Grammar: 💡 Effective Word Choice & Style - Advanced (C1) - Lesson 6: Using Rhetorical Questions for effect

Writing: Cohesion & Flow

C1 Lesson 5: Advanced Cohesive Devices

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to use a variety of advanced cohesive devices (e.g., furthermore, conversely, consequently) to show the logical relationship between your ideas.

Model Text ✍️

Read this short paragraph about the development of Phnom Penh. Notice how the highlighted words create a smooth and logical flow between the ideas.

Phnom Penh has experienced rapid economic growth in the past decade, leading to a modernizing skyline. Furthermore, its infrastructure has significantly improved, making the city more accessible. Nevertheless, this rapid development has also led to challenges such as increased traffic congestion. Consequently, city planners are now focused on developing sustainable public transportation solutions.

Breaking Down the Model

Let's analyze the job of each cohesive device in the model text.

💡 The word "Furthermore," is used to add another similar, positive point about the city's development.

💡 The word "Nevertheless," signals a contrast. It introduces a negative point (challenges) after the positive points.

💡 The word "Consequently," shows a result. The focus on public transport is a direct result of the traffic problem.

Your Writer's Toolkit 🛠️

Advanced Linking Words (Cohesive Devices)

1. Adding & Reinforcing Ideas

• Furthermore / Moreover: Used to add another significant point.
• In addition to (+ -ing/noun): Used to add to a previous point.

2. Showing Contrast & Concession

• Nevertheless / Nonetheless: A strong word for a surprising contrast.
• Conversely: Used to introduce a completely opposite idea.
• Admittedly: Used to agree with an opposing point before you refute it.

3. Showing Result & Concluding

• Consequently / As a result: Shows a direct result.
• In essence: To summarize a complex point.

Punctuation Reminder: When these words connect two complete sentences, use a semicolon (;) before them or a full stop (.) to create a new sentence. A comma alone is usually incorrect.

Practice & Application 🎯

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.
   → Answer: Furthermore (This adds another strong, positive point.)
2. He is extremely wealthy. _______, he lives a very simple and humble life.
   → Answer: Conversely (This introduces a directly opposite idea.)
3. The company did not listen to customer feedback. _______, its sales declined sharply.
   → Answer: As a result (The decline is a direct result.)

Your Writing Mission ⭐

Writing Task: Connect Your Ideas

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

1. He is a world-renowned expert in his field. He has written three best-selling books on the topic.
   → Example 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.
   → Example Answer: The storm was very strong. Nevertheless, the ancient temple was not damaged.

Key Vocabulary

• Cohesive Device
  Words and phrases that act like glue to link text together smoothly (e.g., however, furthermore).
• Coherence (Noun) | ភាពស៊ីសង្វាក់គ្នា
  The quality of being logical and consistent, making something easy to understand.
• Concession (Noun) | ការទទួលស្គាល់
  The act of admitting that something is true, often before making a counter-argument.