Last updated: Hunyo 24, 2026
The 'Conjonctions' that Win Points: Connectors for B2 and C1 levels
The "Conjonctions" that Win Points: Connectors for B2 and C1 Level
Imagine a bridge built without mortar—it might stand for a while, but it’s unstable and uninspiring. In French writing and speaking, Logical Connectors (les connecteurs logiques) are your mortar. They turn a list of isolated facts into a persuasive argument.
If you want to move from a B1 (CLB 5) to a B2 (CLB 7) or C1 (CLB 9), you must stop using "et" and "mais" exclusively. Examiners actively look for "sophisticated bridges" when assigning high level scores.
Here is your master list of connectors to win those extra points.
1. Addition & Progression (Beyond "Et")
Use these to build your case step-by-step.
- B2 (Solid): De plus, En outre, Par ailleurs.
2. Opposition & Contrast (Beyond "Mais")
Use these when you have two conflicting ideas.
- B2 (Solid): Cependant, Pourtant, En revanche.
3. Concession (The "C1 Secret Weapon")
Concession means acknowledging a counter-argument before reinforcing your own. This is a high-level intellectual marker.
- B2 (Solid): Bien que (+ Subjunctive), Même si.
4. Cause & Consequence
- B2 (Cause): Puisque, Étant donné que.
5. Conclusion & Synthesis
- B2 (Solid): Pour conclure, Enfin.
- C1 (Advanced): En somme, Tout bien considéré, En guise de conclusion.
The "Syntactic Variety" Rule
An examiner hates seeing the same connector used twice in the same paragraph. If you used "Cependant" in sentence 1, use "Néanmoins" in sentence 4.
Pro Tip: C1 candidates often use connectors at the beginning of sentences to drive the rhythm, whereas B1 candidates bury them in the middle of sentences.
Aiming for CLB 7+?
Join 15,000+ candidates efficiently preparing with our AI-powered simulator.
How PrepMyFrench Corrects Your "Weak Bridges"
When you submit a writing task on PrepMyFrench.com, our Writing Corrector doesn't just check for spelling. We perform a Lexical Analysis.
If our engine sees you repeating simple connectors like "et" or "parce que", it will flag them and suggest B2 or C1 level alternatives tailored to your context. It's like having a C1 tutor standing over your shoulder, helping you upgrade your French in real-time.
Sources
- Dictionnaire des Synonymes: Nuances of French Connectors
- IRCC NCLC Grid: Achievement Indicators for Advanced Writing