Conjunctions / Connectors -
Based on the curriculum for Unit 2: Hobby Turns into a Successful Career from your 8th-grade English textbook, the primary grammar focus revolves around Conjunctions (Connectors). These are words used to link words, phrases, or clauses together to show relationships like addition, contrast, or cause and effect. உங்கள் 8 ஆம் வகுப்பு ஆங்கிலப் பாடப்புத்தகத்தில் உள்ள யூனிட்-2: அடிப்படையில், வார்த்தை அல்லது வாக்கிய இணைப்புகளை (இணைப்பான்கள்) பற்றி வருகிறது. கூட்டல், மாறுபாடு அல்லது காரணம் மற்றும் விளைவு போன்ற உறவுகளைக் காட்ட சொற்கள், சொற்றொடர்கள் அல்லது உட்பிரிவுகளை ஒன்றாக இணைக்கப் பயன்படுத்தப்படும் சொற்கள் இவை.
Key Conjunctions & Connectors
In this unit, we focus on three main types of connectors:
| Type வகைகள் | Examples | Purpose தேவைப்படும் சமயம் |
| Coordinating தொடர்பு | And, But, Or, So | Joins individual words or independent clauses of equal rank. |
| Subordinating காரணம், கட்டளை | Because, Although, If, When | Joins a dependent clause to an independent clause. dependent clause என்றால் முழு அர்த்தம் தெரியாத அல்லது முடியாத வாக்கியம். |
| Correlative தேர்வு, வாய்ப்பு | Either...or, Neither...nor | Pairs of words used together to connect similar parts of a sentence. |
Step-by-Step: How to Choose the Right Connector
When deciding which conjunction to use, follow these three steps:
Identify the Relationship: Determine if the second part of the sentence adds information (and), shows a contrast (but/although), gives a reason (because/as), or offers a choice (or).
Check the Sentence Structure: * If you are connecting two complete, stand-alone thoughts, use a Coordinating conjunction (usually with a comma).
If one part of the sentence relies on the other to make sense, use a Subordinating conjunction.
Look for Word Pairs: If you see "either," the connector must be "or." If you see "neither," it must be "nor."
Grammar Quiz: Connectors
Choose the most appropriate conjunction to complete the sentences based on the themes of Unit 2.
1. Mani was not good at reading and writing at first, ________ he practiced hard to improve his skills.
A) so
B) but
C) or
D) because
2. ________ Mani started writing his own stories, his hobby turned into a passion.
A) But
B) Unless
C) When
D) Or
3. You can choose ________ painting ________ photography as your creative hobby.
A) neither...or
B) either...or
C) both...nor
D) whether...but
4. It is important to have a hobby ________ it keeps our mind active and reduces stress.
A) although
B) but
C) because
D) if
5. Ajay Kumar Garg cannot hear, ________ he is a very talented miniature painter.
A) yet
B) so
C) because
D) and
Answer Key
B) but (Shows contrast)
C) When (Shows time relationship)
B) either...or (Shows a choice between two)
C) because (Shows a reason)
A) yet (Shows contrast, similar to 'but')
Based on the Tamil Nadu State Board (Samacheer Kalvi) English curriculum for Class 7, conjunctions are often categorized into Coordinating (linking equal ideas), Subordinating (linking a main idea to a supporting one), and Correlative (paired words).
Here is a two-part exercise designed for a Grade 7 level, themed around hobbies and daily school life.
Part 1: Multiple Choice Quiz
Instructions: Choose the correct connector to complete each sentence.
I like to play football, ________ my brother prefers to draw.
a) and
b) but
c) because
d) or
You can have ________ tea ________ coffee, but not both.
a) neither...nor
b) either...or
c) not only...but also
d) both...and
________ it was raining, the students continued their gardening hobby.
a) Because
b) So
c) Although
d) If
Mani worked hard, ________ he won the first prize in the art competition.
a) so
b) but
c) although
d) as
We will go to the park ________ the weather is pleasant.
a) unless
b) if
c) but
d) or
Part 2: Fill in the Blanks
Instructions: Fill in the blanks using the appropriate conjunctions from the box below.
because | and | or | unless | neither...nor
Kavin ________ Arul are best friends who share the same hobby.
You will not succeed in your career ________ you practice every day.
I was late to the drawing class ________ I missed the bus.
________ the teacher ________ the students were present in the hobby club yesterday.
Do you want to learn wood carving ________ pottery this term?
Answer Key & Explanations
Part 1 (MCQs)
b) but – Used to show a contrast between two different hobbies.
b) either...or – Used when offering a choice between two things.
c) Although – Used to show a surprising contrast (it was raining, yet they stayed outside).
a) so – Shows the result of his hard work.
b) if – Used to show a condition.
Part 2 (Fill in the Blanks)
and (Connecting two people)
unless (Shows a negative condition: "if you don't practice")
because (Giving the reason for being late)
neither...nor (Showing that both groups were absent)
or (Offering a choice between two hobbies)
