Linking words in argument (C1) — English exercises with answers

Linking words for contrast, addition, reason and result in formal argument

Correct answers are marked. Add the set to your exercises to open it in the editor, where you can adjust tasks, play them on screen or add them to a lesson.

1
Multiple choice
The proposal was rejected, it had strong public support.
despiteeven thoughneverthelessin spite'Even though' is followed by a clause; 'despite' needs a noun or an -ing form.
2
Multiple choice
The scheme was expensive; , it proved extremely successful.
neverthelesswhereasalthoughdespite'Nevertheless' is an adverb that links two separate clauses, often after a semicolon.
3
Multiple choice
Some experts see remote work as liberating, others argue that it leads to isolation.
whereasfurthermorethereforeconsequently'Whereas' contrasts two different facts or opinions within one sentence.
4
Multiple choice
The plan was ambitious, unrealistic.
albeitwhereasdespitein spite'Albeit' means 'although' and is followed by an adjective, adverb or phrase, not a full clause.
5
Fill the gap
The council refused permission on the grounds the building would spoil the view.
thatofwhichfor'On the grounds that' is followed by a clause and gives a formal reason.
6
Fill the gap
being cheaper, the new system is also far more reliable.
BesidesFurthermoreWhereasMoreoverAlso accepted: Apart from, In addition to'Besides' is a preposition here, so it takes an -ing form; 'furthermore' starts a clause.
7
Fill the gap
The match went ahead in of the heavy rain.
Answer: spite'In spite of' and 'despite' are followed by a noun or an -ing form.
8
Fill the gap
The company cut its prices. As a , sales rose sharply.
Answer: resultAlso accepted: consequence'As a result' and 'as a consequence' introduce the effect of something already mentioned.
9
Fill the gap
Her argument is convincing; , it overlooks one important point.
howeverwhereasalthoughmoreoverAlso accepted: nevertheless, nonetheless'However' introduces a contrast with the previous clause and is followed by a comma.
10
True / false
This sentence is correct: 'Although the evidence was weak, but the jury convicted him.'
Answer: FalseWe don't use 'although' and 'but' together in the same sentence.
11
True / false
This sentence is correct: 'Whereas the first study focused on adults, the second looked at teenagers.'
Answer: True'Whereas' can begin a sentence to contrast two parallel facts.
12
Discussion question
Is it better to live in a big city or in the countryside? Build a short argument using at least three linking words, for example 'whereas', 'nevertheless' and 'on the grounds that'.
Sample answer: City life offers more opportunities, whereas the countryside is calmer. Nevertheless, I would choose the city on the grounds that my career matters most to me right now. Furthermore, it is easier to meet people there.

Linking words for contrast, addition, reason and result in formal argument

Correct answers are marked. Add the set to your exercises to open it in the editor, where you can adjust tasks, play them on screen or add them to a lesson.

1
Multiple choice
The proposal was rejected, it had strong public support.
despiteeven thoughneverthelessin spite'Even though' is followed by a clause; 'despite' needs a noun or an -ing form.
2
Multiple choice
The scheme was expensive; , it proved extremely successful.
neverthelesswhereasalthoughdespite'Nevertheless' is an adverb that links two separate clauses, often after a semicolon.
3
Multiple choice
Some experts see remote work as liberating, others argue that it leads to isolation.
whereasfurthermorethereforeconsequently'Whereas' contrasts two different facts or opinions within one sentence.
4
Multiple choice
The plan was ambitious, unrealistic.
albeitwhereasdespitein spite'Albeit' means 'although' and is followed by an adjective, adverb or phrase, not a full clause.
5
Fill the gap
The council refused permission on the grounds the building would spoil the view.
thatofwhichfor'On the grounds that' is followed by a clause and gives a formal reason.
6
Fill the gap
being cheaper, the new system is also far more reliable.
BesidesFurthermoreWhereasMoreoverAlso accepted: Apart from, In addition to'Besides' is a preposition here, so it takes an -ing form; 'furthermore' starts a clause.
7
Fill the gap
The match went ahead in of the heavy rain.
Answer: spite'In spite of' and 'despite' are followed by a noun or an -ing form.
8
Fill the gap
The company cut its prices. As a , sales rose sharply.
Answer: resultAlso accepted: consequence'As a result' and 'as a consequence' introduce the effect of something already mentioned.
9
Fill the gap
Her argument is convincing; , it overlooks one important point.
howeverwhereasalthoughmoreoverAlso accepted: nevertheless, nonetheless'However' introduces a contrast with the previous clause and is followed by a comma.
10
True / false
This sentence is correct: 'Although the evidence was weak, but the jury convicted him.'
Answer: FalseWe don't use 'although' and 'but' together in the same sentence.
11
True / false
This sentence is correct: 'Whereas the first study focused on adults, the second looked at teenagers.'
Answer: True'Whereas' can begin a sentence to contrast two parallel facts.
12
Discussion question
Is it better to live in a big city or in the countryside? Build a short argument using at least three linking words, for example 'whereas', 'nevertheless' and 'on the grounds that'.
Sample answer: City life offers more opportunities, whereas the countryside is calmer. Nevertheless, I would choose the city on the grounds that my career matters most to me right now. Furthermore, it is easier to meet people there.