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EMA Leaders | Formal Discourse Markers in Discussions

Formal Discourse Markers in Discussions

Leaders Level Β· B2 Β· Online Β· 40 min

B2 Leaders 40 min Online

πŸ”₯ Warm-Up

Activate thinking Β· Spark opinions

⏱ 5 min

Pick a Statement β€” What do YOU think?

Click a statement to reveal it on screen. Students: Agree, Disagree, or It depends?

1
"Latin American countries are less productive because people prioritize relationships over results."
πŸ‘† Click to use this statement
2
"Developed countries are more successful simply because they have better work discipline."
πŸ‘† Click to use this statement
3
"The way we work in Latin America is not a problem β€” it's a different set of values."
πŸ‘† Click to use this statement
4
"If Latin Americans adopted the German or Japanese work mindset, their countries would develop much faster."
πŸ‘† Click to use this statement
Coach's cue: Don't correct opinions β€” let it flow. Goal: get them talking and emotionally connected to the topic before you introduce the language.

🎬 Video + Reading

Real context Β· Topic input

⏱ 8 min

Watch β€” Culture Shocks in Mexico City

⚑ Play 1:00 β†’ 3:00 β€” Focus on: How is daily life / work pace described? What surprises people most?

πŸ’¬ Quick question after watching: "What is ONE thing from the video that surprised you β€” or that you can relate to?"

Let 2–3 students share briefly before moving to the reading.

Read β€” Two Ways of Working

πŸ“„ Two Ways of Working

In many developed countries like Germany, Japan, or the United States, work culture is built around punctuality, efficiency, and individual performance. Deadlines are non-negotiable, and time is treated as a resource that must not be wasted.

In contrast, many Latin American work environments tend to be more relationship-driven. Building trust with colleagues and clients often comes before getting straight to business. Hierarchy is respected, and flexibility in schedules is common.

Neither approach is inherently better. However, as Latin American economies grow and compete globally, the question arises: should work culture change β€” or should the world learn to value what Latin America already does well?

πŸ’¬ "What is the ONE difference the text highlights between both work cultures?"

Expected answer: Developed countries focus on efficiency / individual performance; Latin America focuses on relationships and flexibility.
Coach's cue: Don't go deep yet. This is context-building. 2–3 student responses is enough β€” then transition to the language.

🧩 Formal Discourse Markers

Language input Β· Chunks for discussion

⏱ 6 min

Your Discussion Toolkit

These are the chunks that make your English sound formal, organized, and powerful in a discussion. Hover to highlight each one.

βž• Adding
Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, What is more,
Furthermore, studies show that Latin American workers are highly adaptable to change.
⟺ Contrasting
However, Nevertheless, On the other hand, In contrast,
However, productivity rates in the region tell a different story.
↩ Conceding
Although... Even though... Despite the fact that... Admittedly,
Admittedly, punctuality is valued differently across Latin America.
πŸ’‘ Giving Examples
For instance, For example, To illustrate, Such as...
For instance, in Germany, meetings always start exactly on time.
⚑ Showing Result
As a result, Consequently, Therefore, Hence,
As a result, trust-based work cultures tend to have lower employee turnover.
βœ… Summarizing
All things considered, To sum up, Taking everything into account, In conclusion,
All things considered, both work models have clear strengths and weaknesses.
Coach's cue: Read each example aloud with the class. Ask: "Which function does this one serve?" Quick check β€” no writing needed yet.

πŸ“š Topic Vocabulary

Key chunks for the debate

⏱ 4 min

Chunks You'll Need for This Discussion

These aren't just words β€” they're chunks. Learn them in context.

work-life balance
The relationship between time at work and personal time. "Latin Americans often prioritize work-life balance over long hours."
work mindset
The attitude and beliefs someone has about work. "A competitive work mindset drives innovation in developed countries."
time management
How efficiently someone uses their time. "Strong time management is seen as a core professional skill in Germany."
relationship-driven culture
A workplace where personal connections matter greatly. "Latin American businesses operate in a relationship-driven culture."
hierarchical structure
A company where authority flows from top to bottom. "Many LATAM companies still follow a hierarchical structure."
collective vs. individual success
Achieving as a group vs. as a person. "Latin America values collective success; the US tends to reward individual success."
productivity gap
The difference in output between two groups. "There is a notable productivity gap between the two regions."
adapt to global standards
Change how you work to meet international expectations. "Some argue LATAM must adapt to global standards to compete."
Coach's cue: Don't drill these. Just read each one, ask "Who can use this in a sentence right now?" β€” 2 or 3 quick examples from students is enough.

✏️ Controlled Practice

Use the chunks Β· Fill the gaps

⏱ 4 min

Complete the Ideas β€” Which Chunk Fits?

Read each sentence. Decide which formal discourse marker fits best. Click "Show answer" to check.

1. "Latin Americans are very creative and adaptable. ___________, they tend to build stronger client relationships than workers in more rigid cultures."

πŸ‘ Show answer

2. "Developed countries rank higher in productivity. ___________, studies show they also report much higher levels of employee burnout."

πŸ‘ Show answer

3. "___________ punctuality is a challenge in some Latin American countries, professionals in the region are known for their resilience and creativity."

πŸ‘ Show answer

4. "Many Latin American companies are changing fast. ___________, Colombia's tech sector has grown by over 30% in recent years."

πŸ‘ Show answer

5. "Remote work has allowed LATAM professionals to compete globally. ___________, the region\'s tech talent market has exploded."

πŸ‘ Show answer
Coach's cue: This is NOT a test β€” it's awareness-building. Let students call out answers, discuss if two markers could work, and move on quickly. Keep the energy up!

πŸ‘₯ Group Prep

Choose your position Β· Build your arguments

⏱ 8 min

Choose Your Position

Groups choose which side they want to defend. You can change your personal opinion β€” but you MUST argue for your team's position.

🌎
Team Latin America
Latin American work culture has real strengths the world should learn from β€” relationships, flexibility, creativity, and resilience.
🏭
Team Developed World
The work model of countries like Germany, Japan, or the US drives better results β€” discipline, structure, and accountability matter.

⏱ You have 8 minutes to prepare. Do this:

1
Agree on your 3 strongest arguments for your position.
2
Think about what the other team will say β€” and how you'll respond.
3
Choose at least 3 discourse markers from the toolkit you will use when speaking.
4
Use at least 2 vocabulary chunks from the list in your arguments.

Quick Reference β€” Chunks to Use

Furthermore, However, Nevertheless, Although... For instance, As a result, Admittedly, On the other hand, In contrast, To sum up, work-life balance relationship-driven culture productivity gap work mindset hierarchical structure
Coach's cue: Use breakout rooms during prep. Circulate quickly β€” don't correct, just listen and note strong chunks you hear. You'll use them in the wrap-up.

🎀 Discussion & Debate

Present Β· Challenge Β· Respond

⏱ 10 min
Debate Timer
10:00
Ready to start

Discussion Rules β€” On Screen During Debate

🎯 Support every opinion with a reason or example
🧩 Use at least 2 discourse markers when you speak
πŸ‘‚ Listen without interrupting β€” wait for your turn
πŸ’¬ Challenge ideas, not people
πŸ”„ You can change your mind β€” that's growth!
🌐 English only β€” even when it's hard

Debate Flow

0–3 min Opening statements β€” Each team presents their 3 main arguments (no interruptions)
3–8 min Open debate β€” Challenge, respond, add examples. Use your discourse markers!
8–10 min Closing β€” Each team: "All things considered, we believe…" β€” Summarize in 2 sentences
Coach's cue: Track who uses discourse markers β€” celebrate it in the wrap-up. If debate slows down, throw in a statement: "But isn't that just a cultural excuse for poor time management?"

βœ… Wrap-Up & Feedback

Celebrate progress Β· Set the next step

⏱ 2 min

Coach's Feedback Notes

Use these notes during and after the debate. You'll share highlights with the class.

Closing Message β€” Say This to the Class

"Today you didn't just learn English β€” you thought critically, argued confidently, and used formal language to express real ideas. That's what Leaders do."

🎯 Homework suggestion: Write 3–5 sentences giving your personal opinion on today's topic β€” using at least 3 different discourse markers.

Coach's cue: End with energy. Ask one student: "What's ONE discourse marker you'll use in real life this week?" β€” and close on that.
πŸŽ‰
Class Complete!
EMA Leaders Β· B2 Β· Formal Discourse Markers in Discussions
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