C1 Lesson 1: Sophisticated Cohesive Devices and Discourse Markers
Welcome to C1-level writing. At this level, you have already mastered basic text organization. Our goal now is to achieve superior cohesion1—the quality that makes a text flow seamlessly and elegantly.
To do this, we will move beyond basic linking words and learn to use a range of advanced cohesive devices2, including sophisticated discourse markers3.
The C1 Cohesion Toolkit
An advanced writer uses a variety of tools to connect ideas. Here are three key categories.
1. Advanced Discourse Markers
These are more formal and nuanced alternatives to basic linking words.
| Function | Sophisticated Markers |
|---|---|
| Contrast | Nevertheless, Nonetheless, In contrast, Despite this... |
| Result | Consequently, As a result, Thus, Hence... |
| Addition | Moreover, Furthermore, In addition... |
2. Lexical Cohesion (Word Choice)
Create connections by using chains of related words. Instead of repeating "problem," use synonyms like "challenge," "issue," or "dilemma."
3. Grammatical Cohesion (Substitution)
Use words like one, so, or do to avoid repeating a whole phrase concisely.
Example: He claimed he would improve his performance, and he did so almost immediately. ("did so" = improved his performance).
Cohesion in Action: Deconstructing a Paragraph
Look at how various cohesive devices work together in this paragraph about urbanization.
Rapid urbanization presents one of the most significant challenges for developing nations in the 21st century. This accelerated growth of cities puts enormous pressure on public services like sanitation and transport. Moreover, the environmental consequences are often severe. The construction of new residential and commercial buildings frequently leads to the destruction of natural habitats. Consequently, many cities suffer from increased air pollution and a loss of biodiversity. These complex issues demonstrate that a sustainable urban planning policy is not just beneficial, but essential.
Analysis:
- Rephrasing: "This accelerated growth of cities" directly refers back to "Rapid urbanization".
- Discourse Markers: "Moreover" adds another point, and "Consequently" shows a result.
- Lexical Chain: The paragraph links "challenge" to "consequences" and finally to "complex issues".
✍️ C1 Cohesion Checklist
- ✔️ Have I used a variety of sophisticated discourse markers instead of basic ones?
- ✔️ Have I created "lexical chains" by using synonyms and rephrasing to avoid repetition?
- ✔️ Have I used grammatical cohesion like substitution to make my sentences more concise?
- ✔️ Does my writing flow effortlessly, making the logical connections clear to the reader?
🧠 Practice Quiz: Choose the Best Marker
Choose the most sophisticated and logical discourse marker to complete the sentence.
1. The initial investment was extremely high; ______, the project is expected to be highly profitable in the long term.
- but
- nevertheless
- so
Answer: B. nevertheless. It is a more formal and sophisticated way to show contrast than "but".
2. The company failed to listen to customer feedback. ______, its market share declined sharply.
- Furthermore,
- For instance,
- As a result,
Answer: C. As a result. It clearly shows the logical relationship of cause and effect.
📝 Homework: Refine a Paragraph
The B2-level paragraph below is grammatically correct but lacks sophisticated cohesion. Your task is to rewrite it to improve its flow and style.
Paragraph to Improve:
Deforestation is a serious problem in Cambodia. Losing forests is bad for wildlife. It is also bad for people. When forests are cut down, animals lose their homes. Also, the soil can wash away and cause floods. So, we must stop deforestation.
Your Task: Rewrite the paragraph in your notebook. Improve it by:
- Replacing basic linking words with more sophisticated discourse markers.
- Using synonyms or rephrasing to avoid repeating "deforestation" and "forests."
- Combining sentences where appropriate to improve the flow.
Vocabulary Glossary
- Cohesion: (Noun) - ភាពស្អិតរមួត - The grammatical and lexical linking within a text that holds it together, creating flow. ↩
- Cohesive Device: (Noun Phrase) - ឧបករណ៍ភ្ជាប់ - A feature of a text that creates cohesion, such as a pronoun, transition word, or synonym. ↩
- Discourse Marker: (Noun) - សញ្ញាកំណត់សុន្ទរកថា - A word or phrase that organizes, manages, and connects ideas (e.g., however, furthermore, in conclusion). ↩
- Lexical: (Adjective) - ទាក់ទងនឹងពាក្យ - Relating to the words or vocabulary of a language. ↩
- Substitution: (Noun, grammar) - ការជំនួស - The replacement of a word or phrase with a "filler" word like 'one' or 'so' to avoid repetition.