Links in Arguments and Reports

Study the questions and tasks

Work through the material below, or start the interactive practice above to complete an attempt. Try the exercises before opening any answer or transcript sections, then use them to review your work.

Practice level

B2. Try this level if you can follow the instructions and understand most of the language; choose an earlier level if you need more support.

Question formats

Fill in the blank (dropdown)

How to approach this practice

Read the complete context. Check both the meaning and the grammar, including word forms, collocations and links between sentences.

1. Question 1 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The scheme is costly; ___, it may save money in the long term.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. nevertheless
   2. although
   3. because of
   4. despite
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   nevertheless

   Nevertheless is a linking adverb after the semicolon.

2. Question 2 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   ___ the limited budget, the team completed the work.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. Despite
   2. Because
   3. Although
   4. Even though
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   Despite

   Despite takes the noun phrase the limited budget.

3. Question 3 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The sample was small. ___, the findings should be treated cautiously.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. Despite
   2. Although
   3. Consequently
   4. Because of
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   Consequently

   Consequently introduces a result in a new sentence.

4. Question 4 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The report is useful ___ it does not address every concern.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. despite
   2. because of
   3. although
   4. in spite
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   although

   Although introduces a full concessive clause.

5. Question 5 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The first option is cheaper, ___ the second is more flexible.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. despite
   2. during
   3. whereas
   4. instead of
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   whereas

   Whereas contrasts two clauses.

6. Question 6 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The measure was introduced ___ reduce unnecessary travel.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. in order to
   2. because of
   3. for
   4. so that
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   in order to

   In order to takes a base verb of purpose.

7. Question 7 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   Demand rose sharply; ___, supply remained unchanged.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. because of
   2. although
   3. however
   4. despite
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   however

   However introduces a contrast between independent clauses.

8. Question 8 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   ___ the fact that attendance was low, the discussion was productive.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. Even though
   2. Although
   3. Nevertheless
   4. In spite of
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   In spite of

   In spite of takes the noun phrase the fact that...

9. Question 9 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The data was incomplete, ___ made comparison difficult.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. whose
   2. what
   3. that
   4. which
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   which

   Which can refer to the preceding clause as a whole.

10. Question 10 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

    Choose the correct option for each blank.

    The project was postponed ___ a shortage of materials.

    Choices for blank 1

    1. owing to
    2. even though
    3. despite that
    4. although
    Check answers and explanations

    Blank 1

    owing to

    Owing to takes a noun phrase giving the cause.

11. Question 11 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

    Choose the correct option for each blank.

    We cannot recommend action yet; first, the missing evidence must be obtained. We need further evidence ___ we can recommend action.

    Choices for blank 1

    1. after
    2. despite
    3. during
    4. before
    Check answers and explanations

    Blank 1

    before

    Before introduces the clause marking a prerequisite.

12. Question 12 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

    Choose the correct option for each blank.

    The plan is ambitious. ___, it relies on uncertain funding.

    Choices for blank 1

    1. That said
    2. Despite
    3. In spite
    4. Although
    Check answers and explanations

    Blank 1

    That said

    That said introduces a qualification of the previous statement.

What to review next

Explain why each answer fits the meaning and structure. Record useful phrases and write a new example using each pattern you found difficult.

A focused practice result shows how you did on these tasks. Use several activities across skills to decide what to study next; one practice score does not certify an overall CEFR level.