Grades 4–5
Biography Planner
Plan a biography: when and where the person was born, a timeline of big moments, why they matter and a challenge they faced.
Writing worksheet · Informational writing
Cause and Effect Writing
Two causes and two effects to finish, signal words, then a paragraph that explains a real cause and effect.
- Grade level
- Grades 3–5
- Time
- About 30 minutes
- Answer key
- Not needed: answers vary
- Kids practice
- Informational writing, Research and note-taking, Text structure, Writing facts in your own words
What kids do
“A cause is why something happens. An effect is what happens. Finish each pair, then write a cause-and-effect paragraph.”
Printed on the sheet:
- It rained all night, so… Write the effect.
- The ice cream melted because… Write the
- We planted seeds, so… Write the effect.
- Everyone cheered because… Write the cause.
- Write a paragraph about a real cause and effect, like what happens when we recycle or when a volcano erupts.
Words on this sheet
Signal wordsbecausesosince
Teacher tip
Do a quick demo, like knocking over a block tower, and name the cause and the effect.
How to use it
- Show a nonfiction book that uses the same structure or text feature first.
- Gather a stack of library books on the topic before kids start.
- Give a minute at the end to reread the work out loud to a partner.
Watch for
Copying sentences straight from the book. Have kids close the book, then write.
Talk about it
- How would a reader find information in your piece?
- Where else do writers use this skill?
Take it further
Turn finished pages into a class nonfiction book for the library.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
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