Cohesion Repair
writingaccuracypracticepairsmedium prep20-30 min
A paragraph is presented as a list of bullet-pointed ideas with no linking devices. Pairs rewrite it into flowing prose, adding reference pronouns, discourse markers, and synonyms. Makes cohesion visible by removing it, then rebuilding it.
Procedure
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Take a Band 8 paragraph from a model text. Strip the cohesion:
- Break into short simple sentences.
- Replace all pronouns with full nouns.
- Remove all discourse markers (however, moreover, this, they, as a result).
- Repeat nouns rather than varying.
Result: a paragraph that reads like a 5-year-old's notes.
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Give pairs the stripped version and the original question prompt. Do not show the original.
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Pairs rebuild cohesion:
- Combine choppy sentences.
- Replace repeated nouns with pronouns or synonyms.
- Insert discourse markers.
- Vary sentence openings.
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Compare repaired version with the original. Discuss differences — which cohesion tools did the original use that your version didn't?
Cohesion Toolkit (teach + use)
| Device | Example |
|---|---|
| Pronoun reference | The company launched a product. It quickly became popular. |
| Synonym chain | the decision / this move / the choice |
| Discourse markers | however, therefore, as a result, moreover |
| Parallel structure | Not only did X..., but also Y... |
| Demonstrative reference | this problem / those claims |
| Ellipsis | Some agree; others don't. (don't agree elided) |
| Lexical repetition varied | study → research → investigation |
Why It Works
- Destruction-reconstruction: the stripping phase reveals how much cohesion was doing silently in the original.
- Forces active use: rebuilding demands the full toolkit, not just however / moreover repeatedly.
- Direct mapping to IELTS/TOEFL coherence scores: low-band essays fail the exact repairs this drill practises.
Variations
- Own-essay version: students strip and rebuild their own recent essay. Uncovers their own repeated cohesion weaknesses.
- Incomplete kit: ban however from the repair. Students must use alternatives. Builds range.
- Cohesion audit: given a learner essay, partners mark every cohesion device and categorise. Surprising patterns emerge.
Tips
- Beware over-cohesion: essays stuffed with therefore / as a result / moreover at every sentence are penalised, not rewarded.
- Best repair is often the invisible one: pronouns and synonym chains work without announcing themselves.
- Pair with Signpost Mapping for the reading-side of the same skill.