What are cohesive devices?
Think about a bridge over a river. It connects the two landmasses separated by a river.
Just like bridges, cohesive devices are words or phrases that connect sentences and paragraphs and help readers easily understand the relationship between different parts of a text.
Cohesive devices are words or phrases used to link ideas and sentences in a clear and logical way. They help create flow and structure in writing, making it easier for the reader to understand how different parts of a text are connected. Cohesive devices act like glue, holding the sentences and paragraphs together.
Types of Cohesive Devices:
1. Additive Devices (used to add information)
- Examples: and, moreover, furthermore, in addition, also
2. Adversative Devices (used to show contrast or opposing ideas)
- Examples: but, however, on the other hand, although, nevertheless
3. Causal Devices (used to show cause and effect)
- Examples: because, therefore, as a result, consequently, since
4. Sequential Devices (used to show order or time)
- Examples: first, then, next, finally, after that, meanwhile
5. Summative or Conclusive Devices (used to summarize or conclude)
- Examples: in conclusion, thus, in summary, to sum up
Purpose of Using Cohesive Devices:
1. To Link Ideas: Cohesive devices connect ideas across sentences and paragraphs, allowing the reader to follow the writer’s thought process.
- Example: Furthermore, trees provide us with oxygen.
2. To Clarify Relationships: They help clarify the relationships between ideas, such as showing cause and effect or contrast.
- Example: On the other hand, junk food leads to health problems.
3. To Add Coherence: Cohesive devices ensure that writing flows smoothly, preventing it from feeling choppy or disjointed.
- Example: First, we need to assess the situation. Then, we can take action.
4. To Guide the Reader: They guide the reader through the text, making it easier to understand the structure and logic of the argument or narrative.
- Example: As a result, the economy grew stronger.
5. To Emphasize Key Points: Writers use cohesive devices to emphasize important points or ideas within a text.
- Example: In conclusion, education is the key to development.
In short, cohesive devices are essential tools that enhance the clarity, organization, and overall quality of writing.
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