Discourse Markers — The New Map of Global Trade
Grammar: Discourse markers and connectors in analytical writing
Free ESL grammar exercise on discourse markers themed around the new map of global trade. Printable worksheet from classplan.ai.
What's on this worksheet
A Business English ESL grammar exercise on business, practising discourse markers and connectors in analytical writing. The worksheet has a short reading excerpt, a grammar reference and graded practice items.
From the reading
In 2023, global merchandise trade fell by roughly 5% in dollar terms. Nevertheless, container volumes barely changed. Furthermore, the rise of e-commerce has transformed small-scale importing.
Grammar
- Contrast connector
- Use nevertheless or however to introduce a point that surprises after what came before. Trade fell in value; nevertheless, volumes held steady.
- Addition connector
- Use furthermore or moreover to add a point of equal or greater weight. Tariffs rerouted supply chains; furthermore, Mexico overtook China.
Sample items
- ______, tariffs rarely destroy trade flows — they simply reroute them.
- Mexico overtook China as the top US exporter in 2023; ______, the USMCA played a decisive role.
- Commodity prices fell sharply; ______, the headline trade figure shrank even as volumes held.
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