Discourse Markers Worksheets
Related ELA Standard: W.7.1
We use discourse markers to help us organize and connect what we write. They help levitate the written word to a more familiar language form for our work. Discourse markers are common words and phrases such as: okay, anyway, mind you, and so. They can often be used to help us transition thoughts or concepts when speaking or writing. They can be used at the start or end of a conversation. These worksheets will help students understand the placement and usage of discourse markers in our speech and written works.
Discourse Marker Worksheets To Print:
Under It! –
Underline the markers in the sentences.
Show Me Some Attitude!
– Choose three of the discourse markers above and use it to write
an original sentence.
Spoken or Written?
– Study each discourse marker below. Decide if it is more likely
to be spoken or written. Write spoken or written on the line.
What's the Point?
– Choose the function of each discourse marker in the sentences
below.
Original
Sentences – Write an original sentence with each discourse marker.
Briefly describe the function the discourse marker is serving in your
sentence.
Imagine
That? – Complete each sentence using an appropriate discourse
marker.
Be
Choosy – Choose from the words in the box to complete each sentence.
Word
Warriors – Discourse Markers are words and phrases that we use
to connect, organize, and manage what we say or write.
Interjections
– Replace each wrong interjection with a discourse marker that makes
sense. Write your new interjection on the line.
Kitty
Markers – Complete each sentence with an appropriate discourse
marker.
What Are Discourse Markers?
Discourse markers or simply markers are those specific words in a written text that are only used in a specific jargon and register and text with a defined niche and purpose. These markers are often used in a complex and higher level of texts that have to be read by professionals and are capable of conveying a lot of information with just a single word or phrase. Writers often use these markers to show their professionalism and create a sense of unity with other people of the related field of studies. Some of the important aspects of these discourse markers are as follows:
How Should We Use Discourse Markers?
Although there is not any defined rule behind using the specific discourse markers in a text, it is better to use them neutrally. Make sure not to use these too much as a very high frequency of these markers can make it very difficult for the readers to understand your text if they are not highly proficient in the field. Also, try to elaborate a specific marker if it is a recent one and not used much.
Why Do Writers Use These Markers in Their Works?
Writers often use these markers to make their work sound professional and their discourse sound interesting to the readers. Most of the times, using these discourse markers is a necessity because there is no other word that can be used in their place and also because these words can convey a specific idea with precision and accuracy at the same time.
What to Do When You Don't Understand a Discourse Marker?
As a professional, rarely, you may not understand a specific discourse marker. However, if you encounter such a situation, the best way to search the meaning of a marker is either to search over the web or in the glossary given at the end of the text.