DrillKit is an AI-powered tool that turns your online lesson chat from Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, or Microsoft Teams into professional, print-ready ESL lessons in under 30 seconds. It automatically extracts vocabulary, generates exercises (gap-fill, error correction, vocab match, word formation, and more), and produces beautiful PDFs tailored to the student's CEFR level and native language.

Does DrillKit support Zoom chats?

Yes! Simply copy the chat text from your Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, or Microsoft Teams lesson and paste it directly into the input area. You can also paste vocabulary lists or handwritten notes. DrillKit's AI strips out timestamps, sender names, and other noise automatically.

Can I export lessons to PDF?

Absolutely. Every lesson is generated as a high-quality, print-ready PDF. Pro users can also export to Google Docs and customize branding with their school logo and accent colors.

Which languages are supported?

DrillKit supports translations in 11 languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Arabic, Turkish, and Russian. The AI auto-detects the student's native language from the chat transcript.

What exercise types can DrillKit generate?

DrillKit generates 11 exercise types: Gap Fill, Vocab Match, Error Correction, Sentence Completion, Multiple Choice, Word Scramble, Sentence Reorder, Translation, Word Formation (Cambridge Part 3), Key Word Transformation (Cambridge Part 4), and Dialogue Builder.

How does the AI extract vocabulary from chat transcripts?

The AI scans your pasted chat transcript, strips out noise (timestamps, reactions, media placeholders), identifies teachable vocabulary, phrasal verbs, idioms, and student errors, then scores each item by relevance. You review and select the best items before generating exercises.

Is DrillKit free to use?

Yes! The free plan includes 20 generations per month with full access to all 13 exercise types, all lesson styles, and custom branding. The Pro plan ($4.99/month or $3.33/month billed yearly) unlocks unlimited generations and priority AI processing.

Can I customize the lesson with my school branding?

Pro users can add their school or institution name, choose custom accent colors, select from 5 lesson styles (Standard, Classic, Modern, Playful, Academic), and add footer text to every generated lesson.

Teaching Linking Words & Connectors in ESL: Complete Guide

The Glue of Academic English

A student writes: 'The weather was bad. We went to the beach. We had a good time.' Three correct sentences. Zero cohesion. Now compare: 'Although the weather was bad, we went to the beach. However, we still had a good time.' Same information, dramatically better writing. Linking words and discourse markers are what transform correct-but-choppy output into fluent, cohesive text. They signal relationships between ideas: contrast, cause, addition, sequence, concession — all invisible without explicit connectors. CEFR descriptors specifically cite the ability to use connectors as a key differentiator between B1 and B2 writing. IELTS examiners explicitly award marks for 'cohesion and coherence.' Yet many students reach B2 with fewer than 10 connectors in their active vocabulary.

Connectors by Function

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Contrast & Concession

However, nevertheless, on the other hand (between sentences). Although, even though, despite, in spite of (within sentences). While, whereas (comparing two things). 'Although it rained, we enjoyed the trip.'

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Cause & Effect

Therefore, consequently, as a result (formal). So, because of this (informal). Because, since, as (within sentences). Due to, owing to (+ noun). 'She studied hard. Therefore, she passed.'

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Addition & Emphasis

Moreover, furthermore, in addition, what is more (formal). Also, besides, plus (informal). Not only... but also (emphatic). 'The hotel was expensive. Moreover, the service was terrible.'

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Sequence & Organization

Firstly, secondly, finally (listing). To begin with, then, after that, subsequently. In conclusion, to sum up, overall. 'Firstly, we need to understand the problem. Then, we can discuss solutions.'

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Teacher Tip

“Teach connectors with their grammar pattern: ALTHOUGH + clause ('Although it rained, we went out'). DESPITE + noun/gerund ('Despite the rain, we went out' / 'Despite raining, we went out'). HOWEVER + full sentence ('It rained. However, we went out.'). Students constantly write 'Although the rain' or 'Despite it rained' — they've learned the word but not its grammar. DrillKit gap-fill exercises with mixed connectors force students to think about both meaning AND structure.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I teach linking words in ESL?

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Group connectors by function (contrast, cause, addition, sequence) rather than teaching them randomly. Teach the grammar that follows each connector (although + clause, despite + noun). Practice with paragraph-building activities where students must connect given sentences using appropriate linkers.

What is the difference between although and despite?

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Both express contrast/concession but take different grammar: ALTHOUGH + subject + verb ('Although she was tired, she kept working'). DESPITE + noun or gerund ('Despite being tired, she kept working' / 'Despite her tiredness'). Never write 'Despite she was tired' — that combines the two patterns incorrectly.

When should I teach linking words in ESL?

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Introduce basic connectors (and, but, because, so) at A2. Teach contrast pairs (although/however) at B1. Add formal academic connectors (moreover, consequently, nevertheless) at B2. IELTS and Cambridge exam preparation intensifies connector work at B2-C1.

Linking Words & Discourse Markers: However, Although, Despite — Building Connected Speech