Cause–effect reasoning practice: vegetable prices rose considerably this summer and temperatures increased tremendously, damaging crops — identify which statement is the cause and which is the effect for accurate logical classification

Given data

• I: Vegetable prices have increased considerably during this summer.
• II: There is a tremendous increase in temperature this summer, greatly damaging crops.

Concept/Approach

Supply shock logic: heat damages crops → supply of vegetables falls → market prices rise. Thus extreme temperature is the cause, price rise is the effect.

Step-by-step reasoning1) Temperature spike causes crop damage (production down).2) Reduced supply with similar demand pushes prices up.3) Therefore II → I.

Verification/Alternative

If the temperature had not risen or crops were not damaged, there is no direct reason given for a broad price surge; therefore II explains I best.

Common pitfalls

• Assuming prices and weather are independent without considering agricultural supply chains.

Final AnswerStatement II is the cause and statement I is its effect.