Speaking: Fluency & Coherence C1 - Lesson 2: Using Sophisticated & Varied Discourse Markers Seamlessly

Speaking: Fluency & Coherence C1

Using Sophisticated & Varied Discourse Markers Seamlessly

Listen to an example of a fluent, well-structured argument.

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to move beyond basic linking words (like 'but', 'so') and use sophisticated discourse markers to structure arguments, concede points, and show complex relationships between ideas, all while sounding natural.

From "Good" (B2) to "Articulate" (C1)

A B2 speaker can connect ideas. A C1 speaker connects ideas *seamlessly* and shows complex relationships, like concession or contrast, without thinking. Compare the flow:

B2 Level (Good, but choppy)

"Working from home is good. But it can be lonely. Also, you miss meetings. So, I think it's bad for new employees."

C1 Level (Seamless & Sophisticated)

"Admittedly, working from home offers incredible flexibility. Nonetheless, one can't ignore the profound sense of isolation it can foster. Furthermore, new employees are at a distinct disadvantage. In essence, while it's beneficial for senior staff, it's detrimental to trainees."

Your C1 Discourse Toolkit 🧰 (Click 🔊)

Stop using but, so, and also. Upgrade your vocabulary to show the *precise* relationship between your ideas.

1. Concession & Contrast

(ជំនួសឱ្យ "but" ឬ "however")

• Nonetheless,...
• Conversely,...
• Be that as it may,...
• Having said that,...

2. Adding & Reinforcing

(ជំនួសឱ្យ "and" ឬ "also")

• Furthermore,...
• Moreover,...
• What's more,...
• By the same token,...

3. Cause & Consequence

(ជំនួសឱ្យ "so" ឬ "because of this")

• Consequently,...
• As a result,...
• Hence,...
• Thus,...

4. Clarifying & Concluding

(ជំនួសឱ្យ "to finish" ឬ "I mean")

• In essence,...
• To put it succinctly,...
• To clarify,...
• Ultimately,...

Speaking Seamlessly: Intonation & Pausing

🗣️ Sounding Natural (Not Robotic)

The biggest mistake is sounding like you are reading a list. Discourse markers are **signposts**, not destinations. They signal a turn in logic.

Use a slight falling intonation (↘) on the marker, pause briefly, and then continue with your main point.

Listen to the rhythm:

• "The data looks good... conversely, ↘ [pause] ...the user feedback is terrible."
• "He is, admittedly, ↘ [pause] ...a brilliant engineer. However, ↘ [pause] ...his communication skills are lacking."

Avoid a high, rising, or questioning tone (e.g., "HOWEVER? ↗") as this breaks your fluency and sounds unnatural.

Practice Your C1 Linkers 🎯

Practice Quiz: Choose the Best Discourse Marker

Read the context, then choose the most logical marker to fill the gap. Click "Check Answers" when done.

1. Context: You are contrasting two different ideas.

"The initial data was very promising. ..., the final results were deeply disappointing."

• A) Conversely,
• B) Moreover,
• C) Hence,

---

2. Context: You are adding another strong, similar point.

"The film's plot was complex and original. ..., its cinematography was breathtaking."

• A) Nonetheless,
• B) Furthermore,
• C) As a result,

---

3. Context: You are acknowledging one point is true before making a stronger, opposing point (concession).

"It's true that electric cars are expensive. ..., they are far better for the environment in the long run."

• A) Be that as it may,
• B) Consequently,
• C) To clarify,

---

4. Context: You are giving a short, final summary of the main idea.

"We discussed the budget, the marketing plan, and the launch schedule. ..., we have a solid plan forward."

• A) By the same token,
• B) In essence,
• C) Conversely,

Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)

• Discourse Marker (Noun) | សញ្ញាសម្គាល់នៃសុន្ទរកថា
  A word or phrase that links, manages, or organizes speech (e.g., 'however', 'so').
• Seamlessly (Adverb) | ដោយរលូន
  Smoothly and without any stops or problems.
• Concession (Noun) | ការยอมรับ
  The act of admitting that another point is true before making your own counter-argument.
• Succinctly (Adverb) | ដោយសង្ខេប
  In a brief and clearly expressed way.
• Articulate (Adjective) | ច្បាស់លាស់
  Able to speak fluently and coherently.
• Exorbitant (Adjective) | ថ្លៃហួសហេតុ
  (Of a price or amount) unreasonably high.

Your Mission: The 2-Minute Debate ⭐

Your mission is to construct a short, fluent argument on a complex topic. Choose one of the topics below:

Topics:
1. Should all universities be free? (Pros & Cons)
2. Is social media more harmful or beneficial to society?
3. Should cities ban private cars from the city center?

Your Task:

1. Record yourself speaking for 1-2 minutes.
2. Structure your argument clearly:
   • Introduce the topic.
   • Present one side of the argument.
   • Use a concession marker (like Nonetheless, or Be that as it may,) to switch to the other side.
   • Use an adding marker (like Furthermore,) to add a second point.
   • Use a concluding marker (like In essence,) to state your final opinion.
3. Focus on intonation: Pause after your markers and use a falling tone (↘) to sound confident and seamless.