An overview of english conjunctions with exercises for the 12th grade students at tran an chiem high school

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART 1: INTRODUCTION...........................................................................1
1. 1. Reasons for choosing topics..........................................................1
1. 2. Aims and objectives......................................................................1
1. 3. Scope and subject..........................................................................1
1. 4. Methodology of the experience initiative......................................1
PART 2: DEVELOPMENT............................................................................2
2. 1. Theoretical basis of the experience initiative................................2
2. 1. 1. A brief explanation of conjunctions......................................2
2. 1. 2. Classification of conjunctions...............................................2
2. 1. 2. 1. Coordinating conjunctions............................................2
2. 1. 2. 2. Correlative conjunctions...............................................3
2. 1. 2. 3. Subordinating conjunctions...........................................4
2. 2. Practice..........................................................................................6
2. 2. 1. Coordinating conjunctions....................................................6
Exercise 1......................................................................................6
Exercise 2......................................................................................7
Exercise 3 .....................................................................................7
2. 2. 2. Subordinating conjunctions...................................................8
Exercise 1......................................................................................8
Exercise 2......................................................................................9
Exercise 3....................................................................................10
2. 2. 3. Correlative conjunctions......................................................11
Exercise 1....................................................................................11
Exercise 2....................................................................................12
Exercise 3....................................................................................12
2. 2. 4. Mix conjunctions.................................................................14
Exercise 1....................................................................................14
Exercise 2....................................................................................14
Exercise 3....................................................................................15
2. 2. 5. Conjunction exercises in the national examinations

for GCSE ....................................................................................18
2. 3. The effectiveness of the experience initiative.............................18
PART 3: CONCLUSION..............................................................................18
3. 1. Conclusion...................................................................................18
3. 2. Recommendations.......................................................................19
REFERENCES................................................................................................20

I


PART 1: INTRODUCTION
1. 1. Reasons for choosing topics
It is the fact that English has entirely become an international language on
account of its highest effectiveness in communication. In effect, a prevalent
phenomenon has been occurring in a great number of countries in the world
where millions of people are attempting to use the language as their native
speakers. Nevertheless, it is inadequate to take care of the choice of words
(adjectives, nouns, verbs, and articles…), grammar rules (voice, aspect, and
tense…) alone for fruitful communication; using conjunctions is highly
appreciated. Without conjunctions, it is rather hard to understand the content of a
meandering speech. In addition, the given ideas are completely by no means
cohesive, logical and unified. It is undeniable that conjunction is so complex a
category that students cannot help having trouble in use. For its complexity, we
have an ambition to present all aspects of conjunctions. Due to the above
mentioned reasons, I have chosen the following topic: “An overview of English
Conjunctions with exercises for the 12th grade students at Tran An Chiem high
school” to help my students especially the ones in the 12th grade have an
overview of conjunctions in order that they can use them accurately and prepare
well for the coming final exams. Using this theme effectively, students will be
able to develop the ability to do conjunction exercises more easily and more

confidently.
1. 2. Aims and objectives
The research firstly aims to introduce students some general knowledge
about conjunctions in English and then suggest exercises that’s they can deal
with in tests and exams. At the end of the experience initiative, some
implications for teaching, learning will be covered as useful resources.
1. 3. Scope and subject
This experience initiative is focused only on:

Conjunctions and exercises.

Tran An Chiem high school students.
With the above mentioned aims and due to limited time and size for an
experience initiative, I would like to deal with written exercises only. The
exercises for students are taken out from books, textbooks, internet in English.
1. 4. Methodology of the experience initiative
In order to achieve the aims mentioned above, the experience initiative
uses the methods of observation, interview, questionnaire and summation of
teaching experience. The data can be recorded formally and informally. The
interview is used to record teachers’ information. The survey by written tests
with three classes of high school students will be conducted with questionnaire
to get information to support the experience initiative.

1


PART 2: DEVELOPMENT
2. 1. Theoretical basis of the experience initiative
The author chooses this topic to address a number of requirements in
terms of science and practice as follows:

2. 1. 1. A brief explanation of conjunctions
Conjunctions are known as connective or linking words. They join
thoughts, actions and ideas, as well as clauses and phrases. The main job of a
conjunction is to link together different parts of a sentence to help you connect
or emphasize ideas or actions. Conjunctions help you form more complex and
interesting sentences and make your writing flow more smoothly.
Followings are three different types of conjunctions:
Coordinating
Conjunctions, Subordinating Conjunctions, and Correlative Conjunctions.
2. 1. 2. Classification of conjunctions
2. 1. 2. 1. Coordinating conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions like "and," "nor," or "so" link equal parts of a
sentence, be it words, phrases, or independent clauses, but they must always join
similar elements: e.g. subject + subject, verb phrase + verb phrase, sentence +
sentence.
An easy way to remember these six conjunctions is to think of the word
FANBOYS. Each of the letters in this somewhat unlikely word is the first letter
of one of the coordinating conjunctions.
F

A

N

B

O

Y

S

For

And

Nor

but

Or

yet

so

For - Explains reason or purpose (just like "because").
Ex: I go to the park every Sunday, for I long to see his face.
And - Adds one thing to another.
Ex: I like to read, and I write faithfully in my journal every night.
Nor - Used to present an alternative negative idea to an already stated negative
idea.
Ex: I neither love nor hate to watch TV.
But - Shows contrast.
Ex: Television is a wonderful escape, but it interferes with my writing.
Or - Presents an alternative or a choice.
Ex: Would you rather read a book or watch a good TV show?
Yet - Introduces a contrasting idea that follows the preceding idea logically
(similar to "but").
Ex: I always take a book to the beach, yet I never seem to turn a single page.

So - Indicates effect, result or consequence.
Ex: I like to read, so my grammar is always on-point.
If a coordinating conjunction is joining together two independent clauses, it
needs to have a comma with it.
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Coordinating conjunctions are the simplest of all the conjunctions to recognize
and master. Knowing how they work will improve the quality and complexity of
your writing.
2. 1. 2. 2. Correlative conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions are sort of like tag-team conjunctions. They
come in pairs, and you have to use both of them in different places in a sentence
to make them work. They get their name from the fact that they work together
(co-) and relate one sentence element to another.
There are some correlative conjunctions:
both...and not only...but also

either...or

neither...nor whether...or

When we use these correlative conjunctions, it’s important to use parallel
structure, especially in formal writing. Parallel structure requires both elements
that are joined by the correlative conjunction to be equal.
Just as we have to take extra care with subject-verb agreement, we also have to
be careful with pronoun agreement when using correlative conjunctions. When
joining singular and plural subjects, the subject closest to the verb determines
whether the verb is singular or plural.
WHAT IS

CONJUNCTIONS
SAMPLE SENTENCES
LINKED
both...and ( to put emphasis on
subject +
Both my sister and my brother
two elements that are true in a
subject
play the piano.
sentence)
either...or(to present two
Tonight's program is either Mozart
noun + noun
options)
or Beethoven.
Neither the orchestra nor the
neither...nor (to negate two
subject +
chorus was able to overcome the
options.)
subject
terrible acoustics in the church
not only...but also (to
Not only does Sue raise money for
sentence +
emphasize an additional
the symphony, but she also ushers
sentence
element in the sentence)
at all of their concerts.

whether … or
“I don’t know whether the white
(to express doubt between two noun + noun paint or the green paint is better.”
possible options)
just as … so (to indicate that
“Just as I love films, so does my
the two elements being joined sentence +
brother love sports”
are similar)
sentence
Here are some more useful pairs of correlative conjunctions:
As/as - Bowling isn't as fun as skeet shooting.
Such/that - Such was the nature of their volatile relationship that they never
would have made it even if they'd wanted to.

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Scarcely/when - I had scarcely walked in the door when I got an urgent call and
had to run right back out again.
As many/as - There are as many curtains as there are windows.
No sooner/than - I'd no sooner lie to you than strangle a puppy.
Rather/than - She'd rather play the drums than sing.
Correlative conjunctions are more similar to coordinating conjunctions
than to subordinating conjunctions because the sentence fragments they connect
are usually equal. Subordinating conjunctions connect independent
clauses and dependent clauses, which have very different functions.
Coordinating conjunctions and correlative conjunctions, on the other
hand, connect words and phrases that carry equal weight in the sentence.
2. 1. 2. 3. Subordinating conjunctions

A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects an independent
clause to a dependent clause. Subordinating conjunctions, (subordinators) are
most important in creating subordinating clauses. These adverbs that act like
conjunctions are placed at the front of the clause. The adverbial clause can come
either before or after the main clause. Subordinators are usually a single word,
but there are also a number of multi-word subordinators that function like a
single subordinating conjunction. They can be classified according to their use
in regard to time, cause and effect, opposition, or condition.
Based on the type of meaning they convey, there are five main classes of
conjunctions.
- Time-related conjunctions establish a period when the main clause will be
performed. These include after, as soon as, as long as, before, once, still, until,
when, whenever, and while.
Ex:
"I will do the dishes after everyone has gone home" might be said by a hostess
who prefers to enjoy her guests while they are there.
- Concession and comparison conjunctions redefine the main clause in the
context of the process being delivered.
+ Concession conjunctions include although, as though, and even though.
Ex:
"Eliza wrote the Higgins report, even though it was assigned to Colonel
Pickering."
+ Comparison conjunctions include just as, though, whereas, in contrast to,
and while.
Ex:
"Ellen v-logged about the results of the political meeting, in contrast to her archenemy who merely blogged."
- Cause conjunctions illuminate the reason that the main clause activities were
performed and are commonly engineered by using as, because, in order that,
since, and so that.
Ex:

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"Grant dreamed about cheese because he had eaten so much of it the night
before."
- Condition conjunctions set the rules under which the main clause will be
performed and are indicated by even if, if, in case, provided that, and unless.
Ex:
"Unless it rains on Saturday, we will have the picnic in the park."
- Place conjunctions determine where activities might occur and are
primarily where, wherever, and whereas.
Ex:
"I will place my conjunction in the sentence wherever I please."
Subordinating conjunctions can also be defined by the words used to create and
separate the clauses. There are three main methods of separating and defining
the role of the clauses, based on the number of words and their position in the
sentences.
- Simple subordinators consist of one word: although, if, since, that, unless,
until, whereas, while, etc. Most of the time, single words are placed at the
beginning of the dependent clause.
Ex:
"Mr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humor, reserve, and
caprice, that the experience of three-and-twenty years had been insufficient to
make his wife understand his character."
- Complex subordinators consist of more than one word: in order that, such that,
granted that, assuming that, so that, as long as, insofar as, in case, etc. Like
single subordinators, complex subordinators are typically at the beginning of the
dependent clauses.
Ex:
"I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do

it."
- Correlative subordinators consist of pairs of words that relate two parts of the
sentence: as and so, scarcely and when, if and then. These types of subordinators
connect two dependent clauses into one independent sentence.
Ex: "If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there
would be peace." The extra "then" in there intensifies the result.
When a dependent clause precedes an independent clause, there's
a comma between the two, indicating the beginning of the independent clause.
However, when the independent clause comes first, there's usually no need to
separate the two clauses with a comma.
Ex:
After - "Your heart will break like mine, and you'll want only me after you've
gone" (Ella Fitzgerald)
Although - "Although I've been here before, he's just too hard to ignore" (Amy
Winehouse)

5


As - "As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I take a look at my
life and realize there's nothing left" (Coolio)
As long as - "I don't care who you are, where you're from or what you did as
long as you love me" (Backstreet Boys)
Because - "I'm everything I am because you loved me" (Celine Dion)
Before - "Just call me angel of the morning, angel. Just touch my
cheek before you leave me, baby" (Juice Newton)
Even if - "Even if the sky is falling down, you'll be my only" (Jay Sean)
If - "If you leave me now, you'll take away the biggest part of me" (Chicago)
Once - "Once in a blue moon, something good comes along." (Van Morrison)
Now that - "Baby, now that I've found you, I won't let you go" (Tony

Macaulay/John MacLeod)
Since - "I guess I'll never be the same since I fell for you" (B.B. King)
Though - "Walk on through the rain though your dreams be tossed and blown"
(Rodgers and Hammerstein)
Unless - "We're never going to survive unless we get a little crazy" (Seal)
Until - "I'll keep on dreaming until my dreams come true." (Charlie Louvin)
When - "When I see you smile, I can face the world" (Bad English)
Where - "There's a light burning bright, showing me the way, but I
know where I've been" (Scott Wittman)
While - "I look at the world, and I notice it's turning while my guitar gently
weeps" (The Beatles)
As with any grammatical device, using subordinating conjunctions too
often becomes repetitive and boring. Of course, certain types of writing require a
bare-bones style without much flavor. Still, subordinating conjunctions should
only be used sparingly. Constantly using the same device not only sounds rote,
but also sounds like the work of an inexperienced writer. Experienced writers
know that subordinating conjunctions, and other tools, should only be used
when warranted.
2. 2. Practice
2. 2. 1. Coordinating conjunctions
Exercise 1: Choose the best answer to complete each sentence.
1. Would you rather have cheese _____ bologna on your sandwich?
A. For
B. Nor
C. Or
D. So
2. His two favorite sports are football ______ tennis.
A. Or
B. And
C. Nor

D. For
3. I wanted to go to the beach, _______ Mary refused.
A. But
B. Or
C. So
D. For
4. I am allergic to cats, ______ I have three of them.
A. Or
B. For
C. Yet
D. So
5. I am a vegetarian, _______ I don’t eat any meat.
A. So
B. Yet
C. Nor
D. But
6. Thomas will be late to work, _____ he has a dental appointment.
6


A. but
B. or
C. for
D. nor
7. Jennifer does not like to swim, ____ does she enjoy cycling.
A. and
B. or
C. but
D. nor
8. Jackson wanted to eat another piece of cake, ____ he was on a diet.

A. for
B. but
C. yet
D. so
KEYS: 1. C 2. B 3. A 4. C 5. A 6. C 7. D 8. B
Exercise 2: Complete each sentence using the correct coordinating
conjunction from the parenthesis.
1. My car has a radio _________ a CD player. (but, or, and)
2. Sharon hates to listen to rap music, _________ will she tolerate heavy metal.
(but, nor, or)
3. Carol wanted to drive to Colorado, _________ Bill insisted that they fly.
(and, or, but)
4. I’m afraid of heights, _________ I appreciate the view from the top of this
building. (and, yet, nor)
5. I have to be on time, _________ my boss will be annoyed if I’m late. (and,
nor, for)
6. Do you like chocolate _________ vanilla ice cream better? (or, nor, and)
7. I have to go to work at six, _________ I’m waking up at four. (but, so, yet)
8. I was on time, _________ everyone else was late. (so, but, for)
9. Nadia doesn’t like to drive, _________ she takes the bus everywhere. (but,
yet, so)
10.Our trip to the museum was interesting, _________ there were several new
artifacts on display. (but, for, yet)
KEYS:
1. and, 2. nor, 3. but, 4. yet, 5. for, 6. or, 7.so, 8. but, 9. so, 10. for
Exercise 3: Complete the sentences using the coordinating conjunctions
"and, but, or, for, nor, so"
1. He was very tired after a long working day, _____ he washed all the dishes in
the kitchen.
2. Miriam bought apples, oranges, carrots, lemons _____ potatoes from the

market in the city center.
3. Mr. Robertson should stop smoking cigarettes immediately _____ he will get
seriously ill.
4. I forgot to take my umbrella with me _____ I got soaked under the heavy rain
yesterday morning.
5. Benjamin could get the job easily _____ he was the only applicant for that
position in the company.
6. He got up very late. He could neither have something to eat _____ have
something to drink.
7. My mother vacuumed the floor _____ I dusted the furniture last weekend.
8. Our maths teacher gave her a punishment ____ she was late for class for the
third time this week.
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9. I didn't have enough money to buy the laptop I liked _____ I borrowed some
money from my friend.
10. Samuel really wanted to go to the pop concert _____ he had to study for the
French exam.
11. Either you finish the English project on time _____ the teacher will give you
a bad mark.
12. James neither knew her telephone number _____ her home adress. He
couldn't reach her.
13. Mrs. Cunningham had enough money to buy a new car _____ she couldn't
decide which one to choose.
14.The students decided not to go out in the break _____ it was snowing
heavily.
15.The thief went into the house from the kitchen window _____ got the mobile
phone on the table.
16. Most shampoos include chemicals in them _____ I prefer using natural olive

oil soap for my hair.
17. Stop drinking too much coke and eating a lot of fast food _____ you gain too
much weight soon.
18. There were some injured players in our football team _____ we could win
the match easily.
19. Abigail neither took a shower _____ she brushed her teeth this morning
since she was very tired.
20. Benjamin fell asleep in a few minutes _____ the book he started reading was
quite boring.
KEYS:
1. but
2. and
3. or
4. so
5. for
6. nor
7. and
8. for
9. so
10. but
11. or12. nor
13. but
14. for
15. and
16. so
17. or
18. but
19. nor
20. for
2. 2. 2. Subordinating conjunctions

Exercise 1: Complete each sentence using the subordinating
conjunction from the parenthesis:
1. I visit the Grand Canyon _________ I go to Arizona. (once, whenever,
wherever)
2. This is the place _________ we stayed last time we visited. (where, when,
how)
3. _________ you win first place, you will receive a prize. (wherever, if, unless)
4. You won’t pass the test _________ you study. (when, if, unless)
5. I could not get a seat, _________ I came early. (as, though, when)
6. We are leaving Wednesday _________ or not it rains. (if, whether, though)
7. Pay attention to your work _________ you will not make mistakes. (so that,
unless, or)

8


8. The musicians delivered a rousing performance _________ they had
rehearsed often. (though, as, once)
9. She’s honest _________ everyone trusts her. (if, so, when)
10.Write this down _________ you forget. (or, when, lest)
KEYS:
1. whenever 2. where
3. if
4. unless
5. though
6. whether
7. so that 8. as
9. so
10. lest
Exercise 2: Choose the best answer to complete each sentence.

1. _________ the basement flooded, we spent all day cleaning up.
A. After
B. Although
C. Before
D. Even if
2. I don’t want to go to the movies _____________ I hate the smell of popcorn.
A. Although
B. Because
C. Whenever
D. So that
3. I paid Larry, ___________ garden design work is top-notch.
A. Whenever
B. Whose
C. After
D. If
4. ___________ spring arrives, we have to be prepared for more snow.
A. Because
B. Until
C. Although
D. Now that
5. _____________ the alarm goes off, I hit the snooze button.
A. As soon as
B. Because
C. Before
D. Now that
6. ___ he worked hard all year long, he wasn’t able to buy his father an
expensive gift.
A. Even though B. Since
C. Because
D. If

7. ___ he didn’t have much money, he wasn’t able to buy his father an
expensive gift.
A. Even though B. Because
C. Although
D. Since
8. ___ he didn’t have much money, he was still able to buy an expensive gift for
his father.
A. As long as
B. Unless
C. Although
D. After
9. ___ he works hard all year long, he won’t be able to buy his father an
expensive gift.
A. Once
B. Since
C. Unless
D. Before
10.___ he worked hard all year long and was able to earn a lot of money, he
bought his father a very expensive gift.
A. Although
B. Since
C. Though
D. While
11.___ spend a lot of money on a gift, he made a present for his father.
A. Before
B. Rather than
C. If only
D. As long as
12.___ he buys his father an expensive gift, he won’t buy anything for himself.
A. While

B. When
C. Until
D. By the time
13.___ he was shopping for an expensive gift for his father, he realized he didn’t
have any money.
A. Unless
B. Even if
C. While
D. Although
14.___ he bought an expensive gift for his father, he felt tremendous joy.
A. Till
B. When
C. Unless
D. Because

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15.___ he buys his father an expensive gift, he needs to make sure he has
enough money.
A. After
B. Before
C. Unless
D. If only
16. The sky was gray and cloudy. ________, we went to the beach.
A. Consequently B. Nevertheless C. Even though D. In spite of
17. I turned on the fan __________ the room was hot.
A. due to
B. despite
C. even though

D. because
18. Sam and I will meet you at the restaurant tonight ________ we can find a
baby-sitter.
A. although
B. unless
C. otherwise
D. only if
19. Carol showed up for the meeting ________ I asked her not to be there.
A. even though
B. despite
C. provided that D. because
20. You must lend me the money for the trip. ________, I won’t be able to go.
A. Consequently B. Nevertheless C. Otherwise
D. Although
KEYS:
1. A, 2. B, 3. A, 4. B, 5. A, 6. A, 7. D, 8. C, 9. A, 10. B, 11. A
12.D, 13.C, 14. B, 15. B 16. B , 17. D, 18. D,
19. A , 20. C
Exercise 3: Complete the following sentences using appropriate
subordinating conjunctions.
1. I make it a point to visit the Taj Mahal _________ I go to Agra.
2. This is the place _________ I used to stay when I was studying at college.
3. _________you get the first rank, I will buy you a car.
4. _________ you work hard, you can’t pass the entrance test.
5. I am leaving tomorrow _________ or not you give me the permission.
6. He could not get a seat, _________ he came early.
7. The players delivered a splendid performance _________they had rehearsed
well.
8. Parents should give enough attention to children _________ they will not feel
neglected.

9. He is_________dishonest _________ no one trusts him.
10. I will note it down _________I should forget.
11. The police can't arrest the suspect in the crime_________they have more
evidence against him.
12. Tim's parents will let him have his own car _________he pays for his own
insurance and doesn't get into any trouble with it.
13. _________Terry was talking on the phone and not paying attention, her kids
were making a big mess in the kitchen.
14. _________the police caught him driving while drunk, he lost his license.
15. Hubert's wife will have to get a job _________they can afford to pay their
mortgage and other expenses.
16. You shouldn't accept a ride in a car from someone_________ you know the
person really well.

10


17. Rogelio needs to see a doctor_________his back is really bothering him a
lot.
18. Jorge Shrubino was not a popular leader in his country _________he had
support from the business community.
19. Tanya and Uri have agreed not to move in together_________they get
married.
20. The teacher got angry because the students were talking _________he was
trying to teach the class.
KEYS:
1. whenever
2. where
3. if
4. Unless

5. whether
6. though
7. as
8. so that
9. so …that
10. lest
11. until
12. as long as
13 while
14. because
15. so that 16. unless
17. because
18. although
19. until
20. while
2. 2. 3. Correlative conjunctions
Exercise 1: Identify the correlative conjunctions you find in the following
sentences.
1. Neither Simon nor this large crowd truly understands the nature of power.
2. At the antique store I found not only George Washington’s first sword, but
also the uniform he wore while in the Virginia militia.
3. Reading either Melville or Orwell would be better than reading that pulp
fiction you have been buying.
4. Both The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia were written
decades ago.
5. Not only did your cousin burn down the barn, but he also wrecked the car.
6. Those representatives attended both Grinnell College and Yale Law School.
7. I can see neither the mountains nor the foothills from my vantage point.
8. If you must go, either ride the bus or take the taxi to reach your destination.
9. Both softball and fishing are popular summer activities in this area.

10.If you buy now, you get not only the Juice Master 9000 but also a set of six
juice glasses.
KEYS:
1. neither/ nor
2. not only/ but also
3. either/ or
4. both/ and
5. not only/ but also
6. both/ and
7. neither/ nor
8. either/ or
9. both/ and
10. not only/ but also
Exercise 2: Complete each sentence using the correct correlative
conjunction pair from the parenthesis.
1. I plan to take my vacation _________ in June _________ in July. (whether /
or, either / or, as / if)
2. _________ I’m feeling happy _________ sad, I try to keep a positive
attitude. (either / or, whether / or, when / I’m)

11


3. _________ had I taken my shoes off _________ I found out we had to leave
again. (no sooner / than, rather / than, whether / or)
4. _________ only is dark chocolate delicious, _________ it can be healthy.
(whether / or, not / but, just as / so)
5. _________ I have salad for dinner, _____________________I can have ice
cream for dessert. (if /then, when / than, whether / or)
6. _________ flowers _________ trees grow _________ during warm weather.

(not only / or, both / and, not / but)
7. _________ do we enjoy summer vacation, _________ we _________ enjoy
winter break. (whether / or, not only / but also, either / or)
8. Calculus is _________ easy _________ difficult _________ (not / but, both /
and, either / or)
9. It’s _________ going to rain _________ snow tonight. (as / if, either / or, as /
as)
10.Savory flavors are _________ sweet _________ sour. (often / and, neither /
nor, both / and)
KEYS:
1. either / or
2. whether / or
3. no sooner / than 4. not / but
5. if /then
6. both / and
7. not only / but also
8. not / but
9. either / or
10. neither / nor
Exercise 3: Choose the best answer to complete each sentence.
1. I don’t like this book. It is ______ interesting ______ cheap.
A. both – and
B. either – or
C. neither – nor
D. not only – but also
2. Neither Linda nor I _____ classical music.
A. liking
B. liked
C. like
D. likes

3. The baby is only two months old. He can ______ speak ______walk.
A. neither / nor
B. either / or
C. both / and
D. not / nor
4. He ______ a teacher or a doctor.
A. is neither
B. neither is
C. is either
D. either is
5. She is ______friendly _____intelligent so I can’t help admiring her.
A. not only / but also
B. either / or
C. both / and
D. A&C are correct
6. John is very poor. He has ______ house ______ money.
A. both – and
B. either – or
C. neither – nor
D. not only – but also
7. ______ Linh ______ her sister like listening to pop music.
A. Both – and
B. Either – or
C. Neither – nor
D. Not only – but also
8. Neither my friend nor I _____ that movie.
A. don’t like
B. likes
C. doesn’t like
D. like

12


9. Who wrote you this love letter? - I'm not sure. I think it was
______ Michael ______ Paul.
A. both – and
B. either – or
C. neither – nor
D. not only – but also
10. ______Linda ______Helen called to say sorry. I'm very sad and frustrated.
A. Both – and
B. Either – or
C. Neither – nor
D. Not only – but also
11. ______ Ryan______Susie have disappointed me. They didn't come to my
birthday party.
A. Both – and
B. Either – or
C. Neither – nor
D. Not only – but also
12. He hurt ______ her feelings ______her dignity. This is unforgivable.
A. both – and
B. either – or
C. neither – nor
D. not only – but also
13. ______ loyalty ______ honesty are essential in a friendship.
A. Both – and
B. Either – or
C. Neither – nor

D. Not only – but also
14. You should ______ disrespect ______ deceive your friends.
A. both – and
B. either – or
C. neither – nor
D. not only – but also
15. I will take you ______ to the cinema ______ to the theatre. That's a promise.
A. both – and
B. either – or
C. neither – nor
D. not only – but also
16. Neither my brother ______ my mother knows about this.
A. both
B. either
C. and
D. nor
17. I felt ______ happy and sad at the same time.
A. both
B. neither
C. either
D. not only
18. ______ of the girls know how to dance. ( = Both girls are bad dancers)
A. too
B. either
C. neither
D. nor
19. He ______ has a cat or a dog. I can't remember.
A. too
B. either
C. neither

D. nor
20. Not only Lee but also his sons ______ chess very well.
A. plays
B. has played
C. is playing
D. play
KEYS
1. C, 2. C, 3. A, 4. C, 5. D, 6. C, 7. A, 8. D, 9. B, 10. A,
11. A, 12. D, 13. A, 14. C, 15. A, 16. D, 17. A , 18. C, 19. B, 20. D
2. 2. 4. Mix conjunctions
Exercise 1: For each of the following sentences, paying attention to the
structure of the sentence, fill in the blank with either the conjunction or the
preposition given in brackets.
1. We stayed up late, ____________ we were tired. (although, despite)
2. They went swimming, ____________ the coldness of the water. (although,
despite)
13


3. I enjoy the course, ____________ the professor is a good teacher. (because,
because of)
4. She looks ___________ your sister. (as if, like)
5. Please wait ___________ I make a phone call. (during, while)
6. Did you hear any noises ____________ the night? (during, while)
7. It looked ____________ we would not be able to leave until the next day. (as
if, like)
8. We all felt tired ____________ the hot weather. (because, because of)
9. I read a book ___________ I was waiting. (during, while)
10. Her eyes shone _____________ stars. (as if, like)
KEYS:

1. Although, 2. Despite, 3. Because, 4. Like, 5. While, 6. during, 7. as if
8. because of 9. while 10. like
Exercise 2: Paying attention to the meanings of the sentences, fill in the
blanks with the correct connecting adverbs chosen from the pairs given in
brackets.
1. The work was new to me. ____________, it did not seem difficult.
(Consequently, Nevertheless)
2. Continue along Queen Street. ____________ turn left. (Then, Therefore)
3. It was very misty. ______________, we could not get a clear view of the
mountain. (Hence, However)
4. We had walked several miles. ____________, we did not feel tired.
(Accordingly, Still)
5. She is a talented actress. ____________, she is very beautiful. (Moreover,
Thus)
6. We take the bus every day. __________, we are familiar with the bus route.
(Nevertheless, Thus)
7. The child was sleepy. ______________, we went home early. (Otherwise,
Therefore)
8. The food was delicious. _____________, the service was excellent.
(Likewise, Nevertheless)
9. We looked everywhere. _____________, we could not find the keys.
(However, Thus)
10. The book is long. _____________, the vocabulary is difficult.
(Consequently, Furthermore)
KEYS.
1. Nevertheless, 2. Then, 3. Hence, 4. Still, 5. Moreover, 6. Thus ,
7. Therefore, 8. Likewise, 9. However, 10. Furthermore
Exercise 3: Choose the best answer to complete each sentence.
1. I want to work as an interpreter in the future, ________, I am studying
Russian at university.

A. but
B. so
C. however
D. therefore

14


2. I am going shopping for food this evening ________ I do not have to go at
the weekend.
A. so
B. but
C. however
D. moreover
3. When she got the news from her family, she could not do anything,
________cry.
A. but
B. and
C. so
D. however
4. We live in the same building ________ we have hardly seen each other
A. and
B. therefore
C. but
D. so
5. I went to buy a Rolling Stones CD ________ the shop didn't have it.
A. and
B. but
C. therefore
D. so

6. Anna needed some money, ________, she took a part-time job.
A. furthermore
B. moreover
C. however
D. therefore
7. Julie has a guitar ________ she plays it really well.
A. and
B. so
C. but
D. therefore
8. My fingers were injured ________ my sister had to write the note for me.
A. and
B. however
C. so
D. but
9. The concert was cancelled ________ we went to a nightclub instead.
A. so
B. however
C. so on
D. but
10.This is an expensive ________ very useful book.
A. but
B. so
C. therefore
D. however
11.________ long it takes, I will wait for you.
A. However
B. But
C. So
D. Therefore

12. I must say that you have done very well. ________, you should be aware
that you still have a lot of thing to learn.
A. Therefore
B. So
C. But
D. However
13.He is only sixteen, and ________, he is not eligible to drive a car.
A. nevertheless
B. but
C. therefore
D. however
14.Maria tried to read a novel in French ________ the book was too difficult for
her to understand.
A. so that
B. therefore
C. but
D. and
15.To get from Vancouver to Victoria, you can fly, ________ you can ride the
ferry.
A. or
B. but
C. so
D. however
16.I bought a bottle of wine ________ we drank it together.
A. therefore
B. so
C. and
D. but
17.The waiter was not very nice, ________, the food was delicious.
A. however

B. but
C. so
D. and so
18.________ hard he worked, he could earn enough money to support the
family.
A. But
B. However
C. Therefore
D. Whatever
19.I wanted to give him some money after he helped me with the car ________
he absolutely refused to accept it.
A. so
B. but
C. therefore
D. and so
15


20.Everyone is ready for the discussion, ________ him.
A. however
B. but
C. so
D. therefore
21.The first part of the test was easy; the second, ________, took hours.
A. therefore
B. but
C. so
D. however
22.He has done nothing to prepare for the final examination, ______ played.
A. but

B. so
C. therefore
D. and
23.He told me not to do it; ________, I did it.
A. Therefore
B. So
C. But
D. However
24.We have not yet won; ________, we will keep trying.
A. moreover
B. however
C. therefore
D. so as
25.I am afraid that the company is in deep trouble. ________, we are going to
make some people redundant.
A. Therefore
B. However
C. But
D. And
26.I’m going to bed early tonight. I’m too tired; I can’t watch movie on TV. ____ can I.
A. Either
B. Not
C. So
D. Neither
27.I left it ________ on the table ________ in the drawer.
A. either/ nor
B. neither/ or
C. either/ or
D. either/ either
28.________ the radio ________the television works properly.

A. Neither/ nor
B. Neither/ or
C. Either/ nor
D. Not/ nor
29.He ________ could not come ________ did not want to.
A. either/ or
B. neither/ or
C. either/ nor
D. nor/ nor
30.The hotel is neither spacious ________.
A. or comfortable
B. nor comfortable
C. or comfort
D. nor comfort
31.Not ________did she refuse to speak to him, but she also vowed never to see
him again.
A. even
B. only
C. at all
D. always
He neither drank ____ smoked so he had good health.
A. nor
B. or
C. but
D. also
32.Neither the TV nor the video sets ____ properly.
A. works
B. work
C. has worked
D. is working

33.Now women work both before ____ after having their children.
A. or
B. also
C. nor
D. and
34.It is the event ____ a lot.
A. has been talked about
B. that has been talked about
C. Has talked about
D. that has talked about
35.She ____ hard but also gets on well with her classmates.
A. doesn’t only study
B. studies not only
C. not only studies
D. not studies only
36.Either you leave now ____!
A. I will also call the police
B. but I will call the police
C. or will I call the police
D. or I will call the police
16


37.Not only John but also his two brothers ____ football as their recreation
every weekend.
A. play
B. plays
C. were playing D. has played
38.I left it ____ on the table ____ in the drawer.
A. either/ nor

B. neither/ or
C. either/ or
D. either/ either
39.Not only John but also his two brothers ____ football as their recreation
every weekend.
A. play
B. plays
C. were playing D. has played
40.It is the library ____.
A. that often I borrow books from
B. which I often borrow books from
C. where I often borrow books from D. from that I often borrow books
41.____ Julia ____ her sister are going to the party.
A. Both/ and
B. Neither/ nor
C. Either/ or
D. Not only/ but also
42.It was the electric guitar ____ was bought by my uncle.
A. that
B. whom
C. it
D. who
43.Mai worked hard, ______ she passed her exam.
A. so
B. although
C. because
D. though
44._____ she was very tired, she helped her brother with his homework.
A. Because
B. whether

C. Although D. so
45.It’s raining hard, _____ we can’t go to the beach.
A. or
B. but
C. so
D. though
46.I want to work as an interpreter in the future, ________ I am studying
Russian at university.
A. but
B. so
C. however
D. therefore
47.I am going shopping for food this evening, ________ I do not have to go at
the weekend.
A. so
B. but
C. however
D. moreover
48.We live in the same building, ________ we have hardly seen each other
A. and
B. therefore
C. but
D. so
49.I went to buy a Rolling Stones CD, ________ the shop didn't have it.
A. and
B. but
C. therefore
D. so
50.Anna needed some money, ________, she took a part-time job.
A. furthermore

B. moreover
C. however
D. therefore
KEYS:
1. D. 2. A.
3. A
4. C.
5. B.
6. D.
7. A.
8. C
9. A.
10. A. 11. A. 12. D. 13. C. 14. C. 15. A. 16. C. 17. A. 18. B. 19.
B. 20. B. 21. D. 22. A. 23. D 24. B. 25. A. 26. D 27. C 28. A 29. A
30. B B 31. A 32. B 33. D34. B 35. C 36. D 37. A 38.C 39. A 40. B 41. A
42. A 43. A 44. C 45. C 46. D 47. A 48. C 49. B, 50. D
2. 2. 5. Conjunction exercises in the national examinations for GCSE (see
Appendix)
2. 3. The effectiveness of the experience initiative
17


After a long time teaching as mentioned in the experience initiative the
author has gained very positive results such as, students are interested in
learning, absorb the lessons fast and deeply; they no longer feel afraid or scared,
of course, when learning English. The number of pretty good students increased
remarkably, in contrast, the number of poor students declined sharply as shown
in the following tables:
Before application (table 1)
Learning

capacity

Proficient

Average

Weak

No

%

No

%

No

%

5
5
6

13.15
14.71
17.14

18
19

22

47.36
55.88
62.86

15
10
7

39.47
29.41
20

Class, No
12A1 (38)
12A5 (34)
12A7 (35)
After application (table 2)
Learning
capacity
Class, No
12A1 (38)
12A5 (34)
12A7 (35)

Proficient

Average

Weak

No

%

No

%

No

%

16
16
17

42.11
47.06
48.57

20
16
16

52.63
47.06
45.71

2
2
2

5.26
5.88
5.71

With all my effort of searching to cultivate knowledge, I myself have
provided students with profound knowledge of conjunctions
PART 3: CONCLUSION
3. 1. Conclusion
In conclusion, different teachers may well find different pedagogies to
teach their students how to do these kinds of exercises well. These are only some
techniques that the researchers of this work have been doing to improve the use
of conjunctions. It is hoped that this information also benefits anyone who
shares the enthusiasm in coaching students to do conjunction exercises. Because
of limited sources of reference books and materials, there are many parts of this
type of issue has not been covered such as how to classify conjunctions into
meaning, how to use them in other skills such as reading, speaking, writing or
listening so on. Therefore, it is highly appreciated that more comments and
suggestions should be put forward so that this work will be more perfective.
Finally, in the references are some sources that have been used in this research
as well as the useful links to find materials for conjunctions.
18


3. 2. Recommendations
For students:
Pay much attention to conjunctions and how to use them in order that they can

do exercises effectively
For students’ parents:
Need to facilitate time and other good conditions for students to study at school
as well as at home.
For teachers:
Should:
- master professional qualifications and have knowledge and skills
about conjunctions
- be energetic, enthusiastic, and eager to help students.
- Share knowledge, materials, skills, and experience with
colleagues in teaching this grammar point.
For schools:
Organize meetings, conferences, and activities for teachers to exchange and
learn from each other's experiences.
The above are practical experiences that I myself have made for years. My
experience initiative may inevitably have some imperfections due to the
subjective thoughts of myself. I hope colleagues will make suggestions and
supplements to make the experience initiative more complete.
Sincerely,
XÁC NHẬN CỦA THỦ TRƯỞNG
ĐƠN VỊ

Yên Định, ngày 10 tháng 5 năm 2019.
Tôi xin cam đoan đây là SKKN của
mình viết, không sao chép nội dung
của người khác.

Trịnh Đình Lan

REFERENCES:

•
Methodology (Curriculum Teaching Methodology - Qui Nhon University)
•
Methods of teaching English at high schools (Nguyen Manh Dung
Education Publisher - 2001)
•
Afar, B. S.(1993). Understanding and Using English Grammar.
Englewood Hills, NJ: Prentice Hall Regents.
•
Byrd, P. and Benson, B. (1992). Applied English Grammar. Boston:
Heinlein & Heinlein.
19


Green Baum, S. and Quirk, R. (1990). A Student's Grammar of the
English Language. Essex, England: Longman.
•
Hodges, J. and Whitten, M. (1984). Harborage College Handbook.
Atlanta: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Publisher.
•
Arthur, M. (1992), The Oxford Companion to English Language, OUP.
•
Ashley, A. (2003), A Handbook of Commercial Correspondence, OUP.
•
Bergman, C. A. (1989), Health grammar and Composition, Houghton
Mufflin English.
•
Berk, M. (1999), English Syntax: From word to discourse, OUP.
•
Brown, A. C. (1987), Grammar and Composition, Houghton Mufflin

English.
•
Chalker, S. (1967), Current English Grammar, Macmillan Publisher Ltd.
•
Close, R. A. (1975), A Reference English grammar, Longman Group UK
Limited.
•
Cobuild, C. (1990), English Grammar, Collins Publisher, London.
•
Swan, M. (1995), Basic English Usage, Oxford University Press.
•

20