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Explanation Paragraphs






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:


Cause Example
   
because People moved to Canada from Europe during the nineteenth century because they had poor living conditions in Europe.
since Since living conditions in Europe were terrible, many people moved to Canada.
as a result of People moved to Canada from Europe as a result of poor living conditions in Europe.
is/was due to The large influx of people to Canada was due to economic pressures in Europe.


Effect Example
   
therefore Living conditions in Europe were terrible. Therefore, many people moved to Canada for a better life.
thus Living conditions in Europe were terrible. Thus, many people moved to Canada for a better life.
consequently Living conditions were terrible in Europe. Consequently, many people moved to Canada.
hence Living conditions were terrible in Europe. Hence, many people moved to Canada.
it follows that Living conditions were terrible in Europe. It follows that many people moved to Canada.
if... then If living conditions were better in Europe, then fewer people would have moved to Canada.




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