Discourse Markers of Contrast and Comparison

Discourse markers of contrast and comparison

Writing Model page 20

Discourse markers of contrast and comparison

​What are discourse markers?

Linguistic elements that help organize speech or writing, providing structure and signaling relationships between ideas.

Contrast Markers

These markers indicate a difference or opposition between ideas, sentences, or paragraphs:

• However:

  • Example: "I wanted to go out; however, it was raining."

• On the other hand:

  • Example: "Some people prefer coffee. On the other hand, others like tea."

Contrast Markers

These markers indicate a difference or opposition between ideas, sentences, or paragraphs:

• In contrast:

  • Example: "In contrast to the city's noise, the countryside is peaceful."

• Nevertheless:

  • Example: "It was a difficult journey; nevertheless, we arrived on time."

• Whereas:

  • Example: "He likes action movies, whereas she prefers documentaries."

Contrast Markers

These markers indicate a difference or opposition between ideas, sentences, or paragraphs:

• Despite/Despite the fact that:

  • Example: "Despite the fact that it was cold, he wore shorts."

• Although/Even though:

  • Example: "Even though it was late, she continued working."

• But:

  • Example: "He's very smart, but he lacks practical experience."

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct marker for the sentence: "I planned to work all day; __________, I decided to take a break."

• however

• in contrast

• whereas

• nevertheless

Multiple Choice

Select the best discourse marker to fill in the blank: "He enjoys warm weather; __________, his sister prefers the cold."

• despite

• although

• whereas

• but

Multiple Choice

Which marker fits best in this context? "_____________ the high cost, many people still buy the product."

• despite

• on the other hand

• Nevertheless

• However

Multiple Choice

Fill in the blank with the appropriate marker: "The movie had a slow start; __________, it became very engaging."

• however

• in contrast

• Although

• Whereas

Multiple Choice

Choose the right marker for this sentence: "______________ the weather forecast predicted rain, we had a sunny day."

• on the other hand

• nevertheless

• despite

• although

Multiple Choice

Which marker should be used here? "I love going to the beach. __________, my brother prefers the mountains."

• despite

• on the other hand

• even though

• but

Multiple Choice

Select the correct marker to complete the sentence: "_____________ it was raining, we went for a walk."

• in contrast

• however

• even though

• nevertheless

Multiple Choice

Which is the best choice for the following sentence? "He's an excellent chef; __________, his restaurant isn’t very popular."

• despite

• whereas

• but

• on the other hand

Multiple Choice

Choose the appropriate marker: "_____________ to last year's event, this year's was much more organized."

• In contrast

• nevertheless

• although

• however

Multiple Choice

Which marker best completes this sentence? "They wanted to leave early; __________, they stayed until the end."

• despite

• on the other hand

• nevertheless

• whereas

Comparison Markers

are words or phrases that signal a relationship of similarity between two or more ideas, actions, or entities in a sentence. They help to draw parallels, show likeness, or indicate that something is done in the same manner as something else.

• Similarly - Indicates that what follows is similar to what has been mentioned before.

• Likewise - Used to express that the same is true for another subject.

• In the same way - Suggests that the following action or state is done in the manner previously described.

Comparison Markers

are words or phrases that signal a relationship of similarity between two or more ideas, actions, or entities in a sentence. They help to draw parallels, show likeness, or indicate that something is done in the same manner as something else.

• Just as... so too... - A structure that compares two actions or states directly.

• As... as... - Used to make direct comparisons of equality (e.g., "as fast as," "as tall as").

• Comparable to - Indicates that something can be likened to another thing in some respect.

Comparison Markers

are words or phrases that signal a relationship of similarity between two or more ideas, actions, or entities in a sentence. They help to draw parallels, show likeness, or indicate that something is done in the same manner as something else.

• Like - Often used informally to compare (e.g., "He runs like a pro").

• In a similar vein - Suggests that what follows is related or parallel in thought to what has been discussed.

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct discourse marker to fit in the sentence:

"Mary likes to swim in the ocean; ____, her brother prefers the pool."

• However

• Similarly

• Just as

• Likewise

Multiple Choice

Select the appropriate comparison marker for the sentence:

"____ his sister, John decided to study abroad."

• In contrast

• On the other hand

• Like

• Nevertheless

Multiple Choice

Pick the best discourse marker to complete the sentence:

"He is very good at sports; ____, he's not so great at academics."

• In the same way

• However

• Similarly

• as .... as

Multiple Choice

Choose the right marker to express comparison:

"____ to her last job, this one offers better benefits."

• Unlike

• Comparable

• Despite

• But

Multiple Choice

Select the correct contrast marker:

"I planned to go out; ____, the weather took a turn for the worse."

• Likewise

• In a similar vein

• On the contrary

• As well