DrillKit is an AI-powered tool that turns your online lesson chat from Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, or Microsoft Teams into professional, print-ready ESL worksheets in under 30 seconds. It automatically extracts vocabulary, generates exercises (gap-fill, error correction, vocab match, word formation, and more), and produces beautiful PDFs tailored to the student's CEFR level and native language.

Does DrillKit support Zoom chats?

Yes! Simply copy the chat text from your Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, or Microsoft Teams lesson and paste it directly into the input area. You can also paste vocabulary lists or handwritten notes. DrillKit's AI strips out timestamps, sender names, and other noise automatically.

Can I export worksheets to PDF?

Absolutely. Every worksheet is generated as a high-quality, print-ready PDF. Pro users can also export to Google Docs and customize branding with their school logo and accent colors.

Which languages are supported?

DrillKit supports translations in 11 languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Arabic, Turkish, and Russian. The AI auto-detects the student's native language from the chat transcript.

What exercise types can DrillKit generate?

DrillKit generates 11 exercise types: Gap Fill, Vocab Match, Error Correction, Sentence Completion, Multiple Choice, Word Scramble, Sentence Reorder, Translation, Word Formation (Cambridge Part 3), Key Word Transformation (Cambridge Part 4), and Dialogue Builder.

How does the AI extract vocabulary from chat transcripts?

The AI scans your pasted chat transcript, strips out noise (timestamps, reactions, media placeholders), identifies teachable vocabulary, phrasal verbs, idioms, and student errors, then scores each item by relevance. You review and select the best items before generating exercises.

Is DrillKit free to use?

Yes! The free plan includes 10 worksheets per month with 4 exercise types and standard templates. The Pro plan ($4.99/month or $3.33/month billed yearly) unlocks unlimited worksheets, all 11 exercise types, custom branding, and priority AI processing.

Can I customize the worksheet with my school branding?

Pro users can add their school or institution name, choose custom accent colors, select from 5 worksheet styles (Standard, Classic, Modern, Playful, Academic), and add footer text to every generated worksheet.

Teaching ESL Linking Words and Discourse Markers

The Staccato Speaker

Listen to a B1 student telling a story: 'I went to the store. I bought milk. I came home. I realized I forgot bread. I was sad.'

Now listen to a C1 student: 'I went to the store to buy milk, however, by the time I came home, I realized I'd completely forgotten the bread, which was extremely frustrating.'

The difference isn't grammar; it's cohesion. Discourse markers and linking words turn isolated sentences into a flowing narrative. Yet, most textbooks only teach 'and', 'but', 'because', and 'so'.

Categorizing the Glue

To teach discourse markers effectively, you must group them by their rhetorical function.

1. Addition (Adding to a point)
*Instead of 'And':* Furthermore, moreover, in addition to this, what's more.

2. Contrast (Introducing a surprising shift)
*Instead of 'But':* However, nevertheless, despite this, on the other hand, whereas.

3. Cause and Effect (Explaining why)
*Instead of 'Because/So':* Consequently, as a result, due to the fact that, therefore.

4. Sequencing (Ordering events)
*Instead of 'Then':* Subsequently, prior to this, eventually, in the meantime.

How to Practice Linking Words

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Sentence Halves

Give students clause A and clause B. Have them choose the correct marker to connect them.

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Debate Cards

During a debate, hand out cards with 'Nevertheless' or 'Furthermore'. Students must use the card before making a point.

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The Rewrite

Take a staccato paragraph and have pairs rewrite it using 4 advanced linking words.

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Teacher Tip

"Teach the punctuation rules *with* the word. 'However' is notoriously misused. Drill the structure: [Sentence ending in a period.] [However,] [sentence.]"

Frequently Asked Questions

Are spoken discourse markers different from written ones?

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Yes! 'Moreover' sounds ridiculous in casual conversation. For speaking, focus on: 'Mind you', 'By the way', 'Anyway', 'As a matter of fact'.

How does DrillKit help with this?

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When generating a grammar exercise, set 'Discourse Markers' as the focus. DrillKit will create gap-fills and sentence transformations specifically testing cohesive devices.

Stop Teaching 'But, Because, And': The Guide to Discourse Markers