What are 'discourse markers' and why are they important in the IELTS exam?

The term 'discourse marker' may sound like a big word but it actually refers to words that we hear and say all the time! 

• For example: Oh, okay, you know, anyway, as I said, to begin with, however

Discourse markers are words and phrases used to connect, organize, or structure the flow of a conversation or piece of text. We know them by the more common terms linking words, sentence connectors and transition words. These words help to link ideas, show relationships between different parts of a discussion, manage turn-taking in conversations, and express attitudes or emotions. They help listeners or readers follow the flow of thoughts or ideas and are therefore important for coherence, a criteria being tested in the IELTS speaking and writing tests. 

Looking at the Speaking Band Descriptors, you'll see the phrase '...connectives and discourse markers' under the criteria of Fluency and Coherence specifically from Band 4 or 5 upwards. In the Writing Band Descriptors, you'll see the equivalent phrase '...cohesive devices.'

To get a Band 7, the band descriptors say that a test taker must be able to 'use a range of connectives and discourse markers with some flexibility.'

In other words, if a test-taker wants to sound more coherent and achieve a high band score, then using discourse markers appropriately is necessary. 'Appropriate' is the key word here. You can't just force discourse markers into every sentence, or else you will lose points if the sentence sounds strange or out of place.

A test-taker should also be careful not to use discourse markers as fillers. You'll find the assessment criterion "May over-use certain connectives and discourse markers" listed under Band 5. 'You know' and 'like' are two discourse markers that get overused and may lead to a lower score.

• Example: "I started, like, going to the gym after, you know, watching the movie Aquaman. Jason Momoa has, like, a really great physique, and you know, he inspired me to get fit. I don't ever think I will ever look as toned and muscular as him, but, like, it would just be nice to, you know, be as fit as I can be.

Here is a list of common discourse markers and their functions in sentences:

1. Sequencing: Words that show the order or sequence of ideas.

• Firstly, working out has helped me lose weight. I've lost around 2.5 kilograms even though my eating habits are more or less the same. 
• After that, I noticed that I had more energy for my work as well as for other hobbies I wanted to pursue, like painting.
• Finally, parents should model healthy eating habits to their children.
• In conclusion, although working for one organization offers stability, I believe that continuously seeking better job opportunities leads to a wider range of experiences and career growth.
• Other sequence words: Initially, to begin, meanwhile, then, eventually, to summarize, lastly

2. Addition: Words that add information or ideas.

• Moreover, many students believe that graduating from a top university will boost their chances of landing a position in a well-known company.
• Furthermore, being away from one's family and friends can be quite lonely if someone can't find new friends in this foreign country.
• Another approach is to build car parks away from the city center.
• Other markers for adding ideas: Additionally, one more thing that comes to mind, also, besides, another reason for this, and one more thing 

3. Contrast: Words that show a contrast or contradiction.

• However, recent observations have shown that AI is able to match humans when it comes to creativity in visual art and writing.
• On the other hand, there are a number of drawbacks when implementing such a system, particularly regarding privacy. 
• Nevertheless, we cannot ignore the fact that some crimes need much harsher punishments. 
• Other contrast markers: Although, nonetheless, despite, in spite of, instead, yet, while, whereas, conversely, by contrast, in contrast to, even so

4. Result or Consequence: Words indicating a cause-and-effect relationship.

• As a result, I missed my flight and had to wait for another flight the next day.
• Consequently, the project was cancelled and I had to move to another department.
• Therefore,  the long-term effects of missing out on face-to-face classes and interactions with their peers will probably be known when these teenagers go to university or enter the workforce.
• Other result markers: Because of this, so, then, hence, thus, for this reason, owing to, as a consequence

5. Clarification or Example: Words used to clarify or provide examples.

• For instance, children these days admire and follow different kinds of influencers on social media, not just the famous actors or actresses.
• In other words, having too many options to choose from can lead to people just not making any choice at all.
• I mean, teachers are supposed to be the ones in control of the classroom, not the students.
• Expensive hobbies such as photography, travelling, art collecting, and wine tasting do require that one should have the time and money to pursue them.
• Other clarification and example markers:  For example, as an example, to illustrate, that is, namely, in particular, specifically, a classic example is, a clear example of this is, illustrated by

6. Showing attitude or opinion: Words used to indicate your attitude or opinion towards the topic:

• If you ask me, advertisements affect our product choices too much.
  
• Unfortunately, this leads to too much screen time and too little physical activity for most people.
  
• I definitely think that this is a positive development, especially for people with disabilities.
  
• Thankfully, the hurricane-force winds subsided the next day and we could then board our flight.
  
• Other markers of attitude or opinion: Actually, to be honest, to tell you the truth, I must admit, essentially, frankly, basically, clearly, literally, I'm afraid, sadly, in fact, seriously, as a matter of fact

7. Generalization: Words used to make broad statements

• Generally speaking, life in the 21st century is so much better than that of the Middle Ages. We have modern medicine, convenient and faster modes of transportation, and connectivity to most parts of the world.
• For the most part, I think that the internet has brought on more benefits than negative effects. 
• Others words to state generalizations: Usually, in general, broadly speaking, on the whole, overall, it is often said that, in most cases, the vast majority of, by and large,  broadly speaking 

There are many more markers with other functions besides the ones discussed in this list. Hopefully you got some ideas about how useful they are to structure not only your spoken and written responses in the IELTS, but also everyday communication in the real world. Next time you listen to conversations or read passages, try to note how these words and phrases are used so that you can also integrate them in your own speaking and writing.