Connectors & Building an Argument

You’ll be able to

Use paired connectors such as 因为⋯⋯所以 to link cause and effect
Use 虽然⋯⋯但是 and 不但⋯⋯而且 to concede and to add
Structure a short persuasive paragraph on a global issue

Paired connectors come in twos

Formal Mandarin often links clauses with paired connectors, where a word in the first clause is answered by a word in the second. 因为⋯⋯所以⋯⋯ (yīnwèi … suǒyǐ …) means “because … therefore …”: 因为空气污染严重，所以我们要少开车 (Yīnwèi kōngqì wūrǎn yánzhòng, suǒyǐ wǒmen yào shǎo kāichē, “Because air pollution is serious, we should drive less”). Unlike English, Mandarin comfortably keeps both halves of the pair, and this two-part structure signals careful, essay-level reasoning.

Concession and addition

Two more high-value pairs: 虽然⋯⋯但是⋯⋯ (suīrán … dànshì …), “although … but …,” concedes a point then pivots — 虽然回收很麻烦，但是很重要 (Suīrán huíshōu hěn máfan, dànshì hěn zhòngyào, “Although recycling is troublesome, it is important”). And 不但⋯⋯而且⋯⋯ (bùdàn … érqiě …), “not only … but also …,” piles on evidence — 气候变化不但影响农业，而且影响健康 (Qìhòu biànhuà bùdàn yǐngxiǎng nóngyè, érqiě yǐngxiǎng jiànkāng, “Climate change affects not only agriculture but also health”). These let you argue with nuance.

Shaping a persuasive paragraph

A strong AP argument paragraph often follows a shape: state the problem, give a cause with 因为⋯⋯所以, concede a difficulty with 虽然⋯⋯但是, stack reasons with 不但⋯⋯而且, and close with a call to action using 应该 (yīnggāi, “should”) or a 把 command. Transition words like 首先 (shǒuxiān, “first”), 其次 (qícì, “second”), and 总之 (zǒngzhī, “in short”) guide the reader. Global-challenges essays reward this visible structure far more than isolated vocabulary.

Worked example

Combine these ideas into one nuanced sentence: “Although electric cars are expensive, they not only reduce pollution but also save energy.” Choose the right connectors.

1.The first idea concedes a drawback (“expensive”), so open with 虽然: 虽然电动车很贵 (Suīrán diàndòngchē hěn guì).
2.Pivot to the positive with 但是: … 但是 … (dànshì …).
3.The two benefits should be added together, so use 不但⋯⋯而且: 不但能减少污染，而且能节约能源 (bùdàn néng jiǎnshǎo wūrǎn, érqiě néng jiéyuē néngyuán).
4.Join the halves into a single sentence.

Answer: 虽然电动车很贵，但是不但能减少污染，而且能节约能源。(Suīrán diàndòngchē hěn guì, dànshì bùdàn néng jiǎnshǎo wūrǎn, érqiě néng jiéyuē néngyuán.) “Although electric cars are expensive, they not only reduce pollution but also save energy.” 虽然⋯⋯但是 concedes then pivots, and 不但⋯⋯而且 stacks the two benefits.

Checkpoint

Which pair of connectors means “not only … but also …”?

Tip

Mandarin keeps both halves of a connector pair, which surprises English speakers. Write 因为⋯⋯所以⋯⋯ with both words, not just one. Front-loading the pair also helps you plan the sentence: once you write 虽然, your brain is primed to deliver the 但是 pivot.

Checkpoint

A student writes: 因为塑料很难分解，＿＿＿＿我们应该少用塑料。Which word best fills the blank to complete the cause-and-effect pair?

On the exam

In the presentational essay, aim to use at least two different connector pairs and a couple of sequencing words (首先, 其次, 总之). Graders explicitly reward organization and cohesion, and visible connectors are the fastest way to demonstrate both.

Answer the 2 checkpoints as you read.