Discourse markers — 30 phrases để Writing flow naturally

What discourse markers do

Discourse markers = words/phrases organizing TEXT FLOW.

They signal:

• Adding info
• Contrasting
• Causal relationships
• Examples
• Concluding
• Emphasizing

Band 7: limited use, often basic (firstly, however, in conclusion). Band 8: varied + contextually appropriate.

30 markers by function

1. Adding information (5)

• Furthermore — "Furthermore, this approach offers cost benefits."
• Moreover — "Moreover, the evidence is compelling."
• In addition — "In addition, there are environmental considerations."
• What is more — "What is more, the policy has public support."
• Equally important — "Equally important is the long-term impact."

2. Contrasting (6)

• However — "However, critics raise valid concerns."
• Nevertheless — "Nevertheless, progress continues."
• On the other hand — "On the other hand, costs may rise."
• In contrast — "In contrast, rural areas show different patterns."
• Conversely — "Conversely, smaller firms struggled."
• That said — "That said, exceptions do exist."

3. Causal relationships (5)

• Therefore — "Therefore, immediate action is essential."
• Consequently — "Consequently, sales declined sharply."
• As a result — "As a result, populations migrated."
• For this reason — "For this reason, intervention is justified."
• It follows that — "It follows that policy must adapt."

4. Examples (4)

• For instance — "For instance, Singapore's approach succeeded."
• For example — "For example, take Denmark's energy transition."
• A case in point is — "A case in point is Sweden's parental leave policy."
• To illustrate — "To illustrate, consider the Vietnamese economy."

5. Concluding (5)

• In conclusion — "In conclusion, education remains paramount."
• To conclude — "To conclude, hybrid approaches offer the best path."
• Ultimately — "Ultimately, the choice lies with the public."
• On balance — "On balance, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks."
• All things considered — "All things considered, the policy merits support."

6. Emphasizing (5)

• Indeed — "Indeed, the data is unambiguous."
• Crucially — "Crucially, public engagement determines success."
• Most importantly — "Most importantly, individual rights must be protected."
• In particular — "In particular, vulnerable groups need support."
• Above all — "Above all, transparency is essential."

Placement variety

Position 1: Beginning of sentence

Standard: "However, this view is contested."

Position 2: After subject

"This view, however, is contested."

Position 3: At end (less common, more emphatic)

"This view is contested, however."

Vary placement → less mechanical.

Common errors

Error 1: Overuse

"Firstly, X. Secondly, Y. Furthermore, Z. Moreover, A. In addition, B. Finally, C."

→ Too mechanical. Sounds like template.

Fix: 5-7 markers per 280-word essay. Distribute naturally.

Error 2: Wrong marker for function

✗ "X has many benefits. Conversely, it improves health." (conversely = contrast, not adding) ✓ "X has many benefits. In particular, it improves health."

Error 3: Comma errors

✗ "However the evidence suggests otherwise." (missing comma) ✓ "However, the evidence suggests otherwise."