`11`. Because of his sickness, his father asked him to stay at home.
`12`. Because of her bad grades, she failed the University entrance exam.
`13`. Because of an accident, I was late.
`14`. Because of the heavy rain, I couldn't go to school.
`15`. Because the price is cheap, my wife insists on buying the TV.
`16`. Despite / In spite of the heavy rain, we still went to school.
`17`. Despite / In spite of being not an intelligent student, he can learn very fast.