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Linking Words and Discourse Markers

LESSON
Lesson Reference
Grammar rules and examples for self-study
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REVIEW
Review Exercises
Fill-in and gap-fill practice tasks
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ANSWER KEY
Answer Key
Correct answers for all exercises
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Linking Words and Discourse Markers

Grammar Reference

Form Example
Additionin addition · furthermore · moreoverDespite the rain, we went out.
Contrastalthough + clause · despite + noun/-ingIn spite of being tired, she worked late.
Cause/resultdue to + noun · therefore (new sentence)Despite the fact that it was raining...
Not only ... but alsopaired addition emphasisAlthough it was raining, we went out.

Linking Words and Discourse Markers — Exercises

Choose the correct connector

  1. Automation is disruptive. However / Furthermore / Therefore, it also creates new career prospects.
    (However / Furthermore / Therefore) 
  2. Despite / Although / Due to being eco-friendly, the new packaging costs more to produce.
    (Despite / Although / Due to) 
  3. The company invested in renewable energy. As a result / Nevertheless / While, carbon emissions fell by 30%.
    (As a result / Nevertheless / While) 
  4. Furthermore / However / Unless the government acts now, carbon emissions will continue to rise.
    (Unless / Furthermore / However) 
  5. While / Therefore / Moreover some communities have benefited from globalisation, others have been left behind.
    (While / Therefore / Moreover) 
  6. The company reduced costs significantly. Moreover / Despite / Unless, it improved staff well-being.
    (Moreover / Despite / Unless) 
  7. Due to / Although / Furthermore the rise of remote working, many city offices are underused.
    (Due to / Although / Furthermore) 
  8. Data privacy is protected provided that / despite / however users read the terms.
    (provided that / despite / however) 
  9. Inequality is rising. Therefore / Although / Despite, urgent policy intervention is required.
    (Therefore / Although / Despite) 
  10. Although / Due to / Moreover cybersecurity risks are well-known, many companies still underinvest.
    (Although / Due to / Moreover) 

Rewrite using the connector given

  1. Even though the company had a strong work ethic, it failed to attract investors.Despite
  2. Because deforestation is increasing, biodiversity is declining rapidly.As a result of
  3. They will reduce emissions only if all departments cooperate.PROVIDED THAT
  4. The economy grew. At the same time, inequality widened.WHILE

Improve the paragraph — add connectors

Rewrite the paragraph below using at least five different discourse markers from this chapter.

  1. Remote working is popular. It helps with work-life balance. Some workers feel isolated. Managers find it hard to monitor productivity. Companies should offer flexibility. Workers must stay motivated.

Linking Words and Discourse Markers — Answer Key

Choose the correct connector

  1. However
  2. Despite
  3. As a result
  4. Unless
  5. While
  6. Moreover
  7. Due to
  8. provided that
  9. Therefore
  10. Although

Rewrite using the connector given

  1. Sample answer: Despite having a strong work ethic, the company failed to attract investors.
  2. Sample answer: As a result of increasing deforestation, biodiversity is declining rapidly.
  3. Sample answer: They will reduce emissions provided that all departments cooperate.
  4. Sample answer: While the economy grew, inequality widened.

Improve the paragraph — add connectors

  1. Sample answer: Remote working has become increasingly popular. Moreover, it has been shown to improve work-life balance significantly. However, some workers feel isolated, and as a result their mental health may suffer. Furthermore, managers often struggle to monitor productivity effectively. While companies should offer flexibility, workers must also take responsibility for staying motivated. Provided that clear communication is maintained, remote working can benefit both employers and employees.