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Linking Words – Quiz 1
Linking Words Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the correct use of indefinite articles in English sentences and tests understanding of various linking words to introduce examples, causal relationships, conditional clauses, and temporal relationships. It covers skills such as identifying passive and active sentences, matching topic sentences to supporting details, and using appropriate conjunctions to connect ideas.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
John needs help with school work, such ..... a private tutor.
A) Say.
B) Another.
C) Owing.
D) As.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) As.
The phrase "such as" introduces an example, and "as" is the appropriate word to connect it in this context. It indicates that a private tutor is one of the examples for help John needs with his school work.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Say - Incorrect; "say" does not introduce an example.
Option B:
Another - Incorrect; "another" suggests a different instance, which is not the intended meaning here.
Option C:
Owing - Incorrect; "owing" means owing to or because of, and it does not fit grammatically in this context.
Option D:
As - Correct; "as" properly introduces an example following "such".
2.
..... its appearance, it feels very solid and well built.
A) Even though.
B) Although.
C) However.
D) In spite of.
Show Answer
Explanations:
In this sentence, the linking word is used to connect two contrasting ideas: "its appearance" and "it feels very solid and well built." The correct answer is
D) In spite of.
This phrase indicates that despite the appearance, the object has a different quality. However, since the appearance does not contradict the solidity and build quality, another linking word more suitable for this context would be "but" or "yet," which are often used to connect contrasting ideas.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Even though - This phrase is typically used when there's a contrast but also an implication of a condition. It doesn't fit well here.
Option B:
Although - Similar to "Even though," it implies a conditional relationship, which isn't the case in this sentence.
Option C:
However - This is more commonly used at the beginning of a sentence and doesn't fit well here as it would require restructuring the sentence.
Option D:
In spite of - This phrase correctly indicates that despite the appearance, the object feels solid and well built. It's appropriate for connecting contrasting ideas without implying a condition or starting a new sentence.
3.
Active or Passive:Tom was disappointed by the movie.
A) Active.
B) Passive.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Tom was disappointed by the movie" is in the passive voice because the subject (Tom) receives the action of being disappointed, and the agent performing the action (by the movie) follows after a preposition. The active form would be "Tom disappointed by the movie," which is grammatically incorrect.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Active - Incorrect as the sentence uses passive voice.
Option B:
Passive - Correct, as explained above.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect, since only one option is correct.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect, as Option B is correct.
4.
I'm going to have children ..... I am 30.
A) While.
B) As soon as.
C) Then.
D) Until.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Until.
The sentence "I'm going to have children..... I am 30." suggests a temporal relationship where the speaker's age of 30 is related to their future action of having children. "Until" indicates that something continues up to a certain point, which fits well in this context as it implies the speaker will have children at some point after turning 30.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
While - This would imply an ongoing action or state, not a future event.
Option B:
As soon as - This suggests immediate action upon reaching the age of 30, which is not indicated in the sentence.
Option C:
Then - This implies a sequence of events but does not indicate a temporal relationship leading up to having children.
Option D:
Until - Correctly indicates that the speaker will have children at some point after turning 30.
5.
The entire region lost power ..... the thunderstorm.
A) Resulting in.
B) Due.
C) Owing to the fact that.
D) Owing to.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D, "Owing to," is correct because it properly connects the cause (the thunderstorm) with the effect (losing power). "Owing to" indicates that something happened as a result of another thing, which fits the context perfectly.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Resulting in" is grammatically correct but less formal and concise than "owing to." It also doesn't fit as smoothly into the sentence structure.
Option B:
"Due" can be used, but it requires a preposition like "to" after it ("due to"). This makes option D more appropriate in this context.
Option C:
"Owing to the fact that" is wordy and less commonly used. It adds unnecessary words without improving clarity or formality.
Option D:
"Owing to" is concise, formal, and correctly connects the cause with the effect in a natural way.
6.
My birthday is in a .....
A) Second.
B) Couple.
C) Few days.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Few days.
This phrase indicates a short period of time, which is appropriate for describing the proximity to one's birthday. The linking word "in" can be used with "few days" to indicate that the speaker’s birthday is coming soon.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Second" does not fit grammatically or contextually as it would imply a specific day, which is too precise for describing an upcoming event like a birthday.
Option B:
"Couple" could potentially work in some contexts but is less precise than "few days," making "few days" the better choice here.
Option C:
"Few days" correctly uses the linking word "in" to indicate a short period of time before the birthday, which is appropriate and grammatically correct.
Option D:
"None of the above" is not applicable since option C is correct.
7.
It was raining, so I waited in my car ..... my sister's train arrived.
A) Until.
B) As soon as.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "It was raining, so I waited in my car..... my sister's train arrived." uses the linking word "until" to indicate a continuous action that ended when a certain condition was met. The phrase "Until my sister's train arrived" suggests that the speaker continued waiting until the specific event occurred.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates a period of waiting that concluded with the arrival of the sister’s train.
Option B:
Incorrect. "As soon as" implies immediate action upon an event, which does not fit the context of continuous waiting in this sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option suggests multiple correct answers, but only "until" fits the context accurately.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
8.
My twin brother is very good at maths, ..... I am better at languages.
A) As.
B) Yet.
C) Since.
D) Whereas.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Whereas.
"Whereas" is used to introduce a contrast, making it the appropriate linking word in this sentence to show that despite your twin brother's strength in mathematics, you excel in languages.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
As - Introduces a reason or explanation, not a contrast.
Option B:
Yet - Can be used for contrast but is less formal than "whereas" and often placed at the beginning of the sentence.
Option C:
Since - Indicates a cause or reason, not a contrast.
Option D:
Whereas - Introduces a contrasting idea in a formal manner, suitable for this context.
9.
If my computer breaks again,
A) I'd buy a new computer.
B) I'll throw it into a bin.
C) I bought a new one.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it uses the future simple tense "will" to indicate a planned action in the future, which fits the context of the sentence. The other options are incorrect: Option A suggests buying a new computer, which doesn't fit the conditional structure; Option C incorrectly states an action that has already occurred; and Option D indicates none of the above, which is not applicable since B is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it uses past tense "bought" instead of future simple "will buy".
Option B:
Correct use of future simple "will throw" to indicate a planned action.
Option C:
Incorrect as it uses past tense "bought", indicating an action that has already occurred, not a future plan.
Option D:
Incorrect as B is the correct option.
10.
(Match this topic sentence to the rest of the paragraph). My father is so kind .....
A) He is tall and strong.
B) He always gets angry and eats all the food.
C) He always looks after me and helps me with my homework.
D) He shouts at me if I breathe too loudly.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because it aligns with the topic sentence, which emphasizes kindness. The phrase "He always looks after me and helps me with my homework" demonstrates care and support, reflecting a kind nature as mentioned in the initial statement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This option describes physical attributes but does not convey kindness.
Option B:
This option suggests anger and greed, which are contrary to being kind.
Option C:
This option shows care and support, aligning with the concept of kindness.
Option D:
This option implies strictness or harshness, not kindness.
11.
..... his late night, John missed his train.
A) Because.
B) As a result of.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Because" is a causal conjunction that introduces the reason for an action, but it does not fit well in this sentence as it would require a clause to follow directly after "Because," which is missing here.
"As a result of" is a phrase used to indicate consequences or outcomes. It correctly connects the late night (a cause) with John missing his train (an effect).
"All the above" and "None of the above" are not applicable since only one option fits grammatically.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect, as it requires a clause to follow directly after "Because."
Option B:
Correct, indicating the consequence of John's late night.
Option C:
Not applicable since only one option fits grammatically.
Option D:
Incorrect, as all options do not fit except for Option B.
12.
She is ..... nice girl.
A) The.
B) An.
C) X.
D) A.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "She is ..... nice girl" requires a linking word to connect the subject and the predicate. In English, when referring to a singular noun that starts with a consonant sound, we use the indefinite article "a". Therefore, option D) A is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
The - Incorrect for a singular noun starting with a consonant.
Option B:
An - Incorrect as 'nice' starts with a consonant sound.
Option C:
X - Not an article, hence incorrect.
Option D:
A - Correct for a singular noun starting with a consonant sound.
13.
..... he had not payed the rent, he was told to vacate the house.
A) Since.
B) Therefore.
C) Then.
D) So.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Since" is used to indicate a reason for an action, making it the correct choice here as it connects the fact that he had not paid the rent with his being told to vacate the house.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Since - Correct. Indicates a reason or cause.
Option B:
Therefore - Implies a result, not a reason. Incorrect here.
Option C:
Then - Indicates sequence of events, not a reason. Incorrect here.
Option D:
So - Also implies a result, not a reason. Incorrect here.
14.
They were smiling at me ..... I was too busy to notice that.
A) However.
B) Despite.
C) Although.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Although" is the correct answer because it indicates a contrast between two clauses, showing that despite being too busy to notice, they were still smiling at the speaker. This usage aligns with the definition of "although," which introduces a clause that contrasts with or limits the truth of the main clause.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
However - typically used for stronger contrast and doesn't fit as well in this context.
Option B:
Despite - usually followed by a noun phrase, not a clause, so it's less suitable here.
Option C:
Although - correctly introduces the contrasting idea of their smiling despite the speaker being too busy to notice.
Option D:
None of the above - incorrect since "Although" fits well in this context.
15.
I always do my homework, ..... my grades are low.
A) But.
B) Although.
C) So.
D) Because of.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Although" is used to introduce a clause that provides information contrary to what might be expected, which fits the context of doing homework but having low grades.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"But" is often used to contrast two ideas and can work here as it indicates a contradiction. However, "Although" is more formal and commonly used in such contexts.
Option B:
"Although" is the correct answer because it introduces a clause that provides information contrary to what might be expected, fitting the context of doing homework but having low grades.
Option C:
"So" indicates a result or consequence and does not fit the context as there's no indication that doing homework leads to low grades. It would imply a direct cause-effect relationship which is not present here.
Option D:
"Because of" introduces a reason for something, but it doesn't fit because we are not explaining why the grades are low; rather, we are highlighting the contradiction between doing homework and having low grades.
16.
..... the firefighters arrived, the building had already burnt.
A) Until.
B) After.
C) While.
D) By the time.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"By the time" is correct because it indicates that an event (the firefighters arriving) occurred after another event (the building burning), and the second event was already completed by the time the first one happened.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Until" suggests a period up to but not including the arrival of the firefighters, which does not fit the sequence of events.
Option B:
"After" implies that both events happened sequentially with no overlap, whereas the sentence indicates simultaneous completion of one event before another began.
Option C:
"While" suggests both events happening concurrently, which is not the case here as the building had already burnt by the time the firefighters arrived.
Option D:
"By the time" correctly conveys that the burning of the building was completed before the arrival of the firefighters.
17.
..... , would I cycle to college.
A) If I had more time.
B) Only if I had more time.
C) Unless I had more time.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Only if I had more time" is the correct choice because it indicates a conditional relationship, meaning you would cycle to college only under the condition that you have extra time available. This aligns with the logical structure of the sentence, which implies a requirement for additional time before cycling becomes an option.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"If I had more time" suggests a general possibility rather than a strict condition. It does not convey the same level of necessity as "Only if."
Option B:
Correct, it clearly states that cycling to college is contingent upon having extra time.
Option C:
"Unless I had more time" implies a negation, meaning you would cycle unless there's not enough time, which doesn't fit the context as well as "Only if."
Option D:
Incorrect, as option B is correct.
18.
..... getting engaged, they never got married.
A) Although.
B) In spite of.
C) Even though.
D) Nevertheless.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"In spite of" is the correct answer because it indicates a contrast between two clauses, suggesting that despite getting engaged, they did not get married. This phrase is used to show that one event (getting engaged) does not prevent or negate another (not getting married).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Although" typically introduces a clause that modifies the entire sentence and is more formal than "in spite of." It's less suitable here as it doesn't emphasize the contrast as clearly.
Option B:
"In spite of" correctly indicates a contrast, showing that despite one event (getting engaged), another occurred (not getting married).
Option C:
"Even though" is similar to "although" and also introduces a clause modifying the entire sentence. It's less appropriate here as it doesn't emphasize the contrast as clearly.
Option D:
"Nevertheless" can be used similarly to "in spite of," but it often implies a more significant or definitive contrast, which is not necessarily required in this context.
19.
He wanted to improve his writing skills; ..... , he joined a creative writing workshop."
A) Likewise.
B) However.
C) Therefore.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Therefore" is the correct linking word to use in this context because it indicates a logical conclusion or result from an action previously mentioned (wanting to improve writing skills). It connects the desire with the subsequent action of joining a workshop, showing causation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Likewise" suggests that what follows is similar to something already stated, which does not fit as well in this context.
Option B:
"However" introduces a contrast or contradiction, which is not present here.
Option C:
"Therefore" correctly indicates the logical result of wanting to improve writing skills.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect since "Therefore" fits well.
20.
Since caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies and moths, ..... their primary objective is to eat and prepare themselves for metamorphosis.
A) Because.
B) As a result.
C) So.
D) Since.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D) Since is correct because it introduces the reason for the caterpillars' behavior, connecting the fact that they are larvae to their primary objective of eating and preparing for metamorphosis.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Because implies a direct cause-effect relationship without introducing the context or reason. It's not as suitable here.
Option B:
As a result suggests an outcome rather than explaining the reason for the caterpillars' actions, making it inappropriate in this context.
Option C:
So indicates a consequence or conclusion rather than providing the explanation needed at the beginning of the sentence. It's not appropriate here.
Option D:
Since introduces the reason for the caterpillars' behavior, connecting their larval stage to their primary objective, making it the correct choice.
21.
"Did you see Damrong today? "No, he was sick, ..... he didn't come to school"
A) However.
B) Although.
C) So.
D) Since.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"However," is used to introduce a contrast, "Although" introduces a concession, and "Since" indicates a reason. In this context, the sentence explains that Damrong was sick, which led to him not coming to school. Therefore, "So" is correct because it shows the result of his sickness.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
However - Introduces contrast, not a result.
Option B:
Although - Introduces concession, not a result.
Option C:
So - Shows the result of his sickness.
Option D:
Since - Indicates reason, not direct result here.
22.
..... you do not want to help me, I will call Marcos.
A) Moreover.
B) Thus.
C) Since.
D) As a result of.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C) Since is correct because it indicates a cause-and-effect relationship, which fits the context of the sentence where one action (calling Marcos) is implied as a consequence of not receiving help.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Moreover means addition or further information, which does not fit the context.
Option B:
Thus implies a result but lacks the cause part needed in this sentence.
Option C:
Since indicates a reason or cause, fitting well with the sentence structure and meaning.
Option D:
As a result of suggests a consequence without directly indicating the cause, making it less suitable here.
23.
..... I've got my boots on, you can always count on me to get the firewood.
A) As long as.
B) If.
C) Unless.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "As long as" is used to indicate a condition that must be met for something else to happen, which fits the context of the sentence well. The speaker is saying they will get the firewood because they are prepared and ready (as their boots are on).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "As long as" indicates a condition that must be met, fitting the context.
Option B:
Incorrect. "If" introduces a conditional clause but doesn't fit the context of always being prepared.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Unless" implies a negative condition, which is not appropriate here.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
24.
..... we were travelling, I noticed something strange
A) While.
B) Until.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because "While" is a linking word that can be used to introduce a clause indicating the time during which an action or state occurs concurrently with another action or state. In this context, it appropriately connects the idea of traveling with the observation made.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "While" is a linking word that indicates simultaneous actions.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Until" suggests an action continues up to a point in time, not during the action of traveling.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option includes both correct and incorrect choices, making it invalid.
Option D:
Incorrect. All other options are valid linking words in this context.
25.
1 George has got short brown hair ..... blue eyes.
A) Too.
B) And.
C) Because.
D) But.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"George has got short brown hair and blue eyes." The sentence uses "and" to link two descriptive phrases about George, indicating additional information. This is a correct use of the linking word "and".
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Too - Incorrect. "Too" is used to indicate excess or addition in a positive sense, not for listing attributes.
Option B:
And - Correct. Used to connect two related ideas or phrases.
Option C:
Because - Incorrect. "Because" introduces a reason or cause, which is not applicable here as there's no causal relationship being stated.
Option D:
But - Incorrect. "But" indicates contrast or contradiction, which isn't present in the sentence.
26.
Women are strong, brave ..... resolute
A) Still.
B) But.
C) And.
D) However.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Women are strong, brave ..... resolute" is a list of positive attributes describing women. The linking word "And" (Option C) is used to connect these adjectives smoothly, indicating that they all describe the same subject in succession.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Still - This would imply a pause or continuation, which doesn't fit the flow of listing attributes.
Option B:
But - This suggests contrast, which is not present in the sentence structure.
Option C:
And - Correct. It connects the adjectives logically and maintains the flow of describing women's qualities.
Option D:
However - This introduces a contrasting idea, which isn't applicable here.
27.
My name is Anny ..... my sister is Paola.(Mi nombre es Anny ..... mi hermana es Paola)
A) Because.
B) And.
C) But.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "My name is Anny ..... my sister is Paola" connects two related pieces of information: the speaker's name and their sister's name. The word that best links these ideas in a natural, fluent manner is "and." This conjunction indicates that both statements are true simultaneously.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Because - Incorrect. "Because" introduces a reason or cause, not a simple link between two related pieces of information.
Option B:
And - Correct. "And" is used to connect two related ideas in a sentence.
Option C:
But - Incorrect. "But" indicates contrast or contradiction, which does not apply here as the statements are complementary.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect. "And" is the correct linking word for this context.
28.
Be sincere ..... you will be rewarded.
A) Or.
B) And.
C) If.
D) Otherwise.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Be sincere... you will be rewarded." uses a linking word "and" to connect two related ideas, indicating that being sincere leads directly to the reward. This structure shows a sequence of events or conditions where one follows another naturally.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Or - Incorrect as it suggests an alternative rather than a continuation.
Option B:
And - Correct, as it properly links the two clauses indicating a sequence of events or conditions.
Option C:
If - Incorrect as it introduces a conditional clause, not a direct link between actions and outcomes.
Option D:
Otherwise - Incorrect as it suggests an alternative scenario rather than a natural continuation.
29.
If Joseph hadn't studied Chemistry at university, it's unlikely that he ..... that great job he got.
A) Wouldn't have got.
B) Had got.
C) Would have got.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence uses a conditional structure to express an unlikely past event. The correct form for this is "would have got," indicating a hypothetical situation in the past that did not occur. Thus, option C) "Would have got" is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it uses a negative future tense which doesn't fit the context of an unlikely past event.
Option B:
Incorrect as it uses a simple past tense, which does not convey the hypothetical nature of the situation.
Option C:
Correct for expressing a hypothetical past event that did not occur.
Option D:
Not applicable since option C is correct.
30.
Skiing is a safe sport ..... you obey the rules on the slope.
A) In case.
B) Because.
C) As long as.
D) Despite.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"As long as" is the correct answer because it establishes a conditional relationship, indicating that skiing can be safe provided certain conditions are met (obeying the rules on the slope). This aligns with the logical structure of the sentence, which suggests a necessary condition for safety.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"In case" implies an unexpected event or situation, which does not fit the context.
Option B:
"Because" introduces a reason but doesn't establish the conditional relationship needed in this sentence.
Option C:
"As long as" correctly sets up the condition for safety.
Option D:
"Despite" suggests an exception or contrary situation, which is not appropriate here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are linking words, and why are they important in English grammar?
Linking words are connecting elements used to join parts of a sentence or ideas together. They are crucial for enhancing the flow and clarity of writing by showing relationships between different components.
How do linking words help in expressing conditional relationships?
Linking words such as 'if,' 'unless,' and 'provided that' are used to express conditions or hypothetical situations, helping readers understand the relationship between different parts of a sentence.
Can you give an example of how linking words for cause and effect can be used in sentences?
Certainly! Phrases like 'therefore,' 'consequently,' and 'as a result' are used to show the outcome or consequence of something, making it clear that one event leads to another.
What is the role of linking words in creating lists within sentences?
Linking words such as 'and,' 'or,' and 'nor' are used to connect items in a list, ensuring that each item is clearly linked and the sentence remains coherent.
How do linking words for time help in organizing sentences?
Linking words like 'before,' 'after,' 'when,' and 'while' are used to indicate the sequence of events or actions, helping to organize and clarify the timing within a sentence.