Casa ESL · A2 Elementary · Unit 17 of 20 · Step 2
Arguments & Explanations
Name
Date
Vocabulary
opinion
nounWhat you think or feel about something.
"In my opinion, the second film was better."
reason
nounThe cause or explanation for something.
"The reason I was late was the traffic."
result
nounSomething that happens because of something else.
"She studied hard and, as a result, she passed."
agree
verbTo think the same as another person.
"I agree with you — it is too expensive."
example
nounSomething that shows what you mean.
"For example, I love Italian food like pizza and pasta."
however
adverbUsed to introduce a contrast.
"The food was expensive. However, it was delicious."
although
adverbUsed to show two ideas in the same sentence that are different.
"Although it was cold, she didn't wear a coat."
both
phraseTwo things or people together.
"I like both coffee and tea in the morning."
Grammar Focus
Conjunctions — and, but, because, so, although
And adds information. But introduces a contrast. Because gives a reason. So shows a result. Although introduces an unexpected contrast within the same sentence. These can link clauses within one sentence.
I was tired but I stayed until the end of the party.
She missed the bus because she woke up late.
It was raining so we decided to stay inside.
Although the weather was bad, we went for a walk anyway.
Exercises
Exercise 1
Complete each sentence with the correct conjunction: and · but · because · so · although.
1. I wanted to go out it was raining heavily.
2. She studied every day she passed the exam easily.
3. He didn't eat breakfast he was not hungry.
4. the film was long, it was very entertaining.
5. I ordered a coffee a slice of cake.
Exercise 2
Match each sentence half to the correct ending.
Reading
City Life vs. Country Life
Many people choose to live in cities because they offer more job opportunities and entertainment. However, city life can be stressful and expensive. Although public transport is convenient, traffic is often terrible and the air quality is poor. On the other hand, country life is quieter and healthier, but it can be isolated and jobs are harder to find. I grew up in the countryside but moved to the city because I needed work. I enjoy the energy of the city, although I sometimes miss the silence of the mountains. I think both lifestyles have real advantages — it depends on your priorities.
1. Why does the writer say many people choose to live in cities?
2. What does the writer sometimes miss about the countryside?
Speaking
Discuss these questions with a partner or your teacher.
Writing
Write 5–7 sentences comparing two choices (e.g. two jobs, two cities, two habits). Use and, but, because, so, and although at least once each.
Example: I was deciding between studying online and going to a university in another city. Studying online is cheaper and more flexible, but it can be lonely. Although university life is more expensive, it provides a rich social experience. I chose to go to university because I wanted to meet people from different backgrounds. It was difficult at first so I joined several clubs to make friends. Although I sometimes miss home, I am glad I made the decision.
Answer Key — For Teacher Use
Exercise 1
1. but · 2. so · 3. because · 4. Although · 5. and
Exercise 2
1. She loves cooking → but she never has time to do it. · 2. He missed the flight → because he arrived at the wrong terminal. · 3. The hotel was expensive → so we looked for a cheaper one nearby. · 4. Although she was nervous → she gave a great presentation. · 5. I enjoy running → and I try to go three times a week.
Reading Comprehension
1. Because cities offer more job opportunities and entertainment. · 2. The writer sometimes misses the silence of the mountains.