Uses of Discourse Markers for IELTS Speaking
The use of discourse markers while answering the question by the examiner is to show one's fluency and cohesion. The use of this to make the conversation sound more natural and can also help identify any changes in the conversation.
For IELTS Discourse markers are sometimes also known as signposts. Some examples of discourse markers would be “in my opinions” or “to be honest”
Given below is a few examples for the use of discourse markers in different scenarios-
- Expressing Attitude
- I must admit…
- To be Honest…
- Ideally…
- Expressing Agreement
- Certainly
- Definitely
- Absolutely
The speaking part of the IELTS exams is more on the informal conversational side, so the given phrases are suited for the answers as it keeps the flow of the conversation.
The key to using these words and phrases is to be understood by the examiner or anyone in general. The part which is assessed by the examiner is the ability to respond relevantly without pausing or repeating.
Discourse markers are important as they can give you time to think about an appropriate response without using phrases like “umm…errr” etc. However, it is important to make sure one does not overuse them.
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The table below specifies how to use them-
| Function | Discourse markers, linking phrases |
| Sequencing - ordering information | First, the first thing, first of all, finally, firstly, to begin with, the next one, secondly, moving on to the next reason, thirdly, subsequently, after this, on top of that, later, |
| Contrasting | However, instead of, although, on one hand, despite, on the other hand, in contrast, in the opposite way, whereas |
| Indicating opinion & attitude | Unfortunately, I'm afraid, however, actually, to be honest, definitely, essentially, basically, clearly, if you ask me, thankfully, sadly, frankly, in fact, seriously, as a matter of fact |
| Adding information | also, Another thing that comes to mind, and, besides, another good example of this is, another reason for this, additionally, and one more thing |
| Indicating opinion & attitude | Unfortunately, basically, however, actually, to be honest, definitely, sadly, essentially, as a matter of fact, frankly, clearly, I'm afraid, if you ask me, thankfully, in fact, seriously, |
| Comparing | Similarly, likewise, if I compare it to my country in the same way, equally, in a similar fashion, |
| Giving examples | A great example of this is, a clear example of this can be seen, for example, for instance, a personal example is, in other words, such as, a striking example of this, a classic example is, illustrated by |
| Generalizing | a small minority of, Generally, as a rule, it is often said that, on the whole, in most cases, the vast majority of, broadly speaking |
| Stalling | I haven't thought of that before, Let me think about that, basically, that's a difficult/interesting question, well, actually, |
| Result | because of this, As a result, consequently, therefore, so, then |
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We use different discourse markers in speaking and writing. The following discourse markers are common in speaking:
| like | anyway | so | you know |
| fine | now | great | well |
| for a start | oh | I mean | mind you |
| right | okay | as I say | good |
The following discourse markers are common in writing:
| in addition | firstly | moreover | on the one hand |
| in conclusion | secondly | on the other hand | in sum |
| thirdly | to begin with | - | - |
Some discourse markers are used to start a conversation and some are used to end. Examples-
To start a conversation-
Right, let’s get started.
Now, we have with us in the studio today. . .
To end a conversation-
Okay, see you then
So we’ll see you Tuesday. . .
“Firstly” and “Secondly” are used as a formal version of first and second. Example-
Firstly, we’ll collect the data. Secondly, we’ll analyze the patterns, and thirdly, let’s create a spreadsheet.
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As Response
While responding, we usually use “response tokens” to show we are paying attention to the conversation. Some examples are given below-
| really | fine | okay | wow |
| (all) right | good | definitely | yeah |
| certainly | great | absolutely | I see |
| quite (more formal) | yes | sure | - |
| wonderful | no | exactly | - |
The given below phases are used when we want to be less direct/forceful, these are also called “hedges”-
| apparently | presumably | sort of/ kind of* | roughly |
| like | arguably | kind of | perhaps |
| probably | just | I think | surely |
| maybe | - | - | - |
Interjections (Oh! Gosh!)
Single worded exclamations like oops, ouch, or hooray can show negatively as well as a positive response-
Yippee!
Oh no!
Yuck!
As given above, discourse markers are very useful to carry out a cohesive and fluent conversation without any pauses or stops. The examiner judges these points critically and using these phrases can create a good impression. Using them smartly will improve your articulation, but one must be aware that over-using them might ruin the flow instead of making it better. Discourse markers can help you score higher on your IELTS speaking if used wisely and even help improve your day-to-day conversational skills.
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