Building Cohesion in Writing
English Language: KS3, topic 3.3.1
Building Cohesion in Writing
The reader can process a written discussion better if you create a cohesive piece of writing. A cohesive piece of writing can be easily followed.
Whole text cohesion
- There are some simple signposts that we can use to control the way the reader reads our discussion.
- When presenting points in a discussion for non-fiction writing, we can separate them by saying ‘firstly’, then ‘secondly’, then ‘thirdly’, then ‘finally’.
- ‘Firstly’, then ‘secondly’, then ‘thirdly’, then ‘finally’ should be the point where you introduce a new paragraph.
Paragraph cohesion
- You can still signpost a slight or substantial change in direction within a paragraph.
- Words like ‘however’, ‘although’ or ‘nevertheless’ can suggest that there’s an alternative to the point just discussed.
- Words like ‘then’ and ‘when’ suggest the next stage of your argument.
Sentence cohesion
- Subordinating conjunctions can be used to build cohesion in writing.
- Subordinating conjunctions help link a main clause to a subordinate clause.
- Subordinating conjunctions can also provide key information about the link.
- 'However', 'then', 'because' and 'if' are examples of subordinating conjunctions.
Building Cohesion in Argumentative Writing
The reader can process a written discussion better if you create a cohesive piece of writing. A cohesive piece of writing can be easily followed.
Argumentative writing
- Indications of contrast are very effective in argumentative writing.
- Words like 'however', 'although' and 'nonetheless' are indications of contrast.
Indications of contrast example
- ‘I see your point about mobile phones allowing you to access information in class, however, the amount of distraction they cause makes them a bad thing for a classroom environment.’
- The word 'however' introduces a contrast to the main clause and signposts the reader that there’s an alternative point of view.
Test yourself on Building Cohesion in Writing
Which of the words in this sentence is an indication of contrast?
'I love that jumper however it only comes in one size.'Which of the words in this sentence is an indication of contrast?
'I didn't think the task was going to be easy. Nonetheless, we went ahead and completed it.'Which words are indications of contrast?