Linking Words: Cause and Effect
The cause-and-effect zone splits into two functional sub-groups. Cause markers: because, since, as (conjunctions); due to, owing to, because of, as a result of (prepositions + noun or -ing); given that (formal conjunction). Effect markers: so, therefore, thus, consequently, as a result, this led to, hence. The single most common B2 error sits at the boundary between the two: because + clause vs because of / due to + noun/-ing. Sales fell because the product was poorly marketed (clause) vs Sales fell due to poor marketing (noun phrase) — these are not interchangeable.
This worksheet drills B2 cause-and-effect linkers in business, analytical, and report-writing contexts.
Worksheet preview
What’s inside:
- Grammar Box with cause and effect markers, mapped to function, grammar (clause / noun + -ing / adverb), and register
- Gap-fill: complete sentences in business and analytical contexts with the most appropriate linker
- Rewriting: convert because + clause into due to / because of + noun, and so into therefore / consequently
- Combining: merge two facts into one cause-effect sentence using different linker types
- Full Answer Key plus Teacher Notes on the because / because of split and register progression
Common mistakes addressed: because of + clause (because of the team didn’t have time), due to + clause (due to it was late), missing comma after therefore / however (Therefore the project failed), and thus without punctuation in formal writing.
For: Adult and teenage learners (14+) at CEFR B2, in upper-intermediate classes, 1:1 lessons, or self-study. Formal cause-effect linkers are heavily tested in Cambridge B2 First (FCE) and C1 Advanced (CAE) Writing — particularly in the report and opinion-essay tasks. Part of the Linking Words & Connectors collection — the natural sibling is Linking Words: Addition and Contrast, which covers the everyday cohesive markers this builds on.
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