Cohesive Devices: Notes For High School Students
Uploaded by
m-11319857Cohesive Devices: Notes For High School Students
Uploaded by
m-11319857Cohesive Devices: Notes for High School Students
What Are Cohesive Devices?
Cohesive devices are words or phrases that link ideas, sentences, and paragraphs together so
that your writing is clear, logical, and easy to follow.
They help your writing "stick together" — just like glue!
Why Are Cohesive Devices Important?
• Help readers understand the flow of your ideas.
• Make your writing more organized and fluent.
• Avoid repeating the same words too often.
• Useful in essays, reports, stories, speeches, etc.
Types of Cohesive Devices & Examples
Type Use Examples
Addition Add ideas and, also, in addition, furthermore
but, however, although, on the other
Contrast Show differences
hand
Cause & Effect Show reason/result because, so, therefore, as a result
Sequence Show order first, next, then, finally
Examples Give examples for example, such as, for instance
Comparison Show similarity similarly, likewise, just like
Conclusion/Summary End or sum up in conclusion, to sum up, overall
Reference Words Avoid repetition he, she, it, this, those
Link by repeating or
Synonyms/Repetition using similar or repeated words
rewording
Examples in Use:
Without cohesive devices:
I studied. I didn’t pass. I was disappointed.
With cohesive devices:
I studied hard, but I didn’t pass the exam. As a result, I was disappointed.
Quick Tips for Using Cohesive Devices
• Use a variety of devices — don’t repeat the same one too often.
• Make sure the device fits the meaning you want to show (e.g., contrast vs
addition).
• Avoid overusing — too many linking words can confuse the reader.
• Read your writing out loud — does it flow smoothly?
Cohesive Devices Practice Worksheet
Part A: Match the Function to the Cohesive Device
Match the cohesive device to its function by writing the correct letter.
Cohesive Device A, B, C, D, or E?
1. However
2. In addition
3. Therefore
4. For example
5. Finally
Functions:
A. Gives a result
B. Adds more information
C. Gives an example
D. Shows contrast
E. Shows the end of a sequence
Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Choose a suitable cohesive device from the box to complete the sentences. Each word may be
used once only.
Word Bank:
because but for instance finally also
1. I love swimming, ______ I don't like diving.
2. She stayed home ______ she was not feeling well.
3. You should bring sunscreen. ______, don’t forget water.
4. He enjoys many sports. ______, he plays football and badminton.
5. I cleaned my room. ______, I watched a movie.
Part C: Combine the Sentences Using Cohesive Devices
Rewrite each pair of sentences as one sentence using the cohesive device in brackets.
1. I was late to school. I missed the bus. (because)
→ _______________________________________________________
2. It was raining. They went hiking. (although)
→ _______________________________________________________
3. First, we ate lunch. Then, we went to the museum. (then)
→ _______________________________________________________
Part D: Create Your Own Sentences
Write your own sentence using each cohesive device below:
1. However:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
2. Therefore:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
3. In conclusion:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Advanced Cohesive Devices Practice
Part A: Identify and Classify
Instructions: Read the passage below. Highlight and list all cohesive devices used. Then
classify them (e.g., addition, contrast, cause-effect, sequence, etc.).
Many students struggle with time management. For example, they may procrastinate when
preparing for exams. Consequently, they experience stress and poor results. However, with
proper planning, such problems can be avoided. First, students should create a study
timetable. Then, they must follow it consistently. In addition, taking short breaks can help
improve concentration. Therefore, effective time management not only reduces anxiety but
also boosts academic performance.
Questions:
1. List all the cohesive devices.
2. Classify each (Addition, Contrast, Cause & Effect, Sequence, Example, etc.).
Part B: Sentence Combining Challenge
Instructions: Combine each group of sentences into one coherent sentence using a suitable
cohesive device. You may rephrase if needed.
1. She studied late every night. She failed the exam.
2. He was very tired. He continued working on his project.
3. The team trained hard. They did not win. They remained positive.
4. I enjoy reading novels. I read non-fiction books sometimes.
5. The teacher explained the topic clearly. Some students still had doubts.
Part C: Paragraph Coherence
Instructions: The paragraph below lacks cohesion. Add appropriate cohesive devices to
improve the flow. You may reorder slightly if needed.
Malaysia has many beautiful islands. The beaches are clean and peaceful. The food is
delicious. You can try activities like snorkeling and island hopping. It’s a popular travel
destination.