You can use what you know about cause and effect to make predictions as you read. Think through what could result from a character’s actions. As you read, be on the lookout for effects, and see if your prediction was correct. Read the following passage.

Branson looked around the dark and dusty basement. It would be a challenge to make such a threatening space look welcoming. He knew he had a lot of work to do. He reached for an old packet of balloons and blew one up...only to have it pop. He took another one out of the bag and blew into it. Again, pop! Branson grabbed the third balloon and blew into it.

Which of the following events will most likely happen next?

A
The basement will flood.

B
Branson will bake a cake.

C
The balloon will pop.

D
The balloon will lift Branson off the floor.