Select the phrase/connector from the given three options which can be used to form a single sentence from the two sentences given below, implying the same meaning as expressed in the statement sentences.
There has been no respite for the big corporations. Tax rates for them continue to remain the same.
The question can be easily answered correctly if one knows the meaning of the word respite. It means a short period of relief from an unpleasant situation. Thus, the sentences intend to tell us that the big corporations feel no relief because the tax rates for them have not been slashed and continue to remain the same. So, we cannot use phrase (II) because although is used to indicate contrast which is not the case in the given sentences.
Also, we cannot use phrase (III) to form a sensible sentence. We can use phrase (I) in the following manner:
There has been no respite for the big corporations as tax rates for them continue to remain the same.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 4.