1. a. English is learnt by every student because of importance.
b. 1. English is learnt by every student because of being important.

2. Nick is often punished because of being lazy.

3. a.These people live unhappily because of poor.
b.These people live unhappily because of being poor.

4. We respect Mr. Parker because he is a honest person.

5.My friend was absent because he was ill.

6. I catch a cold now because I went out in the rain yesterday.