Discourse Cohesion
What Is It?
Discourse Cohesion refers to the way sentences and paragraphs connect through reference, repetition, substitution, and connectors.
C1-C2 reference topic in Writing Mechanics.
Why Use It?
- Make longer writing flow.
- Guide readers through argument and narrative.
- Avoid abrupt topic shifts.
Formation and Patterns
| Use | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Reference | pronoun/demonstrative + clear antecedent | This result matters. |
| Lexical chain | repeat or vary key terms | practice, revision, fluency |
| Connector | however/therefore/in addition + clause | Therefore, the next step is revision. |
Common Mistakes
- Using this or it without a clear reference.
- Repeating the same noun too often or replacing it too vaguely.
- Adding connectors without a real logical relationship.
Exceptions & Nuances
- Cohesion is not only connectors; paragraph order and known-to-new information are equally important.