Among the many topics tested in the English section of NDA & CDS 2 2025, one that holds particular significance for improving reading comprehension, logical flow, and overall communication skills is the use of Discourse Markers & Expressions.
In the Discourse Markers & Expressions MCQ Live Class, we worked through a range of fill-in-the-blank MCQs, where candidates were required to select the most suitable discourse marker to complete sentences logically and meaningfully. The class was designed not only to enhance vocabulary but also to train the mind to understand how ideas are connected in English — a crucial aspect for success in both the exams and SSB communication tasks.
Directions: Given below are sentences that use discourse markers/expressions to make them complete. Identify the most appropriate discourse markers/expressions and mark your answer accordingly on the Answer Sheet.
Q) He was tired; ________, he kept working.
a)However
b)Moreover
c)Nevertheless
d)although
Ans. (c)
Q) She is intelligent, ________ she is very hardworking.
a)Yet
b)in contrast
c)Besides
d)though
Ans. (c)
Q) ___, the manager praised all the employees equally.
a)To begin with
b)In short
c)In fact
d)As a result
Ans. (a)
Q) He is not only good at studies ___ excellent in sports.
a)Or
b)but also
c)Rather
d)instead
Ans. (b)
Q) She is, ___, the best singer we have.
a)However
b)by contrast
c)Indeed
d)instead
Ans. (c)
For more questions, check out NDA & CDS 2 2025 Exam English Live – Fill in the Blanks With Discourse Markers & Expressions MCQ 1
What Are Discourse Markers?
Discourse Markers are words or phrases used to link ideas together, guide the reader or listener, and structure information clearly. Though not always grammatically necessary, they are functionally essential to make language meaningful, especially in formal communication.
🔤 Examples:
- Contrast: however, nevertheless, on the other hand
- Addition: moreover, in addition, also
- Cause & Effect: therefore, as a result, thus
- Sequence: firstly, then, finally
- Illustration: for example, for instance
- Conclusion: in conclusion, to sum up
Real Exam Benefits of This Topic
- ✅ Boosts accuracy in cloze test passages
- ✅ Helps in sentence rearrangement and understanding paragraph flow
- ✅ Improves overall reading comprehension
- ✅ Sharpens communication for SSB tasks like narration, group discussion & lecturette
- ✅ Reflects organized thinking — a quality expected in future officers
Class Tips to Master Discourse Marker MCQs
- Identify the relationship between parts of the sentence first: contrast? reason? example?
- Eliminate illogical options even if they are grammatically correct
- Practice categorizing common discourse markers based on their use
- Read editorials or formal articles and observe how transitions are used
- Revise with theme-wise word lists (contrast, addition, result, etc.)
Conclusion
The Discourse Markers & Expressions MCQ Live Class empowered candidates with the ability to not only solve fill-in-the-blank questions with precision but also to understand how sentences communicate relationships and transitions.
For aspirants preparing for NDA & CDS 2 2025, mastering this topic ensures better performance in multiple English question types — including comprehension, cloze test, fill-in-the-blanks, and even ordering of sentences.
With the right conceptual understanding and consistent practice, Discourse Markers can become a powerful scoring area and a communication asset beyond the written exam.
