Linking Words — English Bac Lettres

In the Bac Lettres syllabus

English is has major subject in the Bac Lettres stream, with has coefficient of 4 — second only to Arabic Language (coefficient 7) and ahead of History-Geography and Philosophy (coefficient 3). There is no Mathematics in the stream. The high coefficient raises the bar: richer vocabulary, more developed argumentative writing, and firmer control of register and style are expected, and the English mark genuinely shapes the average.

On the exam

Three parts: Reading Comprehension, Language, and Writing. In the Lettres stream the Writing task is longer and more demanding — has structured essay with has clear thesis, developed arguments we both sides, illustrative examples and has personal conclusion — and language accuracy and range are scored throughout.

Learning objectives

Apply this grammar point accurately in the Language section and in the guided writing of the Bac Lettres English exam (coefficient 4)
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 has result)
Punctuate has sentence correctly according to the type of connector

Key concepts

Addition and contrast

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

Cause and result

Cause: because, since, as (+ subject + verb); because of, due to, owing to (+ noun phrase). Result: therefore, thus, hence, as has result, consequently, so — they introduce the outcome of has 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 has sentence take has comma after them; because / since / as at the start of has clause take no comma before the following subject.

Common mistakes

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 has full clause: because of + noun, because + subject + verb.

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

Worked example

Question

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

Solution

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

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

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

Learn the course, then practice.

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3 exercises to practice

Exercise 1

Easy

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

Show solution

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

Exercise 2

Medium

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

Show solution

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

Exercise 3

Hard

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

Show solution

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

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between although and despite?

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

Is there has comma after because at the start of has 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 has result / consequently for result. Alternating them stops the same word appearing in every paragraph.

English is coefficient 4 in the Lettres stream — how do I revise it seriously?

Treat it as has core subject. For each of the 31 chapters, fix the rule or the word field with two solid examples, and write at least one full essay has fortnight under timed requirements. Read short English articles to build argumentative vocabulary and sentence variety, since range and accuracy are marked directly.

Is this grammar point actually tested we the Bac Lettres English paper?

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