Reading: Understanding Text Structure, Cohesion & Coherence: B1 Lesson 3: Understanding How Discourse Markers Link Ideas

Reading: Understanding Text Structure, Cohesion & Coherence

B1 Lesson 3: Understanding How Discourse Markers Link Ideas

Listen to the key phrases and reading passage.

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to identify common discourse markers and understand how they link ideas for addition, contrast, cause/effect, and example.

Before You Read 🧠

Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)

Let's learn the important words for this lesson.

Discourse Marker

| សញ្ញាសម្គាល់សុន្ទរកថា

A word or phrase that links ideas and acts as a "signpost" for the reader (e.g., however, as a result).

Cohesion

| ភាពស្អិតរមួត

The way a text is linked together so that it makes sense and flows smoothly.

The 4 Main Jobs of Discourse Markers Signposts

Discourse markers are like road signs. They tell you where the text is going next. Here are the four most common jobs they do:

1. ADDITION (Adding an Idea)

Tells you: "Here is more of the same idea."

• In addition,...
• Furthermore,...
• Moreover,...
• Also,...

2. CONTRAST (Showing a Difference)

Tells you: "An opposite or different idea is coming."

• However,...
• On the other hand,...
• Although...
• But...

3. CAUSE & EFFECT (Showing a Result)

Tells you: "This happened *because* of that."

• As a result,...
• Therefore,...
• Consequently,...
• Because...

4. EXAMPLE & SEQUENCE

Tells you: "Here is an example" or "Here is the order."

• For example,...
• For instance,...
• First,... Second,... Finally,...

Reading Practice Story

Read the passage below. Pay attention to the bold "signpost" words. Click 🔊 to hear the text.

The Pros and Cons of City Life

Living in a big city like Phnom Penh offers many advantages. First, there are many job opportunities. Furthermore, you can find excellent universities and restaurants. As a result, many young people move to the city to build their careers and enjoy an exciting social life.

However, city life is not perfect. On the other hand, it can be very expensive. The cost of renting an apartment is high, and the traffic can be terrible. For example, it can take an hour to travel just a few kilometers during rush hour.

In conclusion, while living in the city provides great opportunities, it also comes with significant challenges. People must decide if the benefits are worth the high cost and stress.

Practice What You Learned 🎯

Quiz: What is the Marker's Job?

Read the sentences and choose the correct function of the bold discourse marker. Click "Check Answers" when done.

1. "I love spicy food. However, my brother hates it."

• A) Addition
• B) Contrast
• C) Cause/Effect

2. "The storm was severe. As a result, the roads were flooded."

• A) Example
• B) Contrast
• C) Cause/Effect

3. "Learning English is important. Furthermore, it's very fun."

• A) Addition
• B) Contrast
• C) Example

4. "He speaks three languages; for instance, he can speak Khmer, English, and French."

• A) Cause/Effect
• B) Addition
• C) Example

Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)

• Discourse Marker | សញ្ញាសម្គាល់សុន្ទរកថា
  A word or phrase that links ideas.
• Addition Markers | (e.g., In addition, Furthermore)
  Words that add a new, similar idea.
• Contrast Markers | (e.g., However, On the other hand)
  Words that show a difference or opposite idea.
• Effect/Result Markers | (e.g., As a result, Therefore)
  Words that show the consequence of an action.
• Fluent | ស្ទាត់ជំនាញ
  Able to speak or read smoothly and easily.

Your Reading Mission ⭐

Become a "Signpost" Spotter!

1. Find one short English news article or blog post online (e.g., from VOA, BBC, or any English site you like).
2. Read the article and highlight or write down all the discourse markers you can find (e.g., `However`, `For example`, `In addition`, `As a result`, `Finally`).
3. Try to write the function (the "job") next to each one. (Example: `However` = Contrast).