Concept:
A linker or conjunction is used to connect two ideas within a sentence. When two contrasting ideas are connected, concessive conjunctions such as
although,
though, or
even though are used.
Step 1: Identify the relationship between the two clauses.
The sentence contains two ideas:
• The painting is good.
• The cost is high.
These ideas express a contrast.
Step 2: Choose the linker that shows contrast.
The conjunction
although introduces a contrasting idea.
Thus:
Step 3: Eliminate the incorrect options.
• As = indicates reason.
• Because = indicates cause.
• However = usually connects independent clauses and is not suitable in the blank as given.
Step 4: Conclusion.
The correct linker is
although.