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Grammartier

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Interactive Grammar: Advanced Discourse Features

Produce and analyse extended discourse with full control of macro-structure and micro-cohesion.

Grammar Explanation · Authentic Examples · Practice Exercises

Lesson progressNot started
Duration
~57 min
Exercises
38
Level
Mastery

Overview

Produce and analyse extended discourse with full control of macro-structure and micro-cohesion.

Macro-Structure Management

  • SignpostingTurning to the question of causality…
  • Topic shiftAs regards the financial implications… / With respect to…
  • SummaryIn sum / To recapitulate / It follows that…
  • FramingThe central argument of this paper is that…

Micro-Cohesion Devices

  • Metadiscourse: It should be noted that… / This is not to say that…
  • Hedged claims: The evidence suggests… / It would appear that…
  • Sentence connectors: moreover, consequently, notwithstanding, thus
  • Paragraph unity: topic sentence → evidence → commentary → link

Common C2 Mistakes

  • ❌ Missing signposting: reader cannot follow macro-structure of argument
  • ❌ Firstly… Secondly… Finally without substantive content markers — mechanical
  • ❌ In conclusion, I think that… → ✅ In conclusion, this analysis demonstrates that…
  • ❌ Mixing register: formal metadiscourse interrupted by informal phrasing

When to use

Academic papers

Turning to the methodological implications, it is worth noting that the sample was limited.

Executive reports

With respect to operational efficiency, the findings point to systemic underinvestment.

Legal arguments

It should be emphasised that this principle has never been applied in this jurisdiction.

Long-form writing

To recapitulate: three factors account for the sustained decline in public trust.

Advanced Discourse Features Quiz

Choose the most appropriate discourse organiser or metadiscourse expression

Multiple Choice12 questions
1 the question of implementation, several practical barriers remain.
2It noted that the sample was not fully representative of the population.
3 the financial implications, the evidence is unambiguous.
4 the foregoing analysis, three conclusions may be drawn.
5This is to say that the approach was without merit.
6 recapitulate: three factors account for the sustained erosion of trust.
7The central of this analysis is that systemic reform is urgently required.
8With to the methodological concerns, these are addressed in the appendix.
9It emphasised that this finding applies specifically to the urban context.
10The following section addresses the second of the three claims. concerned the methodology.
11 sum, the evidence strongly supports the need for structural intervention.
12It is worth that several significant limitations apply to this analysis.

Fill in the Blanks

Complete each sentence with the correct discourse management expression

Fill in the Blanks10 questions
1(Turning to)the second aspect of the argument, it is necessary to consider the structural factors.
2It should(be noted)that the following analysis is based on a limited and non-representative sample.
3(As regards)the financial projections, these are examined in detail in Section 4.
4(On the basis of)the evidence presented, it is concluded that the policy requires fundamental revision.
5This is(not to say)that the approach was without merit — merely that its application was flawed.
6(To recapitulate): the analysis has identified three systemic failures across the period under review.
7The central(contention)of this paper is that inequality is structural rather than incidental in origin.
8(With respect to)the methodological concerns raised, a full response is provided in the appendix.
9It is(worth noting)that the scope of this analysis is deliberately limited to the domestic context.
10(In sum), three factors account for the persistent and systematic underperformance of the sector.

Transform the Sentences

Add or revise the discourse management device to improve cohesion and formality

Transform8 questions

1Now I'll talk about implementation. There are several barriers. → → Formal signpost

2Note: the sample is small and may not be representative. → → Academic metadiscourse

3About the financial projections — see Section 4. → → Formal discourse marker

4So, three main points came out of this analysis. → → Academic summary opener

5I'm not saying it failed entirely. I'm saying the execution was poor. → → Metadiscourse clarification

6Looking at the money side of things, it's a problem. → → Formal topic shift

7In conclusion, I think three things explain this. → → Impersonal academic close

8There are limits to this study. It only looks at urban areas. → → Formal scope-limiting metadiscourse

Fix the Errors

Rewrite each sentence to correct the discourse management error

Error Fix8 questions

1Turning in the question of causality, there are several competing explanations.

2It should noted that the data is preliminary and not yet peer-reviewed.

3As regard the financial implications, further analysis is required.

4In conclusion, I think that the evidence shows the policy has failed.

5On the basis on the evidence, three conclusions may be drawn.

6This is not saying that the approach was entirely without merit.

7To recapitulate: three key failures it has been identified.

8With respect of the methodological limitations, see the appendix.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this lesson on sentence structure cover?

Produce and analyse extended discourse with full control of macro-structure and micro-cohesion.

Which CEFR level is this lesson designed for?

This lesson is designed for Mastery (C2) learners and forms part of the Sentence Structure section on Grammartier.

What is the best approach for studying this grammar topic?

Start with the definition, then study the examples carefully to understand how the pattern works in context. Practise identifying the structure in authentic sentences before producing your own — this recognition-first approach builds a strong foundation for accurate, confident use.

Your Grammar Learning Path

Follow the CEFR progression for this topic cluster.

  1. C2
    Academic Hedging and Precision
  2. C2
    Advanced Concession and Contrast
  3. C2
    Advanced Discourse FeaturesYou are here
  4. C2
    Advanced Ellipsis
  5. C2
    Advanced Parallel Structures
  6. C2
    Advanced Pragmatic Structures
  7. C2
    Advanced Reference and Substitution

Before You Start

Make sure you're comfortable with these topics first.

Related Concepts

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