TOEIC Part 5: Linking Words Cause Effect — Rule, Examples, and 20 Practice Questions

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Understanding Cause-Effect Linking Words in TOEIC Part 5

TOEIC Part 5, the grammar section, frequently tests your ability to recognize and use cause-effect linking words. These words connect ideas to show the relationship between a cause and its effect. Common linking words include 'because,' 'therefore,' 'as a result,' and 'consequently.' Understanding these words is crucial for scoring well in this section.

Model Answers at Different Score Levels

Score Level 6.0

Prompt: The company decided to close the factory _____ the increasing number of complaints from local residents.

Answer: The company decided to close the factory because of the increasing number of complaints from local residents.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Grammar: Correct use of the preposition 'because of' to show cause.
• Vocabulary: Appropriate use of 'complaints' and 'residents.'
• Coherence and Cohesion: The sentence is clear and logically structured.
• Task Response: Directly addresses the prompt.

Score Level 7.0

Prompt: The project was delayed _____ the unexpected technical issues.

Answer: The project was delayed due to the unexpected technical issues.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Grammar: Correct use of 'due to' to indicate cause.
• Vocabulary: 'Unexpected' and 'technical issues' are used appropriately.
• Coherence and Cohesion: The sentence flows well.
• Task Response: Fully addresses the prompt.

Score Level 8.0

Prompt: The event was canceled _____ the bad weather forecast.

Answer: The event was canceled as a result of the bad weather forecast.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Grammar: Correct use of 'as a result of' to show effect.
• Vocabulary: 'Bad weather forecast' is used accurately.
• Coherence and Cohesion: The sentence is well-structured.
• Task Response: Completely addresses the prompt.

Score Level 9.0

Prompt: The team won the championship _____ their hard work and dedication.

Answer: The team won the championship because of their hard work and dedication.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Grammar: Perfect use of 'because of' to indicate cause.
• Vocabulary: 'Hard work' and 'dedication' are used effectively.
• Coherence and Cohesion: The sentence is clear and logical.
• Task Response: Fully addresses the prompt with additional detail.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Because of: Used to indicate the reason for something. Example: The flight was delayed because of the storm.
2. Due to: Similar to 'because of,' but often used in formal contexts. Example: The cancellation was due to the bad weather.
3. As a result of: Indicates the effect of a cause. Example: The event was postponed as a result of the heavy rain.
4. Consequently: Used to show the result of an action. Example: He didn't study; consequently, he failed the exam.
5. Therefore: Used to indicate a conclusion. Example: The roads were icy; therefore, we drove slowly.
6. Hence: Similar to 'therefore,' used to show a conclusion. Example: The weather was bad; hence, the event was canceled.
7. Thus: Used to show a result. Example: The team worked hard; thus, they won the championship.
8. So: Used to indicate a result. Example: It rained a lot; so, the ground was wet.
9. As a consequence: Similar to 'as a result of.' Example: He didn't eat breakfast; as a consequence, he was hungry.
10. For this reason: Used to indicate a cause. Example: The roads were icy for this reason; we drove slowly.
11. In consequence: Similar to 'as a consequence.' Example: He didn't study; in consequence, he failed the exam.
12. So that: Used to indicate purpose. Example: She studied hard so that she could pass the exam.
13. In order that: Similar to 'so that.' Example: He worked hard in order that he could buy a house.
14. Because: Used to indicate a reason. Example: She was late because of the traffic.
15. Since: Used to indicate a reason or time. Example: Since it was raining, we stayed inside.
16. As: Used to indicate a reason. Example: As it was late, we decided to go home.
17. Seeing that: Used to indicate a reason. Example: Seeing that it was raining, we took an umbrella.
18. Given that: Used to indicate a reason. Example: Given that it was late, we decided to leave.
19. Considering that: Used to indicate a reason. Example: Considering that it was raining, we stayed inside.
20. Taking into account: Used to indicate a reason. Example: Taking into account the bad weather, we decided to postpone the event.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Confusing 'because' and 'because of': 'Because' is followed by a clause, while 'because of' is followed by a noun or noun phrase.
2. Incorrect use of 'due to': 'Due to' should be used to modify a noun, not a verb.
3. Misusing 'as a result of': This phrase should be used to indicate the effect of a cause, not the cause itself.
4. Overusing 'therefore': 'Therefore' is used to show a conclusion, but it should not be overused in a single sentence.
5. Incorrect use of 'so that': 'So that' is used to indicate purpose, not cause.

20 Practice Questions

1. The meeting was postponed _____ the heavy snowfall.
2. She didn't go to the party _____ her illness.
3. The project was completed _____ the team's hard work.
4. He didn't pass the exam _____ his lack of preparation.
5. The event was canceled _____ the bad weather.
6. The roads were closed _____ the accident.
7. The team won the game _____ their excellent strategy.
8. The flight was delayed _____ the technical issues.
9. The company decided to expand _____ the increasing demand.
10. The event was postponed _____ the bad weather forecast.
11. The team lost the match _____ their poor performance.
12. The project was delayed _____ the unexpected technical problems.
13. The meeting was canceled _____ the lack of quorum.
14. The event was a success _____ the hard work of the organizers.
15. The team won the championship _____ their dedication and effort.
16. The flight was canceled _____ the bad weather.
17. The roads were icy _____ the freezing temperatures.
18. The project was completed _____ the team's cooperation.
19. The event was postponed _____ the heavy rain.
20. The team lost the game _____ their poor strategy.

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