Reading: Understanding Text Structure, Cohesion & Coherence
C1 Lesson 2: How Cohesion is Achieved in Complex Texts
Listen to key concepts and examples.
Before You Read: Cohesion vs. Coherence
At a C1 level, it's important to know the difference:
this, however, synonyms).Today, we focus on cohesion—the "invisible" glue that advanced writers use.
Deconstructing a Cohesive Text
Read the following text. It "flows" well, but it doesn't just use simple connectors like `and` or `but`. How?
The rapid pace of globalization has transformed national economies. This process, while lauded by many economists for creating market efficiency, is not without its detractors. Such critics point to the widening gap between rich and poor. They argue that the benefits are not shared equally. That, in essence, is the central paradox of the modern economy.
The "Invisible Glue": C1 Cohesive Devices
Here are the advanced techniques used in the text above:
Connecting ideas by repeating key words or using words from the same family (synonyms, word forms, or lexical sets).
- In the text: The words
economies,economists, andeconomyall relate to the same topic, creating a chain. - In the text:
detractorsis linked toSuch critics(a synonym).
Replacing words or omitting them entirely because the meaning is already understood from the context.
- Substitution: "I need a blue pen, not a red one." (
one= pen) - Ellipsis: "She loves this city; he always has." (
has= has loved this city)
Using pronouns like this, that, or which to refer to the entire idea of the previous sentence, not just a single noun.
- In the text:
This process...refers to "The rapid pace of globalization". - In the text:
That, in essence...refers to the entire argument that "the benefits are not shared equally".
Practice What You Learned 🎯
Quiz: Identify the Cohesive Device
Read the examples and identify the *primary* cohesive device being used to connect the bold parts. Click "Check Answers" when done.
1. "He said he would pass the exam, and he did."
How is did creating cohesion?
2. "The government passed the new legislation. However, the minister defended the policy."
How are these bold words connected?
3. "Productivity increased by 20% after the new software was installed. This led the company to invest in more technology."
What does This refer to?
Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)
-
Cohesion
The grammatical and lexical links that hold a text together. The "glue."
-
Coherence
The logical flow and connection of ideas in a text. The "sense."
-
Lexical Cohesion
Creating links using related words (synonyms, word forms, lexical sets).
-
Ellipsis
Omitting words because they are understood from the context. (e.g., "Are you free?" "Maybe.")
-
Substitution
Replacing a word or phrase with a smaller word, like 'one', 'so', or 'do'. (e.g., "He likes coffee, and I do too.")
-
Clausal Reference
Using a pronoun (like 'this' or 'that') to refer to a whole idea or sentence.
Your Reading Mission ⭐
The "Cohesion Detective"
Your mission is to find the "invisible glue" in a real-world text.
- Find one high-quality English editorial (from The Economist, The Guardian, or the New York Times).
- Read one paragraph and highlight all the cohesive devices you can find.
- Challenge: Try to find at least one example of Lexical Cohesion (a word chain) and one example of Clausal Reference (
this,that, orwhichreferring to a whole idea).
This practice will train your brain to see *how* skilled writers build their arguments, making you a more critical and analytical reader.