Discourse Markers

Organization

Every essay should have the following organizational structure:

Introduction
Body (paragraphs or sentences to explain, prove, illustrate, etc.)
Conclusion

Transition words should be chosen carefully so that they are true guideposts for the reader. Do not use "first, second, third" unless you are describing steps in a process or explaining events chronologically!

To indicate that an example or an illustration follows:

chiefly, especially, for instance, in particular, namely, particularly, including, specifically, such as, as an example, in this case

To show how one action is similar to another action:

comparatively, likewise, similar to, moreover, together with

To contrast ideas:

although, however, instead, on the other hand, in contrast, but

To emphasize one point:

above all, chiefly, with attention to, especially, particularly, singularly

To show the structure or organization of the essay:

first, let's begin with, next, now, furthermore, in addition

To summarize or conclude:

all in all, all things considered, briefly, in brief, in conclusion, on the whole, in short, in summary, in the final analysis, in the long run, to sum up, to summarize, finally