C1 Advanced Academic language and cohesion
Discourse markers and cohesion
Lesson goal. After this lesson you can bind paragraphs into a coherent argument with discourse markers and backward reference.
When to use it
- Telling the reader where the next paragraph is going.
- Linking a sentence to the idea just stated: This increase was due to…
- Organising an essay with a clear opening, body and conclusion.
- This is the coherence criterion in every writing rubric.
Form
| Function | Marker | Example |
|---|---|---|
| starting a sequence of ideas | First of all · To begin with | First of all, let us consider… |
| adding a similar idea | Furthermore · Moreover · In addition | Furthermore, it reduces costs. |
| introducing a contrasting idea | In contrast · However · On the other hand | In contrast, sales rose in Asia. |
| giving an example | For instance · For example | For instance, in Viet Nam… |
| stating a result | Therefore · Consequently · As a result | Consequently, demand fell. |
| summing up | Overall · In conclusion · To sum up | Overall, the evidence is clear. |
Step by step
- Before a new paragraph, ask: how does it relate to the last one — adding, contrasting, or concluding?
- Choose the marker with that function.
- Put it at the start of the sentence, with a comma.
- Inside the paragraph, link sentences by backward reference: This, These findings, Such a change.
Backward reference glues sentences
| Disconnected | With reference |
|---|---|
| Sales rose sharply. Online marketing grew. | Sales rose sharply. This increase was largely due to online marketing. |
| The number of students doubled. It put pressure on schools. | The number of students doubled. This growth put pressure on schools. |
| Prices rose 20 per cent. Demand fell. | Prices rose 20 per cent. Such a rise inevitably reduced demand. |
Examples
First of all, let us consider the economic effects.
Furthermore, online learning reduces travel costs.
Sales fell in Europe. In contrast, they rose in Asia.
Overall, the evidence points in one direction.
Sales rose sharply in 2024. This increase was largely due to online marketing.
The policy failed. The main reason was poor planning.
Common mistakes
Sales fell in Europe. Similarly, they rose in Asia. → Sales fell in Europe. In contrast, they rose in Asia.
The two trends are opposite, so Similarly cannot work. A wrong marker misleads the reader about the argument.
The cost is high. Therefore, the benefits are considerable. → The cost is high. However, the benefits are considerable.
Therefore signals a result, but these two ideas contrast.
Prices rose. It reduced demand. → Prices rose. This rise reduced demand.
It is too vague in academic prose. Use This + noun to summarise the previous idea.
Memory tip
Reread your essay looking only at the first word of each paragraph. If that sequence already tells the outline, your writing is coherent. If not, markers are missing.
Summary
- Choose markers by function: opening, adding, contrasting, exemplifying, concluding.
- Place them at the start with a comma.
- Link sentences by backward reference: This finding, This increase, Such a change — avoid a vague It.
Practise this lesson
Do exercises with an explanation for every question, take mini tests and track your progress on GrammUp.