Listening: Understanding Interactional Cues & Discourse B2 - Lesson 1: Identifying a Range of Discourse Markers and How They Structure Speech

🔗Listening: B2 - Understanding Discourse Markers

Learning Objectives: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Identify a range of discourse markers used in conversations and presentations.
• Understand how discourse markers signal relationships between ideas (e.g., contrast, cause/effect).
• Recognize how these markers help to structure spoken discourse.
• Improve your ability to follow the logical flow of more complex arguments.

Hello B2 learners! When people speak for a long time, they use special words and phrases to organize their ideas and show the connections between them. These are called discourse markers or "signposts." Understanding these signposts is essential for following the structure of a lecture, presentation, or complex argument.

Common Discourse Markers & Their Functions

Discourse markers act like traffic signals in a conversation, telling you when to stop, go, or expect a turn. Click the cards to learn their functions.

Adding Information

Function: To add another similar idea.
Examples: Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, What is more.

Showing Contrast

Function: To introduce an opposing or different idea.
Examples: However, Nevertheless, On the other hand, Despite this.

Showing a Result

Function: To show the consequence or logical conclusion of a previous point.
Examples: Consequently, As a result, Therefore, Thus.

Giving an Example

Function: To illustrate or clarify a point with a specific case.
Examples: For instance, To illustrate, Namely, Specifically.

✍️ Interactive Activities

Activity 1: What's the Connection?

Read the sentence below. Which discourse marker best shows a logical result?

"The company's profits fell significantly last quarter; ________, several new projects have been postponed."

Which discourse marker best fits the blank?

Moreover

Therefore

However

Activity 2: Identify the Function

For each sentence, choose the main function of the highlighted discourse marker.

1. "Providing adequate housing is a major concern. Furthermore, public transportation systems are often under strain."

Showing a contrast

Adding another related point

Giving an example

2. "The company invested heavily in new technology. However, profits did not increase as expected."

Showing a contrast

Showing a result

Adding another point

3. "There was heavy rain all morning. As a result, the outdoor event was postponed."

Giving an example

Showing a contrast

Showing a result

🚀 Strategies for Listening with Discourse Markers

• Listen for the "Signposts": Train your ear to catch these important connecting words. They tell you where the speaker is going.
• Anticipate the Next Idea: When you hear "however," anticipate a contrasting idea. When you hear "for instance," anticipate an example. This keeps your listening active.
• Use Markers for Note-Taking: When taking notes, you can use symbols for markers (e.g., `+` for 'furthermore', `->` for 'consequently', `vs.` for 'however') to quickly show the relationship between ideas.
• Understand Nuance: At B2, notice the difference between markers. 'However' is a very common contrast word. 'Nevertheless' is a bit more formal and often implies something surprising.

Summary: This lesson focused on the B2 skill of identifying and understanding discourse markers. These words and phrases are the "signposts" of spoken language, helping to structure ideas and show relationships like addition, contrast, and cause/effect. Recognizing them is essential for following the logical flow of complex arguments, presentations, and discussions.