Linking & Discourse Markers (IELTS, TOEFL, YDS Practice) – B2 Grammar Test
This B2 grammar test focuses on linking words and discourse markers used to organize ideas, show contrast, express cause and effect, add information, and structure arguments.
Choose the correct answer.
RESULTS
#1. He studied very hard; ___, he failed the exam.
#2. The company has increased profits. ___, it plans to hire more staff.
#3. She decided to apply for the job ___ she lacked experience.
#4. The hotel was expensive. ___, the service was excellent.
#5. He missed the train ___ there was heavy traffic.
#6. The experiment was carefully designed; ___, the results were unreliable.
#7. She speaks Spanish fluently. ___, she can communicate easily in South America.
#8. ___ the weather was bad, the match continued.
#9. The report is well written. ___, it lacks clear references.
#10. He is very experienced; ___, he was chosen for the position.
#11. She didn’t revise enough. ___, she didn’t perform well.
#12. The project was delayed ___ several technical issues.
#13. The new system is faster. ___, it is more cost-effective.
#14. ___ being tired, he continued working.
#15. The instructions were unclear; ___, many users made mistakes.
✅ Answer Key with VERY DETAILED EXPLANATIONS
🧠 B2 Linking & Discourse Marker Logic (IELTS · TOEFL · YDS)
🔑 Core B2 Principle (Read First)
At B2 level, linking words are tested based on logical relationship, not vocabulary knowledge.
Exams check whether you can:
distinguish contrast vs result vs addition
choose between conjunctions, adverbs, and prepositions
maintain coherence across sentences
1. however
Explanation:
The second clause contrasts with the first. However introduces an unexpected result.
❌ therefore → shows result, not contrast
❌ moreover → adds information
📌 Common YDS contrast marker
2. As a result
Explanation:
Hiring more staff is a consequence of increased profits.
❌ however → contrast
❌ on the other hand → comparison, not result
📌 IELTS cause–effect logic
3. although
Explanation:
Although introduces concession: she applied despite lacking experience.
❌ because → cause, opposite meaning
❌ so → result connector
📌 IELTS Writing concession control
4. nevertheless
Explanation:
High cost contrasts with excellent service. Nevertheless signals concession.
❌ therefore / consequently → result, incorrect meaning
📌 TOEFL academic contrast
5. because
Explanation:
Traffic is the direct cause of missing the train.
❌ although → contrast
❌ however → sentence adverb, not conjunction
📌 YDS cause connector
6. nevertheless
Explanation:
Despite careful design, results were unreliable. This requires contrast.
❌ in addition → addition
❌ therefore → logical result, not contrast
📌 IELTS evaluation language
7. As a result
Explanation:
Fluency leads to easy communication. Cause → effect.
❌ for example → illustration
❌ however → contrast
📌 TOEFL reasoning flow
8. Although
Explanation:
Although correctly introduces a concessive clause.
❌ because → cause
❌ despite → requires a noun or gerund
📌 Grammar–meaning alignment
9. However
Explanation:
The second sentence contrasts with the positive evaluation.
❌ moreover → addition
❌ therefore → result
📌 YDS coherence test
10. therefore
Explanation:
Experience explains why he was chosen. This is a logical result.
❌ however / in contrast → contrast, incorrect
📌 IELTS argument structure
11. As a result
Explanation:
Poor revision leads to poor performance.
❌ on the contrary → opposite meaning
❌ in addition → addition
📌 Cause–effect sequencing
12. because of
Explanation:
Because of is followed by a noun phrase (several technical issues).
❌ although / despite → concession, wrong meaning
📌 Preposition vs conjunction distinction (YDS)
13. Moreover
Explanation:
The second sentence adds another advantage.
❌ however → contrast
❌ consequently → result
📌 IELTS Task 2 cohesion
14. Despite
Explanation:
Despite is followed by a gerund (being tired).
❌ although → requires a clause
❌ because → cause
📌 Form–function accuracy
15. therefore
Explanation:
Unclear instructions logically lead to mistakes.
❌ nevertheless / however → contrast, incorrect
📌 YDS logical conclusion marker
🧠 Final B2 Linking Survival Notes
Choose linkers by logic first, not translation
Distinguish conjunctions vs adverbs vs prepositions
IELTS values cohesion, TOEFL values clarity, YDS values precision
This is true B2-level discourse control.
