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B2 · Unit 6
Discourse markers · coherence & stance
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Discourse Markers

In this unit, students use discourse markers to improve coherence (clear connections), express stance (attitude/opinion), and manage transitions in both writing and speaking. Target markers include: moreover, nevertheless, in contrast, and more.

Objectives Marker Bank Meaning & Use Reading Practice Writing Task Speaking Task Feedback Exit Ticket Materials

SWBAT (Objectives)

  • Use discourse markers to connect ideas clearly (addition, contrast, cause/effect, example).
  • Choose appropriate markers for an academic tone (avoid informal “plus,” “but” repetition).
  • Improve paragraph coherence by adding transitions and removing redundancy.
  • Express stance politely in speaking (however/nevertheless/arguably).
  • Edit writing for variety and punctuation (commas, semicolons, sentence boundaries).

Discourse Marker Bank (B2)

Addition / reinforcing

moreover · furthermore · in addition · additionally · not only that

Contrast / concession

however · nevertheless · nonetheless · in contrast · on the other hand · whereas

Cause / effect

therefore · consequently · as a result · thus · for this reason

Examples / clarification

for example · for instance · namely · in other words · that is to say

Marker Bank (PDF) Academic vs Informal (PDF)

Meaning & Use (Coherence + Stance)

Moreover (addition)

Use to add a stronger supporting point.
“The plan saves time. Moreover, it reduces costs.”

Nevertheless (concession)

Use to show contrast while still maintaining your position.
“The data is limited. Nevertheless, the trend is clear.”

In contrast (comparison)

Use to compare two different situations.
“Urban rents are rising. In contrast, rural areas remain affordable.”

Punctuation tips

• Sentence adverbs often take a comma: “However, …” “Therefore, …”
• You can also use a semicolon: “The results were unclear; nevertheless, the method was improved.”
• Avoid run-ons: don’t connect two full sentences with only a comma.

Meaning + Punctuation Guide (PDF)

Reading: Coherent Paragraph (Model)

Model paragraph
Many cities are expanding public transportation because it reduces traffic. Moreover, it can lower air pollution by decreasing the number of private vehicles on the road. Nevertheless, public transport projects are often expensive and take years to complete. In contrast to short-term solutions such as widening roads, long-term investment in transit can change commuting habits more sustainably. Therefore, governments should evaluate both cost and long-term benefits before deciding which approach to fund.
Reading tasks
  • Underline discourse markers.
  • Label each one: addition / contrast / cause-effect.
  • What is the writer’s stance (opinion) in the final sentence?
Reading Pack (PDF)

Practice (Sorting + Gap-fill + Rewriting)

Practice 1: Sort the markers

Put each into a category: addition / contrast / cause-effect / example
moreover · therefore · in contrast · for instance · nevertheless · consequently

Practice 2: Gap-fill

“The product is cheaper; ____, it is less reliable.”
“The team improved training. ____, errors decreased.”
“Online learning is flexible. ____, some students miss social contact.”

Practice 3: Upgrade “and/but/because”

Rewrite with stronger transitions:
“The policy is strict, but it is effective. And it is easy to enforce.”

Practice Worksheet (PDF)

Writing Task: Coherent Opinion Paragraph (160–200 words)

Choose ONE topic
  • Working from home vs office work
  • Public transport funding
  • Social media regulation
  • University education costs
Requirements
  • Use 8 discourse markers
  • Include at least 1 marker for contrast (nevertheless/in contrast)
  • Include 1 example marker (for instance)
  • End with a clear stance (recommendation or conclusion)
Suggested structure

Topic sentence → supporting point 1 → example → supporting point 2 → concession/contrast → conclusion (stance)

Writing Template (PDF) Coherence Checklist (PDF)

Speaking Task: Mini-Discussion (Stance + Transitions)

Round 1 (2 minutes each)

Give your opinion on the topic and use at least:
• 1 addition marker (moreover/furthermore)
• 1 contrast marker (nevertheless/in contrast)
• 1 cause-effect marker (therefore/as a result)

Round 2 (respond politely)

Use stance phrases:
• “To some extent, I agree; however…”
• “That may be true; nevertheless…”
• “In contrast, I would argue that…”

Round 3 (summarize)

Summarize your partner’s view in 2 sentences using markers:
“Firstly… Moreover… Therefore…”

Speaking Prompts (PDF) Stance Phrases (PDF)

Feedback (Coherence + Control)

Peer checklist
  • Markers match meaning (not random)
  • Good variety (not “however” every sentence)
  • Clear stance (opinion is obvious)
  • Sentences are punctuated correctly
Teacher focus
  • Run-on sentences / comma splices
  • Overuse of one marker
  • Register (academic vs casual)
  • Spoken fluency with stance phrases
Upgrade tip

Instead of repeating “but”, try:
however · nevertheless · even so · despite this · in contrast

Feedback Form (PDF) Writing Rubric (PDF)

Exit Ticket (5 minutes)

  1. Write 1 sentence using moreover.
  2. Write 1 sentence using nevertheless.
  3. Write 1 sentence using in contrast.
  4. Rewrite: “It is expensive but it is effective and it saves time.” (Use 2 markers.)
Exit Ticket (PDF)

Materials & Downloads

  • Unit 6 Slides — PPTX
  • Marker Bank — PDF · Meaning + Punctuation — PDF
  • Reading Pack — PDF
  • Practice Worksheet — PDF
  • Writing Template — PDF · Coherence Checklist — PDF
  • Speaking Prompts — PDF · Stance Phrases — PDF
  • Feedback Form — PDF · Writing Rubric — PDF
  • Exit Ticket — PDF

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