instead or however

[jasonlulu_2000]

The following term, I registered for an ASL class. The professor was deaf and any talking was prohibited. I soon realized that the silence was not unpleasant. ___________, if there had been any talking, it would have caused us to learn less. Now, I appreciate the silence and the new way of communication it opens.
A. Instead B. However

The above is from our national college entrance exam.

I think both make sense in this context.

What does a native teacher think of it?

Thanks!

Jason

 

[GoesStation]

Only however​ is possible.

 

[jasonlulu_2000]

Hello, I find my test question comes from this article:

http://www.campustimes.org/2013/04/11/asl-or-how-i-learned-to-appreciate-the-sounds-of-silence/

In the last but one paragraph, the author uses "instead". So, is "however" also possible, right?

Thanks again!

Jason

 

[jutfrank]

I can't see how However fits. Instead is a bit better.