GRAMMAR

Discourse
markers for
advanced
English
LEVEL NUMBER LANGUAGE
Upper-Intermediate EN_B2_3052G English
(B2)
[Link]

[Link]
 Learning outcomes

● I can identify and explain the

usage of some more advanced
discourse markers.

● I can use discourse markers to

organise my speech and
writing appropriately.

2
 Warm-up
Here are some informal discourse markers.

As I was saying, they’re a good band

1
but I don’t really like their new stuff.

2 Absolutely! I’ve wanted to go there for

ages. Let’s check it out together.
Real-life language

Yes, exactly. I’m glad we’re on the

3
same page.

I want to see as much as I can while

4 I’m there. Mind you, it’s an expensive
place so I’ll need to save up first.
What do you think is the function of each
To tell you the truth, I didn’t enjoy it one in the sentences?
5 as much as I thought. Maybe my
expectations were too high.

3
 Why use discourse markers?
Read the texts. Answer the questions.

Discourse markers are words To begin with, it‘s great to see you
and phrases which are used to in class today. What are some of
connect and organise ideas. our goals when mastering a
language?
They are signposts that help to
structure what you say and Well, above all, we want to
express ourselves clearly and link
guide the listener and reader
our ideas together in a
through the content. Discourse sophisticated manner.
markers can help us with Anyway, let‘s get started and
comparing, contrasting, learn how we can more easily
opposing, and adding manage a conversation with
information. discourse markers.

Choose one of the

What four functions
What are discourse Identify four discourse markers
of discourse
markers, according discourse markers you identified. What
markers are
to text 1? used in text 2. is its function in the
mentioned in text 1?
text?

4
 Comparing
_______________

We can use discourse markers to highlight the similarities between two things.

We call this showing comparison.

Sales in France have soared over the past few months.

Correspondingly, sales in Germany are increasing at a
very high rate.

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 Discourse markers for comparing

similarly likewise in the same way

The marketing team Profits have risen To run a business you

has had a successful steadily this year.
need to be organised.
month. Similarly, In the same way, you
the product team Likewise, market
should always keep
have made a lot of share has improved detailed financial
progress. considerably. records.

6
 Contrasting or opposing
_______________

We can also use discourse markers to link an idea with another which is unexpected, or
show the differences between two things. This shows a contrast. They can also be used to
oppose a previous statement and make a counter argument.

Discourse markers of this sort are generally placed at the beginning of the sentence.
These discourse markers are effective to use in debates or speeches when giving an
opinion or making a point.

Despite all our market research, sales have been falling.

Although it’s very hard work, I love my job.

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 Discourse markers for contrasting and opposing
Match the discourse markers with the most appropriate sentence.

We were told that sales had increased

1 however a significantly in Germany. _______________, they
fell slightly.

I like my job _______________ the long working

2 conversely b
hours.

We took a risk. _______________, this backfired

3 in contrast c and sales are suffering as a result.

Sales have been steadily rising this month,

4 on the contrary d _______________ to last month when they were
plummeting.

This could mean that they hated the

5 although e proposal, or, _______________, that they loved it.
Let’s wait and see.

_______________ this is a serious problem for

6 despite f our company, our competitors will likely be
facing the same problem.

8
 Categorise
Categorise the discourse markers.

1 2 3

similarly in contrast on the contrary

4 5 6

likewise although conversely

7 8 9

in the same way despite however

Comparing Contrasting/opposing

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 Comparison and contrast
Rewrite the sentences below, showing comparison or contrast.

The old school didn’t have great facilities. The The old school didn’t have great facilities.
1 However, the new school is state-of-the-art.
new school is state-of-the-art.

Janie can sing beautifully. Joshua can play the

2
piano well.

The weather is great today. Tomorrow will be

3
rainy.

4 I love maths. I don’t like writing.

Online sales have boomed. Retail sales have

5
decreased.

Apples are healthy. Oranges have health

6
benefits too.

similarly – on the contrary

in the same way - however
conversely - in contrast
10 although – despite –
likewise
 Oppose these statements
Use discourse markers to oppose the statements below.

Dating within a
We need
company
minimum
shouldn’t be
wage.
allowed. similarly – likewise – in the same way

however – conversely – in contrast

Micromanage-
You should
ment will on the contrary – although – despite
always include
improve
a photo on
employee
your CV.
performance.

Global Technology is
warming is a dehumanising
myth. us.

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 Organising a speech or a
_______________
presentation

• Discourse markers are also very useful when writing a text or organising a speech
or presentation. They can help us to order ideas and sequence arguments. They
give a sense of formality.

The next few slides show how discourse markers can be used to introduce specific
sections, to facilitate structuring your writing or speech.

Firstly, I’d like to welcome the keynote speaker to the

room…
Finally, let’s have a round of applause for everyone
behind the scenes who made this event possible…

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 Categorise
Categorise the discourse markers. You are probably familiar with most of these.

1 2 3 4 5

First and To conclude/in

To begin with To sum up On top of that
foremost conclusion

6 7 8 9 10

What’s more Secondly/Thirdly Finally In summary For a start

Introduction Body Conclusion

Introduce an idea, Signal additional ideas Signal the conclusion or
paragraph or section within a paragraph or summary of an idea or
section section

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 Thus and hence
Read the example sentences and explanations below.

He is happy with the project. Thus, we can expect further work from
this client.

There are train strikes; hence the increase in staff absences.

● Discourse markers can also be used to

signal additional information in a more
formal way. The following examples can
add information in a way that shows
the second statement follows logically
from the first.

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 Prepare a speech
1. Choose one of the topics below (or come up with your own topic).
2. Prepare a short speech on your chosen topic using as many of the discourse markers as you
can.

Introduction
Firstly…To begin with…
For a start…
Body
● The importance of Secondly…/Thirdly…/on top of
funding space travel and that…
research Conclusion
In conclusion…
● The possibilities of solar In summary…To sum up…
energy
Additional information
Thus… Hence…
● Future advances in Comparing
medicine. Similarly…Likewise…
In the same way…
Contrasting/Opposing
Although…
In contrast…Conversely…

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 Give your speech!
Present your speech to the class.
Your classmates will listen and prepare some questions to ask you afterwards.

16
 Let’s reflect

● Can you identify and explain the

usage of some more advanced
discourse markers?

● Can you use discourse markers to

organise your speech and writing
appropriately?

Your teacher will now make one suggestion

for improvement for each student.

17
End of the lesson

Idiom

Be that as it may…

Meaning: despite (that); despite (what you say); nevertheless

Example: I know that the deadline is tomorrow and everyone is tired; be that as it may, we
can’t compromise on quality now!
Additional practice

Additional practice

19
 Discuss the sentences
Identify the discourse markers in the following sentences. What is their function?
Some of them have not been covered in the lesson, but try to make an educated guess!
Additional practice

1 To tell you the truth, I felt the same way as Dave in the meeting.

2 Although the evidence is concerning, there is not enough data to make a concrete opinion.

3 So, I think we need to discuss our new marketing strategy.

Changes will need to occur for this to become more democratic. For a start, we must all
4 contribute to the creative direction of the group.

Our competitors are moving to flood the industry with a cheaper product. Likewise, we must
5 do the same.

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 Notes on usage
Read the advice below. Answer the questions.
Additional practice

Be aware that using too many discourse markers can result in writing which
sounds clunky and artificial. Try to only use them when necessary. Beyond
the uses studied in this lesson, discourse markers can also be used in the
following ways:

• to begin a conversation or initiate communication

• to mark a change or shift in topic
• to begin a response or reply
• to serve as a filler
• as a way of delaying

What is the danger of Can you think of any What discourse markers
discourse markers that can
using too many discourse be used for the purposes do you think you’ll be likely
markers? listed above? to use on a regular basis?

21
 Talk about your day
Tell the class about your day. Try to use the following discourse markers in your response.
Additional practice

Eg: Well, I woke up early and then went for a run. Mind you, I was so tired, I didn’t really want to go.
On top of that, I didn’t sleep well…

Well… Mind you…

On top of
To sum up…
that…

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 Answer key

P.3: Suggested answers 1. referring to a previous statement 2. Showing enthusiasm and/or

agreement 3. Confirming that what the other person said is correct 4. Similar meaning to
‘’but’’ (contrasting or modifying what has been said) 5. Emphasis (often prefacing a negative
feeling)
P.4: 1. Words and phrases which are used to connect and organise ideas. 2. Compare,
contrast, oppose, and add information. 3. To begin with; Well; above all; Anyway
P.8: 1c, 2e, 3d, 4a, 5f, 6b
P.9: Comparing: 1, 4, 7 Contrasting/opposing: 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9
P.13: Introduction: 1, 3, 10 Body: 5, 6, 7 Conclusion: 2, 4, 8, 9
P.20: 1 To tell you the truth; 2 Although; 3 So; 4 For a start; 5 Likewise
P.21: Using too many discourse markers can result in writing that sounds clunky and
artificial.

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 Summary
Informal discourse markers:
● As I was saying…; Absolutely!; exactly; Mind you…; To tell the truth…;
● As I was saying, they’re a good band but I don’t really like their new stuff.
● To tell the truth, I don’t really like crowded places.

Comparison discourse markers:

● We can use discourse markers to highlight the similarities between two things. We call this
showing comparison.
● similarly; likewise; in the same way
● Sales have fallen in France. Similarly, they’ve taken a hit in Germany.
Contrast discourse markers:
● Link an idea with another which is unexpected and show the differences between two things. Can
also be used to oppose a previous statement and make a counter argument.
● Generally placed at the beginning of the sentence.
● despite; although; however; conversely; in contrast; on the contrary
Discourse markers for organising a speech:
● Can help us to order ideas and sequence arguments. They give a sense of formality.
● First and foremost; Firstly; To begin with; For a start
● On top of that; What’s more; Secondly/Thirdly
● To conclude/In conclusion; Finally; To sum up; In summary

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 Summary
Thus and hence:
● Used to signal additional information in a more formal way. The following examples can add
information in a way that shows the second statement follows logically from the first.
● He is happy with the project. Thus, we can expect further work from this client.
● There are train strikes; hence the increase in staff absences.

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 Vocabulary

As I was saying however

Absolutely! conversely

Exactly. in contrast

Mind you on the contrary

To tell you the truth thus

similarly hence

likewise

in the same way

despite

although

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 Notes

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