Qualified Cause and Effect

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

C1. 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 association is strong; it does not, ___, establish causation.

   Choices for blank 1

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

   Blank 1

   however

   However marks the contrast between association and causal proof.

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The result may be due ___ selection bias rather than the intervention.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. at
   2. to
   3. with
   4. for
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   to

   Due to introduces a possible cause.

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The explanation is credible ___ it accounts for the unexpected cases.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. even if not
   2. despite
   3. regardless of whether
   4. insofar as
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   insofar as

   Insofar as limits credibility to a specified respect.

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The evidence does not ___ the possibility of another cause.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. exclusive
   2. exclusively
   3. exclusion
   4. exclude
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   exclude

   A base verb after does not takes the direct object possibility.

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The change coincided ___ a rise in demand, complicating attribution.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. to
   2. at
   3. with
   4. for
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   with

   Coincide with describes simultaneous occurrence.

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The measure was introduced ___ reducing delays, not eliminating them.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. with a view to
   2. so that
   3. in case
   4. in order to
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   with a view to

   With a view to takes an ing form of purpose.

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The finding is consistent ___ several competing explanations.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. at
   2. for
   3. with
   4. to
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   with

   Consistent with means compatible with, rather than proof of one view.

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The lack of change cannot be attributed ___ insufficient exposure alone.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. with
   2. of
   3. for
   4. to
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   to

   Attribute to identifies an alleged cause.

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The claim is valid only ___ the relevant assumptions hold.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. to the extent that
   2. irrespective of whether
   3. even though
   4. despite
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   to the extent that

   To the extent that limits validity to a condition or degree.

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

    Choose the correct option for each blank.

    The study leaves ___ whether the effect persists over time.

    Choices for blank 1

    1. opening
    2. opened
    3. open
    4. openness
    Check answers and explanations

    Blank 1

    open

    Leave open means keep unresolved.

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

    Choose the correct option for each blank.

    The intervention may have contributed ___ the improvement.

    Choices for blank 1

    1. for
    2. at
    3. to
    4. with
    Check answers and explanations

    Blank 1

    to

    Contribute to means be one causal factor.

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

    Choose the correct option for each blank.

    The timing is suggestive, but it proves nothing: it provides an indication ___ conclusive evidence of a direct link.

    Choices for blank 1

    1. because of
    2. rather than
    3. owing to
    4. in addition to
    Check answers and explanations

    Blank 1

    rather than

    Rather than contrasts suggestive timing with conclusive evidence; it does not turn an indication into proof.

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.