How to Use Connectors in the DELE B1 and B2 Writing Test
Using connectors effectively in the DELE B1 and B2 writing test is essential to demonstrate your ability to organize ideas and create cohesive, fluent texts. Below, you’ll find practical tips and examples to help you make the most of connectors in your exam.
What Are Connectors, and Why Are They Important?
Connectors are words or phrases that link ideas in a logical way. They give structure to your writing, improve its readability, and show that you have a strong command of Spanish. In the DELE B1 and B2 writing tasks, the use of connectors can significantly boost your score in the “coherence and cohesion” evaluation criteria.
Key Types of Connectors and How to Use Them
Using connectors correctly is crucial for organizing your ideas and showcasing a strong command of Spanish. Here are the key types of connectors you should master to succeed in the DELE exam:
1. Additive Connectors
Usage: To add information or combine ideas.
Keywords: además, sobre todo.
Example:
“Aprender español es muy útil. Además, te abre muchas puertas en el ámbito profesional.”
“Learning Spanish is very useful. Moreover, it opens many doors in the professional field.”
2. Consecutive Connectors
Usage: To express the consequence of a previous idea.
Keywords: así que, por lo tanto.
Example:
“No estudié lo suficiente, así que no aprobé el examen.”
“I didn’t study enough, so I didn’t pass the exam.”
3. Justificative Connectors
Usage: To justify or explain a cause.
Keywords: como, es que.
Example:
“No puedo salir esta noche, es que tengo que preparar el DELE.”
“I can’t go out tonight because I have to prepare for the DELE.”
4. Counter-argumentative Connectors
Usage: To present a contrasting idea.
Keywords: aunque, sin embargo.
Example:
“Me encanta el español, aunque a veces es difícil.”
“I love Spanish, although it’s sometimes difficult.”
5. Structuring Connectors
Usage: To structure parts of a text.
Keywords: en primer lugar, en segundo lugar, en conclusión.
Example:
“En primer lugar, aprender un idioma abre muchas puertas. En segundo lugar, te conecta con nuevas culturas. En conclusión, estudiar español es una excelente decisión.”
“Firstly, learning a language opens many doors. Secondly, it connects you with new cultures. In conclusion, studying Spanish is an excellent decision.”
6. Commentative Connectors
Usage: To introduce a comment or nuance.
Keyword: pues.
Example:
“No voy a la fiesta, pues estoy cansado y tengo clase de español mañana.”
“I’m not going to the party because I’m tired and I have a Spanish class tomorrow.”
7. Explanatory Connectors
Usage: To clarify or explain an idea.
Keywords: o sea, es decir.
Example:
“No me gusta el fútbol, es decir, prefiero otros deportes.”
“I don’t like soccer, that is, I prefer other sports.”
8. Recapitulatory Connectors
Usage: To summarize what was previously stated.
Keyword: en resumen.
Example:
“Hemos hablado de varios conectores. En resumen, usarlos correctamente mejora tu redacción en el DELE.”
“We’ve talked about several connectors. In summary, using them correctly improves your writing in the DELE.”
9. Focusing Connectors
Usage: To draw attention to a specific point.
Keyword: en cuanto a.
Example:
“En cuanto a la gramática, es fundamental dominar las estructuras básicas del español.”
“Regarding grammar, it is essential to master the basic structures of Spanish.”
10. Specific Connectors
Usage: To specify or clarify an idea.
Keywords: en concreto, en particular.
Example:
“Los conectores son esenciales en el DELE, en particular, en la prueba escrita.”
“Connectors are essential in the DELE, particularly in the writing test.”
11. Reinforcement Connectors
Usage: To reinforce an idea or argument.
Keyword: claro.
Example:
“Debes practicar la expresión escrita con frecuencia. Claro, también es útil leer ejemplos de redacciones.”
“You must practice writing often. Of course, it’s also helpful to read examples of essays.”
Tips for Using Connectors in the DELE Writing Test
- Plan Your Text: Before you start writing, create a clear outline of your ideas. Decide where and how to use connectors to organize your points logically.
- Vary Your Vocabulary: Avoid repeating the same connectors; use a variety to make your writing more dynamic.
- Don’t Overuse Connectors: While connectors are important, too many can make your writing sound unnatural. Use them purposefully.
- Practice Writing: Familiarize yourself with common connectors by writing practice essays and reading examples of well-structured texts.
- Learn the Evaluation Criteria: Understanding how “coherence and cohesion” are graded in the DELE can help you focus on improving this aspect of your writing.
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We’ll focus on improving your writing skills, learning key connectors, and preparing you to pass the DELE B1 or B2 exam with confidence.
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