Linking words (contrast)

In the FCE Use of English paper, you are often tested on the differences
between linking words, especially in the multiple-choice cloze (Part 1). Its
also useful to know the differences for the writing paper.
All of the linking words used here show a (surprising) contrast between
two ideas, but they are used in different ways. A clause is a group of
words that includes a subject and a verb, and forms a sentence or part of
a sentence (www.oald8.com)

but
neutral
clause (A)

, but

clause (B)

My dog had died that morning

, but

I wasnt as sad as I expected to

be.

although / even though

although is neutral; even though is more formal and a bit stronger
Although
Even
clause (A)
,
clause (B)
though
Although
my dog had died
I wasnt as sad as I
Even
,
that morning
expected to be.
though
OR
, although
clause (B)
, even
clause (A)
though
, although
I wasnt as sad as I
, even
my dog had died that morning.
expected to be
though

however / nevertheless
however is more formal than but and although; nevertheless is very
formal
. However,
sentence (A)
sentence (B)
.
Nevertheless,
My dog had died that . However,
I wasnt as sad as I expected to
morning
be.
.
Nevertheless,
OR (to show more emphasis)
, however,
sentence (B)
,
sentence (A).
sentence (B) part 2
part 1
nevertheless
,
My dog had died
as sad as I expected
I wasnt
, however,
that morning.
to be.
,
My dog had died
not as sad as I
I was
nevertheles
that morning.
expected to be.
s,

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Linking words (contrast)

despite / in spite of
BE CAREFUL! Despite, but In spite OF. Not Despite of. They mean the
same.
more formal than but, although and however; less formal than
nevertheless
Despite
(a) noun
In spite
(b) noun + -ing
, clause (B)
of
(c) the fact that + clause (A)
(a) the death of my dog that
Despite
morning
I wasnt as sad as I
In spite
(b) my dog dying that morning
,
expected to be.
of
(c) the fact that my dog had died
that morning

Here are some examples of Use of English questions which test

these linking words. Choose the correct word for each space.

1. He had no record of what he had written. _________ he knew that

he would have to rewrite the missing pages, he decided to wait a
few days.
A Despite
B Although
C However
D Even
2. Earth is the only planet we know of in the universe that can
support human life. _________, human activities are making the
planet less fit to live on.
A But
B Although
C However
D In spite
3. This house is so old now. When it rains, the windows leak and the
roof needs to be replaced soon. ____________, we love it and
would never move to another.
A Nevertheless
B Although
C Though
D
Despite
4. _________ sounding very boring, the film was actually pretty
interesting. I would recommend it!
A Although
B However
C Despite
D
Nevertheless
5. _________ you won't appreciate it yet, you'll be happy that you
stopped smoking when your health improves.
A But
B However
C In spite
D Even though
6. Welcome to the Netherlands, a tiny country that only extends, at
its broadest, 312 km north to south, and 264 km east to west,
___________ the land area increases slightly each year as a result
of continuous land reclamation and drainage.
A nevertheless
B despite
C in spite of
D although
7. The officials have been delighted to see the amount of homework
getting done, morning and evening, as the internet bus picks up
and drops off students along the 70-minute drive. __________
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Linking words (contrast)

some students spend their time playing games or visiting social
networking sites, most students do make the most of their travel
time to study.
A Nevertheless
B Although
C In spite of
D Despite
8. It was Groundhog Day in the USA. Unfortunately, __________ the
large crowds were hoping for a prediction of good weather, Phil
saw his shadow and returned to his hole, so everyone knew that
winter was going to last for a few more weeks.
A although
B but
C in spite of
D
nevertheless
Examples adapted from FCE Gold Plus Students Book; www.flo-joe.com; www.esl-lounge.com;
www.englishrevealed.co.uk; www.englishaula.com; http://fceilud.orgfree.com/

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http://sandymillin.wordpress.com