Explain how a cause/effect signal word helps you understand a passage’s reasoning.

• A. It marks a conclusion that is not supported by data.
• B. It signals that one event leads to another and helps map the argument or explanation.
• C. It indicates the author is shifting topics.
• D. It shows the text uses purely descriptive language.

Answer: (B)

Cause/effect signal words are clues that show how ideas are connected, revealing how the author builds reasoning by linking reasons to outcomes. When you spot these words—because, therefore, as a result, hence, leads to—you can trace the chain from a cause to its effect and see how the argument develops. This helps you map the reasoning, understanding why something happened and what consequences followed, which is exactly what the passage is doing. For example, if the text says “The storm damaged roads, therefore travel slowed,” the signal word clarifies that the damage caused the slowdown, guiding you through the author’s explanation. That’s why this option is the best choice: it directly describes how cause/effect words help you understand the reasoning. The other ideas describe different functions—conclusions that aren’t data-supported, topic shifts, or purely descriptive language—which don’t capture the way cause/effect words illuminate the reasoning chain.