Cause and Effect Practice Test Questions - Verbal Reasoning -- Free Practice

Question 1

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. The prices of hotel rooms increased significantly during the holiday period.
II. Airfares to the tourist destination also increased significantly during the same period.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

A common factor such as the holiday season raises tourist demand, which pushes up both hotel prices and airfares. So both statements are effects of a common cause.

Question 2

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. The company introduced a bonus for employees who meet annual targets.
II. The company wants to improve employee productivity.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

The objective of improving productivity can lead the company to introduce performance-based incentives. So Statement II is the cause and Statement I is its effect.

Question 3

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. The city experienced widespread waterlogging.
II. Several roads became temporarily inaccessible.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

Severe waterlogging can make roads inaccessible to vehicles and pedestrians. So Statement I is the cause and Statement II is its effect.

Question 4

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. The demand for home-delivery services increased considerably.
II. Restaurants increased their investment in online ordering systems.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

Increasing demand for delivery services can encourage restaurants to invest more in online ordering systems. So Statement I is the cause and Statement II is its effect.

Question 5

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. The government appointed a committee to review university fees.
II. Student organizations had organized protests against rapidly increasing tuition fees.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

Student protests over high fees can prompt the government to appoint a committee to review the fee structure. So Statement II is the cause and Statement I is its effect.

Question 6

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. A powerful cyclone was approaching the coastline.
II. Several coastal villages were evacuated.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

The approaching cyclone is the direct reason for evacuating vulnerable coastal communities. So Statement I is the cause and Statement II is its effect.

Question 7

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. The company introduced a new quality-control system.
II. The company had received an unusually high number of complaints about defective products.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

Repeated complaints about defective products can lead a company to strengthen quality control. So Statement II is the cause and Statement I is its effect.

Question 8

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. Several regions experienced unusually low rainfall during the year.
II. The demand for household water-storage tanks increased.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

Low rainfall can create concerns about water availability, increasing demand for storage tanks. So Statement I is the cause and Statement II is its effect.

Question 9

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. The government launched a nationwide vaccination campaign.
II. Several districts reported a sudden increase in cases of a contagious disease.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

A sudden increase in disease cases can lead the government to launch a vaccination campaign. So Statement II is the cause and Statement I is its effect.

Question 10

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. A severe cyclone was forecast to cross the region on the examination date.
II. The university postponed the entrance examination.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

The approaching cyclone provides a direct reason for postponing the examination. So Statement I is the cause and Statement II is its effect.

Question 11

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. The transport authority increased bus frequency on a particular route.
II. Passenger waiting time on that route had become unusually long.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

Long waiting times can prompt the transport authority to increase bus frequency. So Statement II is the cause and Statement I is its effect.

Question 12

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. The government increased subsidies for solar panels.
II. The government wanted to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

The objective of increasing renewable-energy adoption can cause the government to increase solar subsidies. So Statement II is the cause and Statement I is its effect.

Question 13

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. The city administration wanted to encourage non-motorized transportation.
II. The city introduced dedicated bicycle lanes.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

The objective of encouraging non-motorized transport can lead to the introduction of dedicated bicycle lanes. So Statement I is the cause and Statement II is its effect.

Question 14

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. The company announced a reduction in its workforce.
II. The company reported a significant decline in revenue for several consecutive quarters.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

A sustained decline in revenue can lead a company to reduce its workforce to control costs. So Statement II is the cause and Statement I is its effect.

Question 15

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. Demand for air conditioners increased substantially.
II. Sales of electric fans also increased substantially.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

A period of unusually high temperatures can be the common cause of higher demand for both products. So both statements are effects of a common cause.

Question 16

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. Several banks temporarily suspended online transactions.
II. A major cybersecurity threat was detected in the country's banking network.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

A serious cybersecurity threat can cause banks to temporarily suspend online transactions. So Statement II is the cause and Statement I is its effect.

Question 17

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. Heavy rainfall damaged crops in several farming districts.
II. The price of vegetables increased sharply.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

Crop damage reduces supply and can consequently increase vegetable prices. So Statement I is the cause and Statement II is its effect.

Question 18

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. The company introduced flexible working hours.
II. A large number of employees requested greater flexibility in their work schedules.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

Employee demand for flexible schedules can cause the company to introduce flexible working hours. So Statement II is the cause and Statement I is its effect.

Question 19

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. The number of tourists visiting the hill station increased.
II. Hotel occupancy in the hill station increased.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

An increase in tourists naturally leads to higher demand for hotel accommodation. So Statement I is the cause and Statement II is its effect.

Question 20

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. The government introduced stricter emission standards for vehicles.
II. Air pollution levels in major cities had remained above permissible limits for several months.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

Persistently high pollution levels can lead the government to impose stricter emission standards. So Statement II is the cause and Statement I is its effect.

Question 21

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. The company faced a prolonged shortage of a critical raw material.
II. The company stopped production at one of its plants.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

A shortage of a critical raw material can force a plant to stop production. So Statement I is the cause and Statement II is its effect.

Question 22

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. A large number of trees were uprooted in the city.
II. Several electricity lines were damaged in the same area.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

A severe storm can be the common cause of both the uprooted trees and the damaged electricity lines. So both statements are effects of a common cause.

Question 23

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. The government increased funding for rural healthcare centres.
II. The number of patients visiting rural healthcare centres had increased considerably.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

Higher patient numbers can create a need for additional healthcare funding. So Statement II is the cause and Statement I is its effect.

Question 24

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. The school had observed a sharp rise in student absenteeism.
II. The school introduced compulsory attendance monitoring.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

Increasing absenteeism can lead the school to introduce stricter attendance monitoring. So Statement I is the cause and Statement II is its effect.

Question 25

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. The country's exports increased during the quarter.
II. The country's imports also increased during the quarter.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

A common factor such as strong economic activity can increase both exports and imports. So both statements are effects of a common cause.

Question 26

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. The bank reduced interest rates on home loans.
II. Demand for residential property increased over the following months.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

Lower home-loan rates reduce borrowing costs and can increase demand for residential property. So Statement I is the cause and Statement II is its effect.

Question 27

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. The municipality repaired several damaged roads.
II. Residents had repeatedly complained about potholes on those roads.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

Repeated complaints about potholes can cause the municipality to undertake road repairs. So Statement II is the cause and Statement I is its effect.

Question 28

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. The price of wheat increased in several states.
II. The price of rice increased in several states.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

A common factor such as widespread drought or transportation disruption could cause the prices of both commodities to rise. So both statements are effects of a common cause.

Question 29

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. The factory had recorded several workplace accidents during the previous year.
II. The factory installed additional safety equipment.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

The earlier accidents can motivate management to introduce additional safety measures. So Statement I is the cause and Statement II is its effect.

Question 30

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. The university extended the deadline for admission applications.
II. The online admission portal remained unavailable for several days.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

If applicants could not access the portal, the university would have a reason to extend the deadline. So Statement II is the cause and Statement I is its effect.

Question 31

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. A major oil-producing region experienced a prolonged supply disruption.
II. The price of cooking oil increased significantly.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

A major supply disruption can push up the price of cooking oil. So Statement I is the cause and Statement II is its effect.

Question 32

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. The railway authority introduced additional trains on the route.
II. Passenger demand on the route increased substantially.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

Higher passenger demand can prompt the railway authority to introduce additional trains. So Statement II is the cause and Statement I is its effect.

Question 33

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. Sales of umbrellas increased sharply during the month.
II. Demand for raincoats also increased sharply during the month.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

A common factor such as prolonged heavy rainfall can increase demand for both umbrellas and raincoats. So both statements are effects of a common cause.

Question 34

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. A severe thunderstorm affected the region.
II. Several flights were cancelled at the airport.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

The severe thunderstorm can directly result in flight cancellations. So Statement I is the cause and Statement II is its effect.

Question 35

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. The government reduced import duties on electric vehicles.
II. Several automobile manufacturers announced plans to expand their electric-vehicle production.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

Lower import duties can encourage investment and expansion in the electric-vehicle market. So Statement I is the cause and Statement II is its effect.

Question 36

Read the two statements and decide how they are related.

I. The city administration has imposed a ban on parking on the main market road.
II. Traffic congestion on the main market road has increased considerably.

A

I is the cause and II is its effect✓✗

B

II is the cause and I is its effect✓✗

C

Both are independent causes✓✗

D

Both are effects of independent causes✓✗

E

Both are effects of a common cause✓✗

Explanation

Increased congestion is a reason for authorities to restrict parking. So Statement II is the cause and Statement I is its effect.