Using subordination to show how ideas relate

Question 1

Choose the subordinating conjunction that makes the relationship logical. ___ the tickets were expensive, the concert sold out in minutes.

• A. Although
• B. Because
• C. Unless
• D. So that

Question 2

The museum is free. Few local people visit it. Which choice best shows the surprising relationship?

• A. The museum is free, so few local people visit it.
• B. The museum is free and few local people visit it so.
• C. Even though the museum is free, few local people visit it.
• D. Because the museum is free, few local people visit it.

Question 3

Choose the subordinating conjunction that makes the relationship logical. Lena prefers science, ___ her twin loves history.

• A. so that
• B. because
• C. unless
• D. whereas

Question 4

Some species of bamboo can grow almost a metre a day. Most trees grow only a few centimetres a year. Which choice best emphasises the contrast?

• A. Most trees grow only a few centimetres a year, so some species of bamboo can grow almost a metre a day.
• B. Most trees grow a few centimetres a year, and bamboo also grows.
• C. Because most trees grow slowly, bamboo grows fast.
• D. Whereas most trees grow only a few centimetres a year, some species of bamboo can grow almost a metre a day.

Question 5

Choose the subordinating conjunction that makes the relationship logical. Lena prefers science, ___ her twin loves history.

• A. whereas
• B. unless
• C. so that
• D. because

Question 6

The bridge was closed. Engineers found cracks in its supports. Which choice shows the cause most clearly?

• A. The bridge was closed although engineers found cracks in its supports.
• B. The bridge was closed, but engineers found cracks in its supports.
• C. The bridge was closed because engineers found cracks in its supports.
• D. The bridge was closed unless engineers found cracks in its supports.

Question 7

Choose the subordinating conjunction that makes the relationship logical. ___ the storm had passed, the ferries started running again.

• A. Unless
• B. Whereas
• C. Although
• D. Once

Question 8

The team trained in the rain all week. They were ready for the muddy final. Which choice shows the result most clearly?

• A. The team trained in the rain all week, but they were ready for the muddy final.
• B. Although the team trained in the rain all week, they were ready for the muddy final.
• C. Unless the team trained in the rain all week, they were ready.
• D. Having trained in the rain all week, the team was ready for the muddy final.

Question 9

Choose the subordinating conjunction that makes the relationship logical. Lena prefers science, ___ her twin loves history.

• A. so that
• B. unless
• C. whereas
• D. because

Question 10

The museum is free. Few local people visit it. Which choice best shows the surprising relationship?

• A. Because the museum is free, few local people visit it.
• B. The museum is free and few local people visit it so.
• C. Even though the museum is free, few local people visit it.
• D. The museum is free, so few local people visit it.

Question 11

Choose the subordinating conjunction that makes the relationship logical. ___ the tickets were expensive, the concert sold out in minutes.

• A. Because
• B. Unless
• C. So that
• D. Although

Question 12

The team trained in the rain all week. They were ready for the muddy final. Which choice shows the result most clearly?

• A. Having trained in the rain all week, the team was ready for the muddy final.
• B. The team trained in the rain all week, but they were ready for the muddy final.
• C. Although the team trained in the rain all week, they were ready for the muddy final.
• D. Unless the team trained in the rain all week, they were ready.

Question 13

Choose the subordinating conjunction that makes the relationship logical. Lena prefers science, ___ her twin loves history.

• A. so that
• B. whereas
• C. unless
• D. because

Question 14

The volcano was dormant for centuries. It erupted without warning in 1980. Which choice combines the sentences to emphasise the surprise of the eruption?

• A. Although the volcano had been dormant for centuries, it erupted without warning in 1980.
• B. The volcano was dormant for centuries, and it erupted without warning in 1980.
• C. The volcano erupted in 1980, so it was dormant for centuries.
• D. Because the volcano had been dormant for centuries, it erupted without warning in 1980.

Question 15

Choose the subordinating conjunction that makes the relationship logical. You won't improve ___ you practise regularly.

• A. unless
• B. because
• C. although
• D. whereas

Question 16

Octopuses have three hearts. They are remarkable animals. Which choice makes the main idea 'remarkable animals' and adds the heart fact as supporting detail?

• A. Because they are remarkable animals, octopuses have three hearts.
• B. Octopuses have three hearts, and they are remarkable animals and.
• C. Octopuses are remarkable animals; but they have three hearts.
• D. Octopuses, which have three hearts, are remarkable animals.