Week 2: Discourse Markers
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Addition, contrast, cause and effect, stance, and opinion markers # Week 2: Discourse Markers & Connectors Discourse markers are words or phrases that manage flow. They act like signposts that tell the reader how one idea relates to the next.
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Week 2: Discourse Markers & Connectors
Discourse markers are words or phrases that manage flow. They act like signposts that tell the reader how one idea relates to the next.
1. Main Families
Addition
- Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, Also
- Use these when the new sentence supports or extends the previous point.
Contrast and concession
- However, Nevertheless, Nonetheless, On the other hand
- Use these when the next idea pushes back against the previous one.
Cause and effect
- Because, Since, As
- Therefore, Thus, Consequently
- Use these to show reason or result.
Stance and opinion
- Honestly, To be honest, Frankly, Apparently
- These show the speaker's attitude, certainty, or source of knowledge.
If the marker changes logic, not just style, read the sentence again. These words control interpretation.
2. Common Sentence Moves
- Addition: "The report is complete; moreover, it is ready for review."
- Contrast: "The prototype worked; however, the deployment failed."
- Cause-effect: "The server was overloaded; therefore, latency increased."
- Stance: "Apparently, the meeting has been moved."
3. Worked Patterns
Pattern 1: Replace a blunt but
Question: "We finished the sprint, but the deployment failed."
Solution: "We finished the sprint; however, the deployment failed."
Pattern 2: Show result
Question: "The data was noisy. ___, the model underperformed."
Solution: "Therefore" or "Consequently" fits best.
Pattern 3: Show a personal opinion
Question: "___, the draft needs more evidence."
Solution: "Honestly" or "Frankly" depending on tone.
4. Flashcards
<Flashcard front="What does 'Nevertheless' do?" back="It introduces a statement that remains true despite the previous one." /> <Flashcard front="Which markers are best for results?" back="Therefore, Thus, Consequently." /> <Flashcard front="Why use discourse markers?" back="To make the logical relationship between ideas explicit." />5. Practice Matrix
- Rewrite 5 informal sentences using formal discourse markers.
- Label each marker as addition, contrast, cause/effect, or stance.
- Practice joining two short sentences into one smooth academic sentence.
6. Quick Recall
- Addition expands.
- Contrast pivots.
- Cause and effect explains.
- Stance reveals the speaker's angle.