Text Cohesion
C1 Mastery: The Invisible Threads
Mastery Goal
Analyze how sophisticated texts are "stitched" together using lexical chains, referencing, and substitution to create flow and style.
1. The Cohesion Toolkit
Beyond "first/next/then", advanced writers use these subtle tools:
1. Reference (Anaphoric/Cataphoric)
Using pronouns or determiners to point back or forward.
Ex: "The problem is complex. This requires attention." (Refers back to 'problem').
Ex: "The problem is complex. This requires attention." (Refers back to 'problem').
2. Lexical Cohesion (Chains)
Repeating related words, synonyms, or superordinates to maintain focus.
Ex: "The car stopped. The vehicle was damaged."
Ex: "The car stopped. The vehicle was damaged."
3. Substitution & Ellipsis
Replacing a word/phrase or omitting it entirely to avoid redundancy.
Ex: "Do you want coffee? I'll have one." (Substitution)
"He wanted to go, but couldn't." (Ellipsis of 'go')
Ex: "Do you want coffee? I'll have one." (Substitution)
"He wanted to go, but couldn't." (Ellipsis of 'go')
2. Cohesion Analyser
Click the buttons to toggle different "Cohesion Lenses" on the text.
Phnom Penh has undergone a dramatic transformation.
This city, once quiet, is now a bustling metropolis.
New skyscrapers dominate the skyline; these structures reflect recent economic growth.
While many residents welcome the change, others fear it may erode cultural heritage.
The government hopes to balance modernity with tradition, but doing so remains a challenge.
Select a lens to see the hidden links.
3. Deconstruct the Text
"The CEO resigned yesterday. This decision shocked the board."
1. "This decision" is an example of:
"The ancient temple was deteriorating. The edifice required immediate restoration."
2. "The edifice" relates to "temple" through:
"She asked him to apologize, but he refused to do so."
3. "Do so" is used for: