Lesson 12 Discourse markers

By / in contrast – a comparison which introduces something opposite to the first item. The economy in the EU shrunk by 2%, by contrast, the USA saw growth of nearly 5%.

In comparison – used to discuss the ways in which two things are different. Costs have risen in comparison to last year.

In my opinion – Used to give your opinion or point of view when you are confident of the facts. In my opinion, it’s better to invest in language training as early as possible in our schools.

Of course – stating something that is known or obvious but important to state. Of course, children benefit greatly from playing sports.

A discourse marker is a word or an expression that organizing our sentences. Also known as linking words, they can be thought of as the glue that connects our sentences together.

Formal discourse markers are vital in academic and business texts as they organize the sequencing and connections.

Exercise 1 Look at the underlined phrases 1-5. Write them in the table

• 
  ….. as I was saying, it really does look like a photo ……
  
• 
  ….. The expression on her face is kind of intense …..
  
• 
  It sort of looks like a photo …..
  
• 
  To be honest it’s not really my taste…..
  
• 
  To tell you the truth, I still wouldn’t want it hanging on my bedroom wall.
  

Focusing on the main topic or returning to a previous line of discussion	Introducing an opinion or criticism
Softening an opinion or criticism	Making additional ( often contrasting) points

Exercise 2 Add the phrases from the box below to the table

https://www.liveworksheets.com/worksheets/en/English_as_a_Second_Language_(ESL)/Discourse_markers/Use_of_discourse_markers_dh473510zb

https://www.theenglishbureau.com/blog/discourse-markers/