Full list of discourse markers to use in the writing and speaking part of the ielts

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FULL LIST OF DISCOURSE MARKERS TO USE IN THE WRITING AND 
SPEAKING PART OF THE IELTS 
 
Which discourse marker to use and why? 
Which discourse marker should you use and why should you use it? We mentioned 
that discourse markers express functions of language, so it's important to use the 
correct discourse marker when you are trying to express a language function. If you 
did very well on a test you would not start the sentence with 'unfortunately' as this is 
used to express disappointment or sorrow, you would use a more positive marker to 
express your joy. Look at the following table which shows the different speech 
functions you would use during an IELTS Speaking test with examples of markers 
you could use. 
Function 
Discourse markers, linking phrases 
Sequencing - 
ordering 
information 
First, the first thing, first of all, firstly, the next one, to begin 
with, moving on to the next reason, secondly, thirdly, 
subsequently, on top of that, later, after this, finally 
Adding 
information 
Another thing that comes to mind, also, and, besides, 
additionally, another good example of this is, another reason 
for this, and one more thing 
Indicating 
opinion & 
attitude 
Unfortunately, however, actually, to be honest, definitely, 
essentially, frankly, basically, clearly, I'm afraid, if you ask 
me, sadly, thankfully, in fact, seriously, as a matter of fact 
Comparing 
Similarly, in the same way, equally, likewise, in a similar 
fashion, if I compare it to my country 
Contrasting 
However, although, instead of, despite, on one hand, on the 
other hand, in the opposite way, in contrast, whereas