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How to write a cohesive essay

When it comes to writing, people usually emphasise the importance of good grammar and proper spelling. However, there is a third element that actually helps authors get their thoughts across to readers, that is cohesiveness in writing. 

In writing, cohesiveness is the quality that makes it easier for people to read and understand an essay’s content. A cohesive essay has all its parts (beginning, middle, and end) united, supporting each other to inform or convince the reader. 

Unfortunately, this is an element that even intermediate or advanced writers stumble on. While the writer’s thoughts are in their compositions, all too often readers find it difficult to understand what is being said because of the poor organisation of ideas. This article provides tips on how you can make your essay cohesive. 

1. Identify the thesis statement of your essay

A thesis statement states what your position is regarding the topic you are discussing. To make an essay worth reading, you will need to make sure that you have a compelling stance.

However, identifying the thesis statement is only the first step. Each element that you put in your essay should be included in a way that supports your argument, which should be the focus of your writing. If you feel that some of the thoughts you initially included do not contribute to strengthening your position, it might be better to take them out when you revise your essay to have a more powerful piece. 

2. Create an outline 

One of the common mistakes made by writers is that they tend to add a lot of details to their essay which, while interesting, may not really be relevant to the topic at hand. Another problem is jumping from one thought to another, which can confuse a reader if they are not familiar with the subject.

Preparing an outline can help you avoid these difficulties. List the ideas you have in mind for your essay, and then see if you can arrange these thoughts in a way that would make it easy for your readers to understand what you are saying. 

While discursive essays do not usually contain stories, the same principle still applies. Your writing should have an introduction, a discussion portion and a conclusion. Again, make sure that each segment supports and strengthens your thesis statement.

As a side note, a good way to write the conclusion of your essay is to mention the points that you raised in your introduction. At the same time, you should use this section to summarise main ideas and restate your position to drive the message home to your readers. 

3. Make sure everything is connected

In connection to the previous point, make sure that each section of your essay is linked to the one after it. Think of your essay as a story: it should have a beginning, middle, and end, and the way that you write your piece should logically tie these elements together in a linear manner. 

4. Proofread before submitting your essay

Make sure to review your composition prior to submission. In most cases, the first draft may be a bit disorganised because this is the first time that your thoughts have been laid out on paper. By reviewing what you have written, you will be able to see which parts need editing, and which ones can be rearranged to make your essay more easily understood by your readers. Try to look at what you wrote from the point of view of your audience. Will they be able to understand your train of thought, or do you need to reorganise some parts to make it easier for them to appreciate what you are saying? Taking another look at your essay and editing it can do wonders for how your composition flows.

Writing a cohesive essay could be a lot easier than you think – especially when you follow these steps. Don’t forget that reading complements writing: try reading essays on various topics and see if each of their parts supports their identified goal or argument.

Cohesion And Coherence In Essay Writing

Table of contents, introduction, definitions cohesion and coherence, what is coherence, what is cohesion, how to achieve cohesion and coherence in essay writing, lexical cohesion, grammatical cohesion, substitutions, conjunctions transition words, cohesive but not coherent texts.

The player threw the ball toward the goalkeeper. Balls are used in many sports. Most balls are spheres, but American football is an ellipsoid. Fortunately, the goalkeeper jumped to catch the ball. The crossbar in the soccer game is made of iron. The goalkeeper was standing there.

How to write a coherent essay?

1. start with an outline, 2. structure your essay, 3. structure your paragraphs, 4. relevance to the main topic, 5. stick to the purpose of the type of essay you’re-writing, 6. use cohesive devices and signposting phrases, what is signposting in writing, essay signposting phrases, 7. draft, revise, and edit.

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What is cohesion?

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Cohesion How to make texts stick together

Cohesion and coherence are important features of academic writing. They are one of the features tested in exams of academic English, including the IELTS test and the TOEFL test . This page gives information on what cohesion is and how to achieve good cohesion. It also explains the difference between cohesion and coherence , and how to achieve good coherence. There is also an example essay to highlight the main features of cohesion mentioned in this section, as well as some exercises to help you practise.

For another look at the same content, check out YouTube or Youku , or the infographic .

It is important for the parts of a written text to be connected together. Another word for this is cohesion . This word comes from the verb cohere , which means 'to stick together'. Cohesion is therefore related to ensuring that the words and sentences you use stick together.

Good cohesion is achieved through the following five main methods, each of which is described in more detail below:

• repeated words/ideas
• reference words
• transition signals
• substitution

Two other ways in which cohesion is achieved in a text, which are covered less frequently in academic English courses, are shell nouns and thematic development . These are also considered below.

Repeated words/ideas

Check out the cohesion infographic »

One way to achieve cohesion is to repeat words, or to repeat ideas using different words (synonyms). Study the following example. Repeated words (or synonyms) are shown in bold.

Cohesion is an important feature of academic writing . It can help ensure that your writing coheres or 'sticks together', which will make it easier for the reader to follow the main ideas in your essay or report . You can achieve good cohesion by paying attention to five important features . The first of these is repeated words. The second key feature is reference words. The third one is transition signals. The fourth is substitution. The final important aspect is ellipsis.

In this example, the word cohesion is used several times, including as a verb ( coheres ). It is important, in academic writing, to avoid too much repetition, so using different word forms or synonyms is common. The word writing is also used several times, including the phrase essay or report , which is a synonym for writing . The words important features are also repeated, again using synonyms: key feature , important aspect .

Reference words

Reference words are words which are used to refer to something which is mentioned elsewhere in the text, usually in a preceding sentence. The most common type is pronouns, such as 'it' or 'this' or 'these'. Study the previous example again. This time, the reference words are shown in bold.

Cohesion is an important feature of academic writing. It can help ensure that your writing coheres or 'sticks together', which will make it easier for the reader to follow the main ideas in your essay or report. You can achieve good cohesion by paying attention to five important features. The first of these is repeated words. The second key feature is reference words. The third one is transition signals. The fourth is substitution. The final important aspect is ellipsis.

The words it , which and these are reference words. The first two of these, it and which , both refer to 'cohesion' used in the preceding sentence. The final example, these , refers to 'important features', again used in the sentence that precedes it.

Transition signals, also called cohesive devices or linking words, are words or phrases which show the relationship between ideas. There are many different types, the most common of which are explained in the next section on transition signals . Some examples of transition signals are:

• for example - used to give examples
• in contrast - used to show a contrasting or opposite idea
• first - used to show the first item in a list
• as a result - used to show a result or effect

Study the previous example again. This time, the transition signals are shown in bold. Here the transition signals simply give a list, relating to the five important features: first , second , third , fourth , and final .

Substitution

Substitution means using one or more words to replace (substitute) for one or more words used earlier in the text. Grammatically, it is similar to reference words, the main difference being that substitution is usually limited to the clause which follows the word(s) being substituted, whereas reference words can refer to something far back in the text. The most common words used for substitution are one , so , and auxiliary verbs such as do, have and be . The following is an example.

• Drinking alcohol before driving is illegal in many countries, since doing so can seriously impair one's ability to drive safely.

In this sentence, the phrase 'doing so' substitutes for the phrase 'drinking alcohol before driving' which appears at the beginning of the sentence.

Below is the example used throughout this section. There is just one example of substitution: the word one , which substitutes for the phrase 'important features'.

Ellipsis means leaving out one or more words, because the meaning is clear from the context. Ellipsis is sometimes called substitution by zero , since essentially one or more words are substituted with no word taking their place.

Below is the example passage again. There is one example of ellipsis: the phrase 'The fourth is', which means 'The fourth [important feature] is', so the words 'important feature' have been omitted.

Shell nouns

Shell nouns are abstract nouns which summarise the meaning of preceding or succeeding information. This summarising helps to generate cohesion. Shell nouns may also be called carrier nouns , signalling nouns , or anaphoric nouns . Examples are: approach, aspect, category, challenge, change, characteristics, class, difficulty, effect, event, fact, factor, feature, form, issue, manner, method, problem, process, purpose, reason, result, stage, subject, system, task, tendency, trend, and type . They are often used with pronouns 'this', 'these', 'that' or 'those', or with the definite article 'the'. For example:

• Virus transmission can be reduced via frequent washing of hands, use of face masks, and isolation of infected individuals. These methods , however, are not completely effective and transmission may still occur, especially among health workers who have close contact with infected individuals.
• An increasing number of overseas students are attending university in the UK. This trend has led to increased support networks for overseas students.

In the example passage used throughout this section, the word features serves as a shell noun, summarising the information later in the passage.

Cohesion is an important feature of academic writing. It can help ensure that your writing coheres or 'sticks together', which will make it easier for the reader to follow the main ideas in your essay or report. You can achieve good cohesion by paying attention to five important features . The first of these is repeated words. The second key feature is reference words. The third one is transition signals. The fourth is substitution. The final important aspect is ellipsis.

Thematic development

Cohesion can also be achieved by thematic development. The term theme refers to the first element of a sentence or clause. The development of the theme in the rest of the sentence is called the rheme . It is common for the rheme of one sentence to form the theme of the next sentence; this type of organisation is often referred to as given-to-new structure, and helps to make writing cohere.

Consider the following short passage, which is an extension of the first example above.

• Virus transmission can be reduced via frequent washing of hands, use of face masks, and isolation of infected individuals. These methods, however, are not completely effective and transmission may still occur, especially among health workers who have close contact with infected individuals. It is important for such health workers to pay particular attention to transmission methods and undergo regular screening.

Here we have the following pattern:

• Virus transmission [ theme ]
• can be reduced via frequent washing of hands, use of face masks, and isolation of infected individuals [ rheme ]
• These methods [ theme = rheme of preceding sentence ]
• are not completely effective and transmission may still occur, especially among health workers who have close contact with infected individuals [ rheme ]
• health workers [ theme, contained in rheme of preceding sentence ]
• [need to] to pay particular attention to transmission methods and undergo regular screening [ rheme ]

Cohesion vs. coherence

The words 'cohesion' and 'coherence' are often used together with a similar meaning, which relates to how a text joins together to make a unified whole. Although they are similar, they are not the same. Cohesion relates to the micro level of the text, i.e. the words and sentences and how they join together. Coherence , in contrast, relates to the organisation and connection of ideas and whether they can be understood by the reader, and as such is concerned with the macro level features of a text, such as topic sentences , thesis statement , the summary in the concluding paragraph (dealt with in the essay structure section), and other 'bigger' features including headings such as those used in reports .

Coherence can be improved by using an outline before writing (or a reverse outline , which is an outline written after the writing is finished), to check that the ideas are logical and well organised. Asking a peer to check the writing to see if it makes sense, i.e. peer feedback , is another way to help improve coherence in your writing.

Example essay

Below is an example essay. It is the one used in the persuasion essay section. Click on the different areas (in the shaded boxes to the right) to highlight the different cohesive aspects in this essay, i.e. repeated words/ideas, reference words, transition signals, substitution and ellipsis.

Title: Consider whether human activity has made the world a better place.

History shows that human beings have come a long way from where they started. They have developed new technologies which means that everybody can enjoy luxuries they never previously imagined. However , the technologies that are temporarily making this world a better place to live could well prove to be an ultimate disaster due to , among other things, the creation of nuclear weapons , increasing pollution , and loss of animal species . The biggest threat to the earth caused by modern human activity comes from the creation of nuclear weapons . Although it cannot be denied that countries have to defend themselves, the kind of weapons that some of them currently possess are far in excess of what is needed for defence . If these [nuclear] weapons were used, they could lead to the destruction of the entire planet . Another harm caused by human activity to this earth is pollution . People have become reliant on modern technology, which can have adverse effects on the environment . For example , reliance on cars causes air and noise pollution . Even seemingly innocent devices, such as computers and mobile phones, use electricity, most of which is produced from coal-burning power stations, which further adds to environmental pollution . If we do not curb our direct and indirect use of fossil fuels, the harm to the environment may be catastrophic. Animals are an important feature of this earth and the past decades have witnessed the extinction of a considerable number of animal species . This is the consequence of human encroachment on wildlife habitats, for example deforestation to expand cities. Some may argue that such loss of [animal]   species is natural and has occurred throughout earth's history. However , the current rate of [animal]   species loss far exceeds normal levels   [of animal species loss] , and is threatening to become a mass extinction event. In summary , there is no doubt that current human activities such as the creation of nuclear weapons , pollution , and destruction of wildlife , are harmful to the earth . It is important for us to see not only the short-term effects of our actions, but their long-term ones as well. Otherwise , human activities will be just another step towards destruction .

Aktas, R.N. and Cortes, V. (2008), 'Shell nouns as cohesive devices in published and ESL student writing', Journal of English for Academic Purposes , 7 (2008) 3-14.

Alexander, O., Argent, S. and Spencer, J. (2008) EAP Essentials: A teacher's guide to principles and practice . Reading: Garnet Publishing Ltd.

Gray, B. (2010) 'On the use of demonstrative pronouns and determiners as cohesive devices: A focus on sentence-initial this/these in academic prose', Journal of English for Academic Purposes , 9 (2010) 167-183.

Halliday, M. A. K., and Hasan, R. (1976). Cohesion in English . London: Longman.

Hinkel, E. (2004). Teaching Academic ESL Writing: Practical Techniques in Vocabulary and Grammar . Mahwah: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Inc Publishers.

Hyland, K. (2006) English for Academic Purposes: An advanced resource book . Abingdon: Routledge.

Thornbury, S. (2005) Beyond the Sentence: Introducing discourse analysis . Oxford: Macmillan Education.

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Below is a checklist for essay cohesion and coherence. Use it to check your own writing, or get a peer (another student) to help you.

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Author: Sheldon Smith    ‖    Last modified: 03 February 2022.

Sheldon Smith is the founder and editor of EAPFoundation.com. He has been teaching English for Academic Purposes since 2004. Find out more about him in the about section and connect with him on Twitter , Facebook and LinkedIn .

Compare & contrast essays examine the similarities of two or more objects, and the differences.

Cause & effect essays consider the reasons (or causes) for something, then discuss the results (or effects).

Discussion essays require you to examine both sides of a situation and to conclude by saying which side you favour.

Problem-solution essays are a sub-type of SPSE essays (Situation, Problem, Solution, Evaluation).

Transition signals are useful in achieving good cohesion and coherence in your writing.

Reporting verbs are used to link your in-text citations to the information cited.

A Guide to Writing Cohesive Essay with Example

In academic writing, people mostly focus on grammar and spelling, but they don’t know much more is needed for good writing. Without cohesion, your essay writing may lose control of the idea or concept you want to deliver.

In Halliday’s and Hasan’s words, “the concept of cohesion is a semantic one; it refers to relations of meaning that exist within the text and that define it as a text.” In order to engage your reader throughout your cohesive essay, make sure you use transition words in different ways.

Table of Contents

What is Cohesive in Writing Essays?

Cohesion is a quality of a piece of writing that keeps the reader hooked till the end. Same as all other essays, this essay also has a starting point introduction, a middle section, which is called the body section and finally, the conclusion section.

But what makes it different from an ordinary essay is the interlinking capability between each section and paragraph. Cohesive academic essays follow a fluent and fluid approach in content to convey the thoughts of writers directly to the readers. All the paragraphs in such essays are interlinked and connected.

Difficulty Level in Maintaining Coherence and Cohesiveness in Writing

Maintaining coherence and cohesiveness in academic writing is a difficult task for most students, and this is proven by research. According to Researchgate, a test was conducted on 35 students from a university to assess students’ skill levels in the field of coherence and cohesiveness.

These were some assessments that were taken from the research. According to results from research, 25 students need help to make their writing coherent and cohesive, while almost 9 students were good at writing. Between these, there was only one student who was outstanding in writing in terms of coherence and cohesion.

Based on the above research, we have collected some steps that can help you in writing a cohesive essay more effectively.

How To Write A Cohesive Essay?

As you see, cohesive writing can be challenging because it’s not always easy to bring cohesion in an essay and hook the reader till the end. Many students ask about what is cohesive in writing, and they consistently make mistakes in writing cohesively because they are not well aware of the structure and outline of such essays. Following are some expert tips on how to write perfectly by keeping the cohesion in an essay.

Brainstorm your idea

The very first thing you need to do is to brainstorm ideas to write an essay about. It would be best if you pick some  satire essay topics  to write this essay. Selecting a topic for your cohesive essay that you can relate to is always a good idea because that will help you write more cohesively and aid in persuading the audience with your ideas.

Brainstorming will also help you gather the potential points and essay questions you will unfold in your essay body. It will help in outlining your essay in a more comprehensive and cohesive way. Read Will Advise quotation about brainstorming.

“To storm, a mind, it must be balanced,by what can’t be it must be challenged”

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Identify the Thesis Statement

Thesis statements are very important to identify because they describe what you are trying to defend and support through your cohesive essay.

The thesis statement should be made clear in the very first paragraph of the introduction to make it easy for the reader to detect what the essay is about and what they can expect from it. If you feel like your thesis statement is not strong enough, you can always change it or modify it in this initial step.

Bonus tip:  Get stuck with thesis writing? No need to exhaust, just read our blog on  how to write a thesis statement  and start crafting a killer thesis statement on your own.

Outline The Cohesive Essay

Outlining your essay helps in gathering and positioning all the potential points of discussion and structuring them in a way that ensures fluency of essay content.

A clear outline will make the essay more accurate, comprehensive, and concise. Essays that follow an outline will have a natural flow of events in the context and will have more chance to be cohesive.

Ensure Connectivity Between Paragraphs

The primary aim of a cohesive essay is to write in a way that everything is connected to each other in the context. It would help if you made sure that the last line of every paragraph is linked with the first line of the next paragraph.

Your essay shouldn’t have irrelevant information or evidence that doesn’t link with each other and to the main thesis statement of the essay. Make sure that every essay has cohesion in paragraphs and that every point of discussion is tied together and focused on the  longevity of the thesis statement  for your essay.

Proofread Your Cohesive Essay

After you are done cohesive writing in an essay, make sure you proofread your piece of writing to ensure that there are no errors. As  A.D. Aliwat  says that “All writing is guilty until proven innocent.” Proofreading also helps eliminate unnecessary points and irrelevant information from your essay and makes it more concise.

You can also simplify some difficult sentences that you first thought could reflect your thoughts perfectly. Make sure to make the content as simple and easy to understand as possible. Thoroughly read your cohesive essay or use  free tool  options online that will check your content for spelling and other potential errors that you might have missed.

Structure of Cohesion Essay

The cohesive essay follows a comprehensive structure to ensure coherence in the contents of the essay. Let’s take a look at the checklist of sections in your research paper:

• Add an abstract to your essay. The abstract is basically a summary of your essay that summarizes everything you have discussed further in your essay. It includes hypotheses, research methods, and key findings of your research.
• After that, add the introduction. The introduction is the very first section of a cohesive essay that plays an important part in hooking the readers to keep on reading the essay. But before that, read our guide on how to start a writing process to get a better idea about essay structuring.
• The research hypothesis is going to discuss what your research is about and what the main research question you will be proving with the help of supporting evidence.
• This methodology section details what would be the research methodology the writers are going to use in proving their research question and thesis statement.
• Furthermore, the literature review section provides all the available information regarding the subject briefly and helps the readers to get to know more about the background of the subject.
• This data analysis section discusses the supporting evidence, research, articles, and statistics regarding the subject in a cohesive essay.
• The conclusion section of the essay will summarize all the important points discussed in the essay and what are the key findings and results of the essay.

Additional Tip:  An argumentative essay is quite different from other types of essay in terms of the body section and conclusion section. To clear your thoughts, Our blog on how to write a  conclusion for an argumentative essay  will help you out.

A complete example of cohesive essay

To completely understand the concept of cohesiveness in writing, we have compiled a detailed example for a cohesive essay, which is described below.

Title: The Impact of Technology on Education

In today’s changing world, technology has also changed our living aspects, including education. This essay will tell you the different ways in which technology has revolutionized our educational learning and capabilities.

Introduction:

Technology has become an important part of modern education and it changes the way of how students learn, and how teachers teach. In this essay, we will explore deeply the positive impacts of technology on the education system.

 We will also look at its role in enhancing learning environments for students and how it provides access to educational resources and materials. Furthermore, we will also tell you how technology has prepared the students for the demands of the 21st-century workforce.

Body Paragraph 1: Interactive Learning Environments

One most important benefit of technology in education is its ability to create an interactive and engaging environment for the learners. With the advancement of multimedia tools and educational software like projectors, PPTs and interactive whiteboards, teachers and instructors can follow different teaching styles, which will grab the student’s attention more effectively.

For example, virtual reality or augmented reality technology allows the students to explore historical places or depths of the oceans, which brings their learning to real life. A traditional book-reading approach can’t give you this sort of real-life experience.

Body Paragraph 2: Access to Educational Resources

Furthermore, with the rising technological advancement, students around the world now have access to more educational resources. Additionally, a lot of online platforms are now giving free educational content on different subject levels, including mathematics, science, arts, and history.

Furthermore, digital libraries and databases like Google Scholar provide instant access to a wide range of scholarly articles, research papers and textbooks, which empower students to conduct in-depth research and explore new ideas.

Body Paragraph 3: Preparation for the 21st-Century Workforce

To overcome today’s knowledge-based economy, having a firm grip on technology is vital for success in the workforce. Adding technology into the curriculum, schools and colleges help students with digital skills enhancement.

These skills make them ready to compete with the needs of today’s technology to become successful in the 21st century. The use of technology in learning, from coding and programming to digital collaboration, guarantees that students are ready to face the challenges of today’s world.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, technology has completely transformed today’s education system. It has changed the way of students learning, how teachers teach, and how knowledge is accessed and shared.

With the help of new technology in the market, educators are now expanding the knowledge of education and preparing students for the demands of a 21st-century workforce.

Overall, technology has provided interactive learning environments with access to educational resources and prepared students for 21st-century workplace demands.

The main points that are covered in the above examples (additional tips for you).

• The use of different transition words like (we explore, in this essay, furthermore, in the conclusion) makes the cohesive essay more interlinked with other sentences.
• Moreover, the word “technology” is repeatedly used in the essay because the whole essay is about technology.
• As you see, the whole essay is explained in subheadings, and multiple sentences and shows cohesion in paragraphs to make the essay more engaging.
• Furthermore, Interlinking is perfectly done to relate each section from the introduction to the conclusion.
• Finally, the consistent use of active voice throughout the essay makes it more cohesive writing and easily understandable for the reader.

Need more help? We have gathered some  examples of creative writing  that will be beneficial for your cohesive essay writing.

Cohesion Words To Use In An Essay

The below table has the most relevant collection of words. These words are mostly common in cohesive writing.

Need expert help in writing an essay cohesively?

A cohesive essay can be quite challenging due to its requirement to write every point of discussion cohesively. If you are struggling with your essay and need assistance? worry not, just get in touch with our  quick essay writing service  and get help in writing a perfect essay on your own.

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Putting the Final Touches

To write a perfect essay, first, you have to understand what cohesion is, which is thoroughly explained in this guide. To overcome your problem, we have curated a list of steps that will help you in writing a cohesive essay on your own. 

But still, if you get nervous, look at the comprehensive example which we discussed in detail. So, what is stopping you right now? Just choose a topic and start writing cohesively now.

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28 Cohesion Examples

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Cohesion refers to the unity of multiple things. If those things are cohesive, they fit and work well together, making sense as a unified whole.

We can use this term to refer to the unity of people within a group, the unity of ideas in a text, or even the unity of elements in chemistry:

• Linguistic Cohesion: If we look at it through the lens of linguistics, a cohesive text is one that makes sense as a whole. This occurs through the artful organization of ideas so they’re all relevant and interconnected.
• Group Cohesion: On the other hand, in the context of group work , cohesion relates to the integration, unity, and the strong bond among members that helps in achieving a common objective. To put it succinctly, irrespective of the context, cohesion is about connecting elements together to form a cooperative, rational, and harmonious unit.
• Cohesion in Chemistry: In chemistry, cohesion refers to the intermolecular forces that hold particles of the same substance together.

Below, we’ll explore examples from multiple categories. Use the table of contents to scan for examples relevant to you!

Cohesion Examples

1. linguistic cohesion.

Linguistic cohesion refers to the process whereby words, ideas, and concepts are woven together to generate a cohesive idea through words and text. For example, transition words help to cohere paragraphs together, showing how they relate and interact.

• Conjunctions Conjunctions connect clauses or sentences, introducing a relationship between them. Essential conjunctions like ‘and’, ‘or’, ‘but’ and ‘so’ weave together distinct ideas, crafting articulate and cohesive narratives. Conjunctions help use to understand how the first and second half of the sentence go together, demonstrating whether they agree with each other, disagree, and so on.
• Transitional phrases Terms like ‘however’, ‘therefore’, and ‘on the other hand’ also add cohesion to a text. These phrases assist in navigating from one idea to another, signaling changes or connections. They guide the reader through the logical structure of the text, ensuring cohesive movement. They act as conduits, connecting disparate sections of text into a single unified whole.
• Pronouns Pronouns act as handy replacements for specific nouns or noun phrases, playing a vital role in achieving linguistic cohesion. They maintain the coherence in discourse by ensuring that we don’t need to repeat nouns unnecessarily. For instance, instead of repeating ‘John’ in a sentence, we can replace ‘John’ with ‘he’ in the succeeding sections of the text. This not only prevents repetition but is pivotal in creating a smooth flow of information.
• Demonstratives Demonstratives, such as ‘this’ and ‘that’, bring people or objects already mentioned back into focus. They spotlight previously mentioned entities for the listener or reader, making the discourse cohesive. For example, instead of repeating a person’s name or a thing, ‘this’ or ‘that’ can effectively substitute. Such a strategy creates a logical continuity within the text, making it well-connected.
• Synonyms Synonyms are different words with identical or similar meanings. They ensure diversity in expression while maintaining the thematic unity of the text. Functioning as alternatives for repeated words or phrases, they foster linguistic cohesion. For instance, using ‘joyful’ instead of repeatedly using ‘happy’ in a text helps maintain coherence .
• Repetition of a word Word repetition in a text is an important cohesive device. It reinforces the key concepts or ideas being communicated. Repetition bolsters cohesion by creating a consistent thread connecting various parts of a discourse. However, the balance is key as excessive repetition can undermine clarity and interest.
• Ellipsis Employing ellipsis refers to the omission of certain words, relying on the context for completion of meaning. This technique contributes to linguistic cohesion by allowing a smoother, more concise exchange. It reduces redundancy while maintaining a logical and consistent narrative. This works because the reader fills in the missing information from the previous text, linking the parts together.
• Substitution Substitution is a linguistic device where one word or phrase is replaced by another to avoid repetition. This method aids in maintaining relevancy and continuity in a text. The substituted word leads reader’s comprehension, relying on previously provided context. For instance, using ‘one’ instead of repeating a noun fosters linguistic cohesion.

The Cohesive Essay

One key example of linguistic cohesion is in essay writing. A cohesive essay will contain a set of concepts that make sense to one another, are all relevant to the essay question, and build a story that successfully prosecutes your argument. An incohesive essay jumps from idea to idea without a clear connection between them, making it difficult for readers to follow what you’re saying.

2. Social Cohesion

Social cohesion is a sociological concept explaining how societies and groups come together and stay together peacefully. In the most simple term, it demonstrates how societies continue to function, rather than breaking down.

• Shared cultural practices Cultural practices unite individuals belonging to the same society, binding them in a web of shared symbols, rituals, and norms. They create a sense of community, promoting mutual understanding and empathy among its members. A commonly shared custom or ritual, for example, Halloween or Thanksgiving, contributes to social harmony. These shared practices create an environment conducive for cohesion, enhancing societal integration.
• Common language Language is a fundamental tool for communication within a society, playing an essential role in social cohesion. It offers a medium through which thoughts and feelings can be shared, fostering social bonds . Furthermore, a common language can reinforce societal identity, further solidifying cohesion. Societies with a common language tend to be more cohesive than linguistically diverse societies, as the language barrier can often hamper mutual understanding.
• Shared religious beliefs Religion can act as a strong unifying force in a society, often promoting cohesion through shared values and belief systems . These shared beliefs offer common ground upon which connections can be formed, fostering a shared sense of identity among believers. Additionally, religious practices often encourage certain behaviors and moral systems shared by its practitioners, enhancing societal cohesion. The predictable and familiar routines of religious practices can provide stability and structure, reinforcing social cohesion.
• National holidays National holidays serve to commemorate historical events or cultural traditions significant to a society. These shared celebrations engage all members of the society, fostering unity and appreciation for shared history. For instance, Independence Day in the United States or Bastille Day in France encourages national solidarity and societal cohesion. They serve as societal rituals that strengthen the collective identity of a nation, thereby promoting cohesion.
• Common educational systems Tightly woven into the fabric of a society are its educational systems. Uniform educational experiences can share societal values, histories, and systems of thought, therefore promoting social unity. By fostering similar skills and attitudes, education helps equip individuals to participate effectively and harmoniously in society. In this way, the education system provides foundational knowledge and shared experiences, promoting societal cohesion.
• Shared historical experiences The collective memory of historical events and experiences can serve as a strong binding force for any society. Whether these shared experiences are of triumph or tragedy, they shape a society’s collective consciousness and identity. These historical narratives can stimulate feelings of shared heritage and destiny, strengthening societal bonds. Shared history not only forms part of a society’s collective identity but also fosters cohesion by uniting individuals through their shared past.
• Legal systems and laws The rule of law is a cornerstone of social cohesion. It ensures a harmonious coexistence by regulating social behavior and enforcing societal norms. Fair laws, applied universally, promote mutual respect and cooperation. In essence, a fair and efficient legal system safeguards societal interests, depicting the interdependence inherent in a cohesive society.
• National symbols National symbols, such as flags and anthems, play a pivotal role in reinforcing cohesion through shared identity. They serve as a joint representation of a nation’s history, values, and dreams. Logan (1986) posits these symbols often provoke emotional responses that transcend individual differences, fostering a sense of commonality. Thus, national symbols contribute massively to societal cohesion by instilling a shared sense of national identity and pride.

Durkheim and the Cohesive Society

Sociologist Emile Durkheim came up with two ways to describe how societies stick together. These are mechanical and organic solidarity.

• Organic solidarity refers to the process by which small societies cohere by being homogenous (sharing norms and belief systems).
• Mechanical solidarity refers to the process by which large societies cohere not by cultural homogeneity , but common self-interest: we rely on each other for goods and services, so we tolerate one another and respect shared rules.

3. Group Cohesion Examples

When talking about group cohesion, we are referring to the multitudes of ways we ensure the personalities in a group work together. By bringing out the best in all team members, giving them clear roles, and having them all work toward the same goal, we can achieve more than the sum of our parts.

• Clear group goals Clearly defined objectives are the mainstay of any successful collaborative endeavor. They provide a shared understanding of what the collective is aiming to achieve. Thus, team goals play a critical role in fostering cohesion, serving as a guiding light that aligns the efforts of all members. This unified focus on a common objective promotes cooperation and collaborative effort among group members.
• Effective communication Communication is an essential ingredient for cohesion in group work. Open, honest, and effective communication fosters understanding and mitigates misunderstandings. It creates a conducive environment where members can express their ideas freely, ensuring effective collaboration. With all members clearly understanding their tasks and the overall objectives, effective communication leads to harmonious group dynamics .
• Defined roles and responsibilities Clear delineation of roles and responsibilities is pivotal for successful group work. It ensures that every member knows what is expected of them, reducing chances of confusion or conflict. Furthermore, it fosters accountability and facilitates efficient completion of tasks. This clear hierarchy and distribution of work among members lead to a cohesive, functional, and efficient group.
• Trust among members Trust is the bedrock of a cohesive group, facilitating open communication, mutual respect, and interdependence among members. Here, each person trusts others to fulfill their responsibilities and believes in the group’s collective competence. This trust creates a sense of security and promotes the sharing of ideas, thereby strengthening cohesion. Essentially, trust catalyzes connections and cooperation within the group, thereby fostering group cohesion.
• Collaborative problem-solving In cohesive groups, problems are viewed as challenges to be overcome collectively. Solutions are conjured as a joint effort, relying on the group’s diverse skills and perspectives. When members work together to solve problems, they unify their efforts towards a common goal. This not only enhances the group’s problem-solving capacity but also fosters cohesion by promoting shared victories and learnings.
• Regular feedback sessions Constructive feedback , when delivered and received correctly, aids in maintaining group cohesion. These sessions allow members to express their views and offer improvements, ensuring each member feels heard and valued. Equally, it provides a platform for performance enhancement and course correction. Regular feedback thus strengthens group cohesion by promoting transparency, mutual respect, and open dialogue.
• Team-building activities Activities specifically designed to strengthen relationships among group members naturally cultivate group cohesion. Such activities enhance members’ understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses, fostering tolerance and empathy. They also create opportunities for collaboration outside the task-oriented dynamics, infusing elements of fun and relaxation. Consequently, team-building activities can greatly enhance group cohesion by fostering camaraderie and mutual appreciation.
• Shared rewards and recognitions Celebrating achievements together and acknowledging individual contributions to shared success preserve group cohesion. This practice validates members’ efforts, promoting a sense of shared satisfaction and belonging. It also motivates continued cooperative engagement and investment in group success. Hence, shared rewards and recognitions underline the idea of ‘all for one and one for all’, strengthening the cohesiveness of the group.

4. Cohesion in Science

In science, cohesion refers to the attraction between particles of the same substance, causing them to stick together. This phenomenon is often observed in liquids, such as the tendency of water molecules to cling to one another due to hydrogen bonding.

• Water molecules sticking together This phenomenon, known as cohesion, is attributed to hydrogen bonding among neighboring water molecules. When water molecules bond, they create a network of strong, cohesive forces. It’s this bonding and consequent cohesion that cause phenomena like water’s surface tension and capillary action. These connected water molecules illustrate scientific cohesion, with components working closely for collective behavior .
• Gravitational pull between celestial bodies In a cosmic context, gravity is the cohesive force that holds celestial bodies together. The gravitational attraction ensures that planets, stars, and satellites maintain their orbits and do not drift aimlessly in space. Therefore, gravity embodies cohesion at a cosmic scale, driven by the mutual attraction of celestial bodies, thus exemplifying cohesion in the realm of astrophysics.
• Surface tension on liquids Surface tension is a direct result of cohesive forces in liquids. Surface molecules experience an inward pull from neighboring molecules, minimizing surface area and creating a “film-like” surface. This phenomenon, attributable to cohesive forces, enables certain lightweight objects to float on a liquid surface without sinking. Hence, surface tension on liquids highlights the role of cohesion in everyday science.
• Intermolecular forces in solids In a solid substance, intermolecular forces bind the particles together, constraining their movement and keeping them tightly packed. It’s these forces that give a solid its definite shape and volume. The continuous interaction of these forces ensures the solidity of an object. Thus, intermolecular forces in solids also demonstrate scientific cohesion.

Cohesion fosters interconnectedness, harmony, and mutual cooperation within a system, be it cells in a body, members of a team, or words in a sentence. Grasping the idea of cohesion enables us to understand the complex interplay of elements in these systems, reflecting the essence of unity in diversity.

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• Writing Resources: Developing Cohesion

Cohesion  is a characteristic of a successful essay  when it flows as a united whole ; meaning, there is unity and connectedness between all of the parts. Cohesion is a writing issue at a macro and micro level. At a macro-level, cohesion is the way a paper uses a thesis sentence, topic sentences, and transitions across paragraphs to help unify and focus a paper. On a micro-level, cohesion happens within the paragraph unit between sentences; when each sentence links back to the previous sentence and looks ahead to the next, there is cohesion across sentences. Cohesion is an important aspect of writing because it helps readers to follow the writer’s thinking. 

Misconceptions & Stumbling Blocks

Many writers believe that you should avoid repetition at all costs. It’s true that strong writing tends to not feel repetitive in terms of style and word choice; however, some repetition is necessary in order to build an essay and even paragraphs that build on each other and develop logically. A pro tip when you’re drafting an essay would be to build in a lot of repetition and then as you revise, go through your essay and look for ways you can better develop your ideas by paraphrasing your argument and using appropriate synonyms.

Building Cohesion

Essay focus: macro cohesion.

Locate & read your thesis sentence and the first and last sentence of each paragraph. You might even highlight them and/or use a separate piece of paper to make note of the key ideas and subjects in each (that is, making a reverse outline while you’re reading).

• How do these sentences relate?
• How can you use the language of the thesis statement again in topic sentences to reconnect to the main argument?
• Does each paragraph clearly link back to the thesis? Is it clear how each paragraph adds to, extends, or complicates the thesis?
• Repetition of key terms and ideas (especially those that are key to the argument)
• Repetition of central arguments; ideally, more than repeating your argument, it evolves and develops as it encounters new supporting or conflicting evidence.
• Appropriate synonyms. Synonyms as well as restating (paraphrasing) main ideas and arguments both helps you to explain and develop the argument and to build cohesion in your essay.

Paragraph Focus: Micro Cohesion

For one paragraph, underline the subject and verb of each sentence.

• Does the paragraph have a consistent & narrow focus?
• Will readers see the connection between the sentences?
• Imagine that the there is a title for this paragraph: what would it be and how would it relate to the underlined words?
• Repetition of the central topic and a clear understanding of how the evidence in this paragraph pushes forward or complicates that idea.
• Variations on the topic
• Avoid unclear pronouns (e.g., it, this, these, etc.). Rather than using pronouns, try to state a clear and specific subject for each sentence. This is an opportunity to develop your meaning through naming your topic in different ways.
• Synonyms for key terms and ideas that help you to say your point in slightly new ways that also push forward your ideas.

Sentence to Sentence: Micro Cohesion  

Looking at one paragraph, try to name what each sentence is doing to the previous: is it adding further explanation? Is it complicating the topic? Is it providing an example? Is it offering a counter-perspective? Sentences that build off of each other have movement that is intentional and purposeful; that is, the writer knows the purpose of each sentence and the work that each sentence accomplishes for the paragraph.

• Transition words (look up a chart) to link sentence and to more clearly name what you’re doing in each sentence (e.g., again, likewise, indeed, therefore, however, additionally, etc.) 
• Precise verbs to help emphasize what the writer is doing and saying (if you’re working with a source/text) or what you’re doing and saying.
• Again, clear and precise subjects that continue to name your focus in each sentence.

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Coherence And Cohesion: Writing Tips For Seamless Texts

Learn coherence and cohesion secrets to create seamlessly flowing, impactful writing. Read this content and understand both.

Understanding the importance of coherence and cohesion in writing is fundamental, as these principles significantly impact how well your message is conveyed to the reader. These concepts empower you to create clear, logical, and organized content. 

When your writing lacks coherence, it may appear disjointed, confusing, and challenging for the reader to follow. On the other hand, without cohesion, your ideas may seem scattered and unrelated. Mastering these aspects not only enhances the overall quality of your writing but also ensures your audience can easily grasp and appreciate the information you’re presenting. 

In this article, you will gain an in-depth understanding of these essential elements. The exploration begins with a clear definition of coherence and cohesion, followed by an examination of their intricate relationship.

Definition Of Coherence

Coherence is a fundamental aspect of effective communication through written language. It encompasses the logical and orderly arrangement of ideas, details, and arguments within a text, ensuring that they connect seamlessly to convey a clear and unified message. Coherent writing allows readers to follow the author’s thought process without confusion or disruption. 

This connection of ideas is achieved through the strategic use of organization, structure, transitional elements, and logical progression. In essence, coherence is the glue that binds individual sentences, paragraphs, and sections into a cohesive and comprehensible whole, making it an indispensable element for conveying information, presenting arguments, and telling compelling stories in written form.

Definition Of Cohesion

Cohesion refers to the quality of a written text that makes it clear, organized, and logically connected. It is achieved through various linguistic devices such as transitional words, pronoun references, repetition, and logical sequencing. 

Cohesion ensures that the ideas within a text flow smoothly and are linked together, making the text easier to understand and follow. In essence, cohesion contributes to the overall coherence of a written piece, ensuring that it is cohesive and well-structured.

Relationship Between Coherence And Cohesion

The relationship between coherence and cohesion in writing is a close and interdependent one. Coherence and cohesion work together to create well-structured and easily understandable texts.

Coherence primarily deals with the overall clarity and logical flow of ideas in a piece of writing. It involves the organization of content in a way that makes sense to the reader. Coherent writing maintains a clear and consistent focus on the topic, using logical transitions between sentences and paragraphs.

On the other hand, cohesion focuses on the specific linguistic devices and techniques used to connect different parts of a text. These devices include transitional words (e.g., “therefore,” “however”), pronoun references (e.g., “it,” “they”), repetition of key terms, and logical sequencing of ideas. Cohesion ensures that the sentences within a text are linked together smoothly, enhancing the readability and comprehension of the content.

In essence, cohesion serves as a tool to achieve coherence. When a writer effectively employs cohesive elements in their writing, it enhances the overall coherence of the text. Without cohesion, even well-structured ideas may appear disjointed or confusing to the reader. Therefore, coherence and cohesion are complementary aspects of effective writing, working hand in hand to convey ideas clearly and persuasively.

Types Of Cohesion

Cohesion plays a vital role in the coherence and flow of your writing. In this section, we will explore different types of cohesion, each contributing to the overall clarity and structure of your text.

Grammatical Cohesion

Grammatical cohesion focuses on the grammatical and structural elements within a text that contribute to its coherence. It involves using linguistic devices, like pronouns and sentence structure, to create clear relationships between ideas and sentences. This type of cohesion ensures smooth writing flow and aids readers in understanding connections between different parts of your text.

For instance, pronouns like “it,” “they,” and “this” refer back to previously mentioned nouns, preventing repetition. Sentence structure, including parallelism and transitional words, also plays a crucial role in achieving grammatical cohesion. It ensures consistent presentation of similar ideas and guides readers through your writing.

Reiterative Cohesion

Reiterative cohesion involves the repetition of words, phrases, or ideas within a text to reinforce key concepts and enhance clarity. This type of cohesion is particularly useful when you want to emphasize specific points or themes throughout your writing.

By restating essential elements, you create a sense of continuity and remind readers of the central message. However, it’s crucial to use reiteration judiciously to avoid redundancy and monotony.

Lexical/Semantic/Logical Cohesion

Lexical, semantic, or logical cohesion ensures meaningful connections in your text. Writers use techniques like synonyms, antonyms, and precise vocabulary to clarify complex ideas. It also maintains consistency in word meanings and logical progression, enhancing clarity and engagement.

Referential Cohesion

Referential cohesion involves linking ideas and information within a text. It’s achieved by using pronouns, demonstratives, or repetition to connect concepts. This cohesion helps readers follow the flow of the text and understand the relationships between different parts of the content.

Textual Or Interpersonal Cohesion

Textual or interpersonal cohesion focuses on how language is used to engage and communicate with the reader. It involves strategies such as addressing the reader directly, using inclusive language, and creating a sense of connection. This type of cohesion aims to make the text more relatable and interactive, enhancing the reader’s overall experience.

Tips For Using Coherence And Cohesion In Writing

When it comes to effective writing, coherence, and cohesion play a pivotal role in shaping the clarity and flow of your text. In this section, we’ll delve into practical tips for harnessing these vital elements to create well-structured and engaging content.

Develop Topic Sentences And Themes

Effective writing hinges on clear topic sentences and well-defined themes. These elements act as your text’s structural framework, ensuring both you and your readers follow a logical path through your content.

• Identify Core Ideas: Before you begin writing, pinpoint the central concepts or themes you want to convey. These serve as the core messages or arguments you’ll explore.
• Craft Concise Topic Sentences: Start each paragraph with a concise topic sentence that introduces its main idea. Think of these sentences as guideposts, signaling what’s ahead and providing clarity.
• Establish a Strong Base: Topic sentences and themes set your text’s direction and purpose. Without them, your writing can seem disjointed and confusing.
• Map Out Content: Effective topic sentences not only introduce a paragraph’s main point but also outline the supporting details. They create a roadmap, making your content structure clear.
• Improve Readability: Strong topic sentences and themes make your writing more accessible. They help readers grasp ideas quickly and navigate your text effortlessly, making your message compelling.

By integrating these techniques into your writing, you enhance your content’s coherence and cohesion, making it more engaging and persuasive. Crafting clear topic sentences and themes provides a foundation for your ideas to shine and resonate with your audience.

Make Connections Between Ideas And Sentences

Writing with coherence involves crafting a seamless path for your readers. This means ensuring that your ideas flow logically and cohesively from one to the next. To achieve this, use transition words and phrases like “however,” “therefore,” “in contrast,” and “moreover” to signal relationships between ideas. 

Avoid abrupt shifts, as these can confuse readers and disrupt the flow. By making these connections, you not only maintain coherence but also enhance clarity and engagement, providing your audience with a richer and more enjoyable reading experience.

Utilize Transition Words To Enhance Understanding

Transition words are the glue that holds your writing together, creating a bridge between sentences and paragraphs. These words and phrases, such as “however,” “in addition,” “consequently,” and “for instance,” help guide readers through your text, making it easier for them to follow your line of thought. 

When used effectively, transition words create a smooth and logical flow, enhancing the coherence of your writing. They clarify relationships between ideas, signal shifts in focus, and add depth to your arguments. By incorporating these linguistic tools into your writing, you not only boost comprehension but also elevate the overall quality of your work.

Use Repetition When Appropriate

Repetition in writing, when used judiciously, can be a powerful tool to reinforce key ideas, engage readers, and create memorable content. By repeating certain words, phrases, or concepts, you can emphasize their significance and drive your point home effectively. 

However, the key is to use repetition purposefully and sparingly, ensuring that it aligns with your writing’s objectives. Whether it’s repeating a central theme, a thought-provoking question, or a striking metaphor, strategic repetition can enhance the cohesiveness and impact of your writing, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.

Checklist For Essay Coherence And Cohesiveness

When crafting an essay, ensuring that it has both coherence and cohesion is paramount to engage your audience and effectively convey your message. Follow this checklist to enhance the quality of your writing:

• Clear Thesis Statement: Begin with a concise and well-defined thesis statement that sets the tone for your essay.
• Logical Flow: Organize your ideas logically, ensuring each paragraph connects seamlessly to the next.
• Transitions: Use transitional words and phrases like “however,” “therefore,” and “in addition” to guide your reader through your essay.
• Topic Sentences: Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that previews the content to follow.
• Consistent Point of View: Maintain a consistent perspective (first, second, or third person) throughout your essay.
• Repetition with Purpose: Use repetition thoughtfully to reinforce key points or themes.
• Parallel Structure: Structure sentences and lists in a parallel format for clarity.
• Pronoun Clarity: Ensure pronouns have clear antecedents to avoid confusion.
• Sentence Variety: Vary your sentence structure for rhythm and engagement.
• Proofreading: Thoroughly proofread your essay for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.

By implementing these strategies, you can create essays that are not only coherent and cohesive but also compelling and impactful.

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Achieving coherence

“A piece of writing is coherent when it elicits the response: ‘I follow you. I see what you mean.’ It is incoherent when it elicits the response: ‘I see what you're saying here, but what has it got to do with the topic at hand or with what you just told me above?’ ” - Johns, A.M

Transitions

Parallelism, challenge task, what is coherence.

Coherence in a piece of writing means that the reader can easily understand it. Coherence is about making everything flow smoothly. The reader can see that everything is logically arranged and connected, and relevance to the central focus of the essay is maintained throughout.

Repetition in a piece of writing does not always demonstrate cohesion.   Study these sentences:

So, how does repetition as a cohesive device work?

When a pronoun is used, sometimes what the pronoun refers to (ie, the referent) is not always clear. Clarity is achieved by  repeating a key noun or synonym . Repetition is a cohesive device used deliberately to improve coherence in a text.

In the following text, decide ifthe referent for the pronoun  it   is clear. Otherwise, replace it  with the key noun English  where clarity is needed.

Click here to view the revised text.

Suggested improvement

English has almost become an international language. Except for Chinese, more people speak it (clear reference; retain)  than any other language. Spanish is the official language of more countries in the world, but more countries have English ( it is replaced with a key noun) as their official or unofficial second language. More than 70% of the world's mail is written in English ( it is replaced with a key noun).  It (clear reference; retain) is the primary language on the Internet.

Sometimes, repetition of a key noun is preferred even when the reference is clear. In the following text, it is clear that it  refers to the key noun gold , but when used throughout the text, the style becomes monotonous.

Improved text: Note where the key noun gold is repeated. The deliberate repetition creates interest and adds maturity to the writing style.

Gold , a precious metal, is prized for two important characteristics. First of all, gold has a lustrous beauty that is resistant to corrosion. Therefore, it is suitable for jewellery, coins and ornamental purposes. Gold never needs to be polished and will remain beautiful forever. For example, a Macedonian coin remains as untarnished today as the day it was made 23 centuries ago. Another important characteristic of gold is its usefulness to industry and science. For many years, it has been used in hundreds of industrial applications. The most recent use of gold is in astronauts’ suits. Astronauts wear gold -plated shields when they go outside spaceships in space. In conclusion, gold is treasured not only for its beauty but also its utility.

Pronoun + Repetition of key noun

Sometimes, greater cohesion can be achieved by using a pronoun followed by an appropriate key noun or synonym (a word with a similar meaning).

Transitions are like traffic signals. They guide the reader from one idea to the next. They signal a range of relationships between sentences, such as comparison, contrast, example and result. Click here for a more comprehensive list of Transitions (Logical Organisers) .

Test yourself: How well do you understand transitions?

Which of the three alternatives should follow the transition or logical organiser in capital letters to complete the second sentence?

Using transitions/logical organisers

Improve the coherence of the following paragraph by adding transitions in the blank spaces. Use the italicised hint in brackets to help you choose an apporpriate transition for each blank. If you need to, review the list of Transitions (Logical Organisers)   before you start.

Using transitions

Choose the most appropriate transition from the options given to complete the article:

Overusing transitions

While the use of appropriate transitions can improve coherence (as the previous practice activity shows), it can also be counterproductive if transitions are overused. Use transitions carefully to enhance and clarify the logical connection between ideas in extended texts. Write a range of sentences and vary sentence openings. 

Study the following examples:

Identifying cohesive devices

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Writing a cohesive paper takes time and revision. This resource will focus primarily on topic sentences that begin each paragraph and on topics, or main points, within a paragraph. This resource will also enable students to look closely at their sentences and see how each sentence relates to another within a paragraph. This material is adapted from Style: Ten Lessons in Clarity and Grace , by Joseph Williams.

For a video guide to cutting unnecessary essay content, visit the Purdue OWL's vidcast on cutting.

• Begin sentences with short, simple words and phrases.
• These phrases should communicate information that appeared in previous sentences, or build on knowledge that you share with your reader.
• Within a paragraph, keep your topics, or main points, direct and reasonably consistent.

Tip: Create a list of words to draw from that intuitively tells the reader what to focus on. If your words progress from “investigate, remedy, resolve” or “negate, discover, re-invent” the reader should be able to follow the line of action and they will feel like your ideas cohere.

Exercise: Diagnosis, Analysis, Revision

• Underline the first few words of every sentence in a paragraph, ignoring short introductory phrases such as "In the beginning," or "For the most part."
• If you can, underline the first few words of every clause. (Remember that a clause has a subject and verb)
• Read your underlined words. Is there a consistent set of related topics?
• Will your reader see these connections among the topics?
• Imagine that the passage has a title. The words in the title should identify what should be the topics of most of the sentences.
• Decide what you will focus on in each paragraph.
• In most sentences, make your topics subjects that do the action in the sentences.
• Move your topics to the beginning of your sentences. Avoid hiding your topic behind long introductory phrases or clauses.

Sample Passage

Topics are crucial for readers because readers depend on topics to focus their attention on particular ideas toward the beginning of sentences . Topics tell readers what a whole passage is "about." If readers feel that a sequence of topics is coherent, then they will feel they are moving through a paragraph from a cumulatively coherent point of view. But if throughout the paragraph readers feel that its topics shift randomly, then they have to begin each sentence out of context, from no coherent point of view. When that happens, readers feel dislocated , disoriented, and out of focus.

Analysis of the Sample Passage:

1. Read your underlined words. Is there a consistent set of related topics?

Here are some significant words from the clauses that are underlined in the above example: topics , readers, topics, readers, they, readers, they, readers. Do these words help guide your reader along?

2. Will your reader see these connections among the topics?

Utilize repetition and patterns of progression. What this sample passage does really well is that it works with repetition. It also has a pattern of progression: in the first sentence, the phrase, “topics are crucial” is used and then the writer explains how topics are crucial in the rest of this sentence and the next. In terms of repetition, the phrase “readers feel that” is used twice. The third time it is used, there’s a variation to the pattern. This variation is direct, concise, and surprising: “Readers feel dislocated,” begins this clause.

3. Imagine that the passage has a title. The words in the title should identify what should be the topics of most of the sentences.

Sample Title: “How Topics Coherently Guide the Reader” Do the themes in the above passage match with this title?

4. Decide what you will focus on in each paragraph.

Think about the importance of your topics and what happens to the paragraph if these topics are not utilized. In the sample passage, the highlighted phrase seems out of place. Consider this revision:

Topics are crucial for readers. Topics tell readers what a whole passage is "about." Readers depend on topics to focus their attention on particular ideas toward the beginning of sentences . If readers feel that a sequence of topics is coherent, then they will feel they are moving through a paragraph from a cumulatively coherent point of view.

In this revision, the phrase “what a passage is ‘about,’” comes before “Readers depend…” This coheres better than the initial draft because the writer sets the reader up for a definition, or in-depth explanation of what the word “about”’ means.

Questions to ask yourself as you revise

On a sentence level:

1. Do your sentences "hang together"? Readers must feel that sentences in a paragraph are not just individually clear, but are unified with each other. Readers should be able to move easily from one sentence to the next, feeling that each sentence "coheres" with the one before and after it.

One way of thinking about this is as if you are giving your readers sign posts or clues they can follow throughout your passage. These will act as signals that guide the reader into your argument.

2. Does the sentence begin with information that’s familiar to the reader? Readers will be familiar with your information if it has already been touched upon in the previous sentence.

It’s important to address how readers feel about unfamiliar information. As a writer, we sometimes forget that readers have different assumptions, values and beliefs than we do. Their bodies of knowledge are not the same as ours. Thus, it’s important to clearly build your progression of thought or argument in a cohesive paper. In the sample passage, the writer clearly defines why readers depend on topics: “Topics tell the reader what a passage is ‘about.’”

3. Does the sentence end with interesting information the reader would not anticipate?

In the case of the sample passage, the last sentence has a sharp and unexpected ending. The last few words, “out of focus” are an unexpected way to end the paragraph because the entire paragraph has been about how topics are cohesive tools. Ending on this note leaves the reader feeling uneasy about leaving topics out of context, which is the aim of the sample passage.

On a paragraph level:

Will your reader be able to identify quickly the "topic" of each paragraph?

Note: it is easier to see coherence and clarity in other people's writing because by the time we reach a final draft, everything we write seems old or familiar to us. Improving on this takes practice. Try giving yourself a few days between writing and revising to get a fresh look.