Checkpoint 6 · Reading: grammar & punctuation

Conjunctions and Connectives

Coordinating and subordinating conjunctions, connectives grouped by function (time, cause, contrast, addition and more), how to link paragraphs, and how Checkpoint 6 asks about them.

British & IGCSE › Checkpoint 6 English (Cambridge Primary 0058)

1. What are conjunctions and connectives?

Writers need words that join ideas and show how the ideas are connected. Without them, writing sounds like a list of separate facts. With them, the reader understands the order of events, the reasons, the results and the differences.

Word type	What it does	Example
Conjunction	joins words or clauses inside one sentence	I was hungry, so I made a sandwich. / I stayed home because I was ill.
Connective (also called a linking word or adverbial)	links one sentence to another, or one paragraph to the next	The plan was simple. However, nothing went as planned.

In Checkpoint 6, connectives matter in both sections of both papers:

Reading: you may be asked what a joining word shows (time, reason, contrast...), or how the start of a paragraph links to the paragraph before it.
Writing: linking ideas and paragraphs clearly helps your mark for Structure of texts (7 marks), and joining clauses correctly helps Grammar and punctuation (7 marks). Choosing a precise connective also shows good Vocabulary and language.

Exam words

Function: the job a word does (adds, contrasts, gives a reason, shows time...).
Cohesion: how well the parts of a text stick together and flow.
Link back: when the start of a paragraph refers to an idea in the paragraph before.
Sequence: the order in which things happen.

2. Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS)

Coordinating conjunctions join two words, two phrases or two main clauses of equal importance. There are seven: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

Conjunction	Function	Example
for	reason (like because, but formal and old-fashioned)	The traveller rested, for he had walked all day.
and	addition: adds one idea to another	The sun came out, and the birds began to sing.
nor	adds a second negative idea	She did not cry, nor did she complain.
but	contrast: shows a difference	The cake looked delicious, but it tasted terrible.
or	choice: gives an alternative	You can have juice or water.
yet	contrast: something surprising	He practised every day, yet he still felt nervous.
so	result: shows what happened because of something	The river flooded, so the road was closed.

3. Subordinating conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions start a subordinate clause and join it to a main clause. They show exactly how the two ideas are related. Learn them by function:

Function	Subordinating conjunctions	Example
Time	when, while, as, before, after, until, since, once, whenever	Before you leave, switch off the lights.
Cause / reason	because, since, as	We cancelled the picnic because it was raining.
Contrast	although, though, even though, while, whereas	Although the test was hard, everyone finished.
Condition	if, unless, as long as, provided that	You can play as long as you finish your homework.
Purpose	so that, in order that	He saved his money so that he could buy a bike.
Place	where, wherever	Plant the seeds where they will get sunlight.
Comparison	than, as ... as	Our team ran faster than we expected.
Choice / doubt	whether	I don't know whether the shop is open.

Same word, different jobs

since: time (*I have lived here since 2020.*) or reason (*Since you are here, let's start.*)
as: time (*As I opened the door, the phone rang.*) or reason (*As it was late, we took a taxi.*)
while: time (*While I cooked, he set the table.*) or contrast (*Ali loves maths, while his brother prefers art.*)
Always read the whole sentence to decide the function.

4. Pairs that work together

Some conjunctions come in pairs (they are called correlative conjunctions). Use both parts.

Pair	Function	Example
both ... and	adds two things together	Both the teacher and the students enjoyed the trip.
either ... or	a choice between two	You can either walk or take the bus.
neither ... nor	two negatives (not this and not that)	Neither the cat nor the dog wanted to go outside.
not only ... but also	adds with emphasis	She is not only clever but also very kind.
whether ... or	two possibilities	Whether you like it or not, the exam is on Monday.

5. Connectives that link sentences and paragraphs

These words and phrases usually come at the start of a sentence or paragraph, followed by a comma (*However, ... / In addition, ...*). They are the key to well-linked writing. Learn them in groups by function:

Function	Connectives	Example
Addition (adding more)	Also, In addition, Furthermore, Moreover, What is more, Besides	Walking is good for your heart. In addition, it costs nothing.
Contrast (showing a difference)	However, On the other hand, Nevertheless, Even so, In contrast, Instead	Many people like the new park. However, some say it is too noisy.
Cause and result	Therefore, As a result, Consequently, Because of this, For this reason, That is why	The bridge was damaged. As a result, the road was closed for a week.
Time and sequence	First, Firstly, Next, Then, After that, Later, Meanwhile, Soon, Finally, Eventually, At last	First, wash the rice. Next, add the water.
Example	For example, For instance, One example is	Some animals sleep all winter. For example, bears hibernate for months.
Emphasis	Indeed, In fact, Above all, Most importantly, Clearly	Above all, never swim alone.
Similarity	Similarly, Likewise, In the same way	Cats need exercise. Similarly, dogs need a daily walk.
Condition	Otherwise, If so, In that case	Bring a coat. Otherwise, you will be cold.
Summing up / ending	In conclusion, To sum up, Overall, All in all, Finally	Overall, the trip was a great success.

سر الربط القوي

احفظ أدوات الربط في مجموعات حسب الوظيفة: إضافة، تضاد، سبب ونتيجة، زمن وترتيب، مثال، خاتمة.
لا تكرر and / then طوال الموضوع. غيّر: In addition / However / As a result / Later.
ابدأ كل فقرة جديدة بأداة ربط أو بجملة تشير إلى الفقرة السابقة؛ هذا يرفع درجة Structure of texts.

6. Linking paragraphs: how good writers do it

The examiner wants your paragraphs to flow from one to the next. Here are five ways to link the start of a paragraph to the one before. Reading questions sometimes ask how the start of a paragraph links to the previous paragraph, so learn to spot these too.

Method	Example (start of a new paragraph)	How it links
1. A time connective	Later that afternoon, the storm finally reached the village.	moves the story forward in time from the last paragraph
2. A contrast connective	However, not everyone agrees with this idea.	turns from one side of an argument to the other
3. An addition connective	Another reason to visit the museum is its café.	adds a new point to the reasons already given
4. A word that points back (this, these, that, such)	This discovery changed everything.	This refers to the discovery described in the last paragraph
5. Repeating or echoing a key word	Last paragraph ends: ...a strange light in the window. Next starts: The light grew brighter.	picks up the same idea so the reader follows the thread

Worked example. Read these two original paragraphs:

*Paragraph 1:* Every summer, thousands of turtles come to the beaches of the Red Sea to lay their eggs. They dig deep holes in the sand at night and bury the eggs carefully.

*Paragraph 2:* Sadly, these nests are often in danger. Bright lights from hotels confuse the baby turtles, and people walking on the beach can crush the eggs.

Question: How does the first sentence of paragraph 2 link to paragraph 1? (1 mark)

Answer: It uses *these nests* to point back to the holes and eggs described in paragraph 1, and *Sadly* shows a change from the turtles' careful work to the dangers they face.

Paragraph link answer frame

Quote the linking word or phrase → say what it refers back to in the previous paragraph → say what it does (moves on in time / adds a new point / introduces the other side / introduces a problem).

7. Which connectives suit which text?

Text type	Paper	Connectives that fit
Story	Paper 2	time connectives to move the plot: Suddenly, Moments later, Meanwhile, That night, Eventually, At last
Recount, diary, biography, news report	Paper 1	time and sequence: First, Later, After that, The next morning, By the evening, Finally
Instructions	Paper 1	sequence: First, Next, Then, After that, Finally, and also When ... , Once ... , Before ...
Persuasive writing (letter, leaflet, advert, speech)	Paper 1	addition and emphasis: Furthermore, What is more, Above all, Clearly / cause: Therefore, As a result
Balanced argument / discussion	Paper 1	contrast: However, On the other hand, In contrast / ending: Overall, To sum up, In conclusion
Information text / non-chronological report	Paper 1	addition and example: Also, In addition, For example, Similarly
Review	Paper 1	contrast and summing up: However, Although, Overall

8. Common mistakes with connectives

Mistake	Wrong	Right
Using two contrast words together	Although it was cold, but we went out.	Although it was cold, we went out. / It was cold, but we went out.
A because clause left alone	We stayed inside. Because it was raining.	We stayed inside because it was raining.
Using the wrong function	The shop was closed. Furthermore, we went home.	The shop was closed. As a result, we went home. (it is a result, not an addition)
Repeating the same connective	And then... and then... and then...	Change it: After that... Later... Finally...
However used like but in the middle with only a comma	I wanted to go, however I was too tired.	I wanted to go. However, I was too tired. / I wanted to go, but I was too tired.
So at the start of every sentence in formal writing	So the council should act. So the park will be safe.	Therefore, the council should act. As a result, the park will be safe.

Too many connectives

Do not start every sentence with a connective. One at the start of each paragraph and a few inside paragraphs is enough. Too many make writing sound heavy and unnatural.

9. How Checkpoint asks about connectives

These are typical question styles, written in our own words:

Question style	How to answer
Which word in this sentence is a conjunction? / Circle the conjunction.	Find the word that joins two clauses: FANBOYS or a starter like because, when, although, if.
What does the word however (or although, so, meanwhile) show here?	Name the function: contrast, cause, result, time, addition, condition. Add a few words about what is being contrasted or caused.
Choose the best word to join these two sentences.	Read both ideas. Ask: is the second one a reason? a result? a surprise? Then pick the matching connective.
How does the start of paragraph 3 link to paragraph 2?	Quote the link (This..., However..., Later...), say what it refers back to, and say what it does.
Why does the writer use Suddenly at the start of this paragraph?	Any of these effects: it shows a quick, unexpected change / it surprises or shocks the reader / it speeds up the action / it builds suspense about what will happen next.

كيف تجيب عن سؤال وظيفة أداة الربط

اسأل نفسك: الجملة الثانية سبب؟ نتيجة؟ عكس؟ زمن؟ إضافة؟ شرط؟
اكتب اسم الوظيفة بالإنجليزية (contrast / result / time / addition) ثم وضّح ماذا تقارن أو ما النتيجة، مع اقتباس قصير.

Starting a story paragraph

Suddenly, ...
Moments later, ...
Meanwhile, ...
That night, ...
Without warning, ...
As soon as ..., ...
Eventually, ...
At last, ...

Adding a point

In addition, ...
Furthermore, ...
What is more, ...
Another reason is that ...
Not only ... but also ...

Showing the other side

However, ...
On the other hand, ...
Despite this, ...
Even so, ...
Some people believe ... However, others ...

Cause and result

As a result, ...
Therefore, ...
Because of this, ...
This means that ...
For this reason, ...

Ending

Overall, ...
To sum up, ...
In conclusion, ...
All in all, ...
Finally, ...

Word / phrase	Meaning / use
conjunction	a word that joins words or clauses inside a sentence
connective	a word or phrase that links sentences or paragraphs
coordinating	joining two equal parts (FANBOYS)
subordinating	starting a clause that depends on a main clause
addition	adding more information
contrast	showing a difference
consequence	a result
sequence	the order of events
cohesion	how smoothly a text holds together
refer back	point to something already mentioned

10. Practice A: what does the connective show?

*The museum was crowded. Nevertheless, we saw every room.* What does *Nevertheless* show?
Show answer
Contrast. Even though it was crowded (a problem), they still saw every room.
*We left early so that we could avoid the traffic.* What does *so that* show?
Show answer
Purpose. It explains why they left early.
*You will not pass unless you revise.* What does *unless* show?
Show answer
Condition. Passing depends on revising.
*The power went off. Consequently, the food in the fridge spoiled.* What does *Consequently* show?
Show answer
Result. The food spoiled because the power went off.
*While Dad drove, we played games in the back.* What does *While* show here?
Show answer
Time. The two actions happened at the same time.
*Cats are independent pets, whereas dogs need lots of attention.* What does *whereas* show?
Show answer
Contrast between cats and dogs.

11. Practice B: join the sentences

Join each pair using the type of word given in brackets.

The ice was thin. We did not skate on the lake. (result)
Show answer
*The ice was thin, so we did not skate on the lake.* / *Because the ice was thin, we did not skate on the lake.*
Sami is very shy. He sang in front of the whole school. (contrast)
Show answer
*Although Sami is very shy, he sang in front of the whole school.* / *Sami is very shy, yet he sang in front of the whole school.*
The baby fell asleep. We turned the music off. (time)
Show answer
*When the baby fell asleep, we turned the music off.* / *After the baby fell asleep, we turned the music off.*
You can have the red bag. You can have the blue bag. (choice, pair)
Show answer
*You can have either the red bag or the blue bag.*
Recycling saves energy. It reduces rubbish. (addition, pair)
Show answer
*Recycling not only saves energy but also reduces rubbish.*

12. Practice C: choose the best connective

Mix the flour and sugar. ______, add the eggs one at a time. (However / Next / For example)
Show answer
Next. This is a sequence in instructions.
Some people think school uniform is boring. ______, others say it saves time every morning. (On the other hand / As a result / Finally)
Show answer
On the other hand. It introduces the opposite view.
Exercise keeps your body healthy. ______, it can make you feel happier. (Instead / In addition / Otherwise)
Show answer
In addition. It adds a second benefit.
Leave the gate shut. ______, the goats will escape. (Otherwise / Similarly / Meanwhile)
Show answer
Otherwise. It shows what will happen if the condition is not met.
Ahmed searched for hours. ______, he found the key under the sofa. (At last / For instance / However)
Show answer
At last. It shows the long wait is over.

13. Practice D: linking paragraphs

Paragraph 1 describes how a family planned a picnic all week. Paragraph 2 begins: *Unfortunately, the weather had other plans.* How does this link to paragraph 1? (1 mark)
Show answer
*Unfortunately* shows a contrast: after all the happy planning in paragraph 1, something goes wrong. The phrase *the weather had other plans* prepares the reader for a problem.
Paragraph 2 of an information text ends by describing how bees make honey. Paragraph 3 begins: *This honey is not only food for bees.* How does it link back?
Show answer
*This honey* points back to the honey described in paragraph 2, and *not only* shows that a new point about its other uses is being added.
Write a first sentence for a new paragraph that moves a story forward in time.
Show answer
Example: *By the time the sun rose, the boat was far out at sea.*
Write a first sentence for a paragraph that gives the opposite view in a balanced argument about homework.
Show answer
Example: *On the other hand, some parents believe that homework takes away time for family and play.*

Remember

Conjunctions join ideas inside a sentence. Connectives link sentences and paragraphs. Always know the function: addition, contrast, cause, result, time, condition, example or summing up.

All pages in this course

Start here: the exam

Reading: grammar & punctuation

Reading: understanding texts

Paper 1 writing: non-fiction

Paper 2 writing: fiction

Mistake	Wrong	Right
Using two contrast words together	Although it was cold, but we went out.	Although it was cold, we went out. / It was cold, but we went out.
A because clause left alone	We stayed inside. Because it was raining.	We stayed inside because it was raining.
Using the wrong function	The shop was closed. Furthermore, we went home.	The shop was closed. As a result, we went home. (it is a result, not an addition)
Repeating the same connective	And then... and then... and then...	Change it: After that... Later... Finally...
However used like but in the middle with only a comma	I wanted to go, however I was too tired.	I wanted to go. However, I was too tired. / I wanted to go, but I was too tired.
So at the start of every sentence in formal writing	So the council should act. So the park will be safe.	Therefore, the council should act. As a result, the park will be safe.