A cause is the reason something happens. An effect is what happens because of that reason
✏️Example
Rain (cause) makes the ground wet (effect)
💡KEY RULES
Cause always comes first in time. Effect comes after.
2. One event must directly lead to the other—there must be a real connection.
3. Correlation is NOT causation.
Just because two things happen together doesn't mean one caused the other.
4
→Look for trigger words
because, since, caused by, due to, as a result, therefore, consequently, led to.
5. A single cause can have multiple effects. A single effect can have multiple causes.
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Exam Patterns
What examiners ask — read before attempting PYQs
SSC CGL asks cause-effect questions in two main ways:
- Find the cause of a given effect
- Identify what effect follows from a given cause
- Distinguish between real cause-effect and mere coincidence
- Spot faulty cause-effect reasoning
SHORTCUT/TRICK:
Use the "IF-THEN" test: If [cause happens], then [effect should happen]. If this sounds logical and the connection is direct, it's likely correct. If the connection feels forced or needs extra steps, it's probably wrong.
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Worked Example
Solve this step-by-step before moving on
1
Step 1
Identify the claimed cause—new machinery installation.
2
Step 2
Identify the claimed effect—40% productivity increase.
3
Step 3
Check if cause came before effect—YES, machinery installed first, then productivity increased.
4
Step 4
Check if there's a direct connection—The passage assumes machinery automatically increases productivity, but doesn't prove it. Workers might be working harder due to new job expectations, or the month itself could be naturally busy.
5
Step 5
Look for alternative causes—Training on machinery, worker motivation, seasonal demand, management changes.
Conclusion: The reasoning is WEAK. It shows correlation but not proven causation. Other factors could explain the effect.
COMMON MISTAKE:
Students assume that because Event A happened before Event B, A caused B. This is wrong. Sequence alone doesn't prove causation. You need a logical, direct connection. Also, students miss alternative explanations. Always ask: "Could something else have caused this effect?"
A student's exam performance declined sharply after he stopped attending coaching classes. Which of the following is the MOST LIKELY cause of the decline in his exam performance?
Practice 2medium
A factory's production output decreased by 40% after a new machinery malfunction was discovered. The management immediately halted operations for repairs. Which of the following is a direct EFFECT of the machinery malfunction?
A) The factory halted operations for repairs
B) Production output decreased by 40%
C) Management discovered the malfunction
D) Workers were sent home without pay
Practice 3hard
A factory's production output decreased by 40% after the introduction of new machinery. Investigation revealed that the new machinery required extensive recalibration, which caused a 3-month production halt. After recalibration was completed, output increased by 50% from the halted level. However, the factory manager claims the new machinery is still the primary cause of the current output being below the original level. Which of the following best identifies the logical flaw in the manager's reasoning?
60-Second Revision — Cause & Effect
Remember: Cause comes FIRST in time, effect comes AFTER. Always check this order.
Trap: Just because X happened before Y doesn't mean X caused Y. Look for direct logical connection.
Formula: Valid Cause-Effect = Temporal Order + Direct Connection + No Better Alternative Explanation.
Spot trigger words instantly: because, since, due to, therefore, as a result, consequently.
Use IF-THEN test in 10 seconds: If [cause], does [effect] HAVE to happen? If yes, likely valid; if no, likely faulty.
Watch for: Alternative causes hiding in the passage. Always ask 'What else could explain this effect?'
Correlation ≠ Causation—this is the #1 trick used in SSC CGL critical reasoning to trap students.