Linking Words — English Bac PC

Dans le programme du Bac PC

English is a nationally examined subject in the Bac Sciences Physiques (PC) stream, with a coefficient of 2 — the lowest weighting in the stream, level with Philosophy and well behind Mathematics and Physics-Chemistry (coefficient 7). The paper still tests reading comprehension, language and guided writing, and because differences between candidates are narrow, a few extra marks in English move the overall average as much as a mark in a science subject.

À l'épreuve

The national English paper has three parts: Reading Comprehension (a text plus questions), Language (grammar and vocabulary in context), and Writing (a guided paragraph or short essay of about 180 words). PC candidates should protect a fixed slot for the Language section, where accuracy earns quick, reliable marks even when revision time goes mostly to the sciences.

Objectifs d'apprentissage

Apply this grammar point accurately in the Language section and in the guided writing of the Bac PC 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 should a PC candidate revise English at coefficient 2?

Efficiently, not heavily. Keep one clear rule and two example sentences per grammar point, one word list per theme, and a reusable essay skeleton (introduction, two body paragraphs, balanced conclusion). Thirty focused minutes a week is enough to lift the English mark, and that mark counts in the average exactly like a mark in a science subject.

Is this grammar point actually tested on the Bac PC 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.