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Contrast & Opposition

Use these to show two ideas are different or oppose each other

➕

Addition & Further Points

Use these to add another idea that supports or develops your argument

⚡

Cause & Effect

Use these to explain why something happens or what results from it

🤝

Concession

Acknowledge the other side before returning to your own argument — examiners reward this

💡

Giving Examples

Support your argument with specific evidence — essential for Task Response marks

📋

Sequence & Structure

Guide the reader or examiner through your argument in a logical order

🎯

Conclusion & Summary

Bring your essay or answer to a clear, logical close

⭐

Emphasis

Highlight your most important point — use sparingly for maximum effect

Common confusable pairs — don't mix these up

⚠️ Words students frequently use incorrectly

However vs. Nevertheless
However introduces a simple contrast. Nevertheless means "despite what was just said, this is still true" — stronger and more formal.
❌ She studied hard. However, she still passed. (no contrast needed)
✓ The exam was extremely difficult. Nevertheless, she achieved a Band 7.
Although vs. Despite
Although is followed by a subject + verb clause. Despite is followed by a noun or gerund (-ing form).
❌ Despite she worked hard, she failed.
✓ Despite working hard / Despite her efforts, she failed.
✓ Although she worked hard, she failed.
Furthermore vs. Moreover
Both add information, but moreover implies the next point is even more important. Don't use both in the same essay — pick one.
❌ Furthermore, this is important. Moreover, it is also significant.
✓ Governments must reduce emissions. Moreover, they should invest in green infrastructure.
Therefore vs. Thus vs. Hence
Therefore — general result (most common, always safe). Thus — formal, often mid-sentence. Hence — very formal, used before a noun.
❌ Hence, we should act now. (needs a noun after it)
✓ Hence the need for immediate action.
✓ Therefore, we should act now.
On the other hand vs. On the contrary
On the other hand introduces a different perspective on the same issue. On the contrary directly contradicts something just stated — use it to say the opposite is true.
❌ Some love cities. On the contrary, others prefer the countryside. (not a contradiction)
✓ Some love cities. On the other hand, others prefer quieter surroundings.
✓ "It was boring." "On the contrary, I found it fascinating."
For example vs. Such as
For example starts a new clause. Such as is followed immediately by a noun — never a full sentence.
❌ Many countries, such as they have invested in renewables.
✓ Many countries, such as Germany and Denmark, have invested in renewables.
✓ For example, Germany has invested heavily in solar energy.
Stop overusing these — examiners notice

🚫 Overused connectors that lower your Lexical Resource score

❌ "Also" — starting sentences
Starting every extra point with "Also" looks basic. Replace with: Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, What is more, Beyond this.
❌ "But" — at sentence start
"But" is informal. In writing use: However, Nevertheless, That said, Yet. In speaking, "But" is fine.
❌ "In conclusion, I think…"
Never use "I think" in your conclusion — restate your position confidently: In conclusion, it is clear that… / On balance, the evidence suggests…
❌ "Firstly…Secondly…Thirdly…"
Three numbered points in a row sounds mechanical. Mix it up: To begin with… Furthermore… A final consideration is…