Cause and Effect
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Study Material
Cause and Effect: Sample Questions
Now that the basic concepts, logical framework, and key techniques of Cause and Effect are clear, it is time to apply them to exam-style questions.
These questions are designed to cover the major patterns commonly tested in competitive examinations, including direct cause and effect, reverse cause and effect, independent causes, independent effects, common causes, cause-and-effect chains, immediate causes, principal causes, and direct cause/effect questions.
Before You Begin:
For statement-based questions, always check all five possibilities:
A → B | B → A | Independent Causes | Independent Effects | Common Cause
Type 1: Statement-Based Cause and Effect
Directions (Questions 1-20): In each question, two statements are given. Determine the relationship between the two statements.
Choose the correct option:
(a) Statement I is the cause and Statement II is its effect.
(b) Statement II is the cause and Statement I is its effect.
(c) Both statements are independent causes.
(d) Both statements are effects of independent causes.
(e) Both statements are effects of a common cause.
Question 1
Statement I: The city's main water pipeline developed a major leak.
Statement II: Several residential areas experienced low water pressure.
Solution: (a)
A major pipeline leak can directly reduce the amount of water reaching residential areas. Therefore, Statement I is the cause and Statement II is its effect.
Relationship: Pipeline leak → Low water pressure
Question 2
Statement I: The company's online ordering system became unavailable.
Statement II: Customers were unable to place orders through the website.
Solution: (a)
The unavailability of the ordering system directly prevents customers from placing online orders. Hence, Statement I is the cause and Statement II is the effect.
Question 3
Statement I: The school announced the cancellation of outdoor activities.
Statement II: A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for the area.
Solution: (b)
The severe weather warning provides a reasonable reason for cancelling outdoor activities. Therefore, Statement II is the cause and Statement I is the effect.
Question 4
Statement I: The factory reduced its production for several weeks.
Statement II: The factory received fewer raw-material supplies than usual.
Solution: (b)
A shortage of raw materials can force a factory to reduce production. Hence, Statement II is the cause and Statement I is the effect.
Question 5
Statement I: Several roads in the city were waterlogged.
Statement II: Heavy rainfall continued throughout the night.
Solution: (b)
Continuous heavy rainfall can cause waterlogging on roads. Therefore, Statement II is the cause and Statement I is the effect.
Question 6
Statement I: A bridge was closed temporarily for structural repairs.
Statement II: Traffic congestion increased on nearby roads.
Solution: (a)
Closing a major bridge can divert vehicles to alternative routes, increasing congestion on nearby roads. Hence, Statement I is the cause and Statement II is the effect.
Question 7
Statement I: A major software update was released by the company.
Statement II: The company's customer-support team received many questions about the new features.
Solution: (a)
The release of a major update can naturally lead to customers asking questions about new features. Therefore, Statement I is the cause and Statement II is the effect.
Question 8
Statement I: The city's electricity consumption increased sharply during the summer.
Statement II: The use of air conditioners and cooling equipment increased substantially.
Solution: (b)
Increased use of air conditioners and other cooling equipment can increase electricity consumption. Hence, Statement II is the cause and Statement I is the effect.
Question 9
Statement I: The railway authority introduced additional trains on a popular route.
Statement II: Passenger demand on the route increased significantly.
Solution: (b)
A significant increase in passenger demand can lead the railway authority to add more trains. Therefore, Statement II is the cause and Statement I is the effect.
Question 10
Statement I: The company's sales increased significantly during the quarter.
Statement II: The company launched an effective promotional campaign during the same period.
Solution: (b)
An effective promotional campaign can reasonably contribute to increased sales. Thus, Statement II is the cause and Statement I is the effect.
Question 11
Statement I: The local administration opened temporary shelters in several areas.
Statement II: A severe storm displaced many residents.
Solution: (b)
The displacement of residents due to a severe storm can lead authorities to establish temporary shelters. Therefore, Statement II is the cause and Statement I is the effect.
Question 12
Statement I: The company introduced additional security checks for online transactions.
Statement II: The number of fraudulent online transactions had increased.
Solution: (b)
An increase in fraudulent transactions provides a reasonable reason for introducing stronger security measures. Hence, Statement II is the cause and Statement I is the effect.
Question 13
Statement I: Several flights were delayed at the airport.
Statement II: Dense fog reduced visibility around the airport.
Solution: (b)
Reduced visibility caused by dense fog can disrupt airport operations and delay flights. Therefore, Statement II is the cause and Statement I is the effect.
Question 14
Statement I: The company introduced a flexible work schedule.
Statement II: Employees had requested greater flexibility in working hours.
Solution: (b)
Employee requests for greater flexibility can reasonably lead the company to introduce a flexible schedule. Hence, Statement II is the cause and Statement I is the effect.
Question 15
Statement I: The government increased funding for flood-control projects.
Statement II: Several regions experienced repeated flooding during the previous year.
Solution: (b)
Repeated flooding can motivate the government to increase funding for flood-control measures. Therefore, Statement II is the cause and Statement I is the effect.
Question 16
Statement I: The number of passengers using the metro increased sharply.
Statement II: The city introduced additional metro services during peak hours.
Solution: (b)
Additional services can make metro travel more convenient and may lead to increased passenger use. Therefore, Statement II is the likely cause and Statement I is the effect.
Question 17
Statement I: A company reduced the price of a popular product.
Statement II: The company faced strong competition from several new brands.
Solution: (b)
Strong competition can encourage a company to reduce prices to remain competitive. Hence, Statement II is the cause and Statement I is the effect.
Question 18
Statement I: The school installed additional computers in its computer laboratory.
Statement II: Student demand for computer-based practical sessions increased.
Solution: (b)
Increased demand for computer-based practical sessions can reasonably lead the school to install additional computers.
Question 19
Statement I: The city introduced restrictions on heavy vehicles during peak hours.
Statement II: Traffic congestion during peak hours had become severe.
Solution: (b)
Severe peak-hour congestion can lead authorities to introduce restrictions on heavy vehicles. Hence, Statement II is the cause and Statement I is the effect.
Question 20
Statement I: The company started offering a digital payment facility.
Statement II: Customers increasingly preferred cashless payment methods.
Solution: (b)
Growing customer preference for cashless payments can encourage a company to introduce digital payment facilities.
Type 2: Common Cause and Independent Effects
In these questions, both statements may be effects of the same underlying event. Do not force a direct relationship between the statements.
Question 21
Statement I: Several flights were cancelled.
Statement II: Many roads around the airport were closed.
Solution: (e)
A severe weather event or another major disruption at the airport could reasonably cause both flight cancellations and road closures. Neither statement necessarily causes the other.
Common Cause → Flight cancellations
Common Cause → Road closures
Question 22
Statement I: Several schools in the district remained closed.
Statement II: Public transport services were disrupted across the district.
Solution: (e)
A severe weather event or widespread emergency can cause both school closures and public transport disruption. Therefore, both may be effects of a common cause.
Question 23
Statement I: Vegetable prices increased sharply.
Statement II: The availability of fresh vegetables in local markets decreased.
Solution: (b)
Reduced availability can contribute to higher prices when demand remains significant. Hence, Statement II is a likely cause of Statement I.
Question 24
Statement I: Many outdoor events were cancelled.
Statement II: Several public parks were temporarily closed.
Solution: (e)
A severe weather condition or another common disruption could result in both cancellations and park closures. Neither statement necessarily causes the other.
Question 25
Statement I: Demand for home-delivery services increased.
Statement II: Online shopping activity increased significantly.
Solution: (e)
A broader shift toward digital purchasing and convenience-based consumption can reasonably contribute to both effects. The two statements need not directly cause one another.
Type 3: Effects of Independent Causes
Sometimes two statements describe outcomes produced by completely different causes. The fact that they occur around the same time does not establish a causal relationship.
Question 26
Statement I: A software company launched a new mobile application.
Statement II: A local restaurant extended its operating hours.
Solution: (d)
The two events can be explained by separate business decisions. There is no reasonable causal connection between them.
Question 27
Statement I: A university introduced a new scholarship programme.
Statement II: A manufacturing company upgraded its production machinery.
Solution: (d)
These events can result from separate organisational decisions and have no meaningful direct causal relationship.
Question 28
Statement I: A bank introduced a new mobile banking feature.
Statement II: A supermarket renovated its customer service area.
Solution: (d)
The statements describe separate business initiatives. They are best treated as effects of independent causes.
Question 29
Statement I: A college expanded its library collection.
Statement II: A transport company purchased additional delivery vehicles.
Solution: (d)
There is no natural causal connection between the two events. Each may have resulted from an independent organisational requirement.
Question 30
Statement I: A technology company hired additional cybersecurity specialists.
Statement II: A hotel introduced a new loyalty programme.
Solution: (d)
The two decisions address different organisational needs and can reasonably arise from independent causes.
Type 4: Immediate and Principal Cause
Question 31
A delivery vehicle suddenly stopped on the road because its engine overheated. The engine overheated because the cooling system failed.
What is the immediate cause of the vehicle stopping?
(a) High traffic volume
(b) Cooling system failure
(c) Engine overheating
(d) Poor road conditions
(e) Driver's destination
Solution: (c) Engine overheating
The engine overheating directly caused the vehicle to stop. The cooling-system failure is a deeper cause of the overheating.
Question 32
A student performed poorly in an examination. The student had inadequate preparation, occasional stress, and insufficient sleep before the examination.
Which is the most likely principal cause if inadequate preparation was the dominant factor?
(a) Examination hall size
(b) Inadequate preparation
(c) Weather conditions
(d) Seating arrangement
(e) Time of sunrise
Solution: (b) Inadequate preparation
The principal cause is the main factor responsible for the outcome. If inadequate preparation was the dominant factor, it is the principal cause.
Question 33
A company's website became unavailable. Investigation showed that the hosting server had crashed, while the server crashed because of a hardware failure.
What is the immediate cause of the website becoming unavailable?
(a) Hardware manufacturing process
(b) Server crash
(c) Website design
(d) Customer demand
(e) Advertising campaign
Solution: (b) Server crash
The server crash directly caused the website to become unavailable. Hardware failure was the underlying cause of the server crash.
Type 5: Cause-and-Effect Chain
Question 34
Consider the following events:
A: Heavy rainfall continued for several hours.
B: Roads became waterlogged.
C: Traffic movement slowed significantly.
D: Many employees reached their offices late.
Which sequence represents the most logical cause-and-effect chain?
(a) D → C → B → A
(b) A → B → C → D
(c) B → A → D → C
(d) C → A → B → D
(e) A → C → B → D
Solution: (b) A → B → C → D
Heavy rainfall causes waterlogging, waterlogging disrupts traffic, and traffic disruption can result in late arrival at offices.
Question 35
Consider the following:
A: Demand for a product increased.
B: The product became temporarily unavailable.
C: The company increased production.
D: Additional stock reached retailers.
Which is the most logical sequence?
(a) A → B → C → D
(b) D → C → B → A
(c) B → A → D → C
(d) C → A → D → B
(e) A → C → B → D
Solution: (a) A → B → C → D
Higher demand can lead to temporary stock shortages. The company may then increase production, after which additional stock reaches retailers.
Type 6: Direct Cause and Effect
Directions (Questions 36-45): Read the given cause or effect and select the most appropriate answer.
Question 36
Cause: A severe cyclone affected the coastal region for two days.
Which of the following can be a possible effect?
(a) Transportation services were disrupted.
(b) Power supply was interrupted in several areas.
(c) Some buildings and infrastructure were damaged.
(d) Outdoor activities were cancelled.
(e) All of the above.
Solution: (e) All of the above
All four outcomes can reasonably follow from a severe cyclone. Therefore, all are possible effects.
Question 37
Cause: The city's main railway line was closed for emergency repairs.
Which of the following cannot be a likely effect?
(a) Some trains were cancelled.
(b) Passengers were diverted to alternative routes.
(c) Additional travel delays occurred.
(d) Railway traffic on the affected line was disrupted.
(e) All trains operated normally on the affected line without any change.
Solution: (e)
Closure of the railway line for emergency repairs would reasonably disrupt services. Therefore, normal operation without any change cannot reasonably follow from the stated cause.
Question 38
Cause: A large number of employees began working from home.
Which of the following can be a possible effect?
(a) Demand for remote collaboration tools increased.
(b) Office occupancy decreased.
(c) Some employees reduced their daily commuting.
(d) Demand for home-office equipment increased.
(e) All of the above.
Solution: (e) All of the above
All these outcomes can reasonably follow from a substantial shift toward remote work.
Question 39
Effect: The price of a commonly used raw material increased substantially.
Which of the following can be a probable cause?
(a) Supply of the raw material decreased significantly.
(b) Demand for the raw material increased sharply.
(c) Production of the raw material was disrupted.
(d) A major supplier reduced its output.
(e) All of the above.
Solution: (e) All of the above
Each option describes a factor that can reasonably contribute to a substantial increase in the price of a raw material.
Question 40
Effect: Several shops in a market remained closed for the day.
Which of the following cannot be a probable cause?
(a) A local security concern was reported.
(b) A major public holiday was observed.
(c) A sudden transport disruption affected the area.
(d) Shop owners collectively called for a closure.
(e) A new product was launched in an unrelated industry.
Solution: (e)
An unrelated product launch in another industry does not provide a reasonable explanation for shops in the market remaining closed.
Question 41
Cause: The price of fuel increased substantially.
Which of the following can be a possible effect?
(a) Transportation costs may increase.
(b) Operating costs for fuel-dependent businesses may increase.
(c) Some logistics companies may review their pricing.
(d) Consumers may experience higher travel expenses.
(e) All of the above.
Solution: (e) All of the above
All four outcomes can reasonably result from a substantial increase in fuel prices.
Question 42
Effect: The availability of a particular product declined sharply in local stores.
Which of the following can be a probable cause?
(a) Production of the product was temporarily reduced.
(b) Demand for the product increased unexpectedly.
(c) Distribution was disrupted.
(d) A major supplier faced operational difficulties.
(e) All of the above.
Solution: (e) All of the above
Each option provides a reasonable explanation for reduced product availability.
Question 43
Cause: A major road connecting two cities was closed unexpectedly.
Which of the following cannot be a possible effect?
(a) Traffic was diverted to alternative routes.
(b) Travel time between the cities increased.
(c) Some transport services were delayed.
(d) Congestion increased on alternative roads.
(e) Travel on every route became faster without any disruption.
Solution: (e)
An unexpected closure of a major connecting road would normally cause disruption rather than make every route faster.
Question 44
Effect: A company's customer complaints increased significantly.
Which of the following can be a probable cause?
(a) Product quality declined.
(b) Delivery delays increased.
(c) Customer-support response times became longer.
(d) A major service issue affected customers.
(e) All of the above.
Solution: (e) All of the above
Each factor can reasonably contribute to an increase in customer complaints.
Question 45
Effect: The number of people using public transport increased substantially.
Which of the following cannot be a probable cause?
(a) Public transport fares became more affordable.
(b) Fuel prices increased significantly.
(c) Public transport services improved.
(d) Parking became more difficult in the city centre.
(e) A major improvement made private vehicles more attractive and convenient.
Solution: (e)
A major improvement that makes private vehicles more attractive would generally not provide a strong explanation for increased public transport usage.
Type 7: Mixed Cause and Effect Questions
Question 46
Statement I: The government announced additional support for farmers.
Statement II: Agricultural production in the region had been affected by severe drought conditions.
Solution: (b)
Severe drought can reduce agricultural production and lead the government to introduce support measures. Therefore, Statement II is the cause and Statement I is the effect.
Question 47
Statement I: The company introduced additional cybersecurity measures.
Statement II: Several attempted cyberattacks had been detected recently.
Solution: (b)
The detection of attempted cyberattacks can reasonably lead a company to strengthen its cybersecurity measures.
Question 48
Statement I: The number of people visiting the city museum increased.
Statement II: The museum introduced a popular interactive exhibition.
Solution: (b)
A popular interactive exhibition can attract more visitors. Therefore, Statement II is the cause and Statement I is the effect.
Question 49
Statement I: Several companies increased their investment in renewable energy.
Statement II: The cost of renewable energy technology became more competitive.
Solution: (b)
More competitive technology costs can encourage companies to increase investment in renewable energy.
Question 50
Statement I: The city introduced a new bicycle-sharing programme.
Statement II: Demand for short-distance shared mobility increased.
Solution: (b)
Increasing demand for short-distance shared mobility can lead a city to introduce a bicycle-sharing programme.
Type 8: Advanced Relationship Questions
Question 51
Statement I: Several employees started using public transport to commute.
Statement II: The company introduced a travel reimbursement policy for public transport.
Solution: (b)
A reimbursement policy can encourage employees to use public transport. Hence, Statement II is the cause and Statement I is the effect.
Question 52
Statement I: Several small businesses temporarily suspended operations.
Statement II: The region experienced a major disruption in commercial activity.
Solution: (b)
A major disruption in commercial activity can cause small businesses to temporarily suspend operations.
Question 53
Statement I: The demand for emergency medical services increased sharply.
Statement II: A large-scale accident occurred in the region.
Solution: (b)
A large-scale accident can directly increase demand for emergency medical services. Therefore, Statement II is the cause and Statement I is the effect.
Question 54
Statement I: Several construction projects were delayed.
Statement II: The supply of essential construction materials was disrupted.
Solution: (b)
A disruption in material supply can cause construction projects to be delayed.
Question 55
Statement I: The company expanded its customer-support team.
Statement II: The number of customers using the company's services increased significantly.
Solution: (b)
A substantial increase in customers can create additional support demand, leading the company to expand its support team.
Type 9: Challenge Questions
Question 56
Statement I: The city experienced a sharp increase in electricity demand.
Statement II: Several regions experienced unusually high temperatures.
Solution: (b)
Unusually high temperatures can increase the use of cooling equipment, which in turn can increase electricity demand. Therefore, Statement II is the likely cause of Statement I.
Question 57
Statement I: Several schools shifted classes temporarily to online platforms.
Statement II: Severe weather conditions disrupted normal travel in the region.
Solution: (b)
Severe weather that disrupts travel can make it difficult for students and teachers to reach schools, leading to temporary online classes.
Question 58
Statement I: Several retailers reported lower sales during the month.
Statement II: Consumer spending in the region declined during the same period.
Solution: (b)
Lower consumer spending can reasonably result in lower retail sales. Hence, Statement II is the cause and Statement I is the effect.
Question 59
Statement I: The price of a product increased sharply.
Statement II: The product's supply declined substantially.
Solution: (b)
A substantial decline in supply can place upward pressure on prices. Therefore, Statement II is the cause and Statement I is the effect.
Question 60
Statement I: The government launched a public awareness campaign about water conservation.
Statement II: Several regions faced prolonged water shortages.
Solution: (b)
Prolonged water shortages can lead authorities to promote water conservation. Hence, Statement II is the cause and Statement I is the effect.
Answer Key
| Q. | Ans. | Q. | Ans. | Q. | Ans. | Q. | Ans. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | 16 | B | 31 | C | 46 | B |
| 2 | A | 17 | B | 32 | B | 47 | B |
| 3 | B | 18 | B | 33 | B | 48 | B |
| 4 | B | 19 | B | 34 | B | 49 | B |
| 5 | B | 20 | B | 35 | A | 50 | B |
| 6 | A | 21 | E | 36 | E | 51 | B |
| 7 | A | 22 | E | 37 | E | 52 | B |
| 8 | B | 23 | B | 38 | E | 53 | B |
| 9 | B | 24 | E | 39 | E | 54 | B |
| 10 | B | 25 | E | 40 | E | 55 | B |
| 11 | B | 26 | D | 41 | E | 56 | B |
| 12 | B | 27 | D | 42 | E | 57 | B |
| 13 | B | 28 | D | 43 | E | 58 | B |
| 14 | B | 29 | D | 44 | E | 59 | B |
| 15 | B | 30 | D | 45 | E | 60 | B |
Common Traps in Cause and Effect Questions
Trap 1: Assuming Earlier Means Cause
An event occurring first does not automatically cause the event that follows.
Trap 2: Ignoring Reverse Direction
Sometimes Statement II is actually the reason behind Statement I. Always test both directions.
Trap 3: Missing a Common Cause
Two events can be separate effects of one underlying factor.
Trap 4: Confusing Independent Effects with Common Effects
If two events have different explanations, they are effects of independent causes. If one underlying factor explains both, they are effects of a common cause.
Trap 5: Overusing Assumptions
Do not invent several unstated events merely to connect two statements.
Trap 6: Confusing Immediate and Principal Cause
The immediate cause is the closest direct trigger. The principal cause is the most important reason behind the outcome.
Fast Solving Strategy
Step 1: Identify both events
↓
Step 2: Ask "Why did this happen?"
↓
Step 3: Test A → B
↓
Step 4: Test B → A
↓
Step 5: Check for a common cause
↓
Step 6: Check for independent causes
↓
Step 7: Reject unsupported assumptions
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Step 8: Select the strongest relationship
10-Second Test
When you are under time pressure, use these five questions:
- What are the two events?
- Which event can explain the other?
- Could the direction be reversed?
- Could both be caused by the same factor?
- If not, could they have independent causes?
Exam-Level Summary
- Cause: The reason or condition that produces an event.
- Effect: The result or consequence of an event.
- Immediate Cause: The closest direct trigger of an effect.
- Principal Cause: The main or most important reason behind an outcome.
- Common Cause: One underlying factor producing two or more effects.
- Independent Causes: Separate factors producing different events.
- Necessary Condition: A condition that must be present for an event to occur.
- Sufficient Condition: A condition or combination that is enough to produce the event.
- Cause-and-Effect Chain: A sequence in which one event produces another, which may itself produce a later event.
- Core Test: Check logic, sequence, practical connection, common causes, and independent causes.
LearnFrenzy Final Rule
Do not choose an answer merely because two events are related.
Choose the relationship that provides the
most logical, practical, and natural explanation
with the fewest unsupported assumptions.
With these 60 solved questions, you have covered the major patterns of Cause and Effect reasoning, from basic direct relationships to common causes, independent causes, cause-and-effect chains, and direct cause/effect identification.