Choose the correct answer (because or because of )

1. I came here because because of I want to talk to you.
2. Sorry! I am late because because of the traffic.
3. She got the best grades because because of she had worked hard.
4. Paul had a terrible accident because because of he was driving fast.
5. He couldn't run because because of his old age.
6. Leila left early because because of she was tired.
7. The meeting was postponed because because of the bad weather.
8. They were looking for a Japanese restaurant because because of they wanted to eat sushi for dinner.
9. Their new product didn't sell well because because of its poor quality.
10. I couldn't attend the meeting because because of I was very ill.