Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) Practice Test

Which type of cause and effect is clearly stated and easy to identify?

1. Explicit cause and effect

2. Implicit cause and effect

3. Analysis cause and effect

4. Symbolic cause and effect

The correct answer is: Explicit cause and effect

Explicit cause and effect refers to a relationship where the cause and its effect are clearly defined and directly stated. In this type of relationship, the cause is directly linked to the effect without any ambiguity. This clarity allows readers to easily understand how one event leads to another. For example, in a statement such as "The heavy rain caused the river to overflow," the cause (heavy rain) and the effect (river overflowing) are straightforward, making it simple for the reader to see the connection. This contrasts with the other types, such as implicit cause and effect, where the connection might be suggested rather than directly stated, requiring readers to infer the relationship. Similarly, analysis cause and effect and symbolic cause and effect often involve more complex interpretations or abstract connections that are not immediately apparent.