Exercise 1: Choose the correct linking words to fill in the blanks

1. Cars must stop at red traffic lights; ____________, bicycles have to stop too.
A. like B. similarly C. and
2. My older sister is kind and mature ____________ my older brother is still so childish.
A. while B. but C. unlike
3. My dad works hard all day and I know he’s tired sometimes; ____________ he hardly
complains this to anyone in my family.
A. however B. but C. although
4. ____________ I am very good at Maths, Lan finds it hard to do her Maths exercise.
A. In spite of B. While C. Unlike
5. Nobody takes care of me ____________ my mom does.
A. so B. like C. similarly
6. My grandad does exercise every day ____________ he has quite good physical health.
A. but B. therefore C. so
7. ____________ enjoy the dawn in Da Nang, I woke up at 5.00.
A. Therefore B. In order to C. Although
8. We decided to go camping ____________ the rain.
A. despite B. although C. but
9. ____________, children under 9 should not use mobile phones.
A. To my point of think B. As far as I think C. In my opinion
10. Minh is a really good friend ____________ he is always willing to help others.
A. because B. so C. but

Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks with appropriate linking words.

1. ____________ he has tried hard, he hasn’t got the scholarship.
2. My sister is very shy ____________ I am extrovert and funny.
3. ____________ I lost my key, secondly I missed my bus and ____________ I hurt myself
when I slipped on the wet pavement.
4. ____________ the fact that he was late, he was able to finish his work in time.
5. Mum was pretty angry at dad ____________ he had forgotten her birthday. ____________
he bought her a gold ring.
6. My best friend is eleven years old ____________ I am eleven years olds, ____________.
7. His report is badly written. ____________, it’s inaccurate.
8. My brother works very hard ____________ earn much money.
9. ____________ this idea is practical and urgent.
10. My friends had lots of work to do; ____________, they managed to go on holidays for a
week.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences without changing their meanings using the words in brackets.
1. In spite of his injured leg, he managed to go to work every day. (although)
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2. The children didn’t go swimming because the sea was rough. (because of)
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3. My brother works hard so that he can buy a car. (in order to)
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4. Jack couldn’t sleep although he was exhausted. (despite)
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5. My sister likes pop music. I like rock (whereas)
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6. Sam missed the bus because he got up late. (so)
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7. It was getting cold, but the kid insisted on playing outside. (however)
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8. He is a famous writer. He is a wealthy businessman, too. (in addition to)
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