In the following question, a sentence is divided into numbered parts. Identify the part that contains an error in word choice. Sentence: “When we are able to stop, pause and think more about our actions, words and thoughts, we begin to see the cause and affect more clearly.”

Introduction / Context:
This error spotting question focuses on the difference between the nouns “effect” and “affect” in a sentence about becoming more aware of consequences. The sentence is divided into parts, and the candidate must find the part with the incorrect word form. The phrase “the cause and affect” in part (3) clearly needs closer examination.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The sentence reads: “When we are able to stop, pause and think more about our actions, words and thoughts, we begin to see the cause and affect more clearly.”
• Part (1) contains “When we are able to stop, pause and think more about our actions.”
• Part (2) contains “words and thoughts, we begin to see.”
• Part (3) contains “the cause and affect more clearly.”
• The normal expression is “cause and effect,” where both words are nouns.

Concept / Approach:
The key concept is the distinction between “effect” as a noun meaning result, and “affect” as a verb meaning to influence. In the phrase “cause and effect,” both terms function as nouns. Using “affect” after “cause and” is a misuse of the verb form where a noun is required. Therefore, we should identify the part that contains this wrong word choice and mark it as the error.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Rewrite the sentence in corrected form: “When we are able to stop, pause and think more about our actions, words and thoughts, we begin to see the cause and effect more clearly.” This version is grammatically correct and uses the familiar pairing “cause and effect.” Since only part (3) needed adjustment, the error has been accurately located.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Part (1): The phrase “When we are able to stop, pause and think more about our actions” is grammatically sound.
• Part (2): The words “words and thoughts, we begin to see” are correctly formed and logically connected.
• “No error”: This cannot be correct because “cause and affect” is not an acceptable noun pair in standard English.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners confuse “affect” and “effect” because the pronunciation can be similar and the spelling differ by only one letter. Some remember that both appear in psychological contexts and assume they are interchangeable. A practical rule is to recall that “effect” with “e” is usually the noun meaning result, especially in set phrases like “cause and effect,” while “affect” with “a” is usually a verb. Keeping this distinction in mind helps avoid such errors in competitive exams.

Final Answer:
Part (3) is the correct answer, because “the cause and affect” should be “the cause and effect.”