Using Connectors in Essays 2

Last week we talked about connectors used to add and balance contrasting ideas. Today we will talk about connectors used to emphasise a contrast and give examples. It is difficult to remember all the connectors, so we will focus on the most frequently used ones and illustrate their usefulness in an essay situation. We will then test your connecting skills.

Emphasising a Contrast

There are other connectors that are used to emphasize two contrasting ideas. The most common are however and nevertheless. Both would be translated as sin embargo, but the latter is used in more formal situation. Here are some examples of their use:

This is not, however, the best method of doing things.
I thought it was an excellent plan. Nevertheless, everyone ignored my advice.

Giving Examples

The main connectors for giving particular examples are for example and for instance. You can use in particular to emphasize the one thing that is especially important. Here are some examples:

a. The weather has been very hot throughout (X) Spain. For instance/For example in Granada, the temperatures reached 43ºC.
b. I really loved the film. In particular I liked Penélope Cruz’s acting.

 Using Connectors In An Essay

 Now you know the most important connectors, let’s put them into an essay that compares two different types of summer holiday.

Holidays on the Beach or in the Mountains?

Choosing a destination for your summer holidays is often a difficult decision. In Barcelona many people like to escape from the hot humid conditions that frequently occur during the summer months. During August, many Catalans leave their city residences and descend in their thousands to spend their holidays on the beach, whilst others prefer the mountains. Clearly, there are arguments for and against each type of holiday.

Beach holidays in Catalonia are not only popular with the Spanish people, but also with people who come from colder countries such as the UK and Germany on package holidays.( vacaciones organizadas) They like to return to their countries with a golden suntan (bronceado) from the guaranteed Spanish sunshine on the beaches. The Coast Brava’s Callela or Tossa de Mar, for example, provide a paradise for sun worshippers. (devotos del sol ) In addition to going to the beach, holidaymakers can swim in the sea and do more energetic activities that help keep them fit and healthy, for instance swimming, snorkelling, or scuba diving. Furthermore, there is usually vibrant nightlife in the seaside resorts that appeal to many people. For example, these resorts have discos, bars and nightlife to keep the tourists entertained throughout the night and into the early hours of the morning.

However, beach holidays do not appeal to everyone’s taste. Some people find it incredibly boring to lie on the beach all day and hate having to listen to disco music every night. Catalonia also provides many wonderful places to enjoy the mountains, especially the Pyrenees. There tourists explore the mountainous terrain by doing various activities. They can go trekking along mountain trails, while those looking for a challenge (reto) can do some rock climbing. Moreover, the tourist can enjoy the excitement of mountain biking. All these activities enable people to admire the breathtaking ( impresionante, que quita el aliento ) scenery, the abundant wildlife, such as birds, butterflies and mammals, or different types of mountain flower. As well as this, some tourists can enjoy the greater tranquillity and cleaner air that mountainous regions bring. At night, you can go camping and see the stars more clearly, whereas in the beach resorts there is too much light pollution from the streetlights, shops and hotels. Maybe you may be fortunate enough to see a shooting star! 

So are beach holidays better than mountain holidays? Personally, I would vote for mountain holidays because of the greater tranquillity they bring. On the other hand, I enjoy the seaside once in a while  if the place is not too packed (lleno) and like to do different water sports. If, however, you and the rest of your family or friends cannot decide between a mountain and beach holiday, the simplest solution is to spend half of the holiday in the mountains and the other half by the beach.

Connectors Test

 Here’s our test on connectors. Just fill in the gaps with one of the appropriate words . Good luck!

however/ in addition /while/ in particular

1. Barcelona won the Champions League.__________   they won the Spanish league.(adding ideas)
2. Mediterranean food is  the best in the world,________olive oil, salads and pasta. (giving examples)
3. John plays the piano,__________ Ben plays the guitar in the band. (balancing contrasting ideas)
4 Margaret is a schoolteacher who works 45 hours a week. ___________, she gets a ten week summer holiday. (emphasising contrasting ideas)

Solutions: 1. In addition 2. in particular 3. while 4. however