Using Collocation to Boost Your IELTS Score -Key Word:Cause

Key Word:Cause

Verb+Cause

1. Underline the verbs which mean ‘find’:

1. The cause of the fire may never be discovered.
2. The police never actually determined the cause of death.
3. Investigators have been called in to establish the cause of the plane crash.
4. Engineers are trying to isolate the cause of the problem.

Common Adjective Collocations

2. Complete the sentences below with the following:

1. Although they can’t be certain, the investigators think that the most______cause of the crash was that the driver of the train had a heart attack.
2. The most______cause of air accidents is pilot error – not mechanical failure.
3. Although the link is not clear, many politicians believe that unemployment is the______cause of a lot of urban crime.
4. We don’t know why my aunt died. The post mortem will determine the______cause.
5. Speeding is the______cause of road accidents.
6. We all know what the inquiry said, but do you think that was the______cause of John’s death?

Cause+for

3. Use these words in the sentences below:

1. My grandmother’s failing health is giving us cause for______. She might have to go into hospital.
2. We have run into some severe turbulence, but there is no cause for______. Please fasten your seatbelts and remain seated till the ‘fasten seatbelts’ sign has been switched off.
3. I have no cause for______. The flights, the hotel, the food have all been excellent.
4. Following the breakdown of talks, the present political climate gives little cause for______.
5. Arsenal’s victory in the competition was cause for______and the fans partied till about 3am.

Common Expressions

4. Match the two halves to make common expressions with cause:

Cause (Something People Believe in)

5. A common meaning of cause is ‘reason’, but it can also mean something important that people believe in.

For example: A lot of people leave money in their will to good causes such as the NSPCC (the National Society for the prevention of cruelty to children).

Use a suitable preposition in these sentences:

1. Most people want independence and many young men are willing to fight______the cause.
2. These violent demonstrations will do little to further the cause______animal rights.
3. Anti-smoking campaigners hope the public will be sympathetic______their cause.
4. I don’t mind giving money if it is______a good cause.

Answer Key

Ex 1:

1. discovered
2. determined
3. establish
4. isolate

Ex 2:

1. likely
2. common
3. underlying
4. exact
5. main
6. real

Ex 3:

1. concern
2. alarm
3. complaint
4. optimism
5.  celebration

Ex 4:

1. e
2. d
3. b
4. a
5. c

Ex 5:

1. for
2. of
3. to
4. for

Also check :

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• English Pronunciation in use Intermediate pdf
• Work Vocabulary IELTS
• Advanced Vocabulary for IELTS