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Discourse Markers Linkers – Quiz 1
Discourse Markers Linkers Quiz 1 (21 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates students' understanding of conditional contrasts and their ability to use discourse markers linkers effectively in sentences. It covers concepts such as contrast introduction, future outcome linking, and reasons and explanations in context.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
We can't afford to take a vacation this year ..... we are broke.
A) Therefore.
B) As.
C) In case.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"as" is used to show a reason or explanation for something, which fits well in this context where the speaker provides a reason why they can't afford a vacation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Therefore" indicates a result or conclusion, not a reason.
Option B:
"As" correctly introduces the explanation for being unable to take a vacation due to financial constraints.
Option C:
"In case" suggests a precautionary measure rather than an explanation of current circumstances.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect since "as" is appropriate here.
2.
I thought it was an amazing movie. It was really depressing .....
A) Though.
B) But.
C) However.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I thought it was an amazing movie. It was really depressing...." requires a discourse marker to connect the two contrasting ideas. The correct choice is
Option B: But.
This word effectively links the positive and negative statements, indicating a contrast.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Though introduces a subordinate clause, which is not necessary here as we are looking for a simple link between two independent clauses.
Option B:
But correctly indicates a contrast and connects the two ideas.
Option C:
However can also be used to indicate a contrast but is less common in this context compared to "But."
Option D:
None of the above is incorrect since Option B is appropriate.
3.
..... the bad weather, they decided to continue their journey.
A) Because of.
B) In spite of.
C) Due to.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
In this sentence, the phrase "in spite of" is used to indicate that despite the bad weather, they continued their journey. This demonstrates the use of a discourse marker/linker that shows contrast or opposition between two ideas.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Because of - Incorrect as it implies the bad weather caused them to continue, which is not the intended meaning.
Option B:
In spite of - Correct as it indicates continuing despite the bad weather, showing contrast.
Option C:
Due to - Incorrect as it suggests the journey was halted by the bad weather, not continued.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect as "in spite of" is the correct choice.
4.
"Nevertheless" indicates:
A) Cause.
B) Addition.
C) Consequence.
D) Contrast.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Nevertheless" is a discourse marker that indicates a contrast between two ideas or statements. It suggests that despite what has been said previously, something different or contradictory follows.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Cause - Incorrect. "Nevertheless" does not indicate cause.
Option B:
Addition - Incorrect. "Nevertheless" does not imply adding information to what has been said before.
Option C:
Consequence - Incorrect. "Nevertheless" does not suggest a consequence or result of an action or statement.
Option D:
Contrast - Correct. "Nevertheless" introduces a contrasting idea, showing that the following statement is contrary to what was previously mentioned.
5.
..... you won't appreciate it yet, you'll be happy that you stopped smoking when your health improves.
A) Even though.
B) In spite.
C) But.
D) However.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "..... you won't appreciate it yet, you'll be happy that you stopped smoking when your health improves." uses a discourse marker to connect two contrasting ideas: the current situation where appreciation is not immediate and the future benefit of quitting smoking. The correct answer is
A) Even though.
This option introduces a contrast between present circumstances and future outcomes.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Introduces a contrast, linking current lack of appreciation to future happiness due to improved health.
Option B:
Does not fit the context as it implies overcoming obstacles without indicating a positive outcome in the future.
Option C:
Suggests a contradiction but does not clearly link the two parts of the sentence effectively.
Option D:
Indicates a contrast or opposition, which is close but less precise than "Even though" for this context.
6.
..... I haven't graduated from a university yet, I would like to work in this company.
A) Although.
B) However.
C) So.
D) In order to.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A ("Although") is correct because it introduces a contrast between the speaker's current situation (not having graduated) and their desire to work for the company. This usage of "although" maintains a smooth flow in the sentence, indicating that despite not meeting one condition, there is still an opportunity or possibility.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Introduces a contrast between two clauses, showing that the speaker's lack of university graduation does not prevent their interest in working for the company.
Option B:
Indicates a contradiction but is less suitable as it implies an abrupt shift without maintaining the smooth flow of ideas. "However" would be more appropriate if used after a complete sentence or clause.
Option C:
Suggests a result, which does not fit the context where the speaker expresses their intention despite a condition.
Option D:
Indicates purpose but is not necessary in this context as there's no direct statement of intent leading to working for the company. It would be more appropriate if the sentence were structured differently, such as "I haven't graduated from a university yet; in order to work here..."
7.
Prices have increased ..... increased production costs.
A) As a result.
B) So.
C) Due to.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Due to" is the correct choice because it directly links the reason (increased production costs) for the result (prices have increased). This usage indicates a cause-and-effect relationship, which is appropriate in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"As a result" suggests that prices have increased and then lists another consequence. It does not directly indicate the reason for the price increase.
Option B:
"So" implies a direct consequence or outcome, but it is less formal than "Due to" in this context.
Option C:
"Due to" correctly indicates that increased production costs are the cause of the price increase.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect since "Due to" is the appropriate choice.
8.
I hate hot chocolate. I sometimes eat a chocolate bar, .....
A) Through.
B) Although.
C) Even though.
D) Though.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I hate hot chocolate. I sometimes eat a chocolate bar, ...." requires a discourse marker that connects the two contrasting ideas smoothly. The correct choice is
Option D: Though.
This word introduces a contrast between the statement about hating hot chocolate and the action of sometimes eating a chocolate bar.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Through" indicates a means or method, which does not fit the context of contrasting ideas.
Option B:
"Although" is similar to "Though," but it typically requires a clause after it, making "Though" more appropriate in this case.
Option C:
"Even though" emphasizes the contrast strongly and would be too formal for this casual sentence structure.
Option D:
"Though" is correct as it introduces a contrasting idea without requiring a clause, fitting well in this context.
9.
The plane was late ..... the fog.
A) Although.
B) Because of.
C) As a result.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Because of.
This option indicates a causal relationship between the plane being late and the fog, which logically connects the two events. "Because of" is used to show that one event (the fog) caused or led to another event (the plane's lateness).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Although" suggests a contrast between the plane being late and the fog, which does not fit the context. The sentence implies causation rather than contradiction.
Option B:
"Because of" correctly indicates that the fog caused the lateness of the plane.
Option C:
"As a result" suggests an outcome or consequence, but it does not clearly indicate the cause. The sentence needs to specify why the plane was late.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect since "Because of" fits the context well.
10.
Susanna isn't at all spoiled ..... she's an only child.
A) However.
B) Because.
C) Even though.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Even though" is the correct answer because it introduces a contrast between Susanna being an only child and her not being spoiled, indicating that despite this fact, she still isn't spoiled.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
However, suggests a general contrast but doesn't specifically indicate the relationship between being an only child and not being spoiled.
Option B:
Because implies causation rather than contrast or exception, which is not the intended meaning here.
Option C:
Even though correctly introduces a contrasting idea, showing that Susanna's status as an only child doesn't affect her lack of being spoiled.
Option D:
None of the above is incorrect since Option C is correct.
11.
The doctor made a mistake with the medicine she prescribed ..... , she was never questioned about this error.
A) Since.
B) Despite.
C) Nevertheless.
D) Although.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Nevertheless" is the correct answer because it indicates a contrast between two clauses, suggesting that despite the doctor's mistake, she was not questioned about it. This word effectively links the two ideas in a way that highlights the unexpected nature of the situation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Since" introduces a reason or cause, which does not fit the context of contrasting actions.
Option B:
"Despite" could work but is already chosen as correct. "Nevertheless" better emphasizes the contrast in this case.
Option C:
"Nevertheless" correctly indicates a contrast between the doctor's mistake and the lack of questioning, making it the best fit.
Option D:
"Although" is similar to "Despite," but "Nevertheless" better conveys the unexpected nature of not being questioned despite the error.
12.
..... his age (85), he still travels all over the world.
A) Despite.
B) Due to.
C) Although.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Despite" is the correct answer because it introduces a contrast, showing that age does not prevent him from traveling. This aligns with the intended meaning of the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Despite - Introduces a contrast, fitting the context.
Option B:
Due to - Implies causation, which is not the case here. Age does not cause him to travel.
Option C:
Although - While similar to "Despite," it's less formal and commonly used in spoken English rather than written. However, both are correct for this context.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect as "Despite" is a suitable choice.
13.
He had no record of what he had written ..... he knew that he would have to rewrite the missing pages, he decided to wait a few days.
A) Even.
B) Although.
C) However.
D) Despite.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires a discourse marker that indicates a contrast between the two clauses: "He had no record of what he had written" and "he knew that he would have to rewrite the missing pages, he decided to wait a few days." The correct choice is
Although
, as it introduces an exception or contrast. Other options like "Even," "However," or "Despite" could also work in some contexts but are less suitable here because they might imply a stronger contrast than necessary.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Even - Implies a greater degree of contrast, not needed.
Option B:
Although - Introduces an exception or contrast appropriately.
Option C:
However - Also introduces a contrast but is less formal than "Although" in this context.
Option D:
Despite - Implies the subject is facing difficulties, which isn't indicated here.
14.
..... Johnson was angry, he agreed to have lunch with me.
A) Even though.
B) On the other hand.
C) So.
D) As a result.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Even though" is used to introduce a contrast, showing that despite Johnson's anger, he agreed to have lunch with you. This aligns well with the context where there is an unexpected agreement despite a negative emotion.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Even though" introduces a contrast, indicating that despite his anger, Johnson agreed.
Option B:
Incorrect. "On the other hand" suggests an alternative or different point of view, which does not fit the context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "So" implies a result, but there is no indication that his anger led to this agreement.
Option D:
Incorrect. "As a result" also suggests a consequence or outcome of his anger, which is not the case here.
15.
..... to the north, which will remain warm and sunny, the south will become cloudy during the early morning.
A) On the contrary.
B) In contrast.
C) Although.
D) While.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Option B: In contrast," is the correct choice because it effectively links two contrasting ideas in the sentence. The first part of the sentence describes a condition to the north, while the second part contrasts this by describing a different weather pattern in the south.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"On the contrary" is not suitable as it would imply an opposite statement rather than a contrast.
Option B:
"In contrast" correctly indicates that the two parts of the sentence are contrasting, which fits the context perfectly.
Option C:
"Although" suggests a concession or exception, which is not applicable here as there's no indication of an exception being made.
Option D:
"While" can be used to link two contrasting ideas but in this context, it might sound slightly awkward compared to "in contrast."
16.
This house is so old now. When it rains, the windows leak and the roof needs to be replaced soon ..... , we love it and would never move to another.
A) Although.
B) Though.
C) Nevertheless.
D) Despite.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Nevertheless" is the correct answer because it indicates a contrast between the negative situation (the house's condition) and the positive sentiment towards the house despite its flaws. It shows that even though there are issues, the speakers still love the house and do not want to move.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Although" is typically used for introducing a clause that provides additional information or reasons, which does not fit well in this context.
Option B:
"Though" is similar to "although," and also introduces a reason rather than showing contrast.
Option C:
"Nevertheless" shows a clear contrast between the negative situation and the positive sentiment, making it the best fit.
Option D:
"Despite" is used to show that something happens in spite of difficulties or obstacles, but it does not as effectively convey the contrast needed here.
17.
The man was arrested ..... claiming to have been nowhere near the scene of the crime.
A) Yet.
B) Whereas.
C) In spite of.
D) In contrast.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"In spite of" is the correct answer because it indicates a contrast between the man's arrest and his claim that he was not near the scene of the crime. This phrase shows that despite being arrested, he still maintains his innocence by stating he wasn't there.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Yet" is often used to show contrast but doesn’t fit as well in this context compared to "in spite of."
Option B:
"Whereas" typically introduces a comparison between two different subjects, which isn't the case here.
Option C:
"In spite of" correctly indicates contrast and fits well with the scenario.
Option D:
"In contrast" could work but is less precise than "in spite of," as it doesn’t directly link to his claim.
18.
It's really a good idea ..... , it may be too expensive.
A) In spite of.
B) In order to.
C) However.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "It's really a good idea ..... , it may be too expensive." requires a discourse marker that indicates a contrast between the two clauses. "However" is used to introduce a contrasting idea, making it the correct choice here.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
In spite of - This phrase introduces a concession but does not directly link ideas in a way that contrasts them.
Option B:
In order to - This indicates purpose, which is not relevant here as there's no stated goal or intention being contrasted.
Option C:
However - Correct. It introduces a contrasting idea effectively.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect since "However" fits well in this context.
19.
..... sounding very boring, the film was actually pretty interesting. I would recommend it!
A) Nevertheless.
B) However.
C) Although.
D) Despite.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Despite" is the correct answer because it introduces a contrast between the initial expectation and the actual experience of the film, indicating that despite something not sounding interesting, the film was actually engaging. This usage aligns with "Despite" being used to show that one thing does not affect or change another.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Nevertheless is also a contrast marker but often implies a stronger sense of contradiction and is less flexible in its placement within the sentence.
Option B:
However, while correct for this context, it sounds more abrupt than "Despite," which can introduce a smoother transition between clauses.
Option C:
Although, like "Despite," introduces a contrast but is typically used with a clause starting with the subject and verb, making it less suitable here as the sentence starts with an adverbial phrase.
Option D:
Despite, correctly chosen to smoothly introduce the contrasting idea that the film was interesting despite not sounding so initially.
20.
Earth is the only planet we know in the universe that can support human life ..... , human activities are making the planet less fit to live on.
A) Although.
B) But.
C) In spite.
D) However.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"However" is the correct answer because it introduces a contrast between two ideas: Earth being the only known planet that can support human life and the fact that human activities are making the planet less fit to live on. This word effectively links these contrasting statements.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Although" is used for introducing a concession, which doesn't fit as well in this context since there's no direct admission or concession being made.
Option B:
"But" can be used to introduce a contrast, but it sounds less formal and precise than "However" in academic writing.
Option C:
"In spite" is not typically followed by the gerund form (ing) after it, making it unsuitable here.
Option D:
"However" correctly introduces a contrasting idea, making it the best choice for this sentence.
21.
Keep the receipt for the sweater ..... your dad doesn't like it.
A) In case.
B) Nevertheless.
C) Though.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
In this sentence, the phrase "in case" is used appropriately as a discourse marker to indicate that keeping the receipt might be useful for future reference if there's a need to return the sweater due to your dad's disapproval. It connects the action of keeping the receipt with the potential reason behind it.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "In case" serves as an appropriate discourse marker linking the action (keeping the receipt) with a possible future scenario.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Nevertheless" is used to contrast two ideas, which doesn't fit the context here.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Though" indicates a concession or contrast, not a reason for an action.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are discourse markers linkers?
Discourse marker linkers are words or phrases that connect ideas within a sentence or paragraph, helping to show relationships such as cause-and-effect or contrast.
How do discourse markers linkers help in writing?
Discourse marker linkers enhance the flow and coherence of writing by clearly indicating how different parts of a text are related, making it easier for readers to follow the argument or narrative.
Can you give an example of a discourse marker linker?
Certainly. The word 'because' is a common cause-and-effect relationship marker, used to introduce the reason for something that has been stated or implied.
Why are discourse markers linkers important in English grammar?
They are crucial because they help maintain logical flow and clarity, ensuring that the relationships between ideas are clear to the reader, which is essential for effective communication.
How do contrast markers function as discourse marker linkers?
Contrast markers like 'however' or 'on the other hand' are used to highlight differences between ideas, showing that what follows is in opposition to what has been previously stated.