Linking Words and Connectors
1. Learning Objectives
- Understand the function of linking words in writing
- Learn different types of connectors (addition, contrast, cause-effect, concession)
- Use linking words correctly in sentences and paragraphs
- Apply connectors in BAC written expression tasks
2. Why Are Linking Words Important?
Linking words (also called connectors or discourse markers) connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs. They make your writing smooth, logical, and easy to follow. In the BAC exam, using a variety of connectors improves your writing score significantly.
3. Types of Linking Words
● Addition (الإضافة): Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, Besides, Also, Additionally, What is more
Example: “Regular exercise improves physical health. Furthermore, it boosts mental well-being.”
● Contrast / Opposition (التضاد): However, Nevertheless, On the other hand, In contrast, Yet, Whereas, While
Example: “Some people prefer city life. However, others enjoy the peace of the countryside.”
● Cause and Effect (السبب والنتيجة): Therefore, Consequently, As a result, Thus, Hence, Because of, Due to
Example: “He studied very hard. Therefore, he passed the exam with honours.”
● Concession (الاستدراك): Although, Even though, Despite, In spite of, Regardless of
Example: “Although it was raining, they continued playing football.”
● Giving Examples (التمثيل): For example, For instance, Such as, Like, Namely
● Sequencing (التسلسل): First, Firstly, To begin with, Next, Then, After that, Finally, Lastly
4. Important Grammar Notes
Although / Even though + clause (Although it rained…)
Despite / In spite of + noun / gerund (Despite the rain / Despite raining…)
However is followed by a comma and starts a new sentence.
Therefore is followed by a comma and shows logical result.
5. BAC Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate connector.
1. Many students enjoy summer vacation. ____________, they often miss their friends.
2. Pollution is harmful to health. ____________, governments should take action.
3. ____________ her fear of heights, she climbed the mountain.
4. ____________ the internet has many advantages, it also has some drawbacks.
Answers: 1. However 2. Therefore 3. Despite 4. Although
Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentences using the connector in brackets.
1. He is rich. He is not happy. (However)
→ He is rich. However, he is not happy.
2. She studied hard. She passed the exam. (Therefore)
→ She studied hard. Therefore, she passed the exam.
3. He was tired. He finished his work. (Although)
→ Although he was tired, he finished his work.
Exercise 3 (BAC Writing Task): Write a short paragraph (80-100 words) about the advantages of learning foreign languages. Use at least 5 different connectors.
Model Answer:
“Learning foreign languages has many benefits. Firstly, it helps you communicate with people from different countries. Moreover, it improves your career opportunities. For example, many international companies look for multilingual employees. However, learning a new language can be challenging at first. Therefore, you need to be patient and practice regularly. In addition, studying a foreign language enhances your cognitive abilities. Consequently, your memory and problem-solving skills improve. Finally, it gives you access to new cultures and ways of thinking.”
6. Quick Reference Table
Addition: Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, Besides
Contrast: However, Nevertheless, On the other hand, Whereas
Cause/Effect: Therefore, Consequently, As a result, Thus
Concession: Although, Even though, Despite, In spite of
Example: For example, For instance, Such as
Sequence: First, Next, Then, Finally
مدونة التربية و التعليم في الجزائر – دروس، فروض، نتائج امتحانات مدونة التربية والتعليم في الجزائر | تحضير الدروس، فروض واختبارات، نتائج البكالوريا وBEM، مسابقات التوظيف، والتوجيه المدرسي للطلاب وأولياء الأمور.