RESEARCH ACTIVITY: Discourse markers
The purpose of this exercise is to understand the use of discourse markers and how
they can enhance meaning in written and spoken language. In written language they
are used to draw attention to a specific point in the sentence that follows. In spoken
language they are used for the benefit of the listener, in order to clarify the role of a
phrase in the dialogue that follows. Discourse markers in written and spoken language
therefore serve similar roles, except that in spoken language they are less formal and
less well planned by the communicator.
Formal (written) discourse markers:
Although
As a result
Moreover
On the other hand
While
Nonetheless
In addition
With regard to
However
Therefore
Informal (spoken) discourse markers:
By the way
Anyway
Well
You know
Actually
And then
Oh
Um
Exactly
To tell you the truth
Using the lists of discourse markers above (and any others that spring to mind), create
two sentences, one with a formal and one with an informal discourse marker, from
each of the following:
__________ the latest A-level results, we can see that there is an overall improvement
of 5% on last year’s figures.
__________, taller people tend to receive more respect than shorter people.
