Speaking: Fluency & Coherence C1 - Lesson 2: Using Sophisticated & Varied Discourse Markers Seamlessly
Welcome back! At the B2 level, we learn to use discourse markers as "signposts." At C1, we learn to use them like a master weaver, seamlessly1 integrating them into our speech to create a sophisticated and natural flow. This lesson will expand your toolkit of markers and teach you how to use them with greater flexibility.
Expanding Your Toolkit: Variety and Nuance
Moving beyond basic connectors shows a higher level of precision in your thinking. Here are some advanced alternatives.
A C1-Level Toolbox:
- To Concede a Point (before disagreeing):
- Instead of just "I see your point, but...", try:
- "Admittedly,..." / "Granted,..." / "While it's true that..."
- Example: "Granted, the initial cost is high. Nevertheless, the long-term benefit is immense."
- To Add Emphasis:
- Instead of "also" or "in fact...", try:
- "Indeed,..." / "As a matter of fact,..." / "Undoubtedly,..."
- Example: "The new policy is very popular. Indeed, it's the most popular initiative in years."
- To Generalize or Qualify a Statement:
- Instead of "usually" or "sometimes...", try:
- "By and large,..." / "To a certain extent,..." / "Broadly speaking,..."
- Example: "To a certain extent, I agree with you, but there are some details I'd question."
- To Rephrase or Clarify:
- Instead of "in other words...", try:
- "To put it another way,..." / "That is to say,..."
- Example: "He's very meticulous. That is to say, he pays incredible attention to detail."
Seamless Integration: Flexible Placement
A key C1 skill is embedding discourse markers within a sentence, not just at the beginning. This creates a much smoother, more natural rhythm.
Standard (B2): "However, the plan has several risks."
Seamless (C1): "The plan, however, has several risks."
Standard (B2): "Therefore, we must reconsider our strategy."
Seamless (C1): "We must, therefore, reconsider our strategy."
Standard (B2): "For instance, we could increase the marketing budget."
Seamless (C1): "We could, for instance, increase the marketing budget."
Scenario: An Academic Discussion
Listen to this high-level conversation. Notice how the speaker uses a variety of markers, often embedding them within sentences to create a sophisticated and fluent argument.
Professor: "So, would you argue that globalization is always a positive force for developing nations?"
Student: "That's a very nuanced question. **Broadly speaking,** I would say its effects are positive. The economic growth it can bring is, **undoubtedly,** transformative. **Admittedly,** this growth often comes with cultural challenges and increased inequality. The key issue, **therefore,** isn't whether globalization is good or bad, but how a nation manages its effects. A country needs a robust legal framework, **for instance,** to protect local industries and workers."
The "Too Much Salt" Problem: Avoiding Overuse
Discourse markers are like salt in cooking. The right amount adds flavour and complexity, but too much ruins the dish. A common mistake for advanced learners is to overuse these sophisticated words.
- Don't force it: Sometimes, a simple 'and', 'but', or 'so' is the most natural and effective choice.
- Aim for variety: Use these C1-level markers when you need to signal a more complex logical relationship, not in every single sentence.
- The Goal: To sound intelligent and natural, not like you are reading a formal academic essay.
Practice Quiz: Choose the Best Marker
Read the sentence and choose the most nuanced and appropriate discourse marker.
1. Our team played exceptionally well. The other team, __________, had more experience and won the match.
A) therefore
B) admittedly
C) however
→ Answer: C. The mid-sentence placement and clear contrast make "however" the perfect choice.
2. The new policy is controversial. __________, I agree with its main objectives, but I think the implementation could be improved.
A) By and large
B) To a certain extent
C) As a matter of fact
→ Answer: B. "To a certain extent" is perfect for expressing partial agreement or qualifying your support.
Your Mission: The "Discourse Marker Weaving" Challenge
Your mission is to practice weaving these markers into your speech naturally.
- Choose a C1-level discussion topic, such as "What are the pros and cons of living in a large city?"
- Plan a short, 60-90 second argument.
- Your Goal: You must use at least three different sophisticated discourse markers from this lesson. Crucially, you must place at least one of them in the middle of a sentence.
- Record yourself delivering your argument.
- Example: "Living in a big city has its obvious advantages. The career opportunities, **for instance,** are far greater than in the countryside. **Admittedly,** the cost of living can be extremely high. The benefits, **however,** generally outweigh the drawbacks for young professionals..."
Vocabulary Glossary
- Seamlessly: (Adverb) - យ៉ាងរលូន - Smoothly and continuously, without any noticeable gaps or interruptions. ↩
- To Concede: (Verb) - ទទួលស្គាល់ - To admit that something is true, often reluctantly, before making a counter-argument. ↩
- To Qualify (a statement): (Verb) - កំណត់ - To add something to a previous statement to limit it or make it less absolute. ↩
- Discourse Marker: (Noun Phrase) - សញ្ញាកថា - A word or phrase that manages the flow of conversation and signals relationships between ideas. ↩
- Nuance: (Noun) - ភាពខុសគ្នាបន្តិចបន្តួច - A subtle difference in meaning, feeling, or tone. ↩