Cause and Effect in Short Passages

Read the passage closely.

It was not until after World War II that large numbers of Puerto Ricans began migrating to the United States mainland. In 1945, the year the war ended, Puerto Rico had been experiencing economic hardship. Puerto Rico’s population was increasing, and there were fewer jobs available. Travel between Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland also became much more affordable. Therefore, many Puerto Ricans moved to New York City in hopes of a better life. In a single decade (1950-1960), almost half a million Puerto Ricans migrated to the U.S. mainland.

Which transition word in this passage signals a cause-effect relationship?

• began

• experiencing

• therefore

• migrated

It was not until after World War II that large numbers of Puerto Ricans began migrating to the United States mainland. In 1945, the year the war ended, Puerto Rico had been experiencing economic hardship. Puerto Rico’s population was increasing, and there were fewer jobs available. Travel between Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland also became much more affordable. Therefore, many Puerto Ricans moved to New York City in hopes of a better life. In a single decade (1950-1960), almost half a million Puerto Ricans migrated to the U.S. mainland.

Which two events were reasons why Puerto Ricans migrated to the U.S. mainland?

• Puerto Rico had fewer jobs available.

• Travel between Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland was cheaper.

• Puerto Rico was having an economic boom.

• The war had ended.

It was not until after World War II that large numbers of Puerto Ricans began migrating to the United States mainland. In 1945, the year the war ended, Puerto Rico had been experiencing economic hardship. Puerto Rico’s population was increasing, and there were fewer jobs available. Travel between Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland also became much more affordable. Therefore, many Puerto Ricans moved to New York City in hopes of a better life. In a single decade (1950-1960), almost half a million Puerto Ricans migrated to the U.S. mainland.

For what reason did Puerto Ricans travel to the mainland United States?

• to escape the war

• in hopes of a better life

• there weren't enough people in Puerto Rico

• there were too many jobs in Puerto Rico

By 1970, Puerto Ricans made up just over 10% of New York City’s population! They established networks of cultural, educational, and economic support. However, many Puerto Ricans faced harsh discrimination. Even though they were American citizens, many were treated as outsiders because of their ethnicity.

Today, the number of Puerto Ricans continues to rise on the mainland United States. Some were born in Puerto Rico and then migrated to the mainland, but many were born on the mainland. There are more than 5 million people with Puerto Rican heritage living and working on the U.S. mainland. As the population of Puerto Ricans continues to grow on the U.S. mainland, they add to the variety and richness of American culture over all of the United States.

What event happened because others were prejudiced against their ethnicity?

• Many Puerto Ricans faced harsh discrimination.

• Puerto Ricans made up 10 percent of NYC's population.

• Puerto Ricans established networks of cultural, educational, and economic support.

• Puerto Ricans were American citizens.

By 1970, Puerto Ricans made up just over 10% of New York City’s population! They established networks of cultural, educational, and economic support. However, many Puerto Ricans faced harsh discrimination. Even though they were American citizens, many were treated as outsiders because of their ethnicity.

Today, the number of Puerto Ricans continues to rise on the mainland United States. Some were born in Puerto Rico and then migrated to the mainland, but many were born on the mainland. There are more than 5 million people with Puerto Rican heritage living and working on the U.S. mainland. As the population of Puerto Ricans continues to grow on the U.S. mainland, they add to the variety and richness of American culture over all of the United States.

What is the effect of the population of Puerto Ricans increasing on the U.S. mainland?

• The variety and richness of American culture is increased.

• Fewer Puerto Ricans are born on the U.S. mainland.

• Fewer Puerto Ricans migrate to the U.S. mainland.

• The percentage of Puerto Ricans in the U.S. mainland decreases.