cohesive devices 1

Faculty of Computing, Health and Science Web: www.chs.ecu.edu.au

Techniques for linking ideas The ideas within an essay are systematically linked within paragraphs, paragraph clusters, and the overall text to create a hierarchy of ideas connected to the topic. Linking of ideas throughout the text enhances coherence. Techniques for linking ideas within the hierarchical structure of an essay are described in this handout. These include: using idea statements, discourse markers and other cohesive devices.

Using idea statements to link ideas To achieve coherence, ideas need to be linked at different levels across an essay. Two levels at which ideas must be linked are described here: 1. The overall framework level: The focus statement (either contained within the introduction or a section that follows the introduction) clarifies the purpose of the essay, outlines its scope, and sets out the main segments of the text. This part of the essay generally contains idea statements that link the overall structure of the essay. Idea statements at this level identify the paragraph clusters (i.e. main ideas) that will follow, and state how they are connected to the purpose of the essay. In this way, idea statements link or unify the overall text. 2. The paragraph cluster level: A paragraph cluster refers to a number of paragraphs that deal with a single complex idea. Generally, the focus statement identifies the main ideas of the essay that will form the paragraph clusters. Ideas contained within a paragraph cluster are linked by using key idea statements. Similar to the idea statements within the focus statement, key idea statements outline the paragraph cluster’s main idea, the scope of the discussion in the paragraph cluster and identifies its sub-ideas. The sub-ideas are explained in separate paragraphs that form the paragraph cluster. Each paragraph begins by introducing its topic and then developing and explaining it. So, key idea statements operate at a level of paragraph clusters to link the sub-points that develop and explain the main ideas of the essay.

Using discourse markers and cohesive devices to link idea across and within paragraphs There are several ways of linking ideas across and within paragraphs. These include the use of discourse markers, transitional words and cohesive devices. 1. Linking ideas across paragraphs: This is achieved through the use of discourse markers. To link previously stated ideas with new ideas, the writer generally uses discourse markers and paraphrased restatement of the previous paragraph’s content. Discourse markers are words that signal different types of relationship, for example concession, addition, and summation. They are used to connect the old ideas with the new ones. They also point the reader to different types of relationships in the ideas being presented. Discourse markers are useful because they help prepare the reader for what will follow in the text and therefore facilitates understanding. The table below lists some types of relationship and related discourse markers.

Types of discourse markers

Type of relationship Discourse markers affirmation in deed, actually, in fact, certainly negation on the contrary, on the other hand, despite, still, however, but,

conversely, although concession although, though, granted that, no doubt, to be sure, of course,

whereas contrast in contrast, although, and yet, but, on the contrary cause and effect accordingly, as a result, hence, consequently, otherwise, therefore,

thus, unless addition moreover, besides, and, to add, also, furthermore, further, in

addition, next, again, too, second (third, etc.), another, finally, last


qualification frequently, often, sometimes, occasionally, provided, in case, unless, when, since, because, for, if

summation thus, therefore, in conclusion, to sum up, so, consequently, all in all, in short, on the whole, in brief, in summary, overall

sequence after, then, since, before, when, whenever, until, as soon as, as long as, in (1999), at (the beginning), afterwards, as long as, at the same time, earlier, of late, immediately, in the meantime, meanwhile, lately, later, shortly, since, soon, temporarily, thereafter, until, while

illustration for example, for instance, to illustrate, in particular, in this case, in particular, specifically

(Adapted from Puhl & Day, 1992). 2. Linking ideas within paragraphs: Paragraphs consist of several sentences that all link to a key idea. The relationships among ideas within and between paragraphs are established by using transitional words and phrases, and cohesive devices (e.g. reference, substitution and ellipsis).

• Transitional words and phrases are used to show logical, temporal and spatial links. • Reference involves the use of many types of pronouns. • Substitution refers to the replacement of one word or phrase with another • Ellipsis refers to the omission of a repeated word or phrase • Lexical reiteration refers to the repetition of words and phrases • Lexical collocation refers to co-occurrences of words which regularly co-occur in the language.

Types of cohesive devices to link ideas within paragraphs

Type of cohesive device Example Transitions logical, temporal and spatial links

These events preceded the policy change. (temporal link) As discussed above… (spatial link)

Reference types of pronouns

All the interviewers had been previously trained in interviewing techniques. They demonstrated their competence…

Substitution replacement of one word or phrase for another

The males and females displayed similar behaviours. Both groups reacted positively towards…

Ellipsis omission of a repeated word

There are two key reasons for the change. The first is….

Lexical reiteration repetition of words and phrases

Smith’s (2000) three arguments remain unsubstantiated. His first argument ….The second argument…..His final argument….

Lexical collocation co-occurrence of words which regularly co-occur in the language

Although each item cost just 25 cents to manufacture, they were sold for two dollars each.

(Adapted from Puhl & Day, 1992).

As shown in this handout, the use of idea statements, discourse markers and cohesive devices provide a range to techniques to link ideas across the hierarchical levels of an essay. Source: Puhl, L & Day, B. (1992). Writing at university: a guide to writing academic essays and reports at Edith Cowan University. Perth: Edith Cowan University.


K.Singh, ECU, Faculty of Computing, Health and Science, January 2005

cohesive devices 1

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