Hi Anna! "effect" (noun) refers to a change caused in somebody/something - The events had a bad effect on him. "to effect" (verb") means "to make something happen" - The party is trying to effect a change in the policy of the government. "to affect" (verb) means "to cause a change in somebody/something" - Their opinion will not affect our decision. ("Their opinion will have no effect on our decision.") Hope this helps.

Many native English speakers get this wrong, you are in good company! Effect is a noun and also a verb, affect is only a verb. I find it helps to remember that. To effect something means to make it happen - to produce an effect, in other words. To affect something means to alter/change it. Examples: "I can effect an improvement in my language skills by practising every day." "If I drink too much, it affects my driving."