The WHY question

1. The “why” question
Self –study notes for Paper 2: Comprehension

2. What do you have to do?
 Give a reason in your answer.
 Answer can start with ‘Because…’ or ‘This is
because…’

3. Structure of sentences
 Some signals that indicate effects and causes
provide clues to answers.
 *Effects= Current situation
 *Causes= Reasons
Conjunction indicating
effect reason cause
(clue)

4. Examples of cause and effect sentences
Effect Conjunction indicating Cause
(Current Situation) reason (Reason)
Sarah was popular with Because She showed a deep
the masses understanding of their
plight.
John’s employees Since The manager did not
reported for work late seem to mind their doing
everyday so.
Ali was chosen to For He was the company’s
receive the prize most hardworking
employee.
Mr Chan fired all his As They sauntered into the
employees office late everyday.

5. Examples
 Question: Why was Sarah popular with the masses?
Answer: Because she showed a deep understanding
of their plight.
 Question: Why did John’s employees report for work
late everyday?
Answer: Because the manger did not seem to mind
their doing so.

6. Examples of linking words
Cause Linking word(s) Effect
(Reason) (Current Situation)
Mark overslept As a result, He missed the interview.
yesterday.
Michael vandalised his Therefore, The judge sentenced
neighbour’s cars. him to six months in jail.
The two men were arch- Thus, They hated each other to
rivals in love. Hence, the core.
Karl’s car broke down for Consequently, He decided to sell it off.
no apparent reason.

7. Answering the questions
(The cause has already happened: Use past tense)
1. Why was Ali chosen to receive the prize?
Because he was the company’s most hardworking
employee.
2. Why did Mr Chan fire all his employees?
Because they sauntered into the office late everyday.
3. Why did the two men hate each other to the core?
Because they were arch-rivals in love.
4. Why did Karl decide to sell off his car?
Because it broke down for no apparent reason.

8. Examples
 Question: Why was Michael sentenced to jail?
Answer: Because he vandalised his neighbour’s cars.
Sometimes, the link between cause and effect is not obvious.
Examples:-
1. Tired of his daily battle with the traffic congestion, Mr Raj
decide to cycle to work.
Question: Why did Mr Raj decide to cycle to work?
Answer: Because he was tired of his daily battle with traffic
congestion.
2. The coolie was overjoyed. After eight months, he finally
found a job.
Question: Why was the coolie overjoyed?
Answer: Because after eight months, he had finally found a
job.