English Drills
Home › Teacher lessons › Writing Connectors for Clear Essays

Writing Connectors for Clear Essays

A complete B2 classroom lesson designed in the EnglishDrills teacher-lesson format.

B255–60 minutesAcademic writingPrintable
Teacher lesson: Look at the title and picture. What do you already know about this topic? Write two ideas, then compare with a partner. Work through the nine panels in order, or choose the sections that suit your class. Teacher answers and the listening script are stored separately.
Teacher AnswersBack to Teacher Lessons
1 Lesson Goals
A student reading and organising ideas in a bright study space

By the end of this lesson, I will be able to:

  • understand the main ideas and key details in Writing Connectors for Clear Essays.
  • learn and use important vocabulary from the lesson.
  • use the lesson language in speaking or writing.
Start here: What do you already know about this topic? Tell a partner one idea.
2 Reading
Before you read:

Look at the title and picture. What do you already know about this topic? Write two ideas, then compare with a partner.

Good writing is not only about correct grammar. Readers also need to understand how ideas connect. Linking words help a writer show whether an idea is a first point, an extra point, a contrast, an example or a result.

For example, “Firstly” can introduce a first reason, while “Furthermore” or “In addition” can add another idea. “However” signals contrast. “For example” introduces evidence or illustration. “Therefore”, “Consequently” and “As a result” show that one event or idea leads to another.

The most effective writers do not use difficult connectors simply to sound advanced. They choose a connector that accurately shows the relationship between ideas. Repeating the same word too often can make writing sound mechanical, but using too many unfamiliar expressions can also create errors. A small set of well-understood connectors is often more useful than a long list that the writer cannot use confidently.
3 Vocabulary
Key words: connector · contrast · consequence · transition · coherence

Write a short meaning or synonym for each word.

connector –

contrast –

consequence –

transition –

coherence –

4 Check Your Understanding

1. Why are connectors useful?

2. Which connector can introduce contrast?

3. Which expressions can show a result?

4. Why can a small set of connectors be useful?

5. What makes a connector effective?

5 Language Focus

Complete each sentence with a suitable connector.

1. The weather was terrible. , the event was cancelled.

2. My brother enjoys science. , I prefer history.

3. Reading improves vocabulary. , it develops critical thinking.

4. Many hobbies reduce stress. , painting helps people relax.

6 Listen & Speak

Listen

Listen to your teacher. You will hear the text twice. Answer the questions.

1. What should a strong paragraph start with?

2. What can come after a reason?

3. What do connectors help the reader do?

4. What problem do connectors reduce?

Speak

Discuss with a partner or small group.

• Which connectors do you use most often?
• Which connector is easy to misuse?
• How can a writer avoid sounding repetitive?

Writing Connectors for Clear Essays — Continued
7 Use Your English

Something New

Sort the connectors into groups such as addition, contrast, example and result. Race a partner, then compare and explain any differences.

Write

Write an 120–150 word opinion paragraph. Use at least five different connectors correctly.

8 Puzzle or Game
Two Truths and a Trick

Write three short statements about the Reading panel. Make two true and one false. Read them to a partner. Can your partner find the trick?

9 Success Criteria ✓

Tick each statement when you can do it.

  • I can explain the main idea of the lesson.
  • I can use at least three new words correctly.
  • I can complete the language task.
  • I can share an idea in spoken or written English.

One thing I am proud of today:

10 Show What You Can Do
Final challenge: Writing Connectors for Clear Essays

Plan: Note your strongest idea, 3 useful words or phrases, and one supporting detail from the lesson.

Respond: Write a short paragraph of 6–8 sentences, or prepare a 45-second spoken response, showing what you learned.

Reflect: Underline the part of your response that best shows your progress.