CELSA Grammatical Connectors 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Choose the connector that best expresses a cause-and-effect relationship: 'He studied for weeks; _______, he passed the exam with high marks.'
- nevertheless
- consequently (Correct answer)
- whereas
- although
Correct answer: consequently
'Consequently' signals that the result (passing) directly follows from the cause (studying).
Question 2: Which sentence uses 'despite' correctly?
- Despite she was tired, she finished the report.
- Despite of the rain, we held the picnic.
- Despite being tired, she finished the report. (Correct answer)
- Despite that it rained, we held the picnic.
Correct answer: Despite being tired, she finished the report.
'Despite' must be followed by a noun phrase or gerund, not a clause introduced by 'that' or a bare subject.
Question 3: Select the best connector: 'The new policy reduces costs; _______, it improves employee morale.'
- however
- furthermore (Correct answer)
- otherwise
- yet
Correct answer: furthermore
'Furthermore' adds a second benefit to the first, showing accumulation of positive outcomes.
Question 4: Which word correctly introduces a concession? 'She had very little experience. _______, she got the job.'
- Therefore
- Accordingly
- Nonetheless (Correct answer)
- Hence
Correct answer: Nonetheless
'Nonetheless' introduces a result that is surprising given the preceding statement (little experience).
Question 5: Identify the error: 'Because of the store was closed, we went elsewhere.'
- 'Because of' should be 'Because' (Correct answer)
- 'was closed' should be 'closed'
- 'we went' should be 'we have gone'
- No error; the sentence is correct.
Correct answer: 'Because of' should be 'Because'
'Because of' is a preposition followed by a noun phrase, not a subject-verb clause; use 'Because' to introduce a full clause.
Question 6: Choose the correct sentence using 'not only … but also':
- Not only she sings but also dances.
- She not only sings but also dances. (Correct answer)
- She not only sings but also she dances.
- Not only does she sings but also dances.
Correct answer: She not only sings but also dances.
With 'not only … but also,' the verb phrase structure must be parallel; 'not only sings but also dances' maintains parallel verb forms.
Question 7: Which connector shows contrast between two independent clauses joined by a semicolon? 'Maria prefers classical music; _______, her brother listens only to jazz.'
- similarly
- accordingly
- moreover
- by contrast (Correct answer)
Correct answer: by contrast
'By contrast' explicitly signals that the second clause presents an opposing preference to the first.
Choose the connector that best expresses a cause-and-effect relationship: 'He studied for weeks; _______, he passed the exam with high marks.'