Cause–effect classification in power supply: rural and semi-urban areas face load shedding; if the crisis persists, urban areas will also face load shedding — identify whether these are effects of a common cause or direct cause–effect

Given data

• I: Rural and semi-urban areas have been suffering load shedding.
• II: If the Government cannot overcome the power crisis, load shedding will extend to urban areas.

Concept/Approach

Both statements describe outcomes of a single underlying issue: a power shortage (the common cause). The first is a present effect; the second is a projected effect of the same cause if unresolved.

Step-by-step reasoning1) Common cause: power crisis (supply < demand).2) Effect now: load shedding in rural/semi-urban (I).3) Effect later (if unresolved): load shedding in urban areas (II).

Verification/Alternative

Neither statement produces the other; both trace back to the shortage.

Common pitfalls

• Linking I as the cause of II instead of seeing both as effects of the shortage.

Final AnswerBoth the statements I and II are effects of some common cause.