Explanations for Grade 12 Entrance: English: Adverbial Clauses Questions (Part-3)
By Million Abebe (MA in TEFL and B. Ed. Degree in Pedagogy)
Q. She is very hardworking. _____, she doesn't get good grades. (G-12: Entrance: 1995)
A. ConsequentlyB. HoweverC. Despite thatD. Meanwhile
Explanation-1
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. 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 briefly 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 (the phrase 'the fact' is missed here)!
Brief Rules-1: 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)!
Q. Any student ____ misbehaves in class should be penalized. (G-12: Entrance: 2015S)
A. whosoever B. who C. whom D. which
A. whosoever B. who C. whom D. which
Explanation-2
The question is about relative clause (clue: it talks about student to be penalized). 'Blank space techniques' could be used to answer question is about relative clause!
Look the idea before the given blank space and after it.
♦ The idea before the blank space could help you to know whether it is about "people or thing"!
♦ The idea after the blank space could help you to know whether the place needs "subject/ object/possessive indicator".
For example, you could use the blank space as clue to answer this question.
♠ Look, the idea before the blank space is about person (student); eliminate choice D 'which'.
Look the idea before the given blank space and after it.
♦ The idea before the blank space could help you to know whether it is about "people or thing"!
♦ The idea after the blank space could help you to know whether the place needs "subject/ object/possessive indicator".
For example, you could use the blank space as clue to answer this question.
♠ Look, the idea before the blank space is about person (student); eliminate choice D 'which'.
- Now, your probability increased from 25% to 33%!
♠Here, the blank space is followed by "verb"; this means, the blank space needs "subject". Choice C must be eliminated (clue: 'whom' is object).
- Now, your probability increased from 33% to 50%!
Both choices A and B could be used as subject but A is correct.
- "Any + noun" is used in positive way to say 'it doesn't matter'!
- It doesn't matter who a student is as long as a he/she misbehaves (shows bad behavior).
- "Whosoever" is used to give more emphasis or surprise but who doesn't show surprise.
- Eliminate choice B!
- Now, your probability increased from 50% to 100%!
Brief Rules-2: Relative Clauses: 'subject ...'
The above question is about 'relative clause' (clues: see the explanation, above)!
- ''Relative clauses' are used to give basic/key information or to give additional/extra ideas.
- ''Relative clauses' are by relative pronouns.
- 'As a subject': who, that, which, whosoever... are some common relative pronouns that are used a subject in relative clauses' (see the next brief summary)
Q. I remember quite well what the anti-Apartheid icon Nelson Mandela once said "_______ Africans are sinking, the rest of the world is letting them sink. When someone lets you you sink, you must learn how to swim." (G-12: Entrance: 2015S)
A. while B. where as C. even though D. on the contrary
Explanation-3
Look the above question; it is about adverbial clauses (clue: see the given choices: various connectors/adverbial clause expressions are given.).
You could answer this question using "relationship techniques".
That means, by looking the relationship between the given ideas (before and after the given blank space/in the first clause and the second clause). Then based on that eliminate unrelated choices.
In the above question, there are two ideas/actions (in the first clause and the second clause): two actions ('sinking' and 'letting sink') taking place "at the same time".
Based on rules, we use 'while/when/as' to express two actions that happen at the same time.
So, choices C and D should be eliminated (clue: 'even though' and 'on the contrary' are used for contrasting ideas, not for two actions that happen at the same time.).
Choice B should also be eliminated for two reasons: 'where as' should be written as one word (like this 'whereas'); 'whereas' which is written as one word is used to join different ideas not two actions that happen at the same time.
Ans. A
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-4
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 group'. 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
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-5
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. My classmate goes to school by bus ______ I walk every day. (G-12: Entrance: 2012)
A. whereas B. because C. since D. so
Explanation-6
This question could be answered in two steps only. Simply by taking each choice and cross-check thier functions with the given ideas/sentence, you can eliminate unrelated choices.
Choices B&C should be eliminated as both are used for reason clause. If the same/similar structures are used like these, both are eliminated. Choice D also should be eliminated (clue: so is used to show cause and effect.). The sentence doesn't show cause and effect; it shows different ideas but not contrast.
Ans. A
Additional Explanation
Rules: whereas, while, on the other hand, in the other hand... these are used to join different ideas but not contrasting.
Examples
Biden likes to watch films whereas/while/but I like to watch football games. (These ideas are different; they don't contrast.)
Biden likes to watch films but I donot like to watch films. (These contrast each other.)
Note: 'But' is used for both 'different ideas' and 'contrasting'.
Q. My classmate goes to school by bus ______ I walk every day. (G-12: Entrance: 2012)
A. whereas B. because C. since D. so
Explanation-7
This question could be answered in two steps only. Simply by taking each choice and cross-check thier functions with the given ideas/sentence, you can eliminate unrelated choices.
Choices B&C should be eliminated as both are used for reason clause. If the same/similar structures are used like these, both are eliminated. Choice D also should be eliminated (clue: so is used to show cause and effect.). The sentence doesn't show cause and effect; it shows different ideas but not contrast.
Ans. A
Additional Explanation
Rules: whereas, while, on the other hand, in the other hand... these are used to join different ideas but not contrasting.
Examples:
- Biden likes to watch films whereas/while/but I like to watch football games. (These ideas are different; they don't contrast.)
- Biden likes to watch films but I donot like to watch films. (These contrast each other.)
Note: 'But' is used for both 'different ideas' and 'contrasting'.
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-8
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-9
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').
Therefore, choices B-D must be eliminated (clues: "however for contrasting"; "as a result + effect"; "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', "reason & result expressions on different choices")! Because 'cause' & 'effect' could be expressed by reason and result expressions. But based on rules, they have different forms:
reason expressions + cause/reason
result expressions + effect/result
In this case, use blank space techniques: look the ideas after the given blank space.
- If the given blank space is followed by "cause/reason", eliminate result expressions.
- If the given blank space is followed by "effect/result", eliminate reason expressions.
- blank space + "cause/reason", eliminate result expressions
- blank space + "effect/result", eliminate reason expressions
Please, use these techniques, whenever you are asked this type of question ('cause' & 'effect', reason & result expressions on different choices)!
For example, look the above given blank space is followed by "clause that shows the cause" ('heavily rained'). Based on this, choice C 'as a result' must be eliminated.
Now, you are left with two choices (A & D); both are reason clause expressions. But they have different forms:
- since + clause of reason/cause
- because of + phrase of reason/cause
To choose one of the above two expressions ('since' & 'because of'), use blank space techniques.
- If the given blank space is followed by "clause of cause", eliminate 'because of group'
- If the given blank space is followed by "phrase of cause", eliminate 'since group'
- blank space + "clause of cause", eliminate 'because of group'
- blank space + "phrase of cause", eliminate 'since group'
Please, use these techniques, whenever you are asked this type of question ('cause' & 'effect', two or more reason expressions on different choices)!
Look the above blank space; it is followed by "clause that shows the cause" ('heavily rained'). Based on this, choice B 'because of' must be eliminated.
Ans. A
Note:
- 'because of group': because of, due to, owning to...
- 'since group': since, because, as, due to the fact that...
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
Q. No one should abuse his/her power ______ corruption. (G-12: Entrance: 2015S)
A. in order to B. so as to C. to D. for
Explanation-10
The above question could be answered in one step by using "blank space techniques"! Look the given blank space is followed by noun "corruption"; based on this, choices A, B, and C must be eliminated because 'in order to' (A), 'so as to' (B) and 'to' (C) are followed by verb1. 'For' is used to express purpose clause (form: for + noun/phrase).
Ans. D
Q. They started early ___________ get there before noon. (G-12: Entrance: 2005)
A. so as to B. because to
C. so that D. so that to
Explanation-11
The above question could be answered simply by "looking the given choices" and also "using blank space techniques"! Dear students, some choices could be eliminated simply by looking; (please, in future), before starting to choose correct answer, first, see and eliminate some "ungrammatical choices" (if any)!
For example, in the above question, simply by looking the given choices, choices B and D should be eliminated! Because they are ungrammatical ('because' and 'so that' are NOT followed by "to"); there are no such types of expressions in formal English! Now, you have 50% (1/2) probability of getting (if you eliminate one the rest two choices: Both choices A and C are grammatically correct; both expressions could be used for purpose clause. This means, two purpose clause expressions are given on different choices, under a single question. To answer this and other related questions, use "blank space techniques"!
Look the given blank space (in the above question) is followed by the verb "get''; based on rules (see the next smart summary note), 'so that' (C) is NOT used before verb. "So that" is followed by clause (form: so that + clause)! As a result, choice C will be eliminated!
Ans. A
Q. He sold his old house __________________ buy a new one. Unfortunately, however, it didn’t work out and now he has no house. (G-12: Entrance: 2008)
A. so that to B. so as to
C. because of to D. in order that to
Explanation-12
This question could be answered simply by "using grammatically or contextually wrong choices as clues"! Look the above choices; choices A, C and D will be eliminated simply by looking because they are "ungrammatical"! "So that to" (A), "because of to" (C) and "in order that to" (D) are "ungrammatical"; we don't have such structures /expressions in formal English. As a result, 100% sure, choice B must be correct answer!
Ans. B
Q. You should leave home early ______ to be late for tomorrow's exam. (G-12: Entrance: 2002)
A. in case not
B. so that not
C. if not
D. in order not
Explanation-13
Brief Explanation
The above question could be answered by applying both "blank space techniques" and "relationship techniques". Using "blank space techniques" and also "relationship techniques", choices A, B and C must be eliminated.
Ans. D
Additional Explanation
Let me explain how choices A, B and C must be eliminated using "blank space techniques" and "relationship techniques". Using "blank space techniques", choices A and B should be eliminated. Because take the given blank space as a clue; look the given blank space is followed by 'to'. As a rule, only 'in order and so as' are used before 'to'. Based on this, choices A and B must be eliminated because 'in case' (A) and 'so that' (B) can't be followed by 'to'.
Using "relationship techniques", it is clear that the above question is about 'purpose clause'! Because look the ideas, in this question; they have "action and expectation relationship" (clue: look the first and the second ideas: "leaving home early" is action; "not to be late for tomorrow's exam" is the speaker's expectation). As it has been said above, if the given ideas have "action and expectation relationship", that question is about 'purpose clause'! As a result, choice C must be eliminated because 'if not' is used for "cause" and "effect": it is not for 'purpose clause': 'if not' doesn't have any relation with 'purpose clause'!
Ans. D
Q. The hospital has a backup generator, _______ there is a power failur. (G-12: Entrance: 2012)
A. in the fact of
B. in the case of
C. in case
D. instead
Explanation-14
In this question, the action (having a backup generator) is done to avoid a power failur. It is generally about purpose clause (clues: an action and its expected result are given); specifically, about the use of 'in case'. If someone or something does/did/will do something to avoid something (to prevent from happening), negative purpose clause (see here ...) or in case/lest could be used.
Ans. C
Q. Gebre didn't come to the meeting _____ fear of being labeled as a 'puppet'. But it could have been better to go and see what people think about the system. (G-12: Entrance: 2011)
A. because
B. in case of
C. for
D. as
Explanation-15
The above question is about purpose clause because look the relationship between the given ideas; there is 'action' with 'expectation'. Moreover, look the given blank space is followed by "fear of" + noun phrase "being labeled". Look the given choices; except choice C the rest choices are wrong; based on rules "for" is used before "fear of" (form: for + fear of + phrase)!
Ans. C
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-16
The above question could be answered in one step using "blank space techniques". Look the given blank space is followed by "clause" (clue: see "there has been a sharp..."; verb "has been). Look the given choices; none of them is correct except choice B: eliminate them except B.
Ans. B
Additional Explanation
This question is about contrasting clause (clues: see the given ideas "contradicting"). Look the first idea; the president is expected to be re-elected (clue: see the expression "likely"); the second idea contradicts to this. The organization was not profitable while he was leading (clues: see "sharp decline in profits").
Choices A, C and D must be eliminated. Choice A "despite of" is ungrammatical because "despite" is NOT used with "of". Choices C and D "despite" and "in spite of" are not followed by "clause" but look the above given blank space is followed by "clause".
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-17
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". 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 (WHY?)!
Ans. C
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-18
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"! Example, he can't write even his name.
Again, look the given choices; all these choices (see choices B-D) are used for 'contrasting clause'. 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. 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
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-19
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
Moreover, the question is about result clause; it shows cause and effect: the witness was biased; what said was unbelievable. Choices A and B don't have relation with result clause, specially, with the above question. That is why they are eliminated.
Choice C (such) could be used with result clause but it can't be used with the above question (see the rule under 'Footnote' below.). This is the reason why choice C is eliminated.
NB: Look again the next question!
Ans. D
Q. It was ______ boring lecture that everyone fell asleep. (G-12: Entrance: 2002)
A. so
B. too
C. such
D. such a
Explanation-20
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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