Year 8 English: Cohesive Device

What is a Cohesive Device?

A cohesive device is a word or phrase that helps connect ideas in writing. It makes your writing clearer and easier to understand. Think of cohesive devices as glue that holds your sentences and paragraphs together.

Why Use Cohesive Devices?

Using cohesive devices helps:

• Make your writing flow smoothly.
• Show relationships between ideas.
• Keep your reader engaged.

Types of Cohesive Devices

Here are a few common types of cohesive devices:

1. Pronouns

Pronouns are words like “he,” “she,” “it,” “they,” and “this.” They replace nouns to avoid repetition.

Example:

• Sarah loves her dog. She takes it for walks every day.

2. Conjunctions

Conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses. Some common conjunctions are “and,” “but,” “or,” “so,” and “because.”

Example:

• I wanted to go to the park, but it started raining.

3. Linking Words (Connectives)

Linking words help to connect ideas and show relationships. Examples include “however,” “moreover,” “therefore,” and “in addition.”

Example:

• I studied hard for my test. Therefore, I passed with flying colours.

4. Repetition

Sometimes, repeating a key word or phrase can help tie your ideas together.

Example:

• The cat climbed the tree. The tree was very tall.

Tips for Using Cohesive Devices

1. Vary Your Devices: Use different types of cohesive devices to make your writing interesting.
2. Check Clarity: Make sure your cohesive devices make sense in the context.
3. Avoid Overuse: Don’t use too many cohesive devices in one sentence. It can confuse your reader.
4. Read Aloud: Reading your writing out loud can help you hear if it flows well.

Questions on Cohesive Devices

Easy Level (1-20)

1. What is a cohesive device?
2. Give an example of a pronoun.
3. What does a conjunction do?
4. Write a sentence using “and.”
5. What is a linking word?
6. Give an example of a linking word.
7. Write a sentence using the word “however.”
8. What happens if you don’t use cohesive devices?
9. Is “it” a pronoun? (Yes/No)
10. Write a sentence with a conjunction.
11. Why are cohesive devices important?
12. What is an example of repetition?
13. Can a cohesive device be a single word? (Yes/No)
14. Write a sentence using a pronoun for “Tom.”
15. What does “therefore” indicate?
16. Write a sentence with “but.”
17. Give an example of a sentence with a linking word.
18. Identify the pronoun in this sentence: “The bird flew away.”
19. What is the meaning of “in addition”?
20. Write a sentence using “so.”

Medium Level (21-40)

21. Explain why pronouns are useful in writing.
22. Write a sentence with “because” and explain why.
23. Identify the cohesive device in this sentence: “Jenny loves ice cream. She eats it every day.”
24. Write a complex sentence using “although.”
25. What is the purpose of using linking words?
26. Write a sentence that shows contrast using “however.”
27. Explain how repetition can help in writing.
28. Create a short paragraph about your day, using at least two cohesive devices.
29. What are some synonyms for “and”?
30. Write a sentence using “moreover.”
31. Why is it important to vary your cohesive devices?
32. Identify the errors in this sentence: “The dog barked. The dog was loud.”
33. Write a sentence using “so” to show cause and effect.
34. Give two examples of conjunctions.
35. Explain how to check if your cohesive devices make sense.
36. Write a sentence using “in addition” to add information.
37. Create a sentence that requires a pronoun.
38. Describe a situation where you might use repetition.
39. Write a short story (4-5 sentences) using at least three cohesive devices.
40. What is the effect of using too many cohesive devices?

Hard Level (41-60)

41. Discuss the role of cohesive devices in academic writing.
42. Write a paragraph about your favourite book, using a variety of cohesive devices.
43. Explain how linking words can change the meaning of a sentence.
44. Create a complex sentence using “despite” to show contrast.
45. Identify the cohesive devices in this passage: “The sun was shining. The sun made it a lovely day.”
46. Write a sentence using “not only… but also.”
47. Explain how cohesive devices can improve readability.
48. Create a sentence that uses both a pronoun and a linking word.
49. Discuss how cohesive devices can help with paragraph transitions.
50. Write a short dialogue between two characters, using cohesive devices effectively.
51. What are the consequences of using ambiguous pronouns?
52. How can the misuse of conjunctions lead to confusing sentences?
53. Write a cohesive paragraph about a holiday, incorporating various cohesive devices.
54. Explain the difference between “because” and “so.”
55. Create a sentence using “unless” to show a condition.
56. What are some strategies for proofreading your work for cohesive devices?
57. Describe a scenario where repetition would be effective in writing.
58. Write a complex paragraph that includes several linking words.
59. How can cohesive devices enhance storytelling?
60. Reflect on a piece of your writing. How could you improve it with cohesive devices?

Answers to Questions

Easy Level Answers

1. A cohesive device connects ideas in writing.
2. Examples: he, she, it.
3. A conjunction connects words or phrases.
4. I like pizza and pasta.
5. A linking word connects ideas.
6. However, moreover, therefore.
7. I wanted to go out; however, it started to rain.
8. Writing can be confusing.
9. Yes.
10. I want to play, but it’s too late.
11. They make writing clearer.
12. The cat is cute. The cat is playful.
13. Yes.
14. He loves to play.
15. It shows a conclusion.
16. I wanted to go, but I was tired.
17. The weather is bad; therefore, we stayed in.
18. The pronoun is “it.”
19. It means “also.”
20. I was tired, so I went to bed.

Medium Level Answers

21. They avoid repeating nouns.
22. I went home because it was late.
23. “She” is the cohesive device.
24. Although it was raining, we went outside.
25. To connect ideas smoothly.
26. I like tea; however, I prefer coffee.
27. It emphasizes important information.
28. I woke up late. Therefore, I missed breakfast.
29. Plus, also, in addition.
30. She likes apples; moreover, she likes bananas.
31. To keep the reader interested.
32. “The dog barked loudly.”
33. It was late, so I went home.
34. And, but, or.
35. Read it aloud or ask someone else.
36. In addition, I enjoy reading.
37. The dog chased the ball.
38. When emphasizing a key point.
39. Yesterday, I went to the park. I saw my friends there; they were playing football.
40. It can confuse the reader.

Hard Level Answers

41. They make arguments clear and logical.
42. (Student-created response)
43. They can clarify or change meanings.
44. Despite the rain, we went for a walk.
45. “The sun” is repeated.
46. Not only is she smart, but she is also kind.
47. They help make a text easier to follow.
48. She went to the store, but it was closed.
49. They help connect different ideas smoothly.
50. (Student-created dialogue)
51. It can lead to misunderstanding.
52. It can create run-on sentences.
53. (Student-created paragraph)
54. “Because” explains why; “so” shows effect.
55. I won’t go unless you come.
56. Look for repetitive phrasing or unclear pronouns.