{"product_id":"7th-grade-intermediate-cause-effect-worksheets-3-nonfiction-articles-light-up-literature","title":"7th Grade Intermediate Cause \u0026 Effect Worksheets | 3 Nonfiction Articles | Light Up Literature","description":"\u003cbody\u003e\n\n\n  \u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n  \u003cmeta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0\"\u003e\n  \u003ctitle\u003eIntermediate Cause \u0026amp; Effect Worksheets | 3 Nonfiction Articles | Light Up Literature\u003c\/title\u003e\n  \u003cmeta name=\"description\" content=\"3 high-interest nonfiction articles, 30 cause \u0026amp; effect questions for grades 6–8. Intermediate rigor: multi-causal reasoning, inference, real-world topics. RI.6-8.3 aligned. No prep.\"\u003e\n  \u003cmeta name=\"keywords\" content=\"intermediate cause and effect worksheets middle school, cause and effect nonfiction 6th grade, RI.6.3 RI.7.3 RI.8.3 worksheets, cause effect reading comprehension grades 6 7 8, nonfiction reading comprehension middle school, cause and effect test prep ELA\"\u003e\n  \u003clink rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/lightupliterature.com\/intermediate-cause-effect-worksheets\"\u003e\n  \u003clink href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Open+Sans:wght@400;600;700\u0026amp;family=Playfair+Display:ital,wght@0,700;1,700\u0026amp;display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\"\u003e\n  \u003cstyle\u003e\n    :root {\n      --purple: #BD10E1;\n      --indigo: #25046B;\n      --indigo-light: #3a0999;\n      --indigo-faint: #f3effb;\n      --indigo-mid: #e8e0f8;\n      --white: #ffffff;\n      --text-body: #2d2d2d;\n      --text-muted: #5a5a7a;\n      --border: #e2daf0;\n    }\n    * { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }\n    body {\n      font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif;\n      font-size: 14px;\n      line-height: 1.85;\n      color: var(--text-body);\n      background: var(--white);\n    }\n\n    .hero {\n      background: var(--indigo);\n      padding: 4.5rem 2rem 4rem;\n      text-align: center;\n      position: relative;\n      overflow: hidden;\n    }\n    .hero::before {\n      content: '';\n      position: absolute;\n      top: -70px; right: -70px;\n      width: 300px; height: 300px;\n      border-radius: 50%;\n      background: rgba(189,16,225,0.12);\n      pointer-events: none;\n    }\n    .hero::after {\n      content: '';\n      position: absolute;\n      bottom: -90px; left: -50px;\n      width: 240px; height: 240px;\n      border-radius: 50%;\n      background: rgba(189,16,225,0.08);\n      pointer-events: none;\n    }\n    .hero-eyebrow {\n      display: inline-block;\n      background: var(--purple);\n      color: #fff;\n      font-size: 11px;\n      font-weight: 700;\n      letter-spacing: 0.12em;\n      text-transform: uppercase;\n      padding: 4px 14px;\n      border-radius: 20px;\n      margin-bottom: 1.25rem;\n    }\n    .hero h1 {\n      font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;\n      color: #fff;\n      font-size: clamp(1.65rem, 4.2vw, 2.75rem);\n      line-height: 1.2;\n      max-width: 760px;\n      margin: 0 auto 1.1rem;\n    }\n    .hero h1 em {\n      font-style: italic;\n      color: rgba(255,255,255,0.75);\n    }\n    .hero-sub {\n      color: rgba(255,255,255,0.82);\n      font-size: 15.5px;\n      max-width: 620px;\n      margin: 0 auto 2rem;\n      line-height: 1.8;\n    }\n    .hero-meta {\n      display: flex;\n      flex-wrap: wrap;\n      justify-content: center;\n      gap: 9px;\n    }\n    .hero-tag {\n      background: rgba(255,255,255,0.12);\n      color: rgba(255,255,255,0.9);\n      font-size: 11.5px;\n      font-weight: 600;\n      padding: 5px 13px;\n      border-radius: 20px;\n      letter-spacing: 0.04em;\n    }\n\n    .page-wrap { max-width: 760px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 0 1.5rem; }\n    .section { padding: 3rem 0; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border); }\n    .section:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n    .section-label {\n      display: inline-block;\n      color: var(--purple);\n      font-size: 10.5px;\n      font-weight: 700;\n      letter-spacing: 0.14em;\n      text-transform: uppercase;\n      margin-bottom: 0.6rem;\n    }\n    h2 {\n      font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;\n      color: var(--indigo);\n      font-size: clamp(1.3rem, 3vw, 1.8rem);\n      line-height: 1.3;\n      margin-bottom: 1rem;\n    }\n    h3 {\n      font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif;\n      color: var(--indigo);\n      font-size: 1rem;\n      font-weight: 700;\n      margin-bottom: 0.4rem;\n    }\n    .body-text { font-size: 14.5px; line-height: 1.9; }\n    .body-text p + p { margin-top: 1rem; }\n\n    .callout {\n      border-left: 4px solid var(--purple);\n      background: var(--indigo-faint);\n      padding: 1.25rem 1.5rem;\n      border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0;\n      margin: 1.75rem 0;\n      font-size: 14.5px;\n      color: var(--indigo);\n      font-weight: 600;\n      line-height: 1.75;\n    }\n\n    .stat-strip {\n      display: grid;\n      grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);\n      gap: 1px;\n      background: var(--border);\n      border: 1px solid var(--border);\n      border-radius: 10px;\n      overflow: hidden;\n      margin: 1.75rem 0;\n    }\n    .stat-cell {\n      background: var(--indigo-faint);\n      padding: 1.25rem 1rem;\n      text-align: center;\n    }\n    .stat-num {\n      font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;\n      font-size: 2rem;\n      color: var(--purple);\n      line-height: 1;\n      display: block;\n      margin-bottom: 0.3rem;\n    }\n    .stat-label {\n      font-size: 12px;\n      color: var(--text-muted);\n      font-weight: 600;\n      line-height: 1.4;\n    }\n\n    \/* ARTICLE CARDS *\/\n    .article-grid {\n      display: grid;\n      grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr;\n      gap: 1rem;\n      margin-top: 1.5rem;\n    }\n    @media (max-width: 600px) { .article-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }\n    .article-card {\n      border: 1px solid var(--border);\n      border-radius: 10px;\n      overflow: hidden;\n      background: var(--white);\n    }\n    .article-card-header {\n      background: var(--indigo);\n      padding: 0.9rem 1.1rem;\n    }\n    .article-num {\n      color: var(--purple);\n      font-size: 10.5px;\n      font-weight: 700;\n      letter-spacing: 0.12em;\n      text-transform: uppercase;\n      display: block;\n      margin-bottom: 0.2rem;\n    }\n    .article-card-header h3 {\n      color: #fff;\n      font-size: 13.5px;\n      line-height: 1.3;\n      margin-bottom: 0;\n    }\n    .article-card-body { padding: 1rem 1.1rem; }\n    .article-hook {\n      font-size: 12.5px;\n      color: var(--text-muted);\n      line-height: 1.65;\n      font-style: italic;\n      margin-bottom: 0.65rem;\n    }\n    .article-tag-list { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 0.35rem; }\n    .article-tag {\n      background: var(--indigo-mid);\n      color: var(--indigo);\n      font-size: 11px;\n      font-weight: 600;\n      padding: 3px 9px;\n      border-radius: 20px;\n    }\n\n    \/* RIGOR COMPARISON *\/\n    .rigor-block {\n      background: var(--indigo);\n      border-radius: 12px;\n      padding: 1.75rem 2rem;\n      margin-top: 1.5rem;\n    }\n    .rigor-block .std-label {\n      color: var(--purple);\n      font-size: 11px;\n      font-weight: 700;\n      letter-spacing: 0.14em;\n      text-transform: uppercase;\n      margin-bottom: 1rem;\n    }\n    .rigor-row {\n      display: grid;\n      grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\n      gap: 1rem;\n    }\n    @media (max-width: 560px) { .rigor-row { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }\n    .rigor-col { border-radius: 8px; padding: 1.1rem 1rem; }\n    .rigor-col.basic { background: rgba(255,255,255,0.07); }\n    .rigor-col.intermediate { background: var(--purple); }\n    .rigor-col-label {\n      display: block;\n      font-size: 11px;\n      font-weight: 700;\n      letter-spacing: 0.1em;\n      text-transform: uppercase;\n      color: rgba(255,255,255,0.6);\n      margin-bottom: 0.65rem;\n    }\n    .rigor-col.intermediate .rigor-col-label { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.8); }\n    .rigor-item {\n      display: flex;\n      align-items: flex-start;\n      gap: 0.5rem;\n      font-size: 12.5px;\n      color: rgba(255,255,255,0.75);\n      line-height: 1.5;\n      margin-bottom: 0.5rem;\n    }\n    .rigor-item:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }\n    .rigor-col.intermediate .rigor-item { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.9); }\n    .rigor-dot { color: var(--purple); margin-top: 2px; flex-shrink: 0; font-size: 10px; }\n    .rigor-col.intermediate .rigor-dot { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.7); }\n\n    \/* INCLUDED *\/\n    .included-grid {\n      display: grid;\n      grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\n      gap: 1rem;\n      margin-top: 1.5rem;\n    }\n    @media (max-width: 560px) { .included-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }\n    .included-card {\n      background: var(--indigo-faint);\n      border: 1px solid var(--border);\n      border-radius: 10px;\n      padding: 1.25rem;\n    }\n    .check-badge {\n      display: inline-flex;\n      align-items: center;\n      justify-content: center;\n      width: 22px; height: 22px;\n      background: var(--purple);\n      color: #fff;\n      font-size: 12px;\n      font-weight: 700;\n      border-radius: 50%;\n      margin-bottom: 0.6rem;\n    }\n    .included-card h3 { font-size: 13.5px; margin-bottom: 0.3rem; }\n    .included-card p { font-size: 13px; color: var(--text-muted); line-height: 1.6; }\n\n    \/* SKILLS LIST *\/\n    .skills-list {\n      list-style: none;\n      margin-top: 1.25rem;\n      display: grid;\n      grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\n      gap: 0.6rem 1.5rem;\n    }\n    @media (max-width: 560px) { .skills-list { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }\n    .skills-list li {\n      display: flex;\n      align-items: flex-start;\n      gap: 0.5rem;\n      font-size: 13.5px;\n      color: var(--text-body);\n      line-height: 1.55;\n    }\n    .skills-list li::before {\n      content: '◆';\n      color: var(--purple);\n      font-size: 9px;\n      margin-top: 5px;\n      flex-shrink: 0;\n    }\n\n    \/* AUDIENCE *\/\n    .audience-grid {\n      display: grid;\n      grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\n      gap: 1rem;\n      margin-top: 1.5rem;\n    }\n    @media (max-width: 560px) { .audience-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }\n    .audience-card {\n      background: var(--indigo-faint);\n      border: 1px solid var(--border);\n      border-radius: 10px;\n      padding: 1.25rem;\n    }\n    .audience-card .icon { font-size: 1.5rem; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; display: block; }\n    .audience-card h3 { font-size: 13.5px; margin-bottom: 0.3rem; }\n    .audience-card p { font-size: 13px; color: var(--text-muted); line-height: 1.6; }\n\n    \/* SERIES BLOCK *\/\n    .series-block {\n      background: var(--indigo-faint);\n      border: 1px solid var(--border);\n      border-radius: 12px;\n      padding: 1.5rem 1.75rem;\n      margin-top: 1.5rem;\n    }\n    .series-block h3 {\n      font-size: 14px;\n      margin-bottom: 1rem;\n      color: var(--indigo);\n    }\n    .series-list { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 0.5rem; }\n    .series-item {\n      display: flex;\n      align-items: center;\n      gap: 0.75rem;\n      font-size: 13px;\n      color: var(--text-body);\n      padding: 0.6rem 0.75rem;\n      border-radius: 6px;\n      background: #fff;\n      border: 1px solid var(--border);\n    }\n    .series-badge {\n      font-size: 10px;\n      font-weight: 700;\n      padding: 2px 8px;\n      border-radius: 20px;\n      letter-spacing: 0.08em;\n      text-transform: uppercase;\n      flex-shrink: 0;\n    }\n    .series-badge.beginner { background: var(--indigo-mid); color: var(--indigo); }\n    .series-badge.intermediate { background: var(--purple); color: #fff; }\n    .series-badge.current { background: var(--purple); color: #fff; }\n    .series-badge.advanced { background: var(--indigo); color: rgba(255,255,255,0.7); }\n\n    \/* USE CASES *\/\n    .use-cases {\n      display: flex;\n      flex-wrap: wrap;\n      gap: 0.65rem;\n      margin-top: 1.25rem;\n    }\n    .use-tag {\n      background: var(--indigo-mid);\n      color: var(--indigo);\n      font-size: 13px;\n      font-weight: 600;\n      padding: 6px 14px;\n      border-radius: 20px;\n    }\n\n    \/* SPECS *\/\n    .specs-table {\n      width: 100%;\n      border-collapse: collapse;\n      margin-top: 1.25rem;\n      font-size: 13.5px;\n    }\n    .specs-table tr { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border); }\n    .specs-table tr:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n    .specs-table td { padding: 0.65rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top; line-height: 1.6; }\n    .specs-table td:first-child {\n      font-weight: 700;\n      color: var(--indigo);\n      width: 38%;\n      padding-right: 1rem;\n    }\n\n    \/* FAQ *\/\n    .faq-list { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 1.25rem; margin-top: 1.25rem; }\n    .faq-item {\n      padding: 1.1rem 1.25rem;\n      border: 1px solid var(--border);\n      border-radius: 8px;\n      background: #fff;\n    }\n    .faq-q { font-weight: 700; color: var(--indigo); font-size: 13.5px; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; }\n    .faq-a { font-size: 13.5px; color: var(--text-body); line-height: 1.75; }\n\n    \/* CTA *\/\n    .cta-block {\n      background: var(--indigo);\n      padding: 4rem 2rem;\n      text-align: center;\n      position: relative;\n      overflow: hidden;\n    }\n    .cta-block::before {\n      content: '';\n      position: absolute;\n      top: -50px; left: -50px;\n      width: 220px; height: 220px;\n      border-radius: 50%;\n      background: rgba(189,16,225,0.1);\n      pointer-events: none;\n    }\n    .cta-block::after {\n      content: '';\n      position: absolute;\n      bottom: -70px; right: -40px;\n      width: 200px; height: 200px;\n      border-radius: 50%;\n      background: rgba(189,16,225,0.07);\n      pointer-events: none;\n    }\n    .cta-block h2 { color: #fff; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-size: clamp(1.3rem, 3vw, 1.85rem); }\n    .cta-block p {\n      color: rgba(255,255,255,0.82);\n      font-size: 14.5px;\n      max-width: 540px;\n      margin: 0 auto 2rem;\n      line-height: 1.85;\n    }\n    .cta-btn {\n      display: inline-block;\n      background: var(--purple);\n      color: #fff;\n      font-size: 15.5px;\n      font-weight: 700;\n      padding: 15px 42px;\n      border-radius: 6px;\n      text-decoration: none;\n      letter-spacing: 0.02em;\n      transition: background 0.2s, transform 0.15s;\n      position: relative;\n      z-index: 1;\n    }\n    .cta-btn:hover { background: #a00cc4; transform: translateY(-1px); }\n    .cta-reassure {\n      margin-top: 1.1rem;\n      color: rgba(255,255,255,0.55);\n      font-size: 12px;\n      letter-spacing: 0.03em;\n    }\n    .cta-meta {\n      margin-top: 1.5rem;\n      color: rgba(255,255,255,0.45);\n      font-size: 11.5px;\n      letter-spacing: 0.03em;\n    }\n\n    .footer-note {\n      text-align: center;\n      padding: 2rem 1.5rem;\n      font-size: 12.5px;\n      color: var(--text-muted);\n    }\n    .footer-note a { color: var(--purple); text-decoration: none; }\n    .footer-note a:hover { text-decoration: underline; }\n\n    @media (max-width: 560px) {\n      .stat-strip { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\n    }\n  \u003c\/style\u003e\n\n\n\n\u003c!-- HERO --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"hero\"\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"hero-eyebrow\"\u003eGrades 6–8 ELA · Informational Reading · RI.6–8.3\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003ch1\u003e3 Nonfiction Articles. 30 Questions. Cause \u0026amp; Effect \u003cem\u003eat the Level That Transfers.\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h1\u003e\n  \u003cp class=\"hero-sub\"\u003eIntermediate-level cause and effect practice using high-interest real-world texts — where students don't just find the signal words, they trace layered causes, weigh contributing factors, and distinguish direct outcomes from indirect ones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"hero-meta\"\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"hero-tag\"\u003eGrades 6–8\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"hero-tag\"\u003e3 Nonfiction Articles\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"hero-tag\"\u003e30 Questions\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"hero-tag\"\u003eIntermediate Level\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"hero-tag\"\u003eRI.6.3 · RI.7.3 · RI.8.3\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"hero-tag\"\u003eAnswer Key Included\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"hero-tag\"\u003eNo Prep · Print \u0026amp; Go\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"page-wrap\"\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- WHY THIS EXISTS --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"section-label\"\u003eWhy This Exists\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eCause and Effect Is Easy to Introduce. It's Hard to Teach at the Level That Matters on Assessments.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"body-text\"\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eBasic cause and effect practice teaches students to find the signal words — \"because,\" \"as a result,\" \"therefore\" — and match them to a simple before\/after pair. That's a starting point, not a destination. The RI.6–8.3 standard asks students to do something more demanding: analyze how events, ideas, and concepts unfold through complex relationships, with multiple causes, multiple effects, and outcomes that aren't always directly stated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThese worksheets are built for that level. The three nonfiction articles present topics where causation is genuinely layered — the Grand Canyon formed through overlapping geological forces, gambling addiction develops through brain chemistry and environmental reinforcement, coffee culture spread through the interaction of marketing, social media, and social psychology. Students read texts where causes build on each other and effects ripple outward, then answer questions that require them to think through those relationships — not just spot them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"callout\"\u003e\n      The article topics were chosen deliberately for their causal complexity. There's no single sentence that says \"because X happened, Y occurred.\" Students have to synthesize information across paragraphs, weigh which factor is most responsible, and distinguish between direct effects and downstream consequences — which is exactly the thinking RI.6–8.3 assessments measure.\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"stat-strip\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"stat-cell\"\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"stat-num\"\u003e3\u003c\/span\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"stat-label\"\u003eHigh-Interest Nonfiction Articles — Science, Social Science, Culture\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"stat-cell\"\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"stat-num\"\u003e30\u003c\/span\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"stat-label\"\u003eMultiple-Choice Questions — 10 Per Article\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"stat-cell\"\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"stat-num\"\u003e6–8\u003c\/span\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"stat-label\"\u003eGrade Band — Intermediate Rigor Across All Three Articles\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- THE THREE ARTICLES --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"section-label\"\u003eThe Three Articles\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eReal-World Topics That Make Students Want to Understand Why Things Happen\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"font-size:14px; color:var(--text-muted);\"\u003eEach article covers a topic with genuine causal complexity — not a simple A causes B structure, but a layered chain of contributing factors and compounding effects. The variety across natural science, social science, and cultural analysis means students practice cause-and-effect reasoning across the range of informational text types they'll encounter on assessments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"article-grid\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"article-card\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"article-card-header\"\u003e\n          \u003cspan class=\"article-num\"\u003eArticle 1 · Natural Science\u003c\/span\u003e\n          \u003ch3\u003eThe Grand Canyon — Nature's Chain Reaction\u003c\/h3\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"article-card-body\"\u003e\n          \u003cp class=\"article-hook\"\u003eThe Grand Canyon didn't form from one event — it's the result of overlapping geological forces acting over millions of years. Students trace how tectonic uplift, river erosion, volcanic activity, and weathering each contributed to what we see today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"article-tag-list\"\u003e\n            \u003cspan class=\"article-tag\"\u003eMulti-cause analysis\u003c\/span\u003e\n            \u003cspan class=\"article-tag\"\u003eChain of events\u003c\/span\u003e\n            \u003cspan class=\"article-tag\"\u003eEarth science context\u003c\/span\u003e\n          \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"article-card\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"article-card-header\"\u003e\n          \u003cspan class=\"article-num\"\u003eArticle 2 · Social Science\u003c\/span\u003e\n          \u003ch3\u003eGambling Addiction — When Risk Becomes a Cycle\u003c\/h3\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"article-card-body\"\u003e\n          \u003cp class=\"article-hook\"\u003eA science-based look at how gambling addiction develops through brain chemistry, behavioral reinforcement, and environmental design. Students analyze how multiple factors — not just one bad decision — create and sustain the cycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"article-tag-list\"\u003e\n            \u003cspan class=\"article-tag\"\u003ePsychology \u0026amp; behavior\u003c\/span\u003e\n            \u003cspan class=\"article-tag\"\u003eIndirect effects\u003c\/span\u003e\n            \u003cspan class=\"article-tag\"\u003eReal-world relevance\u003c\/span\u003e\n          \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"article-card\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"article-card-header\"\u003e\n          \u003cspan class=\"article-num\"\u003eArticle 3 · Cultural Analysis\u003c\/span\u003e\n          \u003ch3\u003eCoffee Culture — The Rise of Status Sips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"article-card-body\"\u003e\n          \u003cp class=\"article-hook\"\u003eHow did a simple beverage become a symbol of identity and belonging? Students trace how branding, social media, pricing, and app design each played a role — and examine the unintended social effects that followed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"article-tag-list\"\u003e\n            \u003cspan class=\"article-tag\"\u003eMedia \u0026amp; culture\u003c\/span\u003e\n            \u003cspan class=\"article-tag\"\u003eUnintended consequences\u003c\/span\u003e\n            \u003cspan class=\"article-tag\"\u003eStudent-relevant topic\u003c\/span\u003e\n          \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- INTERMEDIATE vs BASIC --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"section-label\"\u003eWhat \"Intermediate\" Actually Means\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eThe Skill Gap Between Basic and Intermediate Is Where Most Students Get Stuck\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"font-size:14.5px; line-height:1.9;\"\u003eThere's a real difference between recognizing a cause-and-effect pair in a simple sentence and analyzing causation in multi-paragraph informational text. This resource is designed for the second kind of work — the kind that RI.6–8.3 actually requires and state assessments actually test.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"rigor-block\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"std-label\"\u003e📊 What Changes at the Intermediate Level\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rigor-row\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"rigor-col basic\"\u003e\n          \u003cspan class=\"rigor-col-label\"\u003eBasic Practice\u003c\/span\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"rigor-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rigor-dot\"\u003e◆\u003c\/span\u003eFind signal words like \"because\" and \"so\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"rigor-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rigor-dot\"\u003e◆\u003c\/span\u003eMatch one cause to one clear effect\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"rigor-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rigor-dot\"\u003e◆\u003c\/span\u003eAnswer is stated directly in the text\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"rigor-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rigor-dot\"\u003e◆\u003c\/span\u003eSingle-paragraph passages with obvious structure\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"rigor-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rigor-dot\"\u003e◆\u003c\/span\u003eWrong answers are clearly off-topic\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"rigor-col intermediate\"\u003e\n          \u003cspan class=\"rigor-col-label\"\u003eThis Resource — Intermediate\u003c\/span\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"rigor-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rigor-dot\"\u003e◆\u003c\/span\u003eTrace multiple causes contributing to one outcome\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"rigor-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rigor-dot\"\u003e◆\u003c\/span\u003eDistinguish direct effects from downstream consequences\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"rigor-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rigor-dot\"\u003e◆\u003c\/span\u003eInfer cause-effect relationships not directly stated\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"rigor-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rigor-dot\"\u003e◆\u003c\/span\u003eMulti-paragraph texts with layered information\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"rigor-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rigor-dot\"\u003e◆\u003c\/span\u003ePlausible distractors that require careful reasoning\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- WHAT'S INCLUDED --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"section-label\"\u003eEverything in the Download\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eThree Articles. Thirty Questions. Ready to Print.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"included-grid\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"included-card\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"check-badge\"\u003e✓\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003ch3\u003e3 Nonfiction Articles\u003c\/h3\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eEach article is a complete, original informational text — not an excerpt — written to clearly present layered cause-and-effect relationships. Articles are multi-paragraph and formatted for middle school readability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"included-card\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"check-badge\"\u003e✓\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003ch3\u003e30 Multiple-Choice Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003e10 questions per article. Questions are text-dependent and require students to synthesize information across paragraphs — no giveaway phrasing, no surface-level answers. Distractors are plausible and designed to test genuine comprehension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"included-card\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"check-badge\"\u003e✓\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003ch3\u003eComplete Answer Key\u003c\/h3\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eAll 30 questions answered and organized by article for fast reference. The key is clearly formatted so you can review one article at a time or all three together as a unit check.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"included-card\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"check-badge\"\u003e✓\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003ch3\u003e9 Printable Student Pages\u003c\/h3\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eThree pages per article — the article itself and the question pages — clearly formatted with name, class, and period fields. PDF format, ready to print and distribute immediately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- SKILLS \u0026 STANDARDS --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"section-label\"\u003eSkills \u0026amp; Standards\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eAligned to RI.6.3, RI.7.3, and RI.8.3 Across All Three Grade Levels\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cul class=\"skills-list\"\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eIdentify multiple causes contributing to a single outcome\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eTrace chains of events across multi-paragraph texts\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eDistinguish between direct effects and indirect consequences\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eInfer cause-effect relationships not explicitly stated\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eAnalyze how individuals, ideas, and events interact over time\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eEvaluate the relative significance of contributing factors\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eIdentify when an effect becomes the cause of another outcome\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eApply text-dependent reasoning to plausible multiple-choice options\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:1.25rem; font-size:13px; color:var(--text-muted);\"\u003e\n      \u003cstrong style=\"color:var(--indigo);\"\u003ePrimary Standards:\u003c\/strong\u003e CCSS RI.6.3, RI.7.3, RI.8.3  · \n      \u003cstrong style=\"color:var(--indigo);\"\u003eAlso Reinforces:\u003c\/strong\u003e RI.6.1, RI.7.1, RI.8.1 (citing evidence)  · \n      \u003cstrong style=\"color:var(--indigo);\"\u003eLevel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intermediate  · \n      \u003cstrong style=\"color:var(--indigo);\"\u003eGrade Band:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6th–8th Grade\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- WHO IT'S FOR --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"section-label\"\u003eWho This Is For\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eDesigned for the Students Who Are Ready to Go Beyond the Basics\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"audience-grid\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"audience-card\"\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"icon\"\u003e📋\u003c\/span\u003e\n        \u003ch3\u003eClassroom Teachers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eUse across all three grade levels — the rigor is appropriate for 6th graders who are ready for more complex informational text and 8th graders who need structured cause-and-effect practice before assessments. The three articles work as a standalone unit or as targeted supplements within a larger informational reading unit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"audience-card\"\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"icon\"\u003e🏠\u003c\/span\u003e\n        \u003ch3\u003eHomeschool Parents\u003c\/h3\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eThe articles cover topics that naturally spark discussion — geological processes, behavioral science, media and culture. Each article is self-contained, making it easy to use one per week as part of a reading rotation or all three as a focused unit. The answer key makes checking work fast and accurate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"audience-card\"\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"icon\"\u003e📝\u003c\/span\u003e\n        \u003ch3\u003eTest Prep \u0026amp; Intervention\u003c\/h3\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eThe question format and distractor structure mirror what students encounter on state ELA assessments. For students who score well on basic comprehension but struggle on inference and analysis questions, this intermediate level is the targeted practice that bridges the gap. Topics are engaging enough to hold attention through the full question set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"audience-card\"\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"icon\"\u003e⚡\u003c\/span\u003e\n        \u003ch3\u003eApproaching-Level \u0026amp; On-Level Readers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eThe articles are written for middle school readability without being condescending — they treat students as capable thinkers engaging with real topics. This makes them effective for both approaching-level 6th graders who are building toward grade-level complexity and on-level readers across all three grades who need structured analytical practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- PART OF A SERIES --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"section-label\"\u003ePart of a Series\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eA Leveled Progression for Building Cause \u0026amp; Effect Mastery\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"font-size:14.5px; line-height:1.9;\"\u003eThis resource is part of a growing cause and effect series designed to take students from basic identification through advanced analytical reasoning. Use each level to meet students where they are, or use the full progression as a sequential unit over the year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"series-block\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3\u003eThe Cause \u0026amp; Effect Series\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"series-list\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"series-item\"\u003e\n          \u003cspan class=\"series-badge beginner\"\u003eBeginner\u003c\/span\u003e\n          Cause \u0026amp; Effect Worksheets — Set 1 · Grades 5–6 · Basic identification and signal word practice\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"series-item\"\u003e\n          \u003cspan class=\"series-badge intermediate\"\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/span\u003e\n          Cause \u0026amp; Effect Worksheets — Intermediate Set 1 · Grades 6–8 · Multi-cause, multi-effect analysis\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"series-item\"\u003e\n          \u003cspan class=\"series-badge current\"\u003e← You Are Here\u003c\/span\u003e\n          Cause \u0026amp; Effect Worksheets — Intermediate Set 2 · Grades 6–8 · Grand Canyon, Gambling, Coffee Culture\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"series-item\"\u003e\n          \u003cspan class=\"series-badge advanced\"\u003eComing Soon\u003c\/span\u003e\n          Cause \u0026amp; Effect Advanced Bundle · Grades 7–9 · Abstract reasoning, complex multi-text analysis\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- WAYS TO USE --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"section-label\"\u003eWays to Use It\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eFlexible Enough for Any Point in the Year\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"use-cases\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"use-tag\"\u003eInformational reading unit\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"use-tag\"\u003eRI.6–8.3 test prep\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"use-tag\"\u003eSub plans — no setup needed\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"use-tag\"\u003eSmall group intervention\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"use-tag\"\u003eGuided reading practice\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"use-tag\"\u003eBell ringers or exit tickets\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"use-tag\"\u003eIndependent or partner work\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"use-tag\"\u003eHomework or home review\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"use-tag\"\u003eHomeschool ELA curriculum\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"use-tag\"\u003eEarly finisher extension\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- SPECS --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"section-label\"\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003ctable class=\"specs-table\"\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrade Level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6th–8th Grade · Intermediate level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrimary Standards\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCCSS RI.6.3, RI.7.3, RI.8.3 · Also reinforces RI.6.1, RI.7.1, RI.8.1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eArticles\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3 original nonfiction texts — natural science, social science, cultural analysis\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTopics\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe Grand Canyon · Gambling Addiction · Coffee Culture\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTotal Questions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30 multiple-choice questions (10 per article)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStudent Pages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9 printable PDF pages (3 per article)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAnswer Key\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eComplete — all 30 answers, organized by article\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeries Level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntermediate Set 2 — part of the Light Up Literature Cause \u0026amp; Effect series\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFormat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrintable PDF · No prep · Digital-compatible\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/table\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- FAQ --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"section-label\"\u003eYour Questions, Answered\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eBefore You Download\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"faq-list\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n        \u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eHow is this different from the Intermediate Set 1 in this series?\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eBoth sets are designed for the same grade band and rigor level — intermediate cause-and-effect analysis for grades 6–8. The difference is entirely in the content: this set uses different articles with different topics. If you've used Intermediate Set 1, this set gives you fresh passages and a new set of 30 questions covering the same analytical skills. Many teachers use both sets together as a unit or deploy them at different points in the year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n        \u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eIs the gambling addiction article appropriate for middle school students?\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eThe article approaches gambling addiction as an informational science topic — it explains brain chemistry (dopamine), behavioral psychology (variable reward schedules), and environmental design factors. The treatment is analytical rather than sensational, written the same way a health or science textbook would address the topic. It's designed to build awareness and analytical thinking, not to shock. Many middle school ELA and health curricula address addiction-related topics at this level. That said, you know your students best — each article is completely self-contained, so you can use any two of the three articles without the third if preferred.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n        \u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eCan I use just one or two of the three articles rather than all three?\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eYes — each article, along with its question pages and answer key section, is fully self-contained. You can use a single article as a standalone lesson, pair two articles for a comparative activity, or use all three as a full cause-and-effect unit. There's no required sequence between the articles, and none of them reference the others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n        \u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eIs this appropriate for 6th grade, or is it more suited to 7th and 8th?\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eThe resource is designed to work across all three grade levels. For 6th graders, it works best as a guided or small-group activity, with teacher support to discuss the multi-cause relationships in the text. For 7th and 8th graders, it works well as independent practice or pre-assessment work. Teachers who use it across multiple grades often find it effective as a 6th-grade challenge activity and a 7th\/8th-grade review or intervention tool.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- CTA --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cta-block\"\u003e\n  \u003ch2\u003e3 Articles. 30 Questions. Cause \u0026amp; Effect That Actually Challenges Them.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eHigh-interest nonfiction, intermediate-level analytical questions, and an answer key that makes grading fast — everything you need to build the cause-and-effect reasoning skills that transfer to assessments and real-world reading. Zero prep between you and a rigorous lesson.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003ca class=\"cta-btn\" href=\"#\"\u003eGet This Resource\u003c\/a\u003e\n  \u003cp class=\"cta-reassure\"\u003eInstant download · PDF · Print and use today\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp class=\"cta-meta\"\u003eGrades 6–8 · RI.6.3 · RI.7.3 · RI.8.3 · 3 Nonfiction Articles · 30 Questions · Intermediate Level · Answer Key · No Prep · PDF\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"footer-note\"\u003e\n  Questions? Email \u003ca href=\"mailto:debra@lightupliteraturecurriculum.com\"\u003edebra@lightupliteraturecurriculum.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n  © 2025 Light Up Literature™ Curriculum. All rights reserved. For single-classroom use only.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/body\u003e","brand":"Light Up Literature™ Curriculum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49285451940063,"sku":null,"price":9.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/3038\/1791\/files\/Cause_EffectIntermediate.png?v=1779321823","url":"https:\/\/shop.lightupliterature.com\/products\/7th-grade-intermediate-cause-effect-worksheets-3-nonfiction-articles-light-up-literature","provider":"Light Up Literature™ Curriculum","version":"1.0","type":"link"}