Using Connectives Worksheet

In this activity, you will learn how to use connectives to improve the structure of your written work.

When forming an argument, connectives are important to give your ideas order.

Imagine you are writing an argument encouraging people to cycle more. Write sentences beginning with the following connectives.

Firstly

Secondly

Finally

In conclusion

Where can you use connectives in your writing?

Select three correct answers from the list below.

At the end of a paragraph.

At the end of a sentence.

At the start of a paragraph.

At the start of a sentence.

In the middle of a sentence.

What are connectives?

Words that connect together to form longer words.

Words and phrases that connect words of similar meaning together.

Words and phrases that link together clauses, sentences or paragraphs.

Write your own sentences using the following connectives to link cause and effect.

Because

As a result

Therefore

Consequently

For example:

'I can't go to school today because I have a cold.'

'Because I have a cold, I can't go to school today.'

Remember that you can place connectives at the start or in the middle of a sentence.

Connectives are extremely important in introducing, opposing or contrasting ideas or points of view.

Select five connectives from the following list that would be useful for this.

Despite

In addition

Although

On the other hand

However

Finally

In contrast

Firstly

Using the "Previous" button, look again at the sentences you wrote arguing that we should cycle more.

Add some sentences to these below with contrasting opinions, using the connectives below.

In contrast

However

Although

On the other hand

Despite

Write a short letter to your headteacher arguing your opinion on an issue you feel strongly about. Try to include the following connectives in your writing:

Firstly

Secondly

In addition

However

Therefore

On the other hand

Nevertheless

Although

Finally

Connectives are also important in expressing cause and effect.

Match the following clauses and their connectives together.

Column A	Column B
As a result of the rain...	...because it is bad for your health.
Smoking is now illegal in public places...	...therefore it is important that they are encoura...
Teenagers are becoming increasingly obese...	...consequently parents must monitor their childre...
Playing violent computer games has been linked to ...	...the cricket was cancelled.

Can you arrange the sentences below in the correct order, by looking at the connectives at the beginning of each sentence?

Column A	Column B
1	Firstly, pour the water in the kettle.
2	After this, stir until you have the desired streng...
3	Finally, add milk or sugar to taste, and enjoy.
4	Secondly, wait for the water to boil.
5	Next, pour the hot water into the mug with a tea b...

ANSWERS

Question 1

In the exam, you may be asked to write to argue or persuade. This will require that you add extra information in order to build on your ideas.

Which connectives would be best suited to this?

Select six answers from the list below.

EDDIE SAYS

When writing to argue or persuade, it's best to use connectives that lead on to your next point or provide supporting evidence. This usually means that the connectives are cooperative (i.e. leading to more information on a similar theme) rather than combative (i.e. leading to an opposing or opposite point). You're halfway! Let's practise some more questions together until you feel super confident.

ANSWERS

Question 2

When forming an argument, connectives are important to give your ideas order.

Imagine you are writing an argument encouraging people to cycle more. Write sentences beginning with the following connectives.

Firstly

Secondly

Finally

In conclusion

CORRECT ANSWER

EDDIE SAYS

Model response: Firstly, cycling is great for your health, so make sure you get out and get fit. Secondly, the beautiful countryside is waiting for you to explore it. Cycling along quiet country lanes and getting in touch with nature is peaceful and relaxing. Finally, it's a great thing to do for the whole family, and best of all, it's free. In conclusion, cycling will benefit your physical health, mental health and won't hurt your bank balance!

ANSWERS

Question 3

Where can you use connectives in your writing?

Select three correct answers from the list below.

CORRECT ANSWER

At the start of a paragraph.
At the start of a sentence.
In the middle of a sentence.

EDDIE SAYS

Connectives are used to join or link ideas so work best in the middle of a sentence. They can also be used to start a new sentence or paragraph, which follows on thematically from the previous sentence or paragraph.

ANSWERS

Question 4

What are connectives?

CORRECT ANSWER

Words and phrases that link together clauses, sentences or paragraphs.

EDDIE SAYS

The clue's in the word - connectives connect things! Connectives are words or phrases that create links between ideas. They can be conjunctions, adverbs or prepositions. They can be coordinating, that is, link words phrases or clauses of equal importance. Or, subordinating that is, linking a main idea with a subordinate or dependent clause. If you notice a connection in a piece of text, look for the connective that has made it!

ANSWERS

Question 5

Write your own sentences using the following connectives to link cause and effect.

Because

As a result

Therefore

Consequently

For example:

'I can't go to school today because I have a cold.'

'Because I have a cold, I can't go to school today.'

Remember that you can place connectives at the start or in the middle of a sentence.

CORRECT ANSWER

EDDIE SAYS

Model response: I was late to school today because the bus broke down. I was unable to concentrate as a result of going to bed too late. My brother cooked dinner last night therefore, it's my turn tonight. It's pouring with rain today; consequently, football has been cancelled.

ANSWERS

Question 6

Connectives are extremely important in introducing, opposing or contrasting ideas or points of view.

Select five connectives from the following list that would be useful for this.

EDDIE SAYS

When introducing, opposing or contrasting ideas, it's important to choose connectives that convey that you are presenting an alternative idea. These connectives imply a contrast coming next, rather than implying a continuation of the same theme. Great focus, let's continue.

ANSWERS

Question 7

Using the "Previous" button, look again at the sentences you wrote arguing that we should cycle more.

Add some sentences to these below with contrasting opinions, using the connectives below.

In contrast

However

Although

On the other hand

Despite

CORRECT ANSWER

EDDIE SAYS

In contrast, you could injure yourself if you don't wear a helmet. However, cycling in the city could be dangerous if there are a lot of cars. Although, if you have young children, you may need to ride more slowly. On the other hand, there are other ways of keeping fit that don't cost a lot of money. Despite the fact that it is low cost to cycle, it can cost a lot to get all of the equipment you need.

ANSWERS

Question 8

Write a short letter to your headteacher arguing your opinion on an issue you feel strongly about. Try to include the following connectives in your writing:

Firstly

Secondly

In addition

However

Therefore

On the other hand

Nevertheless

Although

Finally

CORRECT ANSWER

EDDIE SAYS

Model response: Firstly, we work hard at school and find it stressful. Secondly, there has been evidence to suggest that children are only able to concentrate for a maximum of 45 minutes at a time. In addition, we need to make the most of our break times in order to ensure we are adequately prepared for our lessons. However, it's important that we do not take our education for granted. Therefore, we suggest that lessons last for no more than 45 minutes, to ensure students benefit from being more focused. On the other hand, this would mean rearranging the school day to incorporate six lessons rather than five. Nevertheless, we feel it would be worth it to ensure the school day is more productive. Although you may be concerned about the cost implications, the exam results are likely to improve, bringing more students, and more money, to the school. Finally, we believe you are a headteacher who cares about her students and wants what is best for them.

ANSWERS

Question 9

Connectives are also important in expressing cause and effect.

Match the following clauses and their connectives together.

CORRECT ANSWER

Column A	Column B
As a result of the rain...	...the cricket was cancelled.
Smoking is now illegal in public ...	...because it is bad for your hea...
Teenagers are becoming increasing...	...therefore it is important that...
Playing violent computer games ha...	...consequently parents must moni...

EDDIE SAYS

To match these clauses together, you can start by looking for those ideas that correlate in both halves of the sentences, such as smoking and health. You can also consider whether or not the connective implies a continued or contrasting idea, such as 'because'. Using these tips, you should be able to see how the full sentence comes together and the connective is necessary to make a link.

ANSWERS

Question 10

Can you arrange the sentences below in the correct order, by looking at the connectives at the beginning of each sentence?

CORRECT ANSWER

Column A	Column B
1	Firstly, pour the water in the ke...
2	Secondly, wait for the water to b...
3	Next, pour the hot water into the...
4	After this, stir until you have t...
5	Finally, add milk or sugar to tas...

EDDIE SAYS

Connectives such as 'firstly' and 'secondly' make it easier to organise your writing. In order to use connectives such as 'next' or 'after this', you need to read the context of the wider paragraph to then figure out the order.