English Exam Strategies: Discourse Links, Signalling Words and Hedging

Posted on Oct 12, 2026 in English Studies

1. Required Answer Structure

Memorise these phrases:

To define: “X refers to…” / “X means that…”
To exemplify: “For example,…” / “For instance,…”

Mandatory formula: Name the concept + define it in English + give the example (Definition → Explanation → Example).

2. The 5 Features of Academic Language

  • Complexity: Complex grammar and lexical density. (E.g.: union reaction instead of how the unions will react).
  • Formality: No colloquial language or contractions. (E.g.: cannot instead of can’t).
  • Objectivity: No personal opinions (“I think”). (E.g.: The evidence suggests…).
  • Explicitness: Clear relationships using connectors. (E.g.: However, because, for example).
  • Hedging: Cautious language, nothing categorical. (E.g.: may, might, could, seem).

3. Hedging (Exact Transformations for Question 3)

Replace the categorical verb with the cautious one:

  • is ➔ may be / might be / could be
  • are ➔ appear to be / seem to be
  • causes ➔ may cause
  • proves ➔ suggests / indicates
  • will ➔ may / might / could

4. Signalling Words

(Question 2: Write ONLY the function in English, DO NOT translate)

  • However / Nevertheless / But ➔ Contrast
  • Furthermore / Moreover / In addition ➔ Addition
  • Therefore / As a result / Consequently ➔ Cause & effect
  • For example / For instance ➔ Example
  • Similarly / In the same way ➔ Comparison
  • Firstly / Finally / Eventually ➔ Time/order
  • In conclusion / To sum up ➔ Summary/conclusion
  • In other words / Namely ➔ Explanation
  • Because / Since ➔ Cause/reason
  • In fact / Actually ➔ Support / Contradiction
  • In that case / Then ➔ Condition

5. Discourse Links

(How to define them in Question 5 and locate them in Question 6)

  • Reference: Points to something (“Reference is the use of words which refer to…”). Look for: he, she, it, this, that, here, there.
  • Substitution: Replaces something (“Substitution is the replacement of…”). Look for: one, ones, do, so, not.
  • Ellipsis: Leaves something out (“Ellipsis is the omission of…”). Look for gaps where the subject or object is missing because it is already understood.
  • Conjunction: Connects ideas (“Conjunction shows the relationship between…”). Look for connectors: however, therefore, furthermore.
  • Lexical cohesion: Related vocabulary (“Lexical cohesion is achieving a cohesive effect by…”). Look for groups of words on the same topic: doctor ➔ patient ➔ treatment.

6. Parts of a Book

(The most likely ones to be asked for definitions)

  • Abstract: Summary of main sections/conclusions.
  • Preface: Purpose, organisation, method.
  • Blurb: Publisher’s description (to sell).
  • Index: Alphabetical list + pages.
  • Table of Contents: Overview + location.

7. Difficult Words & Sentences

(Memorise the action steps)

  • Words: Word function (noun/verb?) ➔ Context ➔ Word form (prefixes) ➔ Dictionary.
  • Sentences: Divide at connectives ➔ Identify reference words ➔ Find subject + verb + object ➔ Rewrite as simpler sentences.