Cohesion and Coherence

Master textual cohesion and coherence. Learn to connect ideas effectively and keep a unified logical thread in complex texts.

Level B2-C1-C2⏱️ 80 min📋 Requires: Advanced writing skills, Understanding of text structure, Knowledge of connectors
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What are Cohesion and Coherence?

Cohesion is the grammatical and lexical linking between sentences and paragraphs.Coherence is the logical, semantic unity of the text: ideas working together to produce a clear message.

Cohesive devices

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Coherence factors

1. Thematic unity

All parts support the main topic.

Examples:
  • Each paragraph develops one aspect of the theme
  • No irrelevant or off-topic material
  • Digressions are clearly marked
  • The title matches the real content

2. Logical progression

Ideas unfold in sensible order.

Examples:
  • General to specific or the reverse
  • Chronological order when fitting
  • Order of importance
  • Problem → analysis → solution

3. Consistent point of view

Keep person, tense, and register steady.

Examples:
  • Stable viewpoint (1st, 2nd, 3rd person)
  • Tense fits the text and stays consistent
  • Formal or informal register maintained
  • Tone stays coherent throughout

Common problems and fixes

1. Ambiguous reference

When a pronoun's target is unclear.

Examples:
  • Problem: 'John told Peter he was wrong' (who was wrong?)
  • Fix: Repeat the name or restructure
  • Avoid pronouns when several referents are possible
  • Use specific demonstratives (this idea, that problem)

2. Logical gaps

Missing links between ideas.

Examples:
  • Problem: Unrelated ideas appear together
  • Fix: Add suitable connectors
  • Add bridging information
  • Re-order for clearer flow

3. Over-repetition

The same word appears too often.

Examples:
  • Problem: 'The problem is that this problem causes problems'
  • Fix: Use synonyms (issue, difficulty, challenge)
  • Use pronouns where clear
  • Restructure sentences to vary wording
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