Problem: How does the sentence end?

Lonnie put mortar between the bricks with a spatula instead of a trowel, because the 
Answer: spatula was efficient.

Problem: How does the sentence end?

Rachel is being shown how to bake yams by Laura because 
Answer: Laura is a parent.

Problem: How does the sentence end?

Rihannon didn't like stale food so had the pizza instead of the salad since the 
Answer: salad was old.

Problem: How does the sentence end?

In the garden, it took more time to grow the turnips than the carrots since the 
Answer:
turnips needed extra attention.