Trinity ISE English Usage Practice — All Questions
4 questions
___ he had studied hard, he found the exam surprisingly difficult. Which connector fits best?
- a.Because
- b.Even though✓
- c.So that
- d.Unless
There is a contrast between studying hard and finding the exam difficult, so 'Even though' is correct. 'Because' shows cause, which would not fit this contrast.
We saved money ___ making our own repairs instead of hiring someone. Which phrase fits?
- a.in order to
- b.so that
- c.although
- d.by✓
'By + -ing' explains the method used to achieve something: 'by making our own repairs'. The other options express purpose or contrast rather than method.
She apologised ___ arriving late to the interview. Which preposition fits?
- a.for✓
- b.of
- c.about
- d.to
The verb 'apologise' is followed by 'for' plus the reason. 'Apologise for arriving late' is the correct pattern; the other prepositions do not fit here.
The museum is open every day ___ Mondays, when it is closed for cleaning. Which word fits?
- a.beside
- b.besides
- c.except✓
- d.instead
'Except' introduces the one thing left out of a general statement: open every day 'except' Mondays. 'Besides' means 'in addition to', which gives the opposite meaning.