Sentence Connectors Quiz 1 Upper Intermediate Level
Introduction to Sentence Connectors
Sentence connectors are essential elements in English that help create cohesive and logical text. At the upper intermediate (B2) level, you’re expected to use a variety of connectors accurately to express complex relationships between ideas. This quiz will test your knowledge of different types of sentence connectors commonly used at the B2 level.
Mastering sentence connectors will significantly improve your writing fluency and help you express your thoughts more clearly in both academic and everyday contexts. Let’s explore the different types of connectors before testing your knowledge.
Types of Sentence Connectors
Contrast Connectors
Contrast connectors show differences or unexpected results between ideas. Common examples include:
– However
– Although
– Nevertheless
– Despite/In spite of
– While
– Whereas
– On the other hand
These connectors are crucial for developing arguments and showing different perspectives in your writing.
Cause and Effect Connectors
These connectors show relationships where one thing causes another:
– Because
– Since
– As
– Therefore
– So
– As a result
– Consequently
Using these correctly helps clarify the logical flow of your ideas.
Time Connectors
Time connectors establish chronological relationships:
– When
– While
– After
– Before
– During
– Meanwhile
– Subsequently
These are essential for narrating events or explaining processes.
Addition Connectors
These connectors add information or similar ideas:
– And
– Furthermore
– Moreover
– In addition
– Also
– Besides
– What’s more
Addition connectors help you build stronger arguments by layering information.
Common Challenges at Upper Intermediate Level
At the B2 level, learners often face several challenges with sentence connectors:
1. Distinguishing between formal and informal connectors
2. Using the correct grammatical structures after certain connectors
3. Avoiding overuse of basic connectors
4. Placing connectors correctly within sentences
5. Understanding subtle differences between similar connectors
The quiz below addresses these common challenges to help you improve your connector usage.
Sentence Connectors Quiz – Upper Intermediate Level
Part 1: Choosing the Correct Connector
Select the most appropriate connector to complete each sentence.
| Question | Options |
|---|---|
| 1. She studied for hours, ________ she still failed the exam. | a) because b) however c) therefore d) moreover |
| 2. ________ he was tired, he continued working on the project. | a) Despite b) Although c) So d) Since |
| 3. The company lost money last year; ________, they’re planning to expand this year. | a) consequently b) furthermore c) nevertheless d) as a result |
| 4. They canceled the outdoor event ________ the weather forecast predicted heavy rain. | a) in spite of b) because c) however d) whereas |
| 5. I’ll take my umbrella ________ it rains. | a) unless b) in case c) even though d) despite |
Part 2: Sentence Structure with Connectors
Choose the grammatically correct sentence.
| Question | Options |
|---|---|
| 6. Which sentence is correct? | a) Despite having a headache, she went to work. b) Despite she had a headache, she went to work. c) Despite of having a headache, she went to work. |
| 7. Which sentence is correct? | a) She worked hard so that passing the exam. b) She worked hard so that she could pass the exam. c) She worked hard so that to pass the exam. |
| 8. Which sentence is correct? | a) Not only he speaks English, but also French. b) Not only speaks he English, but also French. c) Not only does he speak English, but also French. |
| 9. Which sentence is correct? | a) Whereas I enjoy fiction, my brother prefers non-fiction. b) Whereas I enjoy fiction, whereas my brother prefers non-fiction. c) I enjoy fiction, whereas my brother whereas prefers non-fiction. |
| 10. Which sentence is correct? | a) In spite of the fact he studied, he failed. b) In spite of the fact that he studied, he failed. c) In spite of that he studied, he failed. |
Part 3: Identifying Connector Functions
Identify the function of the underlined connector in each sentence.
| Question | Options |
|---|---|
| 11. The hotel was expensive; however, the service was excellent. | a) Addition b) Contrast c) Cause d) Time |
| 12. I’ll call you as soon as I arrive. | a) Condition b) Time c) Purpose d) Result |
| 13. He worked overtime in order to finish the project. | a) Contrast b) Addition c) Purpose d) Cause |
| 14. We should leave early otherwise we’ll miss the train. | a) Contrast b) Alternative c) Condition d) Result |
| 15. Due to the bad weather, the flight was delayed. | a) Time b) Cause c) Contrast d) Addition |
Connector Usage by Context
Understanding when to use formal versus informal connectors is crucial at the upper intermediate level. Here’s a comparison of connector choices based on context:
| Function | Formal/Academic | Neutral | Informal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Addition | Furthermore Moreover In addition |
Also Additionally |
Plus What’s more On top of that |
| Contrast | Nevertheless However Nonetheless |
Though Although While |
But Still Even so |
| Cause | Due to As a consequence of Owing to |
Because Since As |
Seeing as ‘Cause Since |
| Result | Therefore Consequently Thus |
So As a result |
That’s why So |
Common Mistakes with Sentence Connectors
At the upper intermediate level, be aware of these common mistakes:
1. Overusing the same connectors – Repeatedly using “and,” “but,” or “so” makes your writing seem basic.
2. Incorrect connector placement – Some connectors (like “however”) can appear in different positions in a sentence, while others have fixed positions.
3. Confusion between similar connectors – Understanding the subtle differences between “despite,” “in spite of,” and “although” is important.
4. Punctuation errors – Different connectors require different punctuation (commas, semicolons, etc.).
5. Using informal connectors in formal writing – Choosing “plus” instead of “furthermore” in an academic essay can seem inappropriate.
Strategies to Improve Your Connector Usage
To master sentence connectors at the upper intermediate level:
1. Read extensively in English to observe how connectors are used in context.
2. Keep a connector journal where you note down new connectors and example sentences.
3. Practice rewriting sentences using different connectors while maintaining the same meaning.
4. Analyze model texts from your field of interest to see which connectors are commonly used.
5. Get feedback on your writing from teachers or native speakers to identify any misuse of connectors.
Answer Key and Explanations
Part 1: Choosing the Correct Connector
1. b) however – Shows contrast between studying and failing
2. b) Although – Shows contrast between being tired and continuing to work
3. c) nevertheless – Shows an unexpected continuation despite previous information
4. b) because – Shows the reason for cancellation
5. b) in case – Shows precaution for a possible future event
Part 2: Sentence Structure with Connectors
6. a) Despite having a headache, she went to work. – “Despite” must be followed by a noun or gerund
7. b) She worked hard so that she could pass the exam. – Correct structure after “so that”
8. c) Not only does he speak English, but also French. – Correct inversion after “not only”
9. a) Whereas I enjoy fiction, my brother prefers non-fiction. – Correct use of “whereas”
10. b) In spite of the fact that he studied, he failed. – Correct structure with “in spite of the fact that”
Part 3: Identifying Connector Functions
11. b) Contrast – “However” shows contrast between expense and service quality
12. b) Time – “As soon as” indicates a time relationship
13. c) Purpose – “In order to” shows the purpose of working overtime
14. d) Result – “Otherwise” introduces a potential result
15. b) Cause – “Due to” introduces the cause of the delay
Conclusion
Mastering sentence connectors at the upper intermediate level is a significant step toward achieving fluency and sophistication in your English writing and speaking. By understanding the different types of connectors, their functions, and appropriate contexts for use, you can express complex ideas more clearly and coherently.
Regular practice with exercises like this quiz will help you internalize connector usage patterns and avoid common mistakes. Remember that becoming comfortable with a wide range of connectors takes time, so be patient with yourself as you incorporate new connectors into your active vocabulary.
Continue to observe how connectors are used in authentic materials, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different connectors in your own writing to see how they affect meaning and flow.