Listening: Understanding Interactional Cues & Discourse (Basic) B1 - Lesson 1: Identifying Simple Discourse Markers (e.g., so, because, but, then)

Connecting Ideas with Discourse Markers

CEFR Level B1

Lesson Goals

In this lesson, you will learn to identify and understand four common discourse markers to better follow the logic and flow of English conversations.

What Are Discourse Markers?

Discourse markers are small but powerful "signal words" that speakers use to connect their ideas. They act like signposts on a road, guiding the listener and showing what is coming next in the conversation.

Let's look at four of the most common markers.

1. BECAUSE (Introduces a Reason)

Use because to explain the "why" behind an action or situation.

"I didn't go to the market because it was raining." (The rain is the reason.)

2. SO (Introduces a Result)

Use so to explain what happened next, as a consequence of something else.

"It was raining, so I didn't go to the market." (Not going to the market is the result.)

3. BUT (Introduces a Contrast)

Use but to signal that an opposite or different idea is coming.

"I like living in Siem Reap, but sometimes it is too hot." (This contrasts a positive idea with a negative one.)

4. THEN (Shows the Next Step)

Use then to show the order of events or the next action in a sequence.

"First, I will finish my work, and then I will meet you for dinner." (This shows the sequence of events.)

Key Tip: Discourse Markers are Traffic Signals

Think of discourse markers like traffic signals for a conversation:

• BECAUSE is like a sign pointing backward, explaining the road you just came from (the reason).
• SO and THEN are like green lights, telling you the conversation is moving forward (a result or next step).
• BUT is like a "detour" or "road closed" sign, warning you that the conversation is about to change direction.

Listening for these signals helps you predict where the speaker is going next and makes it much easier to follow along.

Practice Activities

Activity 1: Choose the Correct Marker

Listen to the sentences in the audio player. Choose the discourse marker that best completes each one.

1. "It was very late, ___ I decided to go home."

   • (a) but, (b) so, (c) because

2. "I wanted to buy the t-shirt, ___ it was too expensive."

   • (a) so, (b) then, (c) but

3. "He is studying hard ___ he has a big test tomorrow."

   • (a) because, (b) so, (c) but

Show Answers

Answers: 1-b (so), 2-c (but), 3-a (because)

Activity 2: Complete the Sentences

Now, try to complete these sentences using so, but, or then.

1. I was very hungry, ___ I ate a big lunch.
2. I like coffee, ___ I don't like tea.
3. First, I will call my friend, and ___ we will make a plan.

Show Answers

Answers: 1. so, 2. but, 3. then

Vocabulary

• Discourse Marker (noun) [សញ្ញាសម្គាល់នៃវាគស័ព្ទ]

  A word or phrase that organizes speech and signals the relationship between ideas (e.g., however, so, in conclusion).

• Reason (noun) [ហេតុផល]

  The cause or explanation for an action or event; it answers the question "Why?".

• Result (noun) [លទ្ធផល]

  A consequence or outcome of a previous action or event.

• Contrast (noun) [ភាពផ្ទុយគ្នា]

  A clear difference between two or more things.

Your Mission

It's time to listen for these signals in the real world. For your next practice, try this:

1. Find a short English podcast, interview, or news report on YouTube (2-3 minutes long).
2. Listen carefully and count how many times you hear because, so, but, and then.
3. Think about it: How did the speaker use these words to guide you through their story or explanation?