Grammar: 💡 Effective Word Choice & Style - Advanced (C1) - Lesson 5: Advanced Cohesive Devices & Discourse Markers for sophisticated writing

💡 C1 Lesson 5: Advanced Cohesive Devices & Discourse Markers

To create sophisticated and logical writing, you need to connect your ideas smoothly. While you know basic conjunctions like 'and', 'but', and 'so', C1-level writing requires more formal linking words¹. These words and phrases, also known as cohesive devices², act as signposts for your reader, showing the logical relationship between your sentences and creating coherence³.

Category 1: Adding & Reinforcing Ideas

• Furthermore / Moreover: Used to add another significant point to an argument.
  "The new park will provide a space for recreation. Furthermore, it will help to improve air quality in the city."
• In addition to (+ -ing/noun): Used to add to a previous point.
  "In addition to creating jobs, the new factory will boost the local economy."
• Notably / In particular: Used to highlight a specific, important example.
  "Several artists have flourished in Battambang. Notably, Loeum Lorn has gained international recognition."

Category 2: Showing Contrast & Concession

• Nevertheless / Nonetheless: A strong word for a surprising contrast; means 'despite that'.
  "The journey was long and tiring. Nevertheless, it was a truly unforgettable experience."
• Conversely: Used to introduce a completely opposite idea or viewpoint.
  "Some argue that technology brings people together. Conversely, others claim it fosters social isolation."
• Concession⁴ (Admittedly): Used to agree with an opposing point before you refute⁵ it.
  "Admittedly, the initial investment is high; however, the long-term return is expected to be significant."

Category 3: Showing Result & Concluding

• Consequently / As a result: Shows a direct result.
  "He did not study for the exam. Consequently, he failed."
• Thus: A very formal word to show a logical conclusion.
  "The evidence was clear; thus, the committee approved the proposal."
• In essence: To summarize a complex point.
  "In essence, the new strategy is about focusing on quality over quantity."

Punctuation Reminder

When these words connect two complete sentences, you must use either a full stop or a semicolon before them. A comma alone is not strong enough.

Correct: The project was successful; however, it was over budget.
Correct: The project was successful. However, it was over budget.
Incorrect: The project was successful, however, it was over budget.

🧠 Practice Quiz: Choose the Right Device

Choose the most logical cohesive device to complete each sentence.

1. The plan is well-researched and has strong financial backing. _______, it has the full support of the community. (Nevertheless / Furthermore)
   Answer: Furthermore (This adds another strong, positive point.)
2. He is extremely wealthy. _______, he lives a very simple and humble life. (Consequently / Conversely)
   Answer: Conversely (This introduces a directly opposite, contrasting idea.)
3. The company did not listen to customer feedback. _______, its sales declined sharply. (As a result / Moreover)
   Answer: As a result (The decline is a direct result of not listening.)
4. _______, the new environmental regulations are strict, but they are necessary to protect our natural resources. (Admittedly / Thus)
   Answer: Admittedly (This concedes the point that the regulations are strict before arguing for them.)

📝 Homework: Connect Your Ideas

Combine these pairs of sentences using an appropriate cohesive device from the lesson. Remember the punctuation!

1. He is a world-renowned expert in his field. He has written three best-selling books on the topic.
   Answer: He is a world-renowned expert in his field; moreover, he has written three best-selling books on the topic.
2. The storm was very strong. The ancient temple was not damaged.
   Answer: The storm was very strong. Nevertheless, the ancient temple was not damaged.
3. She missed the final meeting. She was not included in the final decision.
   Answer: She missed the final meeting; consequently, she was not included in the final decision.

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Linking Words: (Noun Phrase) - ពាក្យតភ្ជាប់ (péak tâ'ph'chŏăp) - Words or phrases that connect ideas, sentences, or paragraphs. ↩
2. Cohesive Devices: (Noun Phrase) - ឧបករណ៍បង្កើតភាពស្អិតរមួត (ŏb'bâ'kao bâng'kaət'phéap s'ăt'rŭm'muət) - Words and phrases that act like glue to link text together smoothly. ↩
3. Coherence: (Noun) - ភាពស៊ីសង្វាក់គ្នា (phéap si'sâng'văk'knea) - The quality of being logical and consistent, making something easy to understand. ↩
4. Concession: (Noun) - ការยอมรับ (kaa yoəm'rôp) - The act of admitting that something is true, often before making a counter-argument. ↩
5. Refute: (Verb) - បដិសេធ (bâ'dĭ'saeth) - To prove a statement or theory to be wrong or false. ↩