The “why” question

Self –study notes for Paper 2: Comprehension

What do you have to do? Give a reason in your answer.

Answer can start with ‘Because…’ or ‘This is because…’

Structure of sentences Some signals that indicate effects and causes

provide clues to answers.

*Effects= Current situation *Causes= Reasons

effectConjunction indicating reason

(clue) cause

Examples of cause and effect sentencesEffect (Current Situation)

Conjunction indicating reason

Cause (Reason)

Sarah was popular with the masses

Because She showed a deep understanding of their plight.

John’s employees reported for work late everyday

Since The manager did not seem to mind their doing so.

Ali was chosen to receive the prize

For He was the company’s most hardworking employee.

Mr Chan fired all his employees

As They sauntered into the office late everyday.

Examples Question: Why was Sarah popular with the

masses?Answer: Because she showed a deep understanding of their plight.

Question: Why did John’s employees report for work late everyday?Answer: Because the manger did not seem to mind their doing so.

Examples of linking wordsCause (Reason)

Linking word(s) Effect(Current Situation)

Mark overslept yesterday.

As a result, He missed the interview.

Michael vandalised his neighbour’s cars.

Therefore, The judge sentenced him to six months in jail.

The two men were arch-rivals in love.

Thus,Hence,

They hated each other to the core.

Karl’s car broke down for no apparent reason.

Consequently, He decided to sell it off.

Answering the questions(The cause has already happened: Use past tense)

1. Why was Ali chosen to receive the prize?Because he was the company’s most hardworking employee.

2. Why did Mr Chan fire all his employees?Because they sauntered into the office late everyday.

3. Why did the two men hate each other to the core?Because they were arch-rivals in love.

4. Why did Karl decide to sell off his car?Because it broke down for no apparent reason.

Examples Question: Why was Michael sentenced to jail?

Answer: Because he vandalised his neighbour’s cars.

Sometimes, the link between cause and effect is not obvious. Examples:-

1. Tired of his daily battle with the traffic congestion, Mr Raj decide to cycle to work.Question: Why did Mr Raj decide to cycle to work?Answer: Because he was tired of his daily battle with traffic congestion.

2. The coolie was overjoyed. After eight months, he finally found a job.Question: Why was the coolie overjoyed?Answer: Because after eight months, he had finally found a job.