Unit 3 · Lesson 3
Writing Techniques & Connectors
The connectors, opinion phrases, and argument structures that make Paper 1 writing clear, coherent, and convincing: and help you score in the higher bands.
Key idea
Every strong Paper 1 response has three moves: state, support, connect. Make a claim, give evidence or an example, then use a connector to move to the next point.
Essential connectors by function
Add: de plus, en outre, également
Contrast: cependant, néanmoins, or
Cause: grâce à, à cause de, puisque
Result: par conséquent, donc, c'est pourquoi
Connector reference cards
Click a card to flip it. Know when to use each connector.
Connectors & writing techniques
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French
tout d'abord
tap to flip
English
first of all / to begin with
Opens your first argument. More formal than 'premièrement'. Use it to start a structured essay or speech.
0 of 10 learned
Match the pairs
Match each connector to its English meaning.
Connectors
0 / 6 matched
Click a French word, then click its English match.
Quick quiz
Choose the right connector for each writing situation.
Writing techniques quiz
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You want to introduce a counterargument in your formal letter. Which connector is best?
Scoring in the higher bands
What separates a 5 from a 7.
Paper 1 examiners reward linguistic range and complexity. To move into the higher bands, you need to demonstrate three things consistently:
Complex tenses
Use the subjunctive, conditional, and futur simple — not just the present and passé composé. Examiners notice variety.
"Il faudrait que nous agissions…"
"Si nous ne faisons rien, les conséquences seront…"
Idiomatic expressions
Native-sounding phrases show cultural and linguistic fluency. Even one or two well-placed expressions push you into the top band.
"Force est de constater que…"
"Il va sans dire que…"
Varied connectors
Don't repeat "mais" and "et" — use high-level connectors like néanmoins, de surcroît, or, quant à to show range.
"Néanmoins, il convient de souligner…"
"Quant aux jeunes, ils sont…"
Paper 1 skills complete.
Take the Unit 3 test, then move to Unit 4: the Individual Oral.