25. In Britain, most shops close at 6 pm, _______ in other countries they often open in the evening, too. A. despite B. moreover C. nevertheless D. whereas 26. Parents shouldn't use physical punishment _______ it negatively influences children's development. A. because of B. although C. because D. in spite of 27. Children are encouraged to read books _______ they are a wonderful source of knowledge. A. because of B. in spite of C. because D. although 28. He achieved great success in his musical career _______ his hearing disability. A. despite B. although C. because D. because of 29. _______ busy she is, she manages to pick her children up after school every day. A. However B. Although C. Despite D. Because 30. A newborn baby can neither walk nor crawl. A newborn tiger, _______, can run within minutes of birth. A. therefore B. even though C. otherwise D. however 31. We’ve had a burglar alarm installed in our holiday cottage _______ we will feel happier about leaving it unoccupied for long periods. A. for fear that B. so that C. now that D. provided that 32. He couldn't ride his bike _______ there's no air in one of the tyres. A. since B. due to C. though D. despite 33. _______ his income of current job is relatively low, he finds it difficult to make ends meet. A. Although B. As C. Because of D. In spite of 34. _______ Allan's inexperience as a midfielder, he played well and scored a decisive goal in the final match. A. Since B. Although C. Despite D. Because of 35. Her eyes are red and puffy _______ she has been crying a lot. A. although B. since C. because of D. despite 36. When James was in Vietnam, he tried a _______ of Vietnamese dishes. A. variety B. variously C. various D. vary 37. Peter always takes a map with him _______ he loses his way. A. if B. in case C. so that D. so 38. My parents lent me the money. _______, I couldn’t have afforded the trip. A. However B. Otherwise C. Therefore D. Unless 39. _______ there is not enough information on the effects of smoke in the atmosphere, doctors have proved that air pollution causes lung diseases. A. In spite of B. Although C. Therefore D. However 40. Nam is motivated to study _______ he knows that a good education can improve his life. A. because B. so C. so that D. therefore 41. _______ his physical disability, he managed to finish the course with good results. A. Although B. Since C. Because of D. Despite 42. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking _______ accepting opinions without questioning them. A. in addition B. for instance C. instead of D. because of 43. _______ most fairy tales have happy endings, the stories usually deal with very frightening situations - children abandoned in the forest, terrifying giants, cruel stepmothers. A. Although B. Therefore C. Despite D. Because 44. My uncle tries to spend time playing with his children _______ he is very busy. A. because of B. although C. despite D. moreover 62