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Mastering Connectors for PSLE: Cause, Effect, Reason, and Purpose
Connectors are essential in PSLE English because they help students link ideas smoothly in writing and comprehension. They make sentences clearer and improve logical flow. In the PSLE English exam, connectors appear in various sections, such as Grammar Cloze, Editing, Comprehension Cloze, and Continuous Writing.
Many students struggle with choosing the right connector, leading to awkward sentence structures and grammatical errors. In this guide, we will break down the types of connectors, their functions, and how to use them effectively in PSLE English.
Why Are Connectors Important in PSLE?
Connectors:
- Improve sentence structure by linking ideas smoothly.
- Enhance writing clarity in essays and situational writing.
- Boost comprehension skills, helping students understand how ideas relate to each other.
- Help in PSLE Grammar Cloze and Editing, where missing or incorrect connectors can cost marks.
The three main types of connectors tested in PSLE are:
- Cause & Effect
- Reason
- Purpose
Types of Connectors and How to Use Them Correctly
1. Cause & Effect Connectors
These connectors show the relationship between an action (cause) and its result (effect).
Common Cause & Effect Connectors
- Because of (due to) – Because of the heavy rain, the football match was cancelled.
- So – The bus was late, so I took a taxi instead.
- As a result, she did not study for the test. As a result, she failed.
- Therefore – Tom forgot his umbrella; therefore, he got wet.
How to Use Cause & Effect Connectors Correctly
- Ensure the sentence has both a cause and an effect.
- Avoid redundancy.
Incorrect: Since it was raining, therefore I stayed indoors.
Correct: Since it was raining, I stayed indoors.
Example Sentences
- Due to the traffic jam, we arrived late at school.
- The ice melted because the temperature was high.
- He forgot to set an alarm; as a result, he woke up late.
2. Reason Connectors
These connectors explain why something happens.
Common Reason Connectors
- Because – She left early because she was not feeling well.
- Since – Since he had completed his homework, he went out to play.
- As – As it was getting late, we decided to go home.
How to Use Reason Connectors Correctly
- Ensure the connector correctly explains the reason behind an action.
- Do not confuse "because" and "since."
Incorrect: Because he was sick, he didn’t go to school.
Correct: Because he was sick, he didn’t go to school.
Correct: Due to his illness, he didn’t go to school.
Example Sentences
- Since it was my birthday, my parents bought me a cake.
- I went to bed early because I had a test the next morning.
- As the bus was delayed, we decided to take a taxi.
3. Purpose Connectors
These connectors explain the reason behind an action, often showing intention or goal.
Common Purpose Connectors
- In order to – She studied hard in order to pass the exam.
- So that – I spoke slowly so that he could understand me.
- For the purpose of – The school organised extra classes for the purpose of helping students improve their grades.
How to Use Purpose Connectors Correctly
- Ensure the sentence explains a goal or intention.
- "In order to" is followed by a verb.
Incorrect: She exercises every day in order to stay fit.
Correct: She exercises every day to stay fit.
Example Sentences
- I practise speaking English every day so that I can improve my fluency.
- He left work early to pick up his kids.
- The police increased patrols for the purpose of reducing crime.
Tips for Using Connectors in PSLE
1. Ensure connectors make logical sense.
- Logical: I was tired, so I drank coffee.
- Not logical: I was tired, so I watched TV.
2. Avoid repetition.
- Incorrect: Since it was late, therefore we went home.
- Correct: Since it was late, we went home.
3. Use them correctly in writing essays and comprehension.
- In continuous writing, connectors improve flow:
I was feeling nervous because I had never spoken in front of a large audience before. As a result, my hands were shaking.
4. Practise with grammar clozes and editing exercises.
- Fill in missing connectors in sentences.
- Identify incorrect connectors and replace them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in PSLE
Using the wrong connector type
- Incorrect: I brought an umbrella because it was sunny.
- Correct: I brought an umbrella because it was raining.
Forgetting to use connectors
- Without connectors:
She was hungry. She ate a sandwich. She was full. - With connectors:
She was hungry, so she ate a sandwich. As a result, she was full.
Using informal connectors in formal writing
- "So" is acceptable in speech, but use "therefore" in essays.
Practice Exercises
Try filling in the blanks with the correct connectors:
- The baby was crying _______ he was hungry. (Because / So that)
- It was raining heavily. _______, the event was postponed. (As a result / In order to)
- I left home early _______ catch the train. (Because / In order to)
- _______ he had no umbrella, he got drenched. (Since / As a result)
Conclusion
Mastering connectors is essential for PSLE success. To improve, practise regularly with comprehension and writing exercises. The more you use connectors, the better your English will be.
