FULL LIST OF DISCOURSE MARKERS TO USE IN THE WRITING AND
SPEAKING PART OF THE IELTS
Which discourse marker to use and why?
Which discourse marker should you use and why should you use it? We
mentioned
that discourse markers express functions of language, so it's
important to use the
correct discourse marker when you are trying to express a language function. If you
did very well on a test you would not start the sentence with 'unfortunately' as this is
used to express disappointment or sorrow, you would use a more positive marker to
express your joy. Look at the following table which shows the different speech
functions you would use during an IELTS Speaking test
with examples of markers
you could use.
Function
Discourse markers, linking phrases
Sequencing -
ordering
information
First, the first thing, first of all, firstly, the next one, to begin
with, moving on to the
next reason, secondly, thirdly,
subsequently, on top of that, later, after this, finally
Adding
information
Another thing that comes to mind, also, and, besides,
additionally, another good example of this is, another
reason
for this, and one more thing
Indicating
opinion &
attitude
Unfortunately, however, actually, to be honest, definitely,
essentially, frankly, basically, clearly, I'm afraid, if you ask
me, sadly, thankfully, in fact, seriously, as a matter of fact
Comparing
Similarly, in the same way, equally, likewise, in a similar
fashion, if
I compare it to my country
Contrasting
However, although, instead of, despite, on one hand, on the
other hand, in the opposite way, in contrast, whereas
