Step 80: Arguing a Point
Persuasive speaking — Discourse markers for debate
📖 Read — The Homework Debate, Round Two
The debate club is back — and this time, the arguments wear suits. “Firstly,” begins Emma, “homework builds discipline. Furthermore, it gives parents a window into the school day. Schools should, therefore, keep it.”
Jack rises. “I respect that view. Nevertheless, studies show that exhausted students learn less. Moreover, free evenings protect mental health. Consequently, I propose a limit: one hour, no more.” The teacher smiles: “Strong markers, both of you. In conclusion, class, the best arguments are built like stairs — each step clear, each step connected. Overall, an excellent debate!”
🧩 Grammar — Discourse Markers for Debate
Discourse markers are the STAIRS of an argument. ADDING: furthermore, moreover, in addition (formal cousins of 'and also'). CONTRASTING: nevertheless, nonetheless (= but still — more formal than however). RESULT: consequently, therefore, as a result. ORDER: firstly, secondly, finally. CLOSING: in conclusion, overall, to sum up. Use one marker per idea — a staircase, not a traffic jam.
- Furthermore, the plan saves money.
- It was raining. Nevertheless, they played.
- Costs rose. Consequently, prices followed.
- Overall, the trip was a success.
🏗️ Key structures
- Firstly, ___ . Furthermore, ___ — Firstly, it's cheap. Furthermore, it's fast.
- ___ . Nevertheless, ___ — It's hard. Nevertheless, it's worth it.
- In conclusion, ___ / Overall, ___ — In conclusion, practice wins. / Overall, we agree.
⭐ Idiom & natural phrases
The bottom line is: we need more time.
🔤 New words
used to introduce the first point in a list of arguments
Firstly, let's look at the cost.
and also — adding a point (formal)
It's fast. Furthermore, it's safe.
and also — adding an even stronger point (formal)
The job is far. Moreover, the pay is low.
but still; despite that (formal 'however')
It rained. Nevertheless, we went.
as a result of that
He missed the bus. Consequently, he was late.
for that reason; so
Prices rose; therefore, sales fell.
when you consider everything
Overall, the plan worked.
the phrase that introduces your final point or summary
In conclusion, practice beats talent.
🎧 Say it with me
Firstly, practice builds skill. Furthermore, it builds confidence. Nevertheless, rest matters too. In conclusion, balance wins!
🎤 Your turn to speak
Argue one point like a debater: open with Firstly, add with Furthermore, concede with Nevertheless, and close with In conclusion.
Say it out loud three times. Even better: record it on your phone and listen — your ear is your best teacher.
✍️ Your turn to write
Write a 5-sentence debate paragraph (for or against school uniforms) using at least four discourse markers.
See a model answer
Firstly, uniforms save families money, because nobody competes with fashion. Furthermore, they create a feeling of equality in the classroom. Nevertheless, I understand the other side: students want to express themselves. Consequently, I propose a compromise — uniforms four days a week, free dress on Fridays. In conclusion, balance serves everyone.
Self-check: capital letters? Full stops? Did you use the grammar of this step?
📝 Quick check
Go deeper
This step is a doorway — the full lesson goes much further:
Discourse Markers: Signposts for Listening & Speaking — full lesson + 50-question quiz
🎉 Saved in your progress!