B1 Even Though, Although and Because

What to do: Read each sentence and choose the best ending (A, B or C). Think about whether the sentence needs a reason or a contrast. Open a hint if you need help.

Even though Nadia had never performed in front of an audience, _____.

A. her guitar had belonged to her older brother. B. she played confidently at the school concert. C. she practised for several weeks before the concert.

Hint

Think about an unexpected result when someone has no experience performing.

The town centre was crowded because _____.

A. most of the shops closed early. B. the streets were usually quiet on weekdays. C. a popular food festival was taking place.

Hint

Which option gives a clear reason for many people being in the town centre?

Oliver went to work although _____.

A. he had a bad cold and a high temperature. B. his office was only ten minutes away. C. he needed to finish an important report.

Hint

Choose the option that makes going to work surprising or difficult.

The museum stayed open late even though _____.

A. the manager had asked the staff to stay. B. a new exhibition had opened that week. C. very few people visited after six o'clock.

Hint

Why might staying open late seem surprising if hardly anyone visits?

We missed the beginning of the film because _____.

A. we had booked our tickets online. B. the bus arrived twenty minutes late. C. the film started at the advertised time.

Hint

Find the event that explains why the people arrived late.

Although the new phone was quite expensive, _____.

A. I compared its features before buying it. B. it was available in three different colours. C. the battery stopped working after two days.

Hint

An expensive product is expected to work well. Which ending gives an unexpected problem?

Even though the mountain path was steep and rocky, _____.

A. the group reached the village before sunset. B. they had packed sandwiches for lunch. C. the walk lasted almost four hours.

Hint

Choose the result that shows the group succeeded despite the difficult path.

The main road was closed because _____.

A. the weather was sunny and warm. B. workers were repairing a damaged bridge. C. cars were moving through the area as usual.

Hint

Which option gives a practical reason for closing a road?

Although Ben had studied the map carefully, _____.

A. he checked the bus timetable before leaving. B. he knew the journey would take an hour. C. he still took a wrong turn.

Hint

Look for an unexpected mistake after careful preparation.

The flight took off on time even though _____.

A. the passengers were waiting at the gate. B. there had been thick fog earlier that morning. C. the airport café was very busy.

Hint

Which earlier condition might normally cause a flight delay?

We chose to eat at home because _____.

A. all the nearby restaurants were fully booked. B. the weather was warm and sunny. C. our favourite restaurant had a free table.

Hint

Choose the option that explains why eating at home was necessary.

Although the instructions were quite clear, _____.

A. the teacher explained each step slowly. B. everyone read them before beginning. C. several people made the same mistake.

Hint

A clear set of instructions should prevent mistakes. Which ending contrasts with that expectation?

Remember: because introduces a reason. Although and even though introduce a contrast between two ideas.