ESL 33A
Grammar Packet #2: Connectors
Directions:
Circle the connecting words in each of the following sentences. Write the type of connector above each
one: If the connector is a coordinating conjunction, write a “C”; if it is a subordinating conjunction, write an
“S”; if it is a transition, write a “T”. Finally, mark the main subject of each independent clause with
[brackets], and underline the verb phrase in each independent clause.
(1)
Last year, [Anh’s sister Huong] got married after [S] she graduated from UCLA.
(2)
[Anh] is happy for Huong as [S] she is beginning an exciting new life with her husband; however, [T] [she] also
[T] feels a little bit of sadness.
(3)
[Huong] now spends almost all of her time with her husband and his family; consequently, [T] [Anh] misses
Huong, and [C] [Huong] misses Anh, too [T].
(4)
Although [S] Huong tries to call home and [C] visit her family regularly, [she] isn’t able to communicate as
frequently as [S] she would like.
(5)
[Anh and Huong] want to be close like [S] they were when [S] they were younger, but [C] [both of them]
realize that [S] they can’t turn back the clock and [C] re-live their happy childhood days. Therefore, [T] [they]
have decided to be grateful for the many special years that [S] they were able to spend with each other.
(6)
[Jay and Ken] are best friends, but [C] [they] haven’t seen each other for several years.
(7)
While [S] Jay lives in San Gabriel, [Ken] still lives in Hong Kong where [S] the two of them were born and [C]
raised.
(8)
[Jay and Ken] don’t write letters to each other very often, nor [C] do [they] often talk on the phone. However,
[T] [they] do chat at least once a week on the Internet.
(9)
[Jay and Ken] love to chat about the latest online games and computer technology. [The two] also [T] like to
chat about their secondary school classmates, who [S] are scattered all over the world—in Hong Kong, the
U.S., Canada, and Australia.
(10)
While [S] Jay and Ken are sad that [S] they can’t spend time together the way that [S] they used to—eating
out, hanging out, and playing together—[they] are glad that [S] they can still connect regularly with each
other online.
 After you have finished identifying the connector types and sentence patterns, try to re-write each sentence,
changing the sentence pattern. For example, if the sentence is compound, try to make it complex, or try changing
into two sentences connected with a transition.
R. Frank: ESL 33A: 1
ESL 33A
Grammar Packet #2: Connectors
Directions:
Circle the connecting word(s) in brackets best fitting both the meaning and the grammar in the sentences in the
following paragraph. In some cases more than one connecting word can be used.
Throughout the world students take tests, [ consequently / however / but ] these tests can be very different. On
standardized tests, test-takers fill in an answer sheet,
[ and / In addition to / consequently ] test-scorers mark the
tests with an answer key which has right answers. [ For example / On the one hand / And ] the TOEFL is a standardized
test given to non-native speakers of English which measures English language proficiency. [ In addition / But / However ],
many high school native students who want to enter college in the U.S. take the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), [ moreover /
so / and ] college students who want to enter graduate programs in the U.S. take the GRE (Graduate Record
Examination). Another type of standardized test, a placement test, is often used before students begin studying. At many
colleges and universities, students must take an English placement test; one form of the test is given to native speakers [ for
/ and / or] another to non-native speakers. In general, entrance and placement tests determine a student’s general level of
ability, [ so / as a result / therefore ] it is difficult to study for these exams. Achievement tests, [ but / although / on the
other hand ], require study, [ because / for / so] they often determine specific course grades. Objective tests require
specific knowledge and may include filling in blanks, marking items true or false, choosing from several choices, and giving
short answers. [ But / In contrast / Although] , the subjective test requires a written response, which is often in the form
of a paragraph. Students take many entrance tests, placement tests, achievement tests; therefore, students need to
understand their differences in form and purpose.
R. Frank: ESL 33A: 2
ESL 33A
Grammar Packet #2: Connectors
Directions:
Combine the following sentences into one sentence using the conjunction(s) given in parentheses. Be sure
to use all of the connectors and only the connectors given.
(1)
Lee isn’t really comfortable with life in Los Angeles. Tran isn’t really comfortable with life in Los Angeles. (nor…)
Lee isn’t really comfortable with life in Los Angeles, nor is Tran.
(2)
Jeff enjoys cleaning. Jeff doesn’t enjoy cleaning on Saturday mornings. (but not)
Jeff enjoys cleaning, but not on Saturday mornings.
(3)
Matt and Jeff decided to live together. They wanted to save money. (for)
Matt and Jeff decided to live together, for they wanted to save money.
(4)
The two have similar interests. The two have similar personalities. (Not only…but also…Begin with Not only.)
Not only do the two have similar interests, but they also have similar personalities.
(5)
My friend doesn’t like driving to PCC. I don’t like driving to PCC. (not…and neither…)
My friend doesn’t like driving to PCC, and neither do I.
(6)
Winters in Canada can be very cold. Winters in Northern Canada can be a lot longer than winters in the Southern
United States. (Not only… but also…)
Not only can winters in Canada be very long, but winters in Northern Canada can
also be a lot longer than winters in the Southern United States.
(7)
Canada might host the Winter Olympics. The United States might host the Winter Olympics. (either…or…)
Either Canada or the United States might host the Winter Olympics.
(8)
Canada harvests a lot of wheat. Canada produces a lot of lumber. (both…and…)
Canada both harvests a lot of wheat and produces a lot of lumber.
(9)
The United States has a larger population than Canada. The United States has a larger economic output than
Canada. (not only…but also…)
The United States has not only a larger population but also a larger economic output than Canada.
<or>: Not only does the U.S. have a larger population than Canada, but it also has a larger econ. output.
(10)
The United States doesn’t use Spanish as an official language. Canada doesn’t use Spanish as an official
language. (neither…nor…)
Neither the United States nor Canada uses Spanish as an official language.
R. Frank: ESL 33A: 3
ESL 33A
Grammar Packet #2: Connectors
Directions:
Each of the following sentences contains at least one error in the use of conjunctions. Find the errors in
each sentence and write the correct sentence on the lines provided. (10 points total)
(1)
Although I want to travel around the world, but I don’t want to leave his job here.
Although I want to travel around the world, but I don’t want to leave my job here.
<or> I want to travel around the world, but I don’t want to leave my job here.
(2)
In addition to I paid for the plane tickets, I also paid for the hotel.
In addition to paying for the plane tickets, I also paid for the hotel.
<or> I paid for the plane tickets. In addition, I (also) paid for the hotel.
(3)
Even though I can afford to pay for the trip. I hope to find a temporary job that will pay for my travel.
Even though I can afford to pay for the trip, I hope I can find a temporary job that will pay for my travel.
(4)
I decided to take the train through Europe, so the cost of the airfare is quite high.
I decided to take the train through Europe, because/for the cost of the airfare is quite high.
<or> The cost of the airfare is quite high, so I decided to take the train through Europe.
(5)
I wanted to feel cool and comfortable I bought a first class coach ticket on the train.
I wanted to feel cool and comfortable, so I bought a first class coach ticket on the train.
<or> Because I wanted to feel cool and comfortable, I bought a first class coach ticket on the train.
(6)
I not only hope to see Africa but also Antarctica.
I hope to see not only Africa but also Antarctica.
(7)
I am a very good sleeper, as a result, I don’t mind sleeping on the train when traveling overnight .
I am a very good sleeper; as a result, I don’t mind sleeping on the train when traveling overnight.
<or> I am a very good sleeper, so I don’t mind sleeping on the train when traveling overnight.
(8)
I like to travel overseas, I like new challenges.
I like to travel overseas because I like new challenges.
<or> Karen likes to travel overseas and/so/for she likes new challenges.
(9)
This summer I would like to go to Malaysia, Singapore.
This summer I would like to go to Malaysia and Singapore..
(10)
To drink and driving don’t mix.
Drinking and driving don’t mix.
R. Frank: ESL 33A: 4
ESL 33A
Grammar Packet #2: Connectors
Note: This key gives only one of several possibilities for each part. More than one correct answer is possible.
Section A: Sentence Combining

Use coordinating conjunctions to connect sentences 1 to 4.
(1)
A home is a place where I feel that I belong. A home is a place where I share warm memories with my family.
A home is a place where I both feel that I belong and share warm memories with my family.
(2)
Some people think that you can buy and sell a home, just like you buy and sell a house. Other people disagree.
Some people think that you can buy and sell a home, just like you buy and sell a house, but other people
disagree.
(3)
I feel very comfortable in my home. It has all of my familiar things.
I feel very comfortable in my home, for it has all of my familiar things.
(4)
I love my home. I never want to move.
I love my home, and I never want to move.

Use subordinating conjunctions to connect sentences 5 to 7.
(5)
I don’t like my neighborhood. I will never move away from it.
Even though I don’t like my neighborhood, I never want to move.
(6)
This home was the first one that I’ve ever owned. It is very special to me.
Since this home is the first one I’ve ever owned, it is very special to me.
(7)
My children will get older. I will give the home to them so that they can enjoy it.
When my children get older, I will give the home to them so that they can enjoy it.
 Use transition words/phrases to connect sentences 8 to 10.
(8)
I enjoy reading in the living room on rainy days. I like working around the house making it look nicer.
I enjoy reading in the living room on rainy days; moreover, I like working around the house to make it look
nicer.
(9)
Sometimes I work in the garden. On rainy days, I need to do indoor activities.
Sometimes I work in the garden. On rainy days, however, I need to do indoor activities.
(10) I don’t have a lot of free time. The time I spend at home is very precious to me.
I don’t have a lot of free time; therefore, the time I spend at home is very precious to me.
R. Frank: ESL 33A: 5
ESL 33A
Grammar Packet #2: Connectors
Note: This key gives only one of several possibilities for each part. More than one correct answer is possible.

Use coordinating conjunctions to connect sentences 1 to 4.
(1)
PCC is a good place to study because the students are friendly. PCC is a good place to study because the
teachers are helpful.
PCC is a good place to study because the students are friendly and the teachers are helpful.
(2)
Many PCC students go to school full time. Others work and go to school part time.
Many PCC students go to school full time, but others work and go to school part time.
(3)
Kim studied her notes for two hours every night last week. She was still not prepared for the exam.
Kim studied her notes for two hours every night last week, yet she was still not prepared for the exam.
(4)
I leave PCC at noon every day. I have to be at work by 1:00.
I leave PCC at noon everyday, for I have to be at work by 1:00.

Use subordinating conjunctions to connect sentences 5 to 7.
(5)
Kim will finish all of her nursing classes at PCC. She will graduate.
After Kim finishes all of her nursing classes at PCC, she will graduate.
(6)
I am taking 18 units this semester. I still have time to work 30 hours per week.
Although I am taking 18 units this semester, I still have time to work 30 hours per week.
(7)
I decided to attend PCC. The tuition is not very expensive.
I decided to attend PCC because the tuition is not very expensive.
 Use transition words/phrases to connect sentences 8 to 10.
(8)
I tried studying in the library. I couldn’t concentrate because other students were talking.
I tried studying in the library; however, I couldn’t concentrate because other students were talking.
(9)
This year, I am receiving financial aid from PCC. I work part-time off-campus to help pay for my expenses.
This year I am receiving financial aid from PCC; in addition, I work part time off campus to help pay for my
expenses.
(10) My friend is a part-time student and can’t receive financial aid. Her employer is helping pay her tuition.
My friend is a part-time student and can’t receive financial aid. Therefore, her employer is helping her pay her
tuition.
R. Frank: ESL 33A: 6
ESL 33A
Grammar Packet #2: Connectors
Directions:
Each of the sentences in the following paragraph contains one or more errors in sentence connector usage. Find the errors
and write the correction above each error. Also, use single line to cross out words and/or punctuation that you wish to
delete. Use a caret (^) to show where you will add words. (13 errors, 10 points + 3 possible extra credit points)
Jackie Chan has been a popular actor for many years throughout Asia and other parts of the (1)
world. However, recently he has become extremely popular in the US, as well. Jackie Chan’s father was
(2) a chef and a martial arts expert (3), and he influenced his son’s early life. Jackie’s training began at
the age of six, when his parents returned from Australia and enrolled him in a Chinese Opera school, (4)
where he studied singing, dancing, mime, acrobatics, (5) and a variety of martial arts. Chan’s film career
began when he was eight years old(6). Since then, he has appeared in more than one hundred films.
In his action films, Chan does not look or act like a traditional action hero, like Arnold
Schwartzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, (7) or Jean Claude Van Damme; he is willing to get beat up, to avoid
trouble, or even to run away. Chan does all his own stunt work (8) and has almost been killed on several
occasions. (9) However, Chan’s well-planned acrobatics and martial arts displays continually entertain (10)
and amaze his audiences. (11) Because many stuntmen were injured in his 1985 movie “Police Story”, no
company will provide insurance for the actors in any of his films, so Chan formed his own stuntmen’s
association as well as his own acting agency to provide actors for his elaborate films. (12) Besides his many
other talents, Jackie Chan is also a pop recording star, and he performs many of the songs featured on his
movies.
Chan has tried a number of times to bring his fame to America, (13) but he did not succeed
until the mid-1990s with films such as “Rumble in the Bronx,” “Rush Hour,” and “Shanghai Noon.”
(14) Because of his recent movie and many new television commercials, America finally discovered
one of Asia’s most loved actors, Jackie Chan.
R. Frank: ESL 33A: 7
ESL 33A
Grammar Packet #2: Connectors
Section B
Directions:
The following paragraphs contain a total of ten errors in basic sentence structure. Find the errors and write
the correction above each error. Also, use single line to cross out words and/or punctuation that you wish
to delete. Use a caret () to show where you will add words.
Since opening its first coffee shop in Seattle, Washington in 1985, Starbucks has joined Coca Cola, Nike, Microsoft,
and McDonalds as well-known and very popular American exports. Currently, Starbucks has more than 5,000 stores
around the world(1). It had an annual income of $3.3 billion in the fiscal year which ended on September 29, 2002. In the
US, Starbucks coffee shops can be found in every major city, and (2) they are spreading into smaller cities, too. In other
countries, the growth has also been fast. Starbucks owns or operates more than 900 coffeehouses in 22 markets outside of
North America(3). The largest markets according to the number of stores are Japan (395 stores), Taiwan (99), the United
Kingdom (63), China (57), Hong Kong (51), South Korea (51), (4) and the Philippines (50).
(5) However, not everyone is happy with the growth of Starbucks. In New York City, for example, small coffee
shops are important parts of many neighborhoods. These small shops may close down due to the increased competition
from the larger and stronger Starbucks. (6) Even though Starbucks attempts to provide many community events and
helpful services for them, these neighborhoods may suffer negative effects.
(7) And Starbucks faces major opposition in other countries, too. In China, for instance, Starbucks recently opened a store
inside the Forbidden City, a center of Chinese culture, (8) but the presence of an American business at its center deeply
bothers many Chinese. In Europe, coffee has been part of the culture for several hundred years, (9) and the presence of
an American coffee chain may strengthen Europeans’ feelings that American businesses are trying to invade the continent.
(10) In short, some people criticize Starbucks for spreading the influence of large, powerful American companies in other
countries (11) because they can have a negative effect on the local cultures where their stores are opened.
Nevertheless, Starbucks has tried to show that it is a socially responsible company. In the US, the Starbucks
Foundation has set up various community-building programs, which include reading, library, and park programs. (12) For
example, working with a development company owned by former basketball star Magic Johnson, Starbucks has helped set
up more than 20 coffee shops in poor urban neighborhoods, which most companies avoid. Internationally, Starbucks has
started to work with conservation groups to improve the lives of poorly-paid coffee growers and (13) protect the
environment in coffee-growing areas. In short, Starbucks presents two faces to the world: a socially-responsible,
community-minded company, (14) and a large, aggressive company, with the goal of becoming the world’s leading
provider of gourmet coffees.
R. Frank: ESL 33A: 8