There are many ways of explaining reasons cause, effect and result. But we are discussing about important way of explanations:

1. Because/ because of/ as/ since etc. connect statement and reason
Nobody likes him. He is stupid.
Nobody likes him because he is stupid.
Nobody likes him because of stupidity.
He didn’t study hard. He failed the exam.
Since he didn’t study hard, he failed the exam.
He failed the exam as he didn’t study hard.

2. To, in order to, so, so that, therefore connect action and purpose.
Sita went to the market to/ in order to buy some rice.
She always studies hard. She always stood first in the class.
She always studies hard therefore/so she always stood first in the class.
He went to the bank. He cashed the cheque.
He went to the bank so that he could cash the cheque.

3. Although/even though/though/ in spite of/ despite connect situation and unexpected results.
She studied hard. She failed the exam.
Although/even though/ though she studied hard, she failed the exam.
In spite of/ Despite her hard study, she failed the exam.
In spite of/ Despite the fact that she studied hard, she failed the exam.
Note: When you connect (join) two sentences with in spite of/ despite/ because of you must change the statement/ situation into noun phrase. You cannot write full sentence.

4. Explanation for remarks
Don’t play much. Your exams are soon.
Please, open the window. It’s a bit stuffy in here.
I am afraid I could not come to the party. I am feeling unwell.
You’d better drink tea quickly. It will be cold soon.

Examples:

1. Combine the following sentences using because, because of, so that, although and as a result of.
(a) Many people do yoga. They want to keep fit.
(b) Her parents objected, but she still instated on getting married.
(c) She joined a drama group. She could meet people.
(d) Cigarette price has risen. Many people are giving up smoke.
(e) We stayed indoors. There was fighting in the streets.
Answers:
(a) Many people do yoga because they want to keep fit.
(b) Although her parents objected, she instated on getting married.
(c) She joined a drama group so that she could meet people.
(d) Cigarette price has risen as a result many people are giving up smoking.
(e) We stayed indoors because of fighting in the street.

2. Change the following sentences as shown in the example.
Example: He looked very scruffy, but he still got the job.
Answer: In spite of his scruffy, he got the job.
(a) She was 85 years old, but she lived very active life.
(b) Video machines are expensive, but lots of people are buying them.
(c) Her parents objected, but she still insisted on getting married.
(d) Beethoven was deaf, but he continued composing until his deaf.
(e) We’ve known each other for a long time, but we still call each other by our surnames.
Answers:
(a) In spite of her old age, she lived a very active life.
(b) In spite of being expensive, lots of people are buying video machines.
(c) In spite of her parents objection, she insisted on getting married.
(d) In spite of his deafness, Beethoven continued composing until his death.
(e) In spite of being known to each other for a long time, we call each other by our surnames.

3. Add an explanation to each of the remarks below saying what is happening:
Example: Don’t go out in your Sandals:
Answer: It’s pouring with rain.
(a) Pass me a paper handkerchief:
(b) I’m afraid you can’t use that room just now!
(c) We need to have our roof repaired.
(d) You’d better hurry up and eat the ice-cream:
(e) There’s no need to worry about the children: They are doing well.
Answers:
(a) Pass me a paper handkerchief. My nose is running.
(b) I’m afraid you can’t use that room just now: We are using the room.
(c) We need to have our roof repaired: It’s leaking.
(d) You’d better hurry up and eat the ice-cream: It is melting.
(e) There’s no need to worry about the children: They are doing well.

Exercises:

1. Rewrite the following sentences, filling in the gap with appropriate words from the list (therefore, however, because, in spite of, because of )
(1) He sat in front of the fire. He liked its warmth.
(2) His stamp albums were full. He needs a new one.
(3) He collected apace travel stamps. His guardians were interested in it.
(4) He collected stamps for so many years, he still enjoy the hobby.
(5) It was getting more expensive to buy stamps. He decided to continue collecting them.
(6) He still preferred to collect British stamps. They were not colorful as Nepalese stamps.

2. Complete these sentences as given in the example:
Example: Why is it a good idea to carry an umbrella?
When you go out in Britain?
Answer: Because it might rain anytime.
Why is it a good idea to:
(a) Put a padlock on your bicycle?
(b) Read all the questions properly before you start writing answers?
(c) Wash your hands before you eat?
(d) Go for morning walk regularly?
(e) Drive slowly in the crowded area?