B2 Lesson 1: Using a Range of Cohesive Devices Effectively
Welcome to B2 Cohesion and Coherence! You have learned to write well-structured paragraphs. Now, we will focus on making your writing flow smoothly from one sentence to the next, and from one paragraph to the next. This quality is called cohesion1.
Today, we will review and expand your toolkit of cohesive devices2—the words and phrases that act like glue to hold your writing together.
Your Cohesion Toolkit: Four Key Techniques
A sophisticated writer uses a variety of techniques to link ideas. Here are four essential types.
- Pronoun Reference: Using words like he, she, it, they, this, that to refer back to a noun you have already mentioned.
- Transition Signals: Using words and phrases to show the logical relationship between ideas (e.g., however, therefore, in addition).
- Strategic Repetition: Repeating a key word or phrase to keep the reader focused on the main topic.
- Synonyms and Rephrasing: Using different words or phrases to refer to the same idea, which adds variety and sophistication.
Cohesion in Action: A Deconstructed Paragraph
Look at the paragraph below. Notice how the highlighted words use different cohesive techniques to create a smooth, logical flow.
Urbanization presents a significant challenge for many developing nations. This rapid growth of cities puts enormous pressure on public services. For instance, housing and transportation systems often cannot keep pace with the increasing population. Furthermore, the problem can lead to significant social issues. Therefore, governments must create careful, long-term plans to manage their urban development effectively.
Analysis of the Cohesive Devices:
- Rephrasing: "This rapid growth of cities" refers back to "Urbanization".
- Transition Signals: "For instance," "Furthermore," and "Therefore," guide the reader logically through the argument.
- Synonym/Rephrasing: "the problem" refers to the entire issue of pressure on public services.
- Pronoun Reference: "their" clearly refers back to "governments".
✍️ B2 Cohesion Checklist
When you revise your writing, ask yourself:
- ✔️ Have I used pronouns clearly and accurately to avoid basic repetition?
- ✔️ Have I used a variety of transition signals to show the logical connection between sentences and paragraphs?
- ✔️ Instead of repeating a key word, could I use a synonym or rephrase the idea?
- ✔️ Does my writing flow smoothly, or does it have abrupt jumps between ideas?
🧠 Practice Quiz: Identify the Cohesive Device
Read the sentences below. What is the main cohesive device used to link the second sentence to the first?
1. The government invested heavily in new infrastructure. This massive spending was intended to boost the economy.
- Pronoun Reference
- Synonym / Rephrasing ("This massive spending" for "investment")
- Transition Signal
Answer: B. It rephrases the idea of "heavy investment" as "massive spending" to create a strong, sophisticated link.
2. The cost of living in the city is very high. However, it also offers more high-paying job opportunities.
- Pronoun Reference
- Synonym / Rephrasing
- Transition Signal
Answer: C. The transition signal "However," is used to show a direct contrast between the two sentences.
📝 Homework: Improve the Flow
The paragraph below is grammatically correct, but it is "choppy" and lacks cohesion. Your task is to rewrite it in your notebook to improve its flow.
Paragraph to improve:
Smartphones have changed communication. People can talk to anyone instantly. People can get information easily. Smartphones can be a major distraction. People spend too much time on social media. People do not talk to their families.
Your Task: Rewrite the paragraph. Add at least three different cohesive devices (e.g., a transition word like 'however', a pronoun like 'they', and a rephrased idea like 'this technology').
Vocabulary Glossary
- Cohesion: (Noun) - ភាពស្អិតរមួត - The grammatical and lexical links within a text that hold it together and give it flow. ↩
- Cohesive Devices: (Noun Phrase) - ឧបករណ៍ភ្ជាប់ - The words and phrases that create cohesion, such as pronouns, transition signals, and synonyms. ↩
- Coherence: (Noun) - ភាពស៊ីសង្វាក់គ្នា - The quality of being logical and consistent, making a text easy to understand as a whole. ↩
- Strategic: (Adjective) - ប្រកបដោយយុទ្ធសាស្ត្រ - Done as part of a careful plan to achieve a particular purpose.
- Rephrasing: (Verb) - បកស្រាយឡើងវិញ - To express an idea again in different words to achieve greater clarity or variety.