FORMAL AND WRITTEN DISCOURSE MARKERS

Discourse markers for more formal writing situations organise your text logically. They are typical when writing formal letters or when writing essays or reports, especially at work. They will also be use in formal speaking situations, such as presentations or speeches. For the IELTS writing exam, they are necessary to gain maximum marks under coherence and cohesion which is 25% of the mark.

Firstly, secondly, thirdly – organise your points logically. Firstly we need to reduce prices on the products. Secondly, we need to upgrade the channel to market etc. etc.

Finally – marks the final point of a list. Finally I want to talk about the environment.

To begin with – In addition – provides extra information. In addition to my earlier point, we also need to think about delivery. In conclusion – marks the summary and round up of your essay or speech. In conclusion, I have demonstrated that savings will be 10%.

In summary – another way to mark the conclusion. In summary, the average costs will reduce.

Moreover – as a further matter, there is even more to tell you. It’s a difficult decision, moreover, they would have to move home.

On (the) one hand, on the other hand – introduces two opposing ideas. On the one hand it’s cheaper, on the other hand it means a lot of work to make it worth the trouble.

What is more – introduces a new fact or argument and implies that this new fact or argument is more important than the one just given. Used with contraction for informal. The stock market fell in 2008, what is more is that the company had all it’s assets in stocks.

Furthermore – introduces an additional fact or argument. Unemployment rates fell in 2018, furthermore, average salaries rose.

Not only….but also – used to give emphasis to a second point. This phrase uses inversions. I not only worked in London, but also in Paris.

For example – used to give an example to show that something is true. This will never work, for example the spring is broken.

Such as – introduces an example or examples of what you’re talking about. There are lots of types of car on the road today, such as saloons, hatchbacks and four by fours.

As a result – introduces what happened because of something. He failed his exams and, as a result, couldn’t attend university.

Consequently – because of this or as a result. The road is closed, consequently we’ll need to wait until it’s open again.

Nevertheless – despite of what has just been said or written. There are insufficient funds for the development, nevertheless, we’ll continue on the work and hope something turns up.

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.

In conclusion — To sum up — All in all — Overall, it may be said … In summary,On the whole, To conclude,All things considered,In closing,In sum,By and large

ORGANISING AND LINKING SENTENCES

A discourse marker is a word or an expression that organising our sentences. Also known as linking words, they can be thought of as the glue that connects our sentences together. Formal discourse makers are vital in academic and business texts as they organise the sequencing and connections. Of course, there are many more discourse markers in use than those I’ve listed in this article. These ones should serve to cover most situations and you will pick up even more as you use English regularly at an advanced level If you found this article useful, please share it or the images on social media.

Can you ask questions in a formal essay?

For an essay, you are being tested on your use of formal communication. … So, try to avoid posing direct rhetorical questions to the reader in an essay. These are usually tiresome to read because they shift the burden of answering the question to the reader when the reader just wants to sit back and let you do that.  

DISCOURSE MARKERS FOR ORAL SPEECH

HESITATION DEVICES

Noises

• em…
• er…
• mm…

Filler phrases

• …you know…
• …I mean…
• …you see…
• Well,
• The thing is…
• It’s like this, you see…

Stalling for time

• Let’s see (now)…
• Now let me think…
• Now, just a minute…
• Hang on…

Stalling for time when answering a question

• That’s a good question…
• That’s an interesting question…
• Gosh, that’s a hard one…
• I’ll have to think about that…

When you can’t find the exact word to describe something

• …sort of…
• …like…
• …kind of…

Introducing ideas that bring contrast, surprise or something unwelcome

• Actually,…
• As a matter of fact,…
• To be honest/frank,…
• In fact, …
• The fact is…

Searching for a way to express something

• How shall I put it?
• What’s the word I’m looking for?
• How do you say that?
• How can I explain this?
• What is that word?

Showing you are reluctant to speak for fear of the effect

• What’s the best way to put this?
• How shall I put this?
• What I’m trying to say is…
• Let’s put it this way…
• Where should I start?

Framing words

These words open a kind of frame in the conversation which the speaker controls, at least for a short time. They are quite strong words that make it a little more difficult for other people to interrupt.

• Now…
• Right (then)…
• OK…

DISCOURSE MARKERSGIVING OPINIONS (DOWNLOAD)INFORMAL AND SPOKEN DISCOURSE MARKERS (LINKING WORDS)

Giving Opinions

This is just my opinion, but…

Elementary I (really) think that … I believe (that) … I’m sure that … In my opinion / My opinion is …  

Pre-intermediate I’d say… I should say… I agree with … I feel that … I guess/imagine … I have no doubt that / I’m certain that … I strongly believe that … I’ve never really thought about this before, but … My personal opinion is that / Personally, my opinion is that … To be honest / In my honest opinion, …  

Intermediate I’d say… I should say… As far as I know, … I agree with the opinion of … I could be wrong, but … I’d definitely say that … I’d guess/imagine that … I’d say that … I’m absolutely certain that … I’m fairly confident that … I’m no expert (on this), but … I’m positive that … I’m pretty sure that … It seems to me that … It’s a complicated/difficult issue, but … My (point of) view (on this) is … Obviously, … Some people may disagree with me, but … This is just my opinion, but … Without a doubt, … You probably won’t agree, but …  

Upper-intermediate After much thought, … After weighing up both sides of the argument, … Although I can see both points of view / Although I can understand the opposite point of view, … As I see it, … Correct me if I’m wrong, but … For me/ From my point of view, … Frankly, … I am not very familiar with this topic, but … I do believe/ feel/think … I have come to the conclusion that … I might change my mind later, but … I reckon/suppose … I tend to think that … I’m not sure I’m the right person to ask, but / I have very limited experience of this, but … I’m pretty confident that … I’ve always thought that … If you ask me, … I’m (absolutely) convinced that … In my humble opinion / IMHO, … It could be said that … It seems clear to me that … It would seem to me that … My initial reaction is … Not everyone will/would agree with me, but … Personally speaking / Speaking for myself, … The way I see it (is) … To be (perfectly) frank, … To the best of my knowledge, … What I think is … You could say …  

Advanced After giving this matter some (serious) thought, … As far as I’m concerned, … As the old saying goes, … Having given this question due consideration, … I am of the opinion that … I can’t help thinking that … I know this is a minority view, but / I’m in the minority in thinking that … I tend towards the opinion that … I think it’s fair/reasonable to say … I’ll tell you what I think, … I’m entirely/quite convinced that … I’ve come the conclusion that … If I must come up with an opinion / If you (really) want my opinion, … In my limited experience, … It could/might well be that … Know what I think? … My opinion was best expressed by … when s/he said/wrote … My view/position on this (issue) (is clear and) is that … Off the top of my head, … Plainly, … Quite frankly, … There is a part of me that says … This may well be controversial, but … To my mind / To my way of thinking, … To summarise my (rather complex) views on the matter, … What I always say is … With some reservations, … Without a shred/shadow of doubt, … You’d have to be crazy not to agree that / Any idiot can see that …

MORE SPOKEN DISCOURSE MARKERS When speaking or informal writing, such as emails or texts to friends, the following discourse markers are often used. There are many of course, but here are some of the most common.

Anyway – marks a shift away from a topic. It’s sold out, anyway, I didn’t want to go.

Actually – indicates that what you are saying is a surprise to you or is the opposite of what might be imagined or introduces the opposite response to what someone wants or expects. I thought I didn’t like dance shows but actually, I quite enjoyed it. Actually, I’d prefer if if you didn’t smoke in here.

As I was saying / As I said – continuing a theme after a change of subject. As I was saying before I was interrupted, I’d like to go to the cinema. As I said last week, I don’t enjoy opera.

Absolutely – used as a stronger way of saying yes. A. Would you like a holiday in Thailand? B. Absolutely, when do we go?

Exactly – used to emphasise what you mean. What exactly are you talking about? Exactly, that’s what I meant.

Okay or OK – understood or agreed. Okay, I get it.

Personally (speaking), — used when you give youropinion: Personally (speaking), I think the show is going to be a great success.

Well – used to indicate an emotion including: annoyance, anger, surprise, disappointment and relief. Well, that’s not what I wanted to hear. Well, I didn’t expect that!

Fine – used informally to indicate that something is not good. That’s another fine mess you’ve got me into. A. How are you since your wife left you? B, Fine, what do you think

Mind (you) – used to highlight or stress something you said to avoid misunderstanding. He couldn’t help me, mind you, I know he’s busy so it’s not his fault. Or to introduce something else that needs to be considered. My kids never listen to me. Mind you, I didn’t either at their age so I guess it’s normal.

You know – indicates that what you’re saying is known by the listener. or to check they understand with a question mark. Also used as a filler while you’re thinking of what to say next. Studying economics is hard, you know.

I mean – introduces a statement to justify what you’ve said. It was a tough driving test, I mean I took my test in the rush hour in the rain.

For a start – introduces the first item of a logical sequence or the most important item of other possibilities. The driving test in Spain is difficult, for a start it’s all in Spanish.

What’s more – introduces a new fact or argument and implies that this new fact or argument is more important than the one just given. Used without contraction for formal speech and writing. The stock market fell in 2008 and what’s more, our pension fund was tied up in stocks.

On top of that – used to indicate something unpleasant in addition to what you’ve just said. I lost my job and on top of that, I was fined for speeding.

To tell you the truth / truth be told – indicates that hat you’re saying is honest and open. To tell you the truth, I was more than a little worried. Truth be told, I’m concerned about the project

To be honest – explains that you are being truthful about what you’re saying, usually with an understanding that the person you’re talking to will be disappointed. To be honest, I don’t think your offer is sufficient.

Sort of / kind of – used to describe that something is partly true but it’s not the entire explanation. Or that something is difficult to explain entirely. Your answer is sort of correct but there’s a bit more to it that that. My new car is a kind of blue green colour. Not sure what colour you’d call it.  

Plan of the Opinion EssayThe 1st paragraph Some people hold the opinion that… Some people think that… Nowadays some people may hold the opinion that… Some people hold the idea that… Some people maintain the idea that… At the same time, others consider that… Others agree that… Others believe that … Other people are of the opinion that… Others argue that…

The 2nd paragraph I do strongly support the idea that…. I agree with the point of view that… As far as I am concerned I believe that… As far as I am concerned, I agree that… It seems to me that… To my mind,… My arguments for this point of view are listed as follows. First of all, … Besides, … What is more,… Firstly, … Secondly,… Thirdly, … Furthermore, … In addition,… Moreover,…

The 3rd paragraph Nevertheless, we can find a contrary opinion. Some people are sure that… However, some people think that… At the same time, we can find another opinion. However, some people consider that… At the same time, some people believe,… Nevertheless, we can find a contrary opinion. According to it , …

The 4th paragraph However, I cannot agree with this opinion completely because To my mind, it is hard to accept that… As for me, I ’m not sure that it is true. I think that… Personally, I believe… To conclude, I would like to note that… However, I can’ t agree with this opinion completely. I am sure that… Nevertheless, I feel…

The 5th paragraph According to the arguments presented above, I can note… All in all, … In conclusion, I would like to stress that… As a conclusion, it is important to emphasize … In conclusion, there is no doubt that…

Example of a opinion essay (argumentative essay)

Some people believe that having sport in schools is a waste of time and resources, whilst other people believe that sport in schools is a vital part of education. Discuss both these views and give your opinion. Using the plan given below, write an opinion essay, write your essay on the given topic. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience. You should write at least 250 words. Attach Google document with your essay to the page «Essays» (do not forget to open access to commenting your Google document): http://lms.vspu.ru/lessons/essays-2/  Here’s an example of a very good essay:

FORMAL vs. INFORMAL: BEST WRITING

Use Formal Writing When:

• Writing professionally (reaching out to a client or prospect)
• Academic writings (essays, research papers, etc.)
• Job applications (resume writing, CVs, and cover letters)
• Reaching out to someone you do not know

Use Informal Writing When:

• Writing to a friend
• Sharing a story or writing a personal blog
• Writing creatively
• Instructed to do so (if in school)
• Writing dialogue and conversations
• Writing an outline

Read the information below/ (To read more about linking words (discourse markers), go to https://www.allassignmenthelp.com/blog/linking-words-list/ )

DISCOURSE MARKERS (LINKING WORDS): INFORMAL AND FORMAL

INFORMAL AND SPOKEN DISCOURSE MARKERS/LINKING WORDS

When speaking or informal writing, such as emails or texts to friends, the following discourse markers are often used. There are many of course, but here are some of the most common. Anyway – marks a shift away from a topic. It’s sold out, anyway, I didn’t want to go. Actually – indicates that what you are saying is a surprise to you or is the opposite of what might be imagined or introduces the opposite response to what someone wants or expects. I thought I didn’t like dance shows but actually, I quite enjoyed it. Actually, I’d prefer if if you didn’t smoke in here. As I was saying / As I said – continuing a theme after a change of subject. As I was saying before I was interrupted, I’d like to go to the cinema. As I said last week, I don’t enjoy opera. Absolutely – used as a stronger way of saying yes. A. Would you like a holiday in Thailand? B. Absolutely, when do we go?Exactly – used to emphasise what you mean. What exactly are you talking about? Exactly, that’s what I meant. Okay or OK – understood or agreed. Okay, I get it. Personally (speaking), — used when you give youropinion: Personally (speaking), I think the show is going to be a great success.Well – used to indicate an emotion including: annoyance, anger, surprise, disappointment and relief. Well, that’s not what I wanted to hear. Well, I didn’t expect that!Fine – used informally to indicate that something is not good. That’s another fine mess you’ve got me into. A. How are you since your wife left you? B, Fine, what do you think Mind (you) – used to highlight or stress something you said to avoid misunderstanding. He couldn’t help me, mind you, I know he’s busy so it’s not his fault. Or to introduce something else that needs to be considered. My kids never listen to me. Mind you, I didn’t either at their age so I guess it’s normal. You know – indicates that what you’re saying is known by the listener. or to check they understand with a question mark. Also used as a filler while you’re thinking of what to say next. Studying economics is hard, you know. I mean – introduces a statement to justify what you’ve said. It was a tough driving test, I mean I took my test in the rush hour in the rain. For a start – introduces the first item of a logical sequence or the most important item of other possibilities. The driving test in Spain is difficult, for a start it’s all in Spanish. What’s more – introduces a new fact or argument and implies that this new fact or argument is more important than the one just given. Used without contraction for formal speech and writing. The stock market fell in 2008 and what’s more, our pension fund was tied up in stocks. On top of that – used to indicate something unpleasant in addition to what you’ve just said. I lost my job and on top of that, I was fined for speeding. To tell you the truth / truth be told – indicates that hat you’re saying is honest and open. To tell you the truth, I was more than a little worried. Truth be told, I’m concerned about the project To be honest – explains that you are being truthful about what you’re saying, usually with an understanding that the person you’re talking to will be disappointed. To be honest, I don’t think your offer is sufficient. Sort of / kind of – used to describe that something is partly true but it’s not the entire explanation. Or that something is difficult to explain entirely. Your answer is sort of correct but there’s a bit more to it that that. My new car is a kind of blue green colour. Not sure what colour you’d call it.   FORMAL AND WRITTEN DISCOURSE MARKERS Discourse markers for more formal writing situations organise your text logically. They are typical when writing formal letters or when writing essays or reports, especially at work. They will also be use in formal speaking situations, such as presentations or speeches. For the IELTS writing exam, they are necessary to gain maximum marks under coherence and cohesion which is 25% of the mark. Firstly, secondly, thirdly – organise your points logically. Firstly we need to reduce prices on the products. Secondly, we need to upgrade the channel to market etc. etc. Finally – marks the final point of a list. Finally I want to talk about the environment. To begin with – In addition – provides extra information. In addition to my earlier point, we also need to think about delivery. In conclusion – marks the summary and round up of your essay or speech. In conclusion, I have demonstrated that savings will be 10%. In summary – another way to mark the conclusion. In summary, the average costs will reduce. Moreover – as a further matter, there is even more to tell you. It’s a difficult decision, moreover, they would have to move home. On (the) one hand, on the other hand – introduces two opposing ideas. On the one hand it’s cheaper, on the other hand it means a lot of work to make it worth the trouble. What is more – introduces a new fact or argument and implies that this new fact or argument is more important than the one just given. Used with contraction for informal. The stock market fell in 2008, what is more is that the company had all it’s assets in stocks. Furthermore – introduces an additional fact or argument. Unemployment rates fell in 2018, furthermore, average salaries rose. Not only….but also – used to give emphasis to a second point. This phrase uses inversions. I not only worked in London, but also in Paris. For example – used to give an example to show that something is true. This will never work, for example the spring is broken. Such as – introduces an example or examples of what you’re talking about. There are lots of types of car on the road today, such as saloons, hatchbacks and four by fours. As a result – introduces what happened because of something. He failed his exams and, as a result, couldn’t attend university. Consequently – because of this or as a result. The road is closed, consequently we’ll need to wait until it’s open again. Nevertheless – despite of what has just been said or written. There are insufficient funds for the development, nevertheless, we’ll continue on the work and hope something turns up. 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. In conclusion — To sum up — All in all — Overall, it may be said … In summary,On the whole,To conclude,All things considered,In closing,In sum,By and large,ORGANISING AND LINKING SENTENCES A discourse marker is a word or an expression that organising our sentences. Also known as linking words, they can be thought of as the glue that connects our sentences together. Formal discourse makers are vital in academic and business texts as they organise the sequencing and connections. Of course, there are many more discourse markers in use than those I’ve listed in this article. These ones should serve to cover most situations and you will pick up even more as you use English regularly at an advanced level If you found this article useful, please share it or the images on social media.   ESSAY FORMATTING There are two ways to indicate paragraphs. One is to indent the first sentence of each paragraph. This is the traditional form. There is also a more modern style, originally called “business format” because it was used for business correspondence. A space is skipped between paragraphs, but the first sentence is not indented, leaving the entire paragraph flush to the left. This is commonly used in internet writing. It looks very streamlined and is easy to read on a computer screen. You will note this has been written in the second style.

Can you ask questions in a formal essay?

For an essay, you are being tested on your use of formal communication. … So, try to avoid posing direct rhetorical questions to the reader in an essay. These are usually tiresome to read because they shift the burden of answering the question to the reader when the reader just wants to sit back and let you do that. THINGS YOU SHOULD AVOID WHEN WRITING AN ACADEMIC ESSAY

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