Conjunctions And Linking Words Quiz 2 Intermediate
Linking words and conjunctions serve as essential connectors in English, creating coherent and flowing sentences. For intermediate English learners, mastering these elements significantly improves both written and spoken communication. This quiz will help you assess and strengthen your understanding of these important language components.
Understanding Linking Words and Conjunctions
Linking words and conjunctions connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs to create meaningful relationships between thoughts. They help readers and listeners follow the logical progression of ideas, making communication clearer and more effective.
At the intermediate level, you should be familiar with various types of linking words that express:
– Addition (furthermore, moreover, in addition)
– Contrast (however, nevertheless, although)
– Cause and effect (therefore, consequently, as a result)
– Time relationships (meanwhile, subsequently, previously)
– Examples (for instance, such as, for example)
Quiz Instructions
This intermediate-level quiz tests your ability to use appropriate linking words and conjunctions in different contexts. For each question, select the most suitable word or phrase to complete the sentence correctly. Pay attention to the logical relationship between ideas to determine the appropriate connector.
Sample Questions
1. Complete the sentence with the appropriate linking word:
The weather was terrible; ________, we decided to go hiking anyway.
a) therefore
b) nevertheless
c) furthermore
d) as a result
2. Choose the correct conjunction:
________ he studied hard, he failed the exam.
a) Because
b) Although
c) Unless
d) Since
Types of Conjunctions to Review
Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions join words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance. The most common coordinating conjunctions can be remembered with the acronym FANBOYS:
– For
– And
– Nor
– But
– Or
– Yet
– So
Example: I wanted to go swimming, but the pool was closed.
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, establishing relationships like time, cause and effect, or contrast:
– Time: when, while, before, after, until
– Cause/Effect: because, since, as, so that
– Contrast: although, though, even though, whereas
– Condition: if, unless, provided that
Example: Although it was raining, we continued with the outdoor event.
Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to connect balanced words, phrases, or clauses:
– Either/or
– Neither/nor
– Both/and
– Not only/but also
– Whether/or
Example: She not only speaks French but also writes it fluently.
Common Transitional Words and Phrases
Transitional words help create coherence between sentences and paragraphs. They can be categorized by their function:
Addition
– Furthermore
– Moreover
– In addition
– Additionally
– Also
Contrast
– However
– Nevertheless
– On the other hand
– Conversely
– In contrast
Cause and Effect
– Therefore
– Consequently
– As a result
– Thus
– Hence
Sequence
– First, second, third
– Next
– Then
– Finally
– Subsequently
Examples
– For instance
– For example
– Such as
– Namely
– To illustrate
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete each sentence with an appropriate linking word:
1. The restaurant was expensive; ________, the food was delicious.
2. ________ the rain, the football match continued.
3. I want to improve my English; ________, I’m taking extra classes.
4. She worked hard all year; ________, she deserved the promotion.
5. You can take the bus ________ walk to the station.
Exercise 2: Identifying Transitions
Identify the nature of the underlined transitional words in these sentences:
1. The project was difficult; nevertheless, we completed it on time. (Contrast)
2. First, preheat the oven. Then, mix all the ingredients together. (Sequence)
3. The company lost money; consequently, they had to reduce staff. (Cause and effect)
4. The hotel offers many amenities, for example, a swimming pool and gym. (Example)
5. I enjoy hiking; furthermore, I like camping in the mountains. (Addition)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using conjunctions and linking words, be careful to avoid these common errors:
1. Using a comma splice (joining two independent clauses with only a comma)
Incorrect: He was tired, he went to bed early.
Correct: He was tired, so he went to bed early.
2. Confusing coordinating and subordinating conjunctions
Incorrect: Although he was tired but he continued working.
Correct: Although he was tired, he continued working.
3. Overusing the same linking words
Try to vary your transitions to make your writing more interesting and sophisticated.
4. Incorrect placement of transitional words
Some transitions work best at the beginning of sentences, while others can be placed in the middle or at the end.
Test Your Knowledge
Ready to assess your understanding of conjunctions and linking words? Try answering these additional practice questions:
1. ________ the high price, the product is worth buying.
a) Despite of
b) Despite
c) Although
d) Even
2. I’ll attend the meeting ________ I have another appointment.
a) unless
b) if
c) because
d) while
3. She speaks English fluently; ________, she knows French and German.
a) moreover
b) however
c) therefore
d) otherwise
Mastering conjunctions and linking words at the intermediate level will significantly enhance your English communication skills. Regular practice with exercises like these will help you use these connecting elements more naturally and effectively in both writing and speaking.