Unit 6 – The Effects of Technology

Warm-up and Vocabulary

Efficient: Working in a well-organized and effective way
Distraction: Something that prevents someone from giving their full attention to something else
Automation: The use of machines to do work that was previously done by people.
Isolated: Feeling alone and without friends or support.

Think about the technologies listed below. In the text box, write one positive effect (+) and one negative effect (-) for each one.

When we write about the “effects” of something, we are explaining cause and effect.

To make your writing clear, you can use special signal words and a simple paragraph structure.

These words help connect your ideas and show the reader the relationship between them.

These words are used to answer the question “Why?” They introduce the reason for an event or situation.

Because: This is the most common word used to show a direct cause and effect. Because is always followed by a full clause (subject + verb).
- Example: He was late for school because the traffic was bad.
- Explanation: The clause “the traffic was bad” has a subject (traffic) and a verb (was).
Since: Is similar to because, but it’s often used when the reason is already known to the listener or reader. Since is also followed by a full clause.
- Example: Since you have finished all your homework, you can play outside.
- Explanation: The reason (“you have finished your homework”) is a known fact that provides the basis for the result (“you can play”).
Due to: Is more formal and means “caused by.” It is always followed by a noun or noun phrase, not a full clause.
- Example: The flight was canceled due to the storm.
- Explanation: “The storm” is a noun phrase, not a full sentence. (Incorrect: …due to the storm was heavy).
Because of: Just like due to, because of is also followed by a noun or noun phrase. It is slightly less formal than due to.
- Example: We stayed inside because of the bad weather.
- Explanation: “The bad weather” is a noun phrase.

These words are used to answer the question “What was the result?” They introduce the outcome or consequence of a cause.

As a result: This is a very clear way to show a direct result. It is usually placed at the beginning of a sentence and followed by a comma.
- Example: The company invested in new technology. As a result, its productivity increased.
Therefore: is used to show a logical conclusion (it means “for that reason”). It’s more formal and also often placed at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma.
- Example: He is not feeling well; therefore, he will not be coming to the party tonight.
Consequently: is very similar to as a result and therefore. It is quite formal and emphasizes that the effect is a direct consequence of the previous action.
- Example: She did not study for the test. Consequently, she received a low grade.
Leads to / Results in: These two phrases function as verbs within a sentence to connect a cause (the subject) to its effect. They are followed by a noun or noun phrase.
- Example (leads to): Poor waste management often leads to water pollution.
- Example (results in): Lack of sleep often results in poor concentration during the day.

A strong cause-and-effect paragraph clearly presents one cause and explains its effects.

Topic Sentence: Introduce the cause and state that it has several effects.
Example: The widespread use of smartphones has had a significant impact on social interaction.
Supporting Sentence 1 (Effect 1): Describe the first effect. Use a signal word.
Example: One major effect is that people can feel more connected to friends and family who live far away.
Supporting Sentence 2 (Effect 2): Describe the second effect. Use another signal word.
Example: However, a negative consequence is that face-to-face conversation has become less common, which can lead to people feeling isolated.
Concluding Sentence: Summarize the main effects.
Example: In conclusion, while smartphones can improve long-distance relationships, they can also weaken personal connections nearby.

Keep these three tips in mind when you write about cause and effect:

Focus on the Connection: Don’t just list effects. Use signal words (as a result, because of, leads to) to clearly explain how the cause leads to the effect.
Use Specific Examples: Instead of saying “technology is a distraction,” give a specific example: “The constant buzz of notifications from social media apps is a major distraction for students trying to do homework.”
One Main Cause Per Paragraph: To keep your writing clear and organized, focus on one main cause and its effects within a single paragraph.

Let’s practice what you’ve learned!

A. Multiple-Choice Questions

Choose the best word or phrase to complete each sentence.

B. Fill in the Blanks

C. Crossword Puzzle

D. Word Search

You’ve reached the end of the lesson. Click the button below to begin the Evaluation Quiz.

Lesson Content