TEF Section A: 5 Speed-Writing Connectors That Skyrocket Your Coherence Score

By Jerry

Introduction: Beyond "Et" and "Alors"

In the TEF Canada Expression Écrite Section A, candidates are evaluated strictly on their ability to structure a brief narrative logically. The criteria for Cohérence et Cohésion measures how smoothly your ideas transition into one another.

When acting fast to finish in 13 minutes, students fall back on basic linking words: Et, Alors, Parce que, Mais. While grammatically correct, these do not trigger the level descriptors examiners look for when awarding B2 or C1 score brackets.

1. Contre toute attente (Against all odds / Unexpectedly)

Use this connector right before the "twist" or turning point in your fait divers story. It adds instant dramatic weight.

2. En effet (Indeed / As a matter of fact)

Use En effet to justify or explain the sentence immediately preceding it. It solves the issue of repeating parce que (because) too often.

3. Par la suite (Subsequently / Afterwards)

A cleaner, more elevated alternative to après (after) or ensuite (then). It perfectly bridges two actions happening in sequence.

4. C'est ainsi que (That is how / Consequently)

Use this connector at the beginning of your very last sentence to introduce the conclusion or bottom-line resolution of the story snippet.

• Usage scenario: Closing the narrative resolving action safely.

5. Force est de constater (One must admit / It is clear that)

This is a C1 structure trigger. Use it to state an undeniable observation following the event described in the prompt.

• : Reflecting on the aftermath of a situation.

Jerry’s Final Tips for absolute scoring

1. Punctuation Mastery: Always place a comma immediately after using these connectors when they begin a sentence (En effet, ..., Contre toute attente, ...).
2. Avoid Stacking: Do not use more than 3 high-level connectors in a 100-word response. Overcrowding looks unnatural and calculated.

Memorize just two of these formulas right now and drop them in your next Section A practice response today. You will feel the difference in layout elegance immediately!