Unit 1B: Discourse markers/Linkers

Choose the connector that is NOT possible in the context of the sentence.

1. ______________ being the better player, Richard lost the match.

• In spite of

• Even though

• Despite

Answer explanation

even though should be followed by a noun.

Choose the connector that is NOT possible in the context of the sentence.

2. 2. Laila's mother-in-law was a very difficult woman. ____________, Laila couldn't help liking her.

• However

• Nevertheless

• Consequently

Answer explanation

consequently = Result

Choose the connector that is NOT possible in the context of the sentence.

3. 3. We left at dawn ___________ avoid the rush hour traffic.

• because of

• in order to

• so as to

Answer explanation

because of = reason

Choose the connector that is NOT possible in the context of the sentence.

4. 4. Sales figures have fallen drastically _______________ the recession.

• due to

• because

• owing to

Answer explanation

because OF

Choose the connector that is NOT possible in the context of the sentence.

5. 5. The workers covered the furniture with sheets _____________ splash it with paint.

• so as not to

• not to

• in order not to

Choose the connector that is NOT possible in the context of the sentence.

6. 6. After his accident my brother sold his car ____________ he couldn't afford the insurance.

• as

• since

• because of

Answer explanation

Because of and because are both used to introduce reasons. 

 Because of is a preposition, it is  generally followed by a verb+ing or a noun.

 Because is a conjunction, it is followed by a subject and a verb.

 Here is an example of Because :

 * Because  Maria  was feeling  sick, she didn't go to the supermarket.

In this example, we have:

'Maria'  the subject,
'was feeling'  the verb.

 And here is an example of Because of :

* Because of  her sickness, Maria didn't go to the supermarket.

In this example, we have:
'her sickness'  a noun.
 
Another example of Because of :

* Because of  feeling sick, Maria didn't go to the supermarket.

In this example, we have:
'feeling sick'  a verb+ing.

Choose the connector that is NOT possible in the context of the sentence.

7. 7. We take full responsibility for the error and ______________ wish to offer you a full refund.

• nevertheless

• consequently

• therefore

Answer explanation

nevertheless = contrast

Choose the connector that is NOT possible in the context of the sentence.

8. 8. I agreed to help at the store ______________ I didn't feel like it.

• although

• in case

• even though

Answer explanation

in case = purpose (ready for future situations)