[Adverbial Explanations-1] Explanations for Grade 12 University Entrance Exam Questions about Adverbial Clauses(English) with Exam Techniques and Smart Notes (Part-1)

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By Million Abebe (Masters in English and B. Ed. Degree in Pedagogy)
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Overview 
This material prevents explanations for Grade 12 Entrance (Adverbial Clauses Questions: Part-1) with exam techniques and brief rules!
The explanations has two sections:
1. Brief Exam Techniques Revision
2. Detail Explanations for Grade 12 Entrance
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1. Brief Revision of Exam Techniques
To answer questions related to adverbial clauses and other transitional words!
Whenever you are asked adverbial clauses questions:
  • First, look words/ideas before and after the given 'blank space' and/or the 'relationship' between the given ideas/actions!
  • Then, eliminate all unrelated choices based on that!
  • Finally, you will be able to get correct answer upon which you could be 100% sure!
    • This means, use 'blank space techniques' or 'relationship techniques'; see the brief summary of the techniques, below!
    • You could use both or one of them!
1.1. 'Blank space techniques': 2 simple steps 
To use 'blank space techniques', follow the next 2 steps:
  • Look words/ideas before and after the given blank space.
  • Eliminate unrelated choices using the given blank space as clue (words/ideas before and after it)!
1.2. 'Relationship techniques': 2 simple steps
To use 'relationship techniques', follow the next 2 steps:
  • Understand the relationship between the given ideas/actions in the given question! 
    • 'Are they contrasting?'
    • 'Do they have cause and effect relationship?'
  • Eliminate unrelated choices based on the relationship between the given ideas/actions!
2. Detail Explanations

Q. _______ her being late for the exam, the invigilator did not prevent her from taking it. (G-12: Entrance: 2015S)
A. Even though   
B. Even if   
C. In spite of   
D. Despite the fact that
Explanation-1
This question could be answered in one step simply by using "blank space techniques"! 
Look the above choices; all the given expressions are "contrasting clause expressions". 
Again, look the above given blank space; it is followed by "phrase" (clue: see the expression "her being late for the exam"). Based on this, eliminate all the choices except C because among the given expressions only 'in spite of' is used before phrase (see brief rules-1, below)!
Ans. C
Brief Rules-1: Contrasting Clause: 'in spite of...'
The above question is generally about 'contrasting clauses' specifically, about the use of 'in spite of...'!
  • 'Contrasting clauses' are used to express  contrasting ideas!
  • In 'contrasting clauses', 'in spite of' and 'despite' are followed by phrase (see the next summary)!
For more, click here!
Attention-1: Phrase vs Clause 
Some students get confused with 'phrase' 
and 'clause'; here you are given clear and brief descriptions!
  • Phrase is a word/group of words that don't have 'subject' and 'verb'!
  • Clause is a word/group of words that have at least 'subject' and 'verb'!
  • In these explanations, don't get confused anymore!
Attention-2: 'Despite of' 
  • Dear students, take care; sometimes, you could be question in which 'despite of' is given on choices. 
  •  'Despite' is not followed by 'of'; 'of' is used with g 'in spite', not with 'despite'!
  • Look the next 2 questions and their explanations!
Q. The president, who led the organization for the last 15 years, is likely to be re-elected _____ there has been a sharp decline in profits. (G-12: Entrance: 2016S)
A. despite of
B. in spite of the fact that
C. despite
D. in spite of

Explanation-2
The above and other related questions could be answered in one step, 100% sure, using 'blank space techniques'!
  • The above blank space is followed by clause (clues: 'subject + verb', see 'there has been ...' ). 
    • Based on this, choices A, C and D are wrong; they should be eliminated; they are not followed clause. 
    • If you like more explanation, see the next additional explanation!
    • 100% sure, correct answer must be B!
Ans. B
Additional Explanation 
  • A. despite of: grammatically wrong; 'despite' can't be followed by 'of'!
    • Choice A must be eliminated!
    • Now, your probability of getting increased from 25% to 33%!
  • C. despite: 'Despite' is followed by 'phrase', not by 'clause'!
    • Choice C should be eliminated!
    • Now, your probability of getting increased from 33% to 50%!
  • D. in spite of: 'In spite of' is followed by 'phrase', not by 'clause'!
    • Choice D must be eliminated!
    • Now, your probability of getting increased from 50% to 100%!
  • 100% sure, choice C is correct answer for 2 reasons:
    • If we are 100% sure that 3 choices wrong and eliminated, we can be 100% sure that the rest choice is correct whether we know or not!
    • Based on rules (see...)...'in spite of the fact that' is followed by clause!
Brief Rules-2: 'in spite of the fact that...'
The above question is about 'contrasting clause'; specifically, about the use of 'in spite of the fact that' is (clues: see the explanation, above)!
  • 'Contrasting clauses' are used to express contrasting ideas.
  • 'In spite of the fact that' is one of the expressions to express contrasting ideas.
  • 'In spite of the fact that and related expressions' are followed by dependent clause (see the next brief summary)!
For more, click here!
Q. _____ our economy is showing a tremendous progress, the fact that there are millions of citizens whose livelihood is below the doldrums of poverty compels us to accelerate our fight against destitution and wretchedness. (G-12: Entrance: 2015S)
A. In spite of   
B. Despite   
C. However   
D. Despite of

Explanation-3
The above question could be answered in one step using blank space techniques!
The above blank space is followed by clause (subject + verb: 'our economy is ...'). 
  • Based on this, choices A, B and D are wrong; they should be eliminated; they are not followed clause. 
  • If you like more explanation, see the next additional explanation!
  • 100% sure, correct answer must be C!
Ans. C
Additional Explanation
Using the given blank space as a clue, choices A, B and D are wrong; they should be eliminated!
  • A. in spite of: 'In spite of' is followed by 'phrase', not by 'clause'!
    • Choice A must be eliminated!
    • Now, your probability of getting increased from 25% to 33%!
  • B. despite: 'Despite' is followed by 'phrase', not by 'clause'!
    • Choice B should be eliminated!
    • Now, your probability of getting increased from 33% to 50%!
  • D. despite of: grammatically wrong; 'despite' can't be followed by 'of'!
    • Choice D must be eliminated!
    • Now, your probability of getting increased from 50% to 100%!
Note:
  • I think the above question has error because as a rule 'however' is followed by independent clause, not dependent clause (first idea/action, see brief rules-2 )!
  • But since we are 100% sure that choices A, B and D are wrong; we can be 100% sure that choice C is correct answer!
Q. She is very hardworking. _____, she doesn't get good grades. (G-12: Entrance: 1995)
A. Consequently   
B. However   
C. Despite that  
D. Meanwhile 
Explanation-4
Dear students, look the above question; you could answer this question in two simple steps by applying 'relationship techniques': understanding the "relationship" between the given ideas and then, eliminating unrelated choices! 
  • Read this question carefully and look the relationship between the given ideas. 
    • Here, the given ideas have "contrasting relationship" ("hardworking" and "doesn't get good grades"). 
    • Based on this (contrasting ideas), it is clear that the given question is about 'contrasting clause'.
  • Now, go to the given choices, and eliminate all the choices that don't go with "contrasting clauses". 
    • So, choices A, C and D are wrong; they must be eliminated; B is correct answer.
      • Because 'consequently' (result clause), 'despite that' (ungrammatical) and 'meanwhile' (time clause); for more read 'additional explanation', below!
      • 100% sure, the correct answer is B because if you are 100% sure that 3 choices are WRONG, you can be 100% sure that the rest choice is correct answer!
Ans. B
Additional Explanation 
Let's see how the above question and other related questions could be answered using 'relationship techniques'! 
  • The given ideas have "contrasting relationship" (clue: see the explanation, above)!
  • Based on this, let's see how choices A, C and D should be eliminated.
    • A. Consequently: 'Consequently' is used for 'result clause' to join "cause and effect", not to join contrasting ideas. 
      • Choice A must be eliminated.
      • Now, your probability increased from 25% to 33%!
    • C. Despite that: "Despite that" doesn't exist: there is no such type of connector in English! 
      • Choice C must be eliminated.
      • Now, your probability increased from 33% to 50%!
    • D. Meanwhile: 'Meanwhile' is used for adverbial clause of time to join two actions that happen at the same time!
      • Choice D must be eliminated.
      • Now, your probability increased from 50% to 100%!
  • 100% sure 'choices A, C & D' are wrong; whether you like or not 100% sure choice B!
Ans. B
Note: 
'Despite the fact that' could be used in contrasting clauses but in the above choices, the phrase 'the fact' is missed here!

Brief Rules-3: Contrasting Clause: 'but...'
The above question is about 'contrasting clause' (clues: see the explanation, above)!
  • 'Contrasting clauses' are used to express contrasting ideas.
  • 'But' is one of the expressions to express contrasting ideas.
  • 'But' is followed by independent clause (see the next brief summary)! 

For more, click here!
Attention Please!
Dear students, sometimes, in questions about contrasting clauses, you could be given both 'although group' and 'but group' on different choices under a single question!
For example, look the next question (Entrance); see choices C and D
Q. ____ my grade was satisfactory, I feel I studied hard this semester. (G-12: Entrance: 2014S)
A. Even  
B. Despite   
C. However  
D. Although
Note: I have used the phrases both 'although group' and 'but group' for the sake making explanation simple!  
  • 'Although group': although, even though, though, no matter, despite the fact that, in spite of the fact that,
  • 'But group': but, however, nevertheless, nonetheless
As a rule: 
  • 'Although group' are followed by dependent clause
  • 'But group' are followed by independent clause
    • 'Dependent clause' is a clause that depends on other clause, to give meaning!
    • 'Independent clause' is a clause that gives meaning  independently!
But these don't work to answer questions about contrasting clauses. 
Examples: Choose correct answer!
Q-1. Obsa had studied very hard ___ he failed the exam.
A. but                     B. although  
C. in spite of          D. despite              
Ans. A (WHY?)
Q-2. Obsa failed the exam ___ he had studied very hard.
A. but                     B. although  
C. in spite of          D. despite              
Ans. B (WHY)
Tip: Use 'first or second action/idea techniques'
To choose 'but group' or 'although group', use 'first or second action/idea techniques'! 
  • Take the clause that contains 'the first action/idea' as dependent clause!
  • Take the clause that contains 'the second action/idea' as independent clause!
    • If the given blank space is followed by 'first action/idea', choose 'although group'; eliminate 'but group'!
    • If the given blank space is followed by 'second action/idea', choose 'but group'; eliminate 'although group'!
Look the above sample questions (Q-1&2):
  • In Q-1, the given blank space is followed by 'second action/idea (failing exam)'; so, correct answer is A!
  • In Q-2, the given blank space is followed by 'first action/idea (studying hard)'; so, correct answer is B!
Now, look the detail explanation next!  
Q. ____ my grade was satisfactory, I feel I studied hard this semester. (G-12: Entrance: 2014S)
A. Even  
B. Despite   
C. However  
D. Although

Explanation-5
In the above question, 3 different expressions that are used for "contrasting clause" are given on different choices. 
  • Dear students, sometimes, 2 or more than 2 different expressions that are used for the same purpose ("contrasting clause/purpose clause"...) are given on different choices, just like the above. 
    • In this case, use both 'relationship techniques' and also 'blank space techniques' together!
    • Look the above question; using 'relationship techniques', the question is about 'contrasting clause' because there are contrasting ideas (clue: 'satisfactory grade' and 'feeling to study hard' contradict). 
    • Based on this, choice A will be eliminated because 'even' is used to "give extreme example"! 
    • For example, he can't write even his name. 
  • Again, look the given choices; all these choices (see choices B-D) are used for 'contrasting clauses'. 
  • When 2 or more than 2 different expressions that are used for the same purpose are given on different choices, use 'blank space techniques' to choose one of them! 
    • For example, the blank space is followed by clause. 
    • Based on this, choice B must be eliminated because'despite' is used after phrase: NOT after clause. 
    • But both choices C (however) and D (although) could be used for contrasting clause; both are followed by clause.
  • Whenever you are asked to choose correct expression by giving you both 'although group' and 'but group' like the above question, use the given blank space as clue.
    • Look in the above question, the blank space is followed by dependent clause (firts action: satisfactory grade). 
    • Thus, choice C must be eliminated. 
Ans. D
Note: Brief Rules: See brief rules 1 and 2 (about contrasting clauses, above)!

Q. The crowd keep rallying every day and the scene gradually started turning violent _______ the people thought the government didn't take them seriously. Now, things reached a point where they are completely out of control. (G-12: Entrance: 2013)
A. consequently         
B. because of   
C. because                   
D. as a consequence of
Explanation-6
Simply using 'blank space techniques', choices B and D must be eliminated: your probability of getting increased from 25% to 50%! Because look the given blank space is followed by 'clause' (clues: subject + verb: 'the people thought...'). But 'because of' (B) and 'as a consequence of' (D) are followed by phrase, not by 'clause'!
Let's take the ideas before and after the given blank space and see their relationship. 
  • The given ideas have 'cause' and 'effect' relationship and the given blank space is followed by clause (of cause). 
    • Result/effect: "The crowd keep rallying every day and the scene gradually started turning violent"
    • Cause: "the people thought the government didn't take them seriously"
  • So, the question is generally, about reason clause; specifically, about the use of 'because'.
  • Because 'as, because, since and due to the fact that' are reason clause expressions that are used to express 'cause' and 'effect'; they are followed by clause (of cause). 
  • Based on these, eliminate all the choices which don't contain one of the above mentioned reason clause expressions. 
Ans. C
Brief Rules-4: Reason Clause: 'because...'
The above question is about 'reason clause' (clues: see the explanation, above)!
  • 'Reason clauses' are used to express cause and effect.
  • 'Because' is one of the expressions to express cause and effect.
  • 'Because and other related expressions' are followed by 'clause of cause' (see the next brief summary)! 
For more, click here!
Q. Zeineb had to leave the meeting early, ______ she had an already settled appointment with her physician. (G-12: Entrance: 2015S)
A. in fact   
B. so long as   
C. despite   
D. as

Explanation-7
You could answer this question in one step by applying 'relationship techniques'. Look the relationship between the first idea ('leaving the meeting early') and the second idea ('having appointment'). 
They have 'cause' and 'effect' relationship. 
Based on this, eliminate all the choices but D because only choice D (as) is used to show 'cause' and 'effect': the question is about "reason clause".
Ans. D
Additional Information
Choices A-C must be eliminated; the context doesn't need the expressions on each of these 3 choices. 
♦ "In fact": We use "in fact/actually/ of course..." to get attention or to show contrast between what is true and what is said, to show surprise.
Examples:
  • Mangistu H/Mariyam is blamed as dictator; actually/in fact, there are many good things that he did. 
  • Actually, I am not his supporter.
♦ "So long as": "So long as and as long as" could be used as reason expression but to give extreme reason: they are used to say "only if / to the extent that ".
Examples:
  • I will give your money so long as/as long as you pay my money!
  • As long as my elder brother is here, no one hurts me. 
♦ "Despite": "Despite and in spite of" are used for contrasting ideas. 
Q. _____________ it rained heavily, we had to cancel our trip. The road was too muddy. (G-12: Entrance: 2007)
A. Since                 
B. However   
C. As a result        
D. Because of

Explanation-8
The above question could be answered by applying "relationship techniques" and "blank space techniques". 
  • Look the given ideas have 'cause' and 'effect' relationship (clues: "heavy rain" and "trip cancelled").
  • In addition, the blank space is followed by clause that shows the cause ('heavily rained'). 
  • The question is specifically about 'reason clauses'! Because if the given sentence/sentences express 'cause' and 'effect', and the blank space is followed by clause that shows the cause, that question is clearly about 'reason clauses'!
  • Based on these, choices B-D are wrong; they must be eliminated; answer must be A.
Additional Explanation 
Choices B-D are wrong; they must be eliminated.    
  • B. However: 'However' is usde  for contrasting clause, not for 'reason clauses!
  • C. As a result: 'As a result' could be used to express 'cause' and 'effect' but the blank space must be followed by clause of 'effect', not by clause of 'cause': "as a result + effect"!
  • D. Because of: 'Because of' could be used for 'reason clauses' but it must be followed by phrase, not by clause: "because of + phrase"!
  • 100% sure, choice A must be correct answer because we are 100% that choices B, C and D are wrong and eliminated.
Ans. A
Attention Please!
We have proved that the ideas in above question have 'cause' and 'effect' relationship; look the given choices; reason clause expressions (see A & D) and result clause expression (see C) are given.
  • Dear students, you have to be very careful when you are asked this type of question ('cause' & 'effect', and also both "reason & result expressions on different choices")! 
  • Because 'cause' & 'effect' could be expressed by reason and result expressions. 
  • Use blank space techniques; based on rules, they have different forms:
    • reason expressions + cause/reason 
    • result expressions + effect/result 
Check Yourself 
Students, check yourself doing the next 3 questions!
1. It rained heavily yesterday. _____ we cancelled our trip. The road was too muddy. (Modified)
A. Since      
B. However,       
C. As a result,    
D. Because of
2. We cancelled our trip _____ heavy rain. The road was too muddy. (Modified)
A. since      
B. however       
C. as a result      
D. because of
3. It rained heavily yesterday, and the road got too muddy. _____ we didn't cancel our trip. (Modified)
A. Since    
B. However,    
C. As a result,   
D. Because of
xxxxxx
Q. He has been a habitual drinker for many years. ______, he got a serious liver disorder. (G-12: Entrance: 1995)
A. Although    
B. However    
C. In spite of   
D. As a result 

Explanation-9
Let's take the ideas before and after the given blank space and see their relationship. Look the relationship between the given ideas; they have 'cause' and 'effect' relationship; the blank space is followed by clause of result. 
  • The cause: "He has been a habitual drinker for many years."
  • The result: "He got a serious liver disorder."
  • Thus, no doubt, this question is generally, about result clause; specifically, about the use of 'therefore, as a result, consequently, for this reason, so, thus, hence...'. 
  • Because these expressions are used to express 'cause' and 'effect'; they are followed by clause or sentence (see the rules). 
  • Based on these, all choices will be eliminated except D. Because none of them is result clause expression.
Ans. D
Q. The witness was _______ biased that whatever he said was unbelievable. (G-12: 2014S)
A. as such  
B. as much    
C. such    
D. so

Explanation-10
The above question could be answered in one step only by using "blank space techniques"! 
  • Look the blank space is followed by 'adjective + that' (clue: see 'biased that'). 
  • Among the given choices only D 'so' is used before 'adjective + that' (clue: rule: 'so + adjective + that.
Ans. D
Additional Explanation 
The question is about result clause; it shows cause and effect: the witness was biased; what said was unbelievable. 
  • Choices A and B are wrong; don't have any relation with result clause, specially, with the above question. That is why they are eliminated.
  • Choice C (such): 'Such' could be used with result clause but it can't be used with the above question (see the rule under, below.). This is the reason why choice C is eliminated.
NB: Look again the next question!

Brief Rules: Result Clauses: 'so...that..', click here!
Q. It was ______ boring lecture that everyone fell asleep. (G-12: Entrance: 2002)
A. so  
B. too  
C. such   
D. such a

Explanation-11
This question could also be answered simply by using the given blank space as a clue. 
  • Look the given blank space is followed by 'adjective + noun + that'. 
  • The noun 'lecture' is singular countable noun: 'such a' must be used when the given noun is singular countable! 
  • Based on these, all the given choices are eliminated except D.
Ans. D
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Links: All Related Links Only Adverbial Clauses
To get full understanding (Adverbial Clauses) that enable you to be successful on exam, read the next smart related materials!
Smart Notes
Answers for Grade 12 Entrance Exam 






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