Linking Words — English Bac SVT

Dans le programme du Bac SVT

English has a coefficient of 2 in the Bac Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre (SVT) stream, level with Philosophy and behind Mathematics and Life & Earth Sciences (coefficient 7) and Physics-Chemistry (coefficient 5). It is one of the subjects that tip a result between one honours grade and the next, so it is worth a small, regular slot.

À l'épreuve

Three parts: Reading Comprehension, Language, and Writing (about 180 words). SVT candidates are used to reading documents and pulling out data — the same skill transfers directly to the Reading section: locate the main idea, the supporting details and the writer's stance before answering.

Objectifs d'apprentissage

Apply this grammar point accurately in the Language section and in the guided writing of the Bac SVT English exam (coefficient 2)
Use addition connectors: moreover, furthermore, in addition, besides
Use contrast connectors: however, although, whereas, despite, in spite of
Use cause connectors (because, since, as, due to) and result connectors (therefore, thus, so, as a result)
Punctuate a sentence correctly according to the type of connector

Notions clés

Addition and contrast

Addition: moreover, furthermore, in addition (to), besides, also — they add an idea in the same direction. Contrast: however, nevertheless, on the other hand (between two sentences); although, though, even though, whereas (before a subject + verb clause); despite, in spite of (before a noun phrase or an -ing form, never a full clause).

Cause and result

Cause: because, since, as (+ subject + verb); because of, due to, owing to (+ noun phrase). Result: therefore, thus, hence, as a result, consequently, so — they introduce the outcome of a cause already stated.

Sequence and punctuation

Sequence: first(ly), second(ly), then, next, after that, finally, in conclusion. Punctuation: however / therefore / moreover at the start of a sentence take a comma after them; because / since / as at the start of a clause take no comma before the following subject.

Erreurs fréquentes

Confusing although (+ full clause) with despite / in spite of (+ noun phrase or -ing): “Despite it was raining” is wrong — use “Despite the rain” or “Although it was raining”.

Using because of before a full clause: because of + noun, because + subject + verb.

Forgetting the comma after a contrast or result connector placed first (However, … / Therefore, …).

Exemple corrigé

Énoncé

Join the two sentences with the most suitable connector: “It was raining heavily.” / “The match was not cancelled.”

Correction

Identify the logical relation. The two facts clash: it was raining hard, but the match still went ahead — this is contrast, not cause / result.

Choose a contrast connector that fits two full clauses. Although and even though introduce a clause (subject + verb): “Although it was raining heavily, the match was not cancelled.”

Check an alternative with despite. Despite needs a noun phrase, so turn the clause into a noun: “Despite the heavy rain, the match was not cancelled.”

Conclusion. Both versions are correct; the choice depends on the structure required (full clause → although, noun phrase → despite).

Le cours, puis l'entraînement.

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3 exercices pour t'entraîner

Exercice 1

Easy

Complete with the right connector: “She studies hard. ___, she got a low grade.” (However / Because / Moreover)

Voir la correction

However — the two ideas clash (she works hard but gets a low grade): “She studies hard. However, she got a low grade.”

Exercice 2

Medium

Join with because or because of: “The exam was postponed.” / “a technical problem.”

Voir la correction

“The exam was postponed because of a technical problem.” — because of is followed by a noun phrase (a technical problem), not a full clause (because would need “because there was a technical problem”).

Exercice 3

Hard

Correct the sentence: “Despite he was tired, he finished the race.”

Voir la correction

Despite is followed by a noun phrase or an -ing form, never a subject + finite verb. Possible corrections: “Despite being tired, he finished the race.” or “Although he was tired, he finished the race.”

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Questions fréquentes

What is the difference between although and despite?

Although introduces a full clause (subject + finite verb): although it rained. Despite is followed directly by a noun phrase or an -ing form, never a subject + finite verb: despite the rain, despite raining.

Is there a comma after because at the start of a sentence?

No: because, since and as, when they open the sentence, take no comma before the subject. The comma instead separates the because-clause from the main clause that follows: “Because it was raining, we stayed home.”

How do I vary connectors in an essay to avoid repetition?

Keep one synonym per category in mind: moreover / furthermore / in addition for addition, however / nevertheless for contrast, therefore / as a result / consequently for result. Alternating them stops the same word appearing in every paragraph.

How do I fit English revision around a heavy SVT programme?

One short weekly session: one chapter at a time (its rule or word list, two examples, one exercise), then write one short paragraph applying it. Build up a ready introduction and conclusion you can adapt. The goal is a mark above your average, which is well within reach for any consistent student.

Is this grammar point actually tested on the Bac SVT English paper?

Yes — in the Language section as gap-fill, sentence-joining or error-correction, and indirectly in Writing, where the same structures decide whether a sentence is marked as accurate. One rule, two examples and one typical mistake per point is enough to cover both.