Introduction to Connectives and Complex Sentences

Welcome! In this chapter, we are going to learn how to move beyond simple, short sentences to create writing that flows smoothly and sounds professional. Think of connectives as "word glue." Without them, our ideas are just a list of separate bricks. With them, we can build a strong, beautiful house of language. Mastering these will help you score higher in Criterion D: Writing by showing a "range of basic cohesive devices" and "grammatical structures."

What are Connectives?

Connectives (also known as cohesive devices) are words or phrases that link ideas together. They help the reader follow your train of thought. Depending on your phase, you will start with simple ones and move toward more sophisticated ones.

Types of Connectives

We use different connectives depending on what we want to do with our ideas:

1. Adding Information: Used when you want to give more details.
Examples: and, also, furthermore, in addition.
Sentence: "I like studying English, and I also enjoy practicing my speaking skills."

2. Showing Contrast: Used when two ideas are different or opposite.
Examples: but, however, although, on the other hand.
Sentence: "The exam was difficult; however, I felt well-prepared."

3. Giving Reasons or Results: Used to explain why something happened.
Examples: because, so, therefore, as a result.
Sentence: "It rained all morning, so the football match was cancelled."

4. Ordering Time: Used to show when things happen.
Examples: first, then, after that, finally.
Sentence: "First, we read the text. Then, we answered the questions."

Key Takeaway: Connectives help your writing flow. Using a variety of them shows the examiner you can organize your thoughts clearly.

Compound Sentences: The "FANBOYS" Trick

A compound sentence joins two equal ideas (independent clauses) together. A great way to remember the most common connectives for these sentences is the acronym FANBOYS:

F - For
A - And
N - Nor
B - But
O - Or
Y - Yet
S - So

Example: "I wanted to go for a walk (Idea 1), but it started to rain (Idea 2)."

Quick Tip: Always put a comma before the FANBOYS word when it joins two complete sentences! \( \text{Sentence 1} + , + \text{FANBOYS} + \text{Sentence 2} \)

Complex Sentences: Main + Extra Ideas

A complex sentence is a bit more advanced. It combines one main idea (which can stand alone) with an "extra" idea (which cannot stand alone). These "extra" ideas usually start with words like because, although, if, since, or while.

How to build them:

Pattern A: Main idea first.
"I stayed at home because I was feeling tired." (No comma needed here!)

Pattern B: Extra idea first.
"Because I was feeling tired, I stayed at home." (We need a comma here to separate the ideas!)

Analogy: Think of a complex sentence like a trailer hitched to a truck. The truck (main idea) can drive by itself, but the trailer (extra idea) needs to be attached to the truck to go anywhere!

Progressing Through the Phases

In the MYP, your teachers look for how you use these structures as you grow in the language:

Emergent Level (Phases 1-2)

At this level, you should focus on using basic cohesive devices like and, but, because, and then correctly. Your goal is to make sure your simple sentences are connected logically.

Capable Level (Phases 3-4)

Now you should use a wider range of connectives. Instead of just "but," try "however." Instead of just "because," try "since" or "as a result." You should be using complex sentences with although, even though, and provided that.

Proficient Level (Phases 5-6)

At the highest level, you use connectives to show register and style. You might use sophisticated links like notwithstanding, consequently, or moreover. You can handle long, complex sentences without losing the meaning or making grammatical mistakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. The "Comma Splice": This is when you join two complete sentences with only a comma. Wrong: "I like coffee, I don't like tea." Right: "I like coffee, but I don't like tea."

2. Overusing "And": Don't start every sentence with "And" or "But." It makes the writing feel repetitive. Try using Furthermore or However instead.

3. Missing the Comma: Remember, if you start a sentence with a connective like Although or Because, you must put a comma in the middle of the sentence.

Quick Review Box

Connectives: Words like and, but, however, because that link ideas.
Compound Sentences: Use FANBOYS to join two equal ideas.
Complex Sentences: Use words like while, since, although to join a main idea with a supporting one.
Punctuation: If the connective starts the sentence, use a comma in the middle!

Note: For more information on how to arrange words within these sentences, see the chapter on "Sentence patterns and word order."