing aims to inform or explain by presenting facts, details, and evidence in a logical manner. The cause-effect method is often employed in expository writing.
A logical fallacy refers to flawed reasoning or arguments that are not based on sound logic. Understanding logical fallacies helps writers avoid weak cause-effect relationships in their writing.
Correlation: Correlation refers to a statistical relationship between two variables where changes in one variable are associated with changes in another variable. While correlation does not imply causation, it can be useful when analyzing cause-effect relationships.