Adult ESL/ELL Intermediate Quiz: Using Discourse Markers

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Using Discourse MarkersQuestion 1 of 10

Read the following speech excerpt from a student presentation:

"Today I will talk about the benefits of exercise. First, exercise improves your physical health by strengthening your heart and muscles. Second, it can reduce stress and improve your mood. Third, regular exercise helps you sleep better at night. , I encourage everyone in this room to find a physical activity they enjoy and make it part of their daily routine."

The student needs a discourse marker in the blank that appropriately transitions from the body of the presentation to a closing recommendation. Which choice is correct, and why would the other options be less effective in this spoken academic context?

'In addition,' because the recommendation to exercise is another benefit that logically belongs with the three points already listed in the presentation.

'However,' because the recommendation contrasts with the scientific information given earlier, shifting the presentation from facts to personal advice.

'In conclusion,' because it signals to the audience that the speaker is moving from the supporting evidence to a final statement that wraps up the message and calls the audience to action.

'For instance,' because the recommendation to find an enjoyable activity is a specific example of how the audience can apply the general health benefits described in the presentation.

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Adult ESL/ELL Intermediate Quiz

Adult ESL/ELL Intermediate Quiz: Using Discourse Markers

Practice Using Discourse Markers in Adult ESL/ELL Intermediate with focused quiz questions that help you check what you know, review explanations, and build confidence with test-style prompts.

What this quiz covers

This quiz focuses on Using Discourse Markers, giving you a quick way to practice the rules, question types, and explanations that matter most for Adult ESL/ELL Intermediate.

How to use this quiz

Try each quiz question before looking at the correct answer. Use the explanations to review missed ideas, then come back to similar questions until the pattern feels familiar.

All questions

Question 1

Read the following speech excerpt from a student presentation:

'In addition,' because the recommendation to exercise is another benefit that logically belongs with the three points already listed in the presentation.
'However,' because the recommendation contrasts with the scientific information given earlier, shifting the presentation from facts to personal advice.
'In conclusion,' because it signals to the audience that the speaker is moving from the supporting evidence to a final statement that wraps up the message and calls the audience to action. (correct answer)
'For instance,' because the recommendation to find an enjoyable activity is a specific example of how the audience can apply the general health benefits described in the presentation.

Explanation: When you encounter a question about discourse markers in a speech or presentation, ask yourself: What is the speaker's purpose at this exact moment in the text? The blank appears after three body points and just before a final recommendation — that's the structural transition from evidence to conclusion. "In conclusion" (C) is the correct choice because it functions as a closing signal. It tells the audience that the speaker has finished presenting evidence and is now delivering a final, unified message. Notice how the sentence that follows doesn't add new information — it synthesizes everything into a call to action. That's exactly what a conclusion does, and "in conclusion" prepares listeners for it. Choice A ("In addition") fails because it implies the speaker is introducing another body point — a fourth benefit to add alongside the first three. Instead, the recommendation is a response to those points, not a continuation of them. Using "in addition" here would confuse the audience about where the speech is going. Choice B ("However") signals contrast or contradiction. Nothing in the recommendation contradicts the earlier facts — the advice to exercise builds on the health benefits already described. Using "however" would mislead listeners into expecting a surprising reversal or opposing viewpoint. Choice D ("For instance") introduces a specific example of something more general. But the recommendation isn't an example of the benefits — it's the speaker's concluding advice. Using "for instance" here misrepresents the relationship between ideas. Study tip: In spoken presentations, discourse markers act like road signs for your audience. When a sentence wraps everything up and calls the audience to act, look for signals like "in conclusion," "to summarize," or "therefore" — not addition or contrast markers.

Question 2

Read the following paragraph and answer the question.

"Learning a new language takes a lot of time and practice. , many adult learners give up before they see real improvement. , those who stay consistent often achieve fluency within a few years."

Which pair of discourse markers best completes the paragraph above in a way that shows the correct logical relationship between the three sentences?

For example / However
Unfortunately / Nevertheless (correct answer)
In addition / Therefore
First / In conclusion

Explanation: When completing a paragraph with discourse markers, your job is to track the logical flow between sentences — not just pick words that sound academic. Ask yourself: what is the relationship between each idea? Is the next sentence a contrast, a cause, an addition, or a result? In this paragraph, the first sentence states a neutral fact: learning a language takes time. The second sentence introduces something unfortunate or disappointing — many learners quit. The third sentence pushes back against that negative idea by saying that consistent learners do succeed. That structure is: fact → sad reality → hopeful contrast. Choice B, "Unfortunately / Nevertheless," fits perfectly. "Unfortunately" signals that something negative or regrettable is coming, which matches learners giving up. "Nevertheless" then signals a contrast that overcomes the previous negative point — those who persist still succeed. This is your correct answer. Choice A fails because "For example" implies the second sentence gives an illustration of the first, not a disappointing consequence. "However" could work for the third sentence logically, but the first blank is already wrong, making the whole pair incorrect. Choice C fails because "In addition" suggests the second sentence adds more support to the first, but giving up is not simply "more information" — it's a discouraging twist. "Therefore" also wrongly implies that quitting causes fluency, which is the opposite of the paragraph's meaning. Choice D fails because "First / In conclusion" creates a numbered-list structure, but the paragraph has no second or third sequential step — it's not a process being listed out. As a study tip, always read all three sentences together before choosing. Discourse markers connect pairs of sentences, so a pair like A/B only works if both transitions are logically correct.

Question 3

A student is writing a persuasive essay arguing that cities should invest more money in public transportation. She writes: "Public transportation reduces traffic. , it lowers air pollution. , not all residents live near a bus or train stop, which can make it difficult to access." Which pair of discourse markers correctly fills both blanks and maintains the logical structure of the argument?

Therefore / However
In addition / Nevertheless (correct answer)
For example / Therefore
Furthermore / Although

Explanation: When writing a persuasive essay, discourse markers (also called transition words) act like road signs — they tell readers how ideas connect. The key is matching the logical relationship between sentences to the type of marker used. There are three main types here: addition (adding a supporting point), contrast (introducing an opposing idea), and cause-effect (showing a result). Look at the essay's structure: the first blank connects "reduces traffic" to "lowers air pollution" — both are benefits, so you need an addition marker. The second blank introduces "not all residents live near a stop," which is a problem or limitation — so you need a contrast marker. Answer B, "In addition / Nevertheless," fits perfectly. "In addition" signals another supporting point (both sentences support the argument), and "Nevertheless" signals a contrasting idea while still moving the argument forward — exactly what a persuasive essay does when acknowledging a counterargument. Answer A fails because "Therefore" implies a cause-and-effect relationship — it would mean traffic reduction causes lower pollution logically, but the writer intends to list a separate benefit, not a result. "However" works for contrast but paired with the wrong first marker. Answer C uses "For example," which signals an illustration, not an additional argument — the pollution point isn't an example of traffic reduction. "Therefore" in the second blank incorrectly implies the distance problem is a result of the benefits mentioned. Answer D's "Furthermore" works for addition, but "Although" is a subordinating conjunction used within a sentence, not between two separate sentences as shown here. Study tip: Memorize discourse markers by category — addition (in addition, furthermore, moreover), contrast (however, nevertheless, on the other hand), and cause-effect (therefore, as a result) — and always ask: how do these two ideas relate?

Question 4

Read the following conversation:

Maria: "So, what do you think we should do to improve our neighborhood?" Daniel: "Well, first, we should organize a community cleanup day. After that, we could ask the city for better street lighting. , I think we need to talk to the local school about after-school programs for kids."

Which discourse marker best fills the blank in Daniel's speech, and why is it the most appropriate choice in this spoken context?

'In conclusion,' because Daniel is finishing his list of suggestions and wants to signal to Maria that he has no more ideas to add to the conversation.
'Finally,' because it continues the sequence of suggestions Daniel has been listing and signals that this is the last item in his spoken plan without sounding overly formal. (correct answer)
'Nevertheless,' because Daniel is introducing a new idea that contrasts with his earlier suggestions about cleanup and lighting, showing a shift in his thinking.
'As a result,' because the need for after-school programs logically follows from the street lighting improvement he mentioned in the previous suggestion.

Explanation: When a speaker lists ideas one after another in conversation, they often use sequence markers to help listeners follow along. Words like first, after that, and finally act as signposts that organize spoken language and signal where you are in a list. This question asks you to recognize which marker fits naturally into Daniel's flowing, conversational speech. Look at the structure of Daniel's turn: he opens with "first" and follows with "after that," which means he's clearly building a numbered sequence. The blank introduces his third and final suggestion, so you need a word that completes the series while matching the casual, spoken register of the conversation. B is correct because "Finally" does exactly that — it signals the last item in a sequence and sounds natural in everyday speech, consistent with how Daniel has been talking throughout. Choice A is tempting because Daniel is finishing his list, but "In conclusion" belongs in formal writing, like essays or presentations. Using it here would sound stiff and unnatural in a casual neighborhood conversation — imagine saying that to a friend on the street. Choice C fails because "Nevertheless" signals contrast or contradiction, as in "despite what I said before, here's something different." Daniel's third idea doesn't contradict his earlier ones; all three suggestions are part of the same cooperative plan. Choice D misuses "As a result," which signals cause-and-effect. After-school programs don't result from better street lighting — they're simply another independent suggestion on Daniel's list. As a study tip, always check the register (formal vs. informal) and the logical relationship between ideas before choosing a discourse marker — sequence, contrast, and cause-and-effect are three completely different jobs.

Question 5

A student writes: "Many people believe that working from home increases productivity. , studies show that some remote workers report feeling isolated and less motivated." The student wants to use a discourse marker that acknowledges the first idea while introducing evidence that challenges it. Which marker is LEAST appropriate for this purpose, even though it might seem grammatically correct in the blank?

However
On the other hand
In contrast
Therefore (correct answer)

Explanation: When working with discourse markers, the key question to ask yourself is: what is the logical relationship between the two ideas? This sentence presents a contrast — the first clause supports remote work, and the second introduces a challenge to that idea. You need a marker that signals opposition or counterevidence, not a different kind of logical connection. That's exactly why D) Therefore is the least appropriate choice. "Therefore" signals a conclusion or result — it tells the reader that what follows logically follows from what came before. Using "therefore" here would suggest that because people believe remote work boosts productivity, workers feel isolated — which makes no logical sense. It implies cause-and-effect where none exists, confusing the reader rather than guiding them. Choices A, B, and C are all valid contrast markers, which is why they work well in the blank. A) However is a direct, common way to introduce information that contradicts or complicates the previous idea — perfect here. B) On the other hand explicitly signals a second perspective, acknowledging the first while pivoting to another viewpoint. C) In contrast highlights a difference between two situations or findings, which fits naturally when introducing research that challenges the initial belief. All three preserve the intended meaning of the sentence. A useful tip: before choosing a discourse marker, identify the relationship — is it contrast, cause-effect, addition, or example? Write those categories on a study card with example markers for each. "Therefore," "as a result," and "consequently" all belong to the cause-effect category — never use them to show contrast.

Question 6

Read the student's paragraph:

"There are several reasons why I want to become a nurse. To begin with, I have always enjoyed helping people in need. In addition, my mother was a nurse, and she inspired me greatly. In conclusion, nursing is a well-paying career with many job opportunities."

A writing instructor marks the use of 'In conclusion' in the final sentence as incorrect. Which statement most accurately describes the error AND correctly identifies what type of discourse marker should replace it?

The error is that 'In conclusion' should only appear at the end of a five-paragraph essay; since this is a single paragraph, it must be replaced with a sequencing marker like 'Finally' to properly end the list of reasons.
The error is that 'In conclusion' is too informal for academic writing; replacing it with 'To summarize' would maintain the same meaning while raising the register to an appropriate academic level.
The error is that 'In conclusion' creates a contradiction with 'To begin with' used earlier; these two markers cannot appear in the same paragraph, and the student should replace 'In conclusion' with 'As a result' to show the outcome of becoming a nurse.
The error is that 'In conclusion' implies the final sentence will summarize all previous reasons, but instead the sentence introduces a new, third reason; a sequencing marker like 'Finally' or an additive marker like 'Moreover' would correctly continue the list. (correct answer)

Explanation: When analyzing discourse markers (also called transitional phrases), always ask yourself two questions: What job is this marker doing? and Does that job match what the sentence actually contains? "In conclusion" signals to the reader that what follows will wrap up or summarize what was already said — it does not introduce new information. Look carefully at the paragraph. The writer lists three separate reasons for wanting to become a nurse. The first two are introduced smoothly with "To begin with" and "In addition." But the third reason — that nursing is well-paying with many opportunities — is a brand-new point, not a summary of the previous two. Using "In conclusion" here misleads the reader into expecting a summary, then delivers something else entirely. That mismatch is the error. A sequencing marker like "Finally" (meaning "this is the last item in my list") or an additive marker like "Moreover" (meaning "here is another point") would correctly signal that a third reason is being added. Answer D captures this precisely. Answer A is partly right that "Finally" works, but the reasoning is wrong — the rule about "In conclusion" isn't about essay length; it's about function. Answer B misidentifies the problem entirely; this isn't a formality issue, and "To summarize" would create the same logical error as "In conclusion." Answer C invents a false grammar rule — "To begin with" and "In conclusion" are not incompatible; the real problem is meaning, not pairing. Your strategy tip: whenever you see a transitional phrase underlined or questioned, ignore how it sounds and focus on what the sentence does. Does it add, contrast, sequence, or summarize? Match the marker to the function.

Question 7

Read the following paragraph written by an intermediate ESL student:

"My hometown has changed a lot in the past ten years. To begin with, a new shopping mall was built near the city center. Furthermore, the local government improved the public park. In contrast, the population has grown significantly, bringing more diversity and new restaurants to the area."

The use of 'In contrast' in the final sentence contains an error in discourse marker usage. Which explanation most precisely identifies the problem and offers the most logical correction?

'In contrast' signals that population growth is opposite to the improvements described earlier, but population growth is another positive development; an additive marker like 'In addition' or 'Moreover' would correctly identify it as a further example of positive change. (correct answer)
'In contrast' is too formal for this paragraph's style; replacing it with 'Also' would better match the informal, personal tone of a paragraph about one's hometown.
'In contrast' is only used to compare two different subjects; since this paragraph discusses one city, it is grammatically incorrect and must be replaced with 'As a result' to show that growth caused the new diversity.
'In contrast' is misplaced because it should come after the first sentence; moving it to introduce the second sentence and replacing the final marker with 'Finally' would fix both the logic and the sequence.

Explanation: When reading or writing in English, discourse markers (words like furthermore, in contrast, as a result) are signposts that tell your reader how ideas relate to each other. When you see a question like this, ask yourself: does the marker match the logical relationship between the ideas? In the paragraph, the writer uses "In contrast" to introduce the fact that the population has grown, bringing more diversity and new restaurants. But think about what "In contrast" signals — it introduces an idea that opposes or contradicts what came before. Population growth with new food and diversity is not opposite to a new mall or an improved park; it is another positive development. The logical relationship is additive (adding more good news), so a marker like "In addition" or "Moreover" correctly signals that relationship. Answer A identifies this mismatch precisely and offers the right fix. Answer B is tempting but misses the actual problem. The issue is not tone or formality — the paragraph uses "Furthermore" and "To begin with," which are equally formal, so consistency is not the real error here. Answer C makes a false grammatical rule. "In contrast" can compare aspects of a single subject; there is nothing grammatically illegal about discussing one city from two angles. The error is logical, not grammatical. Replacing it with "As a result" would also be wrong because the paragraph never establishes that earlier changes caused population growth. Answer D focuses on rearranging sentence order, but the sequence of ideas is not the problem — the wrong marker is. Your strategy: whenever you see a discourse marker, pause and ask, "What is the relationship between these two ideas — contrast, addition, cause-effect, or sequence?" Match the marker to that relationship, not just to the paragraph's topic.

Question 8

A student wrote the following email to her professor:

"Dear Professor Kim, I want to explain why I missed class last Tuesday. To begin with, my car broke down in the morning. Furthermore, I did not have money for a taxi or bus. In conclusion, I am sorry for missing class and I will make up the work."

The student's use of the discourse marker 'In conclusion' in the final sentence is problematic. Which of the following best explains why, and what would be a more appropriate replacement?

'In conclusion' is too formal for an email; replacing it with 'Finally' would make the tone more casual and appropriate for the situation.
'In conclusion' signals a summary of a multi-point argument, but the final sentence introduces a new idea (an apology) rather than summarizing the reasons given; 'Therefore' or 'As a result' would better show that the apology logically follows from the explanation. (correct answer)
'In conclusion' is incorrect because it can only be used in formal academic essays; replacing it with 'In addition' would correctly continue the list of reasons for missing class.
'In conclusion' is too weak a connector here; replacing it with 'However' would create a stronger contrast between the car trouble and the student's commitment to making up the work.

Explanation: When you see a question about discourse markers (words like furthermore, however, therefore), ask yourself: does this connector accurately describe the logical relationship between the sentences it connects? Each marker has a specific job, and using the wrong one confuses your reader even if your sentences are grammatically correct. In the email, the student uses "To begin with" and "Furthermore" to list reasons for missing class. The final sentence, however, doesn't add another reason — it shifts to an apology and a promise to make up the work. This is a result or consequence of the situation described, not a summary of the reasons. "In conclusion" signals that you are wrapping up a multi-point argument by restating its main ideas, which isn't happening here. A word like "Therefore" or "As a result" correctly signals cause-and-effect: because of these circumstances, the result is that I apologize and will make up the work. That's why B is correct. A is wrong because the problem isn't about tone or formality — it's about logical function. "Finally" would suggest a third item in a list, which also doesn't fit an apology. C is wrong on two counts: "In conclusion" can appear in many contexts beyond academic essays, and "In addition" would incorrectly treat the apology as another reason for missing class. D is wrong because "However" signals contrast or contradiction, and there's no contradiction between the car trouble and the student's commitment — they're connected by cause and effect. Your study tip: memorize discourse markers in categories — addition, contrast, cause/effect, and summary. Before choosing one, ask: "What is the relationship between these two ideas?"

Question 9

A student is revising a paragraph and realizes that two consecutive sentences both begin with 'However.' The sentences are: "Some people argue that social media connects communities. However, it can also spread misinformation quickly. However, governments have started passing laws to regulate online content." Which revision strategy correctly addresses the repeated use of 'However' while preserving the logical flow of all three ideas?

Replace the second 'However' with 'As a result,' because the government regulation is a logical response to the problem of misinformation, showing a cause-and-effect relationship between the two ideas. (correct answer)
Replace the second 'However' with 'In addition,' because the government regulation is another negative consequence of social media misinformation, continuing the critical argument established by the first 'However.'
Replace the second 'However' with 'For example,' because government laws are a specific illustration of how social media can spread misinformation to a wide audience.
Replace the second 'However' with 'Nevertheless,' because both 'However' and 'Nevertheless' signal the same contrast, and using a synonym keeps the meaning identical while eliminating the repetition.

Explanation: When revising writing, transition words do more than avoid repetition — they signal the logical relationship between ideas. Before choosing a replacement, ask yourself: how does the new sentence connect to the one before it? Does it contrast, add, explain, or result from the previous idea? In this passage, the first "However" correctly signals a contrast (social media connects people, but it spreads misinformation). The third sentence introduces government regulation as a response to that misinformation problem. That's a cause-and-effect relationship — misinformation caused governments to act. This makes A the correct choice. "As a result" accurately captures that causal link, preserving the logical flow while eliminating the repeated "However." Choice B is tempting but wrong. "In addition" signals that you're adding a similar or parallel idea. Government regulation isn't another negative consequence of social media — it's a reaction to one. Using "In addition" would misrepresent the relationship between the ideas. Choice C fails because "For example" introduces a specific illustration of a general point. Government laws don't illustrate how misinformation spreads — they illustrate how society responds to it. The logical role of the sentence doesn't match what "For example" signals. Choice D is a classic trap. Yes, "Nevertheless" and "However" are both contrast signals, but contrast is the wrong relationship here. Swapping one contrast word for another doesn't fix the logical problem — it just changes the wording while keeping the meaning inaccurate. Study tip: Before choosing a transition word, write out the relationship in plain English ("this causes that," "this adds to that"). Then match it to the correct signal word.

Question 10

Which sentence uses a discourse marker in a way that is logically inconsistent with the content of the sentence itself?

"I studied for three hours last night; as a result, I felt more confident during the exam this morning."
"The restaurant is expensive. Nevertheless, the food quality is outstanding and many customers return regularly."
"She exercises every day. For example, she also eats a balanced diet and gets eight hours of sleep." (correct answer)
"The project deadline was moved up by one week. Therefore, the team decided to work overtime to finish on time."

Explanation: Discourse markers are connecting words or phrases that signal the logical relationship between ideas — words like therefore, nevertheless, for example, and as a result. When you see a question like this, your job is to check whether the marker actually matches the relationship between the two ideas it connects. "For example" is an exemplification marker — it introduces a specific instance that illustrates a general statement made just before it. In choice C, the general statement is "She exercises every day," and you'd expect what follows to be a specific example of exercise — like "she runs three miles" or "she does yoga." Instead, the sentence shifts to different healthy habits (diet and sleep), which are not examples of exercising. The marker doesn't fit the content, making C the logically inconsistent choice. Looking at the other options, choice A correctly uses "as a result" to show cause and effect: studying led to confidence. That's a logical consequence relationship. Choice B uses "nevertheless" to signal contrast — the restaurant is expensive, but customers still return because the food is good. That contrast is real and logical. Choice D uses "therefore" to introduce a logical response to a problem: a tighter deadline caused the team to work overtime. Again, the marker fits perfectly. A useful strategy: whenever you see a discourse marker, pause and ask yourself, "Does this word describe the actual relationship between these two ideas?" On this exam, the trap is often a marker that sounds sophisticated but doesn't match the logic. Read both ideas carefully before accepting the connection.