Contrast Connectors — Mixed Practice

This exercise brings together all the main contrast connectors at B2 level: although, even though, though, despite, in spite of, however, but, yet, while, and whereas. Each one expresses a similar idea — that two facts are surprising or contradictory — but they all have different grammar rules. Conjunctions (although, even though, though, while, whereas) join clauses. Prepositions (despite, in spite of) take nouns or gerunds. Sentence connectors (however, nevertheless, yet) begin new sentences.

The real challenge is not understanding the meaning — it is using the correct grammar for each connector. A common exam strategy is to identify what follows the gap: if there is a clause (subject + verb), choose a conjunction; if there is a noun or -ing form, choose a preposition; if there is a full stop or semicolon before the gap, choose a sentence connector. Practising this skill improves both your grammar accuracy and your ability to vary your writing style. This connector variety is a key factor in achieving higher scores in Cambridge B2 First and IELTS writing examinations.