Writing: Organisational Markers
Writing: Organisational Markers Revision
Organisational Markers
These are words, phrases and clauses which make your writing flow better.
They do this by connecting up information and adding more depth to a text.
They also make it easier for the reader to follow more complex texts.
What do they do?
Organisational markers are useful for three reasons.
They show the reader when:
1) Ideas are added to the main text e.g., then, also, and, not only this
2) An idea is being contrasted e.g., unlike, however, but, conversely
3) There is a sequence or chronology e.g., finally, thereafter, immediately after
Let’s take a bit of a closer look…
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1. Adding Ideas
On the right is the bottom section of a receipt.
Two examples of organisational markers that add ideas within this text are:
- Because
This was used to add another idea by giving a reason why opinions are valued.
- And
This was used to add another idea by showing what will happen as a result of leaving a review.
2. Contrasting Ideas
On the right is a business card from a dessert company.
There is one example of an organisational marker being used to contrast in this text:
- However
This is used to introduce information which contrasts with the previous sentence.
3. A Sequence or Chronology
On the right is part of an activities sheet for children at school.
There are two examples of organisational markers that show a sequence or chronology in this text:
- Then
and
- After
Both of these markers are used by the writer to explain an ordered plan for the day.
Example: Question + Answer
Imagine you are preparing for a job interview.
You are asked to write three sentences about your previous work experience, and you have heard that the manager is fond of applicants who use organisational markers in their writing!
Based on the organisational markers, in which order would you put the following sentences?
- Finally, the job I do now is as a shop assistant.
- To start with, my first job was as a bartender in the city centre.
- After that, I worked in a factory on a part-time basis.
Answer:
- To start with, my first job was as a bartender in the city centre.
- After that, I worked in a factory on a part-time basis.
- Finally, the job I do now is as a shop assistant.
‘To start with’ shows that this sentence should be the opening one.
‘Finally’ shows that this sentence should be the closing one.
‘After that’ must be in the middle – it implies that ‘something’ goes before it!
Additional Resources
Exam Tips Cheat Sheet
FS Level 2Writing: Organisational Markers Worksheet and Example Questions
Writing: Organisational Markers L2
FS Level 2NewOfficial PFSRevision Products
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