C1 Stage 2: Linked sentences

Explain a chain of causes and effects

Cause and effect in essays: a chain of causes

You can explain how one thing leads to another, and then to another, with different linking words.

This guide is for B2 writers moving to C1. It is a stage 2 skill: write 2-3 sentences (25-90 words).

When to use cause and effect chains

When you explain why something happens or what will happen next. It fits almost every topic about money, health, work, cities or the environment.

Cause and effect chains: how to do it

Show the steps: A causes B, and B then causes C. 'Rents keep rising, which forces young people to live further out. As a result, they spend hours travelling to work.' Use different linking words, not only 'because' and 'so': which means that, as a result, this leads to, therefore. Make sure each step really causes the next one. Also show how sure you are about at least one link: 'largely due to', 'partly because', 'may lead to', 'is likely to'. Not every cause always works, and a careful writer says so. After each step, ask: 'and then what happens?'

Useful language for cause and effect chains

As a result, ...
This, in turn, ...
..., which means that ...
..., leading to ...
owing / due to + noun
largely due to ...
partly because ...
is likely to ...

Example of cause and effect chains

Budget airlines have made weekend trips abroad affordable for millions. As a result, old towns receive far more visitors than they were built for, so owners turn flats into holiday rentals, which in turn is likely to push up rents and drive residents out.

Topic: Cheap flights

How the BetterWrite coach checks cause and effect chains

The BetterWrite coach checks 4 points for this skill, plus accuracy and staying on topic, and quotes your own words when one is not there yet.

Try it

Write 2-3 sentences explaining a chain of causes and effects about rising food prices.

Write 25-90 words (2-3 sentences).