In this lesson, you will learn how to clearly express cause and effect relationships in discussions of technological and scientific innovation. You will explore how to explain why inventions or systems were created and what results followed. This ability is essential for success on the ITEP Academic-Plus exam, particularly in writing and speaking tasks where you must explain complex developments clearly and logically.
Vocabulary
To begin, let’s examine some key vocabulary related to problem-solving and innovation. These terms are commonly used when describing causes of invention and the consequences of technological change.
| Word | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| barrier | a difficulty or condition that prevents progress or access | Limited internet connectivity was a major barrier to online learning in rural areas. |
| limitation | a restriction or weakness in design or function | The battery life was a serious limitation of early smartphones. |
| resolve | to find a solution to a problem or difficulty | The team resolved the software bug before the product launch. |
| adaptation | a change or adjustment made in response to new conditions | The adaptation of solar panels for cloudy climates increased their use in northern countries. |
| fail-safe | a system or plan designed to prevent failure or minimize damage | The aircraft was built with a fail-safe mechanism in case of engine failure. |
Grammar
Understanding and using cause and effect expressions allows you to explain technological processes, breakthroughs, and consequences more fluently. Let’s break down the major structures you will use today.
Because of / Due to
These are prepositions used to introduce the cause of something. They are followed by a noun or noun phrase.
Examples: Because of improved battery technology, electric cars became more practical. Due to climate change, governments are investing in green technology.
Leads to / Results in / Causes
These expressions link actions or events with their consequences. The subject of the sentence is usually the cause.
Examples: Faster internet access leads to increased online learning. Automation often results in job displacement. A lack of clean water causes health problems in many communities.
So that / Therefore
These are used to indicate purpose or a logical result. So that introduces purpose and is often used with modal verbs. Therefore is a linking word placed at the beginning or middle of a sentence to signal the result.
Examples: Engineers developed a quieter motor so that the vehicle would be more suitable for city use. There was a shortage of skilled workers; therefore, the company invested in training programs.
Listening
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