What writing form addresses why something happened and explores resulting conditions?

The writing form that effectively addresses why something happened and explores the resulting conditions is indeed cause and effect. This form specifically examines the relationship between events or circumstances, focusing on the reasons something occurred (the cause) and the outcomes or consequences that follow (the effect).

In cause-and-effect writing, the author identifies a specific cause and systematically explores the various effects that result from that cause, providing a clear understanding of the causal relationships at play. This approach helps readers to comprehend not only the reasons behind events but also the broader implications and results stemming from those events.

Other writing forms, while they may touch upon elements of causality, do not focus on this relationship as their primary intent. Expository writing aims to inform or explain a topic in detail without necessarily delineating causes and effects. Problem/solution writing emphasizes identifying a problem and proposing solutions rather than analyzing causes and their effects. Stream of consciousness focuses on the flow of thoughts and feelings rather than structured analysis of events.

Thus, the focus on exploring the input (cause) and the outcomes (effect) aligns precisely with the criteria described in the question, making cause and effect the correct answer.