Concept 4

Identify cause–effect, comparison, and other logical relationships.

Use signal words to identify the relationship between ideas.

Core Idea

Relationship first, facts second. These questions ask how one statement connects to another: cause, contrast, comparison, condition, or result.

Understanding

ACT passages often signal the relationship for you with words like "because," "so," "although," "unlike," or "therefore." Those cues tell you why one detail matters.

Use a relationship check:

  • Signal word: find the word or phrase that links the ideas.
  • Relationship: name the connection it creates.
  • Answer choice: choose the option that preserves both the facts and the connection.

The trap is choosing an answer that mentions the right facts but reverses or blurs the relationship.

Step by Step

  1. Find the signal word or phrase that links the ideas.
  2. Name the relationship it creates.
  3. Choose the answer that preserves both the facts and the connection.
Question

Worked Example

Excerpt: "Unlike the older clay jars, the glazed jars kept moisture from escaping, so farmers could store seeds through the dry season." What relationship does the excerpt emphasize?

Select an answer to see the explanation