Explanation Paragraph

In an explanation paragraph, you need to explain how or why something happens. Very often in social studies class, you will be asked to explore causes and effects of certain events.

Example: Write a paragraph explaining why so many Europeans moved to Canada during the nineteenth century.

The following words can help you to write a good explanation paragraph:

Helper Words:

Cause Effect

because therefore

since thus

as a result of consequently

is due to hence

it follows that

if . . . then

Cause

because
Example: People moved to Canada from Europe during the nineteenth century because they had poor living conditions in Europe.

since
Example: Since living conditions in Europe were terrible, many people moved to Canada.

as a result of
Example: People moved to Canada from Europe as a result of poor living conditions in Europe.

is due to / was due to
Example: The large influx of people to Canada was due to economic pressures in Europe.

Effect

therefore
Example: Living conditions in Europe were terrible. Therefore, many people moved to Canada for a better life.

thus
Example: Living conditions in Europe were terrible. Thus, many people moved to Canada for a better life.

consequently
Example: Living conditions were terrible in Europe. Consequently, many people moved to Canada.

hence
Example: Living conditions were terrible in Europe. Hence, many people moved to Canada.

it follows that
Example: Living conditions were terrible in Europe. It follows that many people moved to Canada.

if ... then
Example: If living conditions were better in Europe, then fewer people would have moved to Canada.

Cause	Effect
because	therefore
since	thus
as a result of	consequently
is due to	hence
	it follows that
	if . . . then