Complete the 12 sentences below. Choose the best answer for each one.
1The subscription has become more expensive; ..............., demand has continued to rise.
Wrong!
"However" introduces a contrast with the previous point; "therefore" would introduce a result.
2............... the delay, the product launch still attracted excellent media coverage.
Wrong!
"Despite" means the result is surprising in relation to the delay; "because of" gives a cause, not a counterargument.
3............... the survey included only 200 people, the pattern is consistent with larger studies.
Wrong!
"Although" introduces a concession; "in case" introduces a precaution or possibility, which does not fit the contrast.
4The app is popular with teenagers. ..............., its privacy policy remains weak.
Wrong!
"That said" signals a counterpoint to the previous positive claim; "for example" would introduce an illustration, not a limitation.
5Online meetings reduce travel costs; ..............., they can limit spontaneous discussion.
Wrong!
"On the other hand" presents an opposing consideration; "in other words" restates the same idea.
6............... unpopular, the policy may be necessary to protect long-term funding.
Wrong!
"Even if" introduces a hypothetical concession; "as soon as" refers to timing, not counterargument.
7The criticism is serious, but I ............... support the proposal.
Wrong!
"nevertheless" shows that the speaker accepts the criticism but reaches a contrasting conclusion; "accordingly" shows a consequence.
8Opponents say strict deadlines damage creativity, but ............... they often encourage clearer priorities.
Wrong!
"I would argue that" introduces the writer’s counterclaim; "I would admit that" concedes the point instead of opposing it.
9Critics call the system risky, while supporters ............... that automation actually improves safety.
Wrong!
"claim" fits a counterargument that rejects the criticism; "concede" would mean they accept the criticism.
10............... unnecessary, the extra training is essential for staff safety.
Wrong!
"Far from" rejects the idea that the measure is unnecessary; "apart from" means except for, which does not fit before this counterargument.
11We do not have perfect data, but that is not a ............... to abandon the project.
Wrong!
"reason" fits because the second clause rejects a proposed justification for abandoning the project.
12............... the initial cost is high, but the long-term savings are more important.
Wrong!
"It is true that" concedes a point before the counterargument; "it follows that" incorrectly presents the next claim as a logical result.
Answers
- The subscription has become more expensive; However , demand has continued to rise.
- Despite the delay, the product launch still attracted excellent media coverage.
- Although the survey included only 200 people, the pattern is consistent with larger studies.
- The app is popular with teenagers. That said , its privacy policy remains weak.
- Online meetings reduce travel costs; On the other hand , they can limit spontaneous discussion.
- Even if unpopular, the policy may be necessary to protect long-term funding.
- The criticism is serious, but I nevertheless support the proposal.
- Opponents say strict deadlines damage creativity, but I would argue that they often encourage clearer priorities.
- Critics call the system risky, while supporters claim that automation actually improves safety.
- Far from unnecessary, the extra training is essential for staff safety.
- We do not have perfect data, but that is not a reason to abandon the project.
- It is true that the initial cost is high, but the long-term savings are more important.
