Connectives and cohesion

Introduction to Connectives and Cohesion

Welcome to one of the most important chapters in your Language B journey! Have you ever read a piece of writing that felt "choppy" or hard to follow, even though the grammar in each sentence was correct? That usually happens because the cohesion is missing. In this chapter, we will learn how to use connectives (the "glue" of language) to stick your ideas together. This is essential for scoring well in Criterion A (Language) and Criterion B (Message) in your Paper 1 writing tasks and for understanding complex texts in Paper 2.

Quick Tip: Think of your sentences like train cars. Without "couplers" (connectives), the train can't move as one unit. Our goal is to make your writing flow smoothly from the first word to the last.

What is Cohesion?

Cohesion refers to how a text is "held together" logically. It ensures that the reader can follow your train of thought without getting lost. There are two main ways we achieve this in English B:

1. Grammatical Cohesion: Using words like pronouns (it, they, this) to refer back to things you’ve already mentioned.
2. Lexical Cohesion: Using connectives (also called transitions or linkers) to show the relationship between ideas.

Why does this matter for the IB?

In your Paper 1 (Writing), examiners look for "clarity and organization." If you use a variety of connectives accurately, you demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency, which is especially important for HL students who are expected to use more complex structures.

Key Takeaway: Cohesion isn't just about adding "fancy" words; it’s about making sure your ideas follow a logical path for the reader.

Common Categories of Connectives

To help you organize your thoughts, let’s break connectives down by their function. We will use examples related to the five IB themes (Identities, Experiences, Human Ingenuity, Social Organization, and Sharing the Planet).

1. Adding Information

Use these when you want to provide more details about a point you just made.

Example: "Learning a new language helps you understand a different culture (Identities). Furthermore, it can improve your cognitive abilities."

2. Showing Contrast

Use these when you want to show a "shift" or a difference between two ideas.

Example: "Many people enjoy the convenience of fast fashion (Experiences). However, it has a devastating impact on the environment."

3. Cause and Effect

Use these to explain why something happened or what the result was.

Example: "The city implemented new recycling laws (Sharing the Planet). As a result, waste levels dropped by 20%."

4. Sequencing and Timing

Use these to show the order of events or to organize a list of points.

Example: "First, we must identify the causes of social inequality (Social Organization). Then, we can look for solutions."

Quick Review: The "But/However" Rule

Don't forget: But is usually used to join two parts of the same sentence. However is usually used at the start of a new sentence to contrast with the previous one.
Correct: I like tea, but he likes coffee.
Correct: I like tea. However, he likes coffee.

Cohesion Beyond Connectives: Reference Words

Sometimes, using too many connectives like "Furthermore" or "Moreover" can make your writing feel robotic. To keep it natural, use reference words. These refer back to a noun mentioned earlier so you don't have to repeat it.

• Pronouns: He, she, it, they, them.
• Demonstratives: This, that, these, those.
• Relative Pronouns: Who, which, where. (See the chapter on "Relative Clauses" for more on this!)

Example of poor cohesion: "Technology is changing the world. Technology is very fast. Technology affects everyone."
Example of good cohesion: "Technology is changing the world. It is evolving rapidly, and this affects everyone (Human Ingenuity)."

Register and Tone: Choosing the Right "Glue"

In Language B, you must adapt your language to your Audience and Purpose (Criterion C). This includes your connectives!

Formal vs. Informal Connectives

If you are writing a Personal Letter or a Social Media Posting (Informal), use simpler words. If you are writing an Essay, Report, or Formal Letter (Formal), use more sophisticated options.

Did you know? Using "Anyway" in a formal report for Paper 1 might lower your score for Conceptual Understanding because the register is too casual!

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. "Connective Overload": Don't start every single sentence with a connective. It makes your writing feel stiff. Only use them when you need to show a specific relationship between ideas.

2. Meaning Mismatch: Using "However" when you should have used "Therefore." Always double-check if your connective matches the logic of your sentence.

3. Forgetting Punctuation: Many formal connectives at the start of a sentence (like Furthermore, However, Consequently) should be followed by a comma.

Step-by-Step: Improving Your Cohesion

When you are practicing for Paper 1, follow these steps:

1. Write your draft: Focus on getting your ideas down first.
2. Check the "Flow": Read your paragraphs aloud. Does one sentence jump to the next too quickly?
3. Add bridges: Insert connectives where the relationship between ideas isn't clear.
4. Check the register: If it's a formal report, replace "But" with "Nevertheless" or "On the other hand."
5. Use Reference Words: Look for repeated nouns and replace them with it, they, or this to make the text smoother.

Chapter Summary

• Cohesion is the logical flow of a text.
• Connectives are words that show relationships like addition, contrast, and cause/effect.
• Reference words (it, this, they) help avoid repetition and link ideas.
• Match your connectives to the register of your text (Formal vs. Informal).
• Good cohesion helps you score higher in Criterion A (Language) and Criterion B (Message).

For more on how to structure your sentences for better flow, see the chapter on "Relative clauses and complex sentences".