KEY TERM!
DISCOURSE MARKERS or TRANSITIONS
When you write for any purpose, but especially when you are writing to argue or persuade, your writing needs to be clear and flow smoothly. One way to help this happen is to use certain words that act as 'signposts' or signals that show the way your writing or argument is developing.

These signposts are called 'discourse markers' or 'transitions'. They act to help you to give the appearance that logical connections exist between sentences, paragraphs, and sections of your essay. In other words, discourse markers tell readers what to do with the information you are presenting them with. They can be single words or short quick phrases such as, 'but...', 'although...', 'with a moment's thought...', 'on the other hand...' and so on.

These transitions allow your reader to piece together your ideas into a logically coherent argument. Such transitions are not just 'window dressing' - they make writing sound and read better. They are words with particular meanings that tell the reader to think and react in a particular way to your ideas.

Showing a consideration for your reader by creating a logical structure to your writing is a key skill that is rewarded highly in all mark schemes.