Cause vs. Sequence Distinctions Practice Test

Read this passage: In a cooking class, students learn why heat changes food. Because the oven is hot, the batter’s proteins and starches change, and the cake becomes firm as it bakes. The firm cake is an effect of heating, not just the next step in time. The recipe also includes a sequence of actions: gather ingredients, mix the batter, pour it into a pan, place the pan in the oven, and set a timer. These steps happen in order, but gathering ingredients does not cause the timer to ring. The passage contrasts cause-and-effect with simple sequence. Which sentence illustrates a cause-and-effect relationship?​​

Read this passage: In a small town, a new playground opens in the park. Because the town council adds more swings and a safer surface, more families visit the park on weekends. The higher attendance is an effect of the improvements, not just a later event. On opening day, the schedule follows a sequence: the mayor gives a short speech, a ribbon is cut, children line up, and the first group enters. These steps happen in order, but the speech does not cause the ribbon to exist. The sequence simply describes what happens next. Which sentence illustrates a cause-and-effect relationship?​​