1. Complete the gaps using

as, since, seeing that, because of, on account of, owing to, due to, in order to, so as to, so that, consequently, as a consequence, as a result, therefore, as a consequence of, as a result of, so

 (more than one option is possible)

 (reason, purpose, result)

1) The presentation was a disaster … the fact that they hadn’t prepared it properly.

2) I left the party early …wake up early the next day.

3) I took the wrong turn, … I missed the train.

4) I closed the window … the child didn’t hear any noise from outside.

5) It took me an hour to get there … the heavy traffic.

6) … one mistake, he had to make all the calculations all over again.

7) … the repairs, the shop will be closed for a week.

8) I took the speakers … we could enjoy this wonderful music together.

9) Your request is under consideration. We … kindly ask you to wait for our decision.

10) I made a complaint about the bad quality of the product, … they exchanged it for a much better one with a huge discount.

2. Choose the right option (contrast, concession)

1) Inspite/Despite/Even though the rain, we went cycling.

2) Although/Even/As they were expensive, I bought these shoes.

3) She sent a CV. Despite/In spite/However, she didn’t get any reply.

4) They made a huge profit, even though/whereas/although their competitor went bankrupt.

5) The new educational reform has made it easier to enter universities. Although/On the other hand/Despite, some experts say that it may tell on the overall quality of education.

3. Correct the mistakes (all the linkers).

1) He was late because of he’d got into a traffic jam.

2) In spite being born in London, he feels Spanish rather than English.

3) She travels a lot. In addition, she’s never been to Italy.

4) He is an expert in programming. In addition to he speaks two foreign languages.

5) She went to a supermarket so that to buy some milk.

6) She went to work despite that she was ill.

7) He made a serious mistake in the project. As a result of he was fired.

8) The flight was delayed due to there were bad weather conditions.

9) Despite of winning the match, they weren’t satisfied with their performance.

10) There are a few reasons for low sales this month. One, it’s the company’s policy about the work of the marketing department . Two, it’s poor sales team’s performance.

4. Invent a reason for the following situations using linkers of reason.

• Your boss, ‘Why are you late for work?’
• Your girlfriend, ‘How come you forgot my mom’s birthday!!!’
• (Formal, e-mail) Your boss, ‘Why didn’t you send the report on time?’
• Your teacher, ‘Why didn’t you do this task?!’
• Your landlord, ‘Why didn’t you pay the rent on time?’