HS 9-12

_____ the sunny weather, Samuel, Scarlett, and Sophia decided to have a fun picnic in the park.

• Because of

• Despite

• Due to

• Although

Answer explanation

'Due to' correctly indicates the reason for having a picnic, linking it directly to the sunny weather. 'Because of' is similar but less formal. 'Despite' and 'Although' imply contrast, which doesn't fit the context.

Scarlett and Aiden were feeling nervous _____ their upcoming presentation.

• about

• with

• after

• despite

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'about' because we say someone is nervous about something they are anticipating, like a presentation. The other options do not fit the context of feeling nervous regarding an upcoming event.

After carefully considering all options, Avery, Daniel, and Oliver made their final decision.

• After

• With

• As soon as

• In addition to

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'After' because it indicates that the committee made their decision subsequent to carefully considering all options, which fits the context of the sentence.

Olivia and Mason walked past the old house that looked abandoned; _____, it was actually inhabited.

• however

• while

• despite

• because of

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'however' because it introduces a contrast between the appearance of the house being abandoned and the fact that it is inhabited. The other options do not convey this contrast effectively.

Despite the heavy traffic, Scarlett and Aria arrived at the airport just in time for their flight. How did they manage it?

• Because of

• In addition to

• Despite

• Even though

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Despite' because it indicates that, in spite of the heavy traffic, we still managed to arrive on time. The other options do not convey this contrast effectively.

Even though the project was as tricky as a puzzle, Ethan, Noah, and Emma managed to complete it on time. _____ the project was challenging, the team managed to complete it on time.

• With

• Although

• Without

• Due to

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Although' because it introduces a contrast. The sentence indicates that despite the project being challenging, the team successfully completed it on time.

With great enthusiasm, Abigail, Elijah, and Harper participated in the science fair.

• Despite

• With

• As soon as

• Even though

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'With' because it indicates that the students participated in the science fair accompanied by great enthusiasm. The other options do not fit the context of the sentence.

Even though it was raining, Anika and Jackson continued their outdoor activities. What word best completes the sentence?

• With

• Although

• Without

• Because of

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Although' because it introduces a contrast. The sentence implies that despite the rain, they chose to continue their activities, which aligns with the meaning of 'although'.

In addition to his regular duties, Benjamin decided to spice things up and volunteered to organize the event. What did he do?

• After

• In addition to

• Instead of

• Despite

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'In addition to' because it indicates that John is taking on the extra task of organizing the event while still fulfilling his regular duties.

Despite Mason and Olivia trying to study, _____ the noise outside, they couldn't concentrate.

• Because of

• Although

• While

• Without

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Because of' as it indicates that the noise is the reason she couldn't concentrate. The other options do not fit the context of explaining the impact of the noise on her studies.