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Discourse Markers: Structuring an Argument Exercise

June 26, 2026 - C1pdf

Complete the 12 sentences below. Choose the best answer for each one.

Progress 0 of 12 answered
1..............., let us define what counts as essential-service coverage before we assess whether a shorter working week is feasible.
Wrong!
"To begin with" introduces the first point in an argument.
2The reform would reduce administrative costs; ..............., it would also make the application process more transparent for the public.
Wrong!
"Moreover" adds another supporting point to the argument.
3The policy is attractive in principle; ..............., its success depends on a level of cross-party cooperation that has so far been absent.
Wrong!
"However" introduces a contrast with the positive idea in the first clause.
4Several cities have already shown that congestion charges can change commuter behaviour; ..............., Stockholm recorded a sustained reduction in traffic after its scheme was introduced.
Wrong!
"For example" introduces Stockholm as a specific example of the general claim.
5The data were collected from a narrow and unusually affluent sample; ..............., the findings should not be treated as representative of the whole population.
Wrong!
"Consequently" shows that the second clause is a result of the first.
6..............., the initial investment is substantial, but the long-term savings make the project financially defensible.
Wrong!
"Admittedly" concedes a point before a stronger opposing argument is given.
7The evidence remains incomplete; ..............., it is strong enough to justify a cautious change in policy.
Wrong!
"Nevertheless" introduces a contrasting point despite the limitation just mentioned.
8The proposal is not a case of deregulation but of decentralisation; ..............., it transfers responsibility for enforcement from central government to independent local bodies.
Wrong!
"In other words" restates the previous idea more directly.
9Subsidies may protect jobs in the short term; ..............., they can discourage firms from adapting to new market conditions.
Wrong!
"On the other hand" introduces an opposing consideration after one side has been presented.
10The first report treats online anonymity as a threat to accountability; ..............., the second presents it as a safeguard for vulnerable speakers.
Wrong!
"By contrast" highlights a clear difference between the two reports.
11The committee should examine several indirect costs of the merger; ..............., it should consider the effect on smaller suppliers.
Wrong!
"In particular" singles out one important example from a wider category.
12..............., the decision should rest not on which option is cheaper this year, but on which one leaves the system more resilient over the next decade.
Wrong!
"Ultimately" signals the final and most important judgement in the argument.
Done.
Score: 0/12
Share your score!

Answers

  1. To begin with, let us define what counts as essential-service coverage before we assess whether a shorter working week is feasible.
  2. The reform would reduce administrative costs; moreover, it would also make the application process more transparent for the public.
  3. The policy is attractive in principle; however, its success depends on a level of cross-party cooperation that has so far been absent.
  4. Several cities have already shown that congestion charges can change commuter behaviour; for example, Stockholm recorded a sustained reduction in traffic after its scheme was introduced.
  5. The data were collected from a narrow and unusually affluent sample; consequently, the findings should not be treated as representative of the whole population.
  6. Admittedly, the initial investment is substantial, but the long-term savings make the project financially defensible.
  7. The evidence remains incomplete; nevertheless, it is strong enough to justify a cautious change in policy.
  8. The proposal is not a case of deregulation but of decentralisation; in other words, it transfers responsibility for enforcement from central government to independent local bodies.
  9. Subsidies may protect jobs in the short term; on the other hand, they can discourage firms from adapting to new market conditions.
  10. The first report treats online anonymity as a threat to accountability; by contrast, the second presents it as a safeguard for vulnerable speakers.
  11. The committee should examine several indirect costs of the merger; in particular, it should consider the effect on smaller suppliers.
  12. Ultimately, the decision should rest not on which option is cheaper this year, but on which one leaves the system more resilient over the next decade.
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