Discourse Markers — Linking Your Ideas Like a Pro
Discourse Markers — Linking Your Ideas Like a Pro
⏱ 5 minutes
Writing + Speaking
I notice the difference between a B1 and a B2 speaker most clearly in one thing: how they connect ideas. A B1 speaker says “I was tired. I worked. I went home.” A B2 speaker says “Although I was exhausted, I finished my shift. As a result, I went home feeling proud of myself.” The ideas are the same. The English is completely different.
🎯 Language Focus
| Adding | Furthermore, / In addition, / Moreover, / What’s more, |
| Contrasting | However, / Nevertheless, / Despite this, / On the other hand, |
| Cause/Effect | As a result, / Therefore, / Consequently, / For this reason, |
| Conceding | Although / Even though / Despite / In spite of |
✏️ Quick Practice — Try It!
💡 Your 5-Minute Takeaway
Don’t overuse discourse markers — one per paragraph is enough. However is not a magic word; it loses power if every sentence starts with it. Choose precisely.
Independent educational resource. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or accredited by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Confers no qualification. Grammar reference: Swan, Practical English Usage. Frameworks: PPP, TBLT, ESA (standard ELT methodology).
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