Let’s go through each sentence one by one and pick the best linking word from the box:
although, as, because, in order to, so that, whereas
We need to think about what each word does:
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because / as → give a reason (why something happened)
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although → shows contrast (something surprising or opposite)
-
whereas → compares two different things
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so that → explains purpose (to make something happen)
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in order to → also explains purpose, but followed by a verb (like “prepare”, “study”, etc.)
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Sentence 1:
*I can afford new trainers ______ I was paid yesterday.*
→ Why can you afford them? Because you got paid.
✔ Best fit:
because (or “as” — both work for giving a reason)
---
Sentence 2:
*I passed the exam ______ some of the questions were really hard.*
→ You passed EVEN THOUGH it was hard → contrast!
✔ Best fit:
although
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Sentence 3:
*Most students have long summer holidays ______ medical students have to work all through the year.*
→ Comparing two groups → one has holidays, the other doesn’t.
✔ Best fit:
whereas
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Sentence 4:
*It’s a good idea to talk to a careers advisor ______ you know what kind of jobs might suit you.*
→ Purpose: talking helps you KNOW → so that you know
✔ Best fit:
so that
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Sentence 5:
*I’ve got the afternoon off ______ I worked late yesterday evening.*
→ Reason: you worked late → so you get time off now
✔ Best fit:
because (or “as”)
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Sentence 6:
*We’re usually given half an hour ______ prepare for our final race.*
→ Purpose + followed by verb “prepare” → needs “in order to”
✔ Best fit:
in order to
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Now, check if any words can fit in more than one place:
-
because and
as both mean “for the reason that” → could swap in sentences 1 and 5.
-
so that and
in order to both show purpose, but “in order to” must be followed by a verb (like “prepare”), while “so that” is followed by a full clause (“you know...”). So they aren’t interchangeable here.
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Final Answer:
1. because (or as)
2. although
3. whereas
4. so that
5. because (or as)
6. in order to
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of clauses worksheet.
