Which term means the reason why something happened?

• A. Description
• B. Claim
• C. Cause
• D. Position

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is identifying the word that names the reason something happened. The term that fits this best is cause, because it specifically names the factor or condition that leads to an effect or result.

In a sentence like “The plant died because it was not watered,” the reason for the death is the lack of water—the cause. Description would tell what happened or characterize details without giving the reason. A claim is an assertion someone makes that can be argued. A position is a stance or viewpoint on an issue. None of these inherently name the reason behind an outcome like the word cause does.