Discourse connectors and articulators
How are the different blocks of information related?
From the point of view of the writer, the connectives and articulators announce
how argumentation is being developed. They play a crucial role when giving
information. They not only introduce the point of view of the author but also
they minimize the cognitive effort of the reader.
What is argumentative writing?
In argumentative writing, you are typically asked to take a position on an issue
or topic and explain and support your position with research from reliable and
credible sources. Therefore the use of appropriate connectives is essential.
What are connectives?
Connectors unify expressions. They are bonds or links as a way of producing
continuity or unity in a text. Connectives connect and relate sentences and
paragraphs. They assist in the logical flow of ideas as they signal the
relationship between sentences and paragraphs. In prose, the material is
supported and conditioned not only by the ordering of the material (its
position) but by connectives which signal order, relationship and movement.
Some of the more commonly used connectives are listed below. Note especially
how these connections function to develop, relate, connect and move ideas.
Some examples:
By looking at a person's daily routine, it may be easier than first imagined to find ways to pack more activity
into thedayin additiontoexercising.
He was released from prison. Hewassubsequentlycompensated for unlawful arrest and detention.
This pandemic is affecting the country economy and national industries must be protected. Tobegin
with,thefollowing industriesare under priority.
Mary was ordered to stay at home during the lockdown period. Shethereforecould not attend themeeting in
person.
Part of the production is carried out with gas emission treatment systems;althoughinsome companies,
such systems are not fully operative.
He’s disorganized, inefficient, never there when you need him –in short, the man’s a pain.
