Build Cohesion across Paragraphs: C1 Writing

The key idea

Choose reference words, substitutions, lexical links, and discourse markers to guide readers through a long text.

What is it for?

Learn to connect ideas across sentences and paragraphs without repeating the same linking words.

What you need to know

Use reference words such as this, these, and such to connect ideas.
Replace repeated verbs or phrases with do so when the meaning stays clear.
Build lexical chains by repeating key ideas through related words.
Choose discourse markers according to their exact purpose.
Connect each paragraph to the point made in the previous paragraph.
Use signposting when readers need a clear guide to the text.

1. Connect ideas with reference and substitution

Reference words point back to information already given. They help readers follow an idea without reading the same words again.

Substitution replaces repeated words or actions. Use do so when the action is clear from the earlier sentence.

Use this or these to refer to a clear idea or group.
Use such to refer to a type of situation already described.
Use do so to avoid repeating an action.
Make sure readers can identify the exact thing each word refers to.

The shop reduced its opening hours. This change lowered its energy costs.

This change refers to the reduced opening hours.

Mina checks every order, and her assistant does so too.

Does so replaces checks every order.

2. Choose markers for their exact purpose

Discourse markers show how ideas relate. Each marker has a particular job, so choose one that matches your meaning.

Moreover adds a point. Conversely shows an opposite view. Hence introduces a result. Namely gives exact examples or details.

Addition: moreover, furthermore, in addition.
Contrast: conversely, by contrast, nevertheless.
Result: hence, consequently, as a result.
Example or detail: for instance, specifically, namely.
Conclusion: overall, in conclusion, to sum up.

The new bus is cheaper. Moreover, it runs more frequently.

Moreover adds another benefit.

The first plan saves money. Conversely, the second saves time.

Conversely presents a contrasting result.

The printer lacked paper; hence, the delay.

Hence introduces the result.

3. Build links between paragraphs

A paragraph should not feel separate from the one before it. Its opening can refer to the previous paragraph's final idea.

This link helps readers understand why the next point appears. It also creates a clear path through a longer text.

Finish a paragraph with a clear main point.
Start the next paragraph by referring to that point.
Repeat important words when this makes the connection clearer.
Use related words to create a lexical chain.
Avoid repeating the same noun in every sentence.

The later bus reduced waiting times. This improvement also helped parents collect their children.

This improvement connects the second sentence to the first.

The shop introduced online orders. These digital sales now support its local delivery service.

Orders, sales, and delivery form a lexical chain.

4. Guide readers without overloading the text

Signposting tells readers what a section will cover. It is useful in essays, reports, and longer articles.

Too many markers can make writing sound mechanical. Use them when they clarify a real connection.

Introduce the main focus with This essay will consider...
Move to a new topic with Turning to...
Show a final point with Finally or Overall.
Do not begin every sentence with a linking word.
Remove markers that add no clear meaning.

This report will consider costs, staff needs, and delivery times.

This sentence prepares readers for three sections.

Turning to staff needs, flexible hours may improve attendance.

Turning to signals a change of focus.

5. Improve weak cohesion step by step

A weak text may repeat the same noun or use links that do not fit. Readers must work harder to follow its main point.

First, find repeated ideas. Next, replace unnecessary repetition and check every link. Finally, read the text to see whether each paragraph leads naturally to the next.

Underline repeated nouns, verbs, and full phrases.
Replace repetition only when the meaning remains clear.
Check whether each marker expresses addition, contrast, result, or another purpose.
Connect paragraph openings to the ideas before them.
Read the whole text, not only separate sentences.

Weak: The café added tables. The tables increased seating. The tables attracted groups.

The same noun appears too often.

Improved: The café added tables, increasing its seating capacity. This change attracted larger groups.

Substitution and a clear reference reduce repetition.

How to do it, step by step

State the main idea of the text.
Arrange related points into clear paragraphs.
Connect each sentence to earlier information where needed.
Link each paragraph to the previous paragraph's main point.
Check the markers, remove unnecessary links, and read the whole text.

Formulas and key language

Use it for	Example	Another example
This + summary noun + verb...	This change reduced waiting times.	This result encouraged further investment.
Such + noun...	Such delays can frustrate customers.	Such changes require careful planning.
Subject + verb..., and subject + do so...	Lena reviews each form, and her manager does so too.	The team checks each order, and the supervisor does so daily.
Moreover, + additional point	Moreover, the new timetable reduces travel costs.	Moreover, staff can arrange appointments more easily.
Conversely, + contrasting point	The morning shift is quiet. Conversely, the evening shift is crowded.	Online orders save time. Conversely, phone orders allow direct discussion.
..., hence + result or consequence	The road was closed, hence the delay.	Demand increased, hence the need for extra staff.
Specifically, + exact detail	The shop changed its schedule. Specifically, it now closes at six.	The plan needs more staff. Specifically, two extra workers are required.
This essay will consider + topics	This essay will consider costs and practical benefits.	This essay will consider access, safety, and staff needs.
Turning to + topic, + main point	Turning to costs, the new system requires less paper.	Turning to delivery, the later service reaches more homes.

UK / US: Both British and American English use these cohesion tools. Some spelling differs, such as organise in British English and organize in American English.

Level up: Replace basic words (good, very, nice) with stronger ones. See our A2 to C1 upgrades page.

Model text

From Repetition to Cohesion: Remote Work

Before: weak cohesion

Remote work helps many employees. Remote work saves travel time. Employees save money on buses and trains. Remote work also helps employees plan their day. Some employees feel lonely. Some employees miss talking to colleagues. Companies need to think about remote work. Companies need rules for remote work. Companies need to help employees.

Repeated words make the text feel separate and repetitive.

After: improved cohesion

Remote work offers several practical benefits, particularly for employees with long journeys. By removing the daily commute, it saves both time and transport costs. These savings can make flexible working more attractive. However, the arrangement also has limitations. Some employees feel isolated because they miss regular conversations with colleagues. This problem may reduce their sense of belonging, especially when teams rarely meet in person. To address these concerns, companies need clear policies and suitable support. For example, regular online meetings can help staff share updates, while occasional office days encourage personal contact. Moreover, managers should explain how employees can request help when difficulties arise. This support is important because flexible work depends on clear communication. Turning to practical arrangements, companies should agree on working hours and expected response times. These measures can protect personal time and reduce confusion. Overall, remote work can benefit both staff and employers when its advantages are supported by thoughtful planning.

Reference words, varied markers, and related terms connect the ideas.

Common mistakes

✗ The shop cut costs. Moreover, sales fell.

✓ The shop cut costs. Conversely, sales fell.

Conversely signals a contrast, while moreover adds a point.

✗ The staff missed the meeting. This annoyed.

✓ The staff missed the meeting. This annoyed the manager.

The reference word needs a clear subject or idea after it.

✗ The team checks orders, and the manager does checks too.

✓ The team checks orders, and the manager does so too.

Does so replaces the repeated action.

✗ Moreover, the room was cold. Moreover, the bus was late.

✓ The room was cold. Moreover, the bus was late.

One marker is enough when the second sentence adds a point.

✗ The road closed; hence, the bus arrived early.

✓ The road closed; hence, the bus arrived late.

Hence introduces a result that must fit the stated cause.

✗ Turning to about delivery, the report lists costs.

✓ Turning to delivery, the report lists costs.

Turning to is followed directly by the topic.

Plan it, then check it

Plan

Write the main message in one sentence.
Group related ideas into paragraphs.
Choose the best order for each paragraph.
Mark repeated ideas and possible links.
Choose only the markers that clarify the meaning.

Check

Check that every reference word has a clear meaning.
Check that each discourse marker fits its purpose.
Check that paragraph openings connect to earlier ideas.
Remove repeated links that do not help the reader.
Read the whole text to check its flow.

Practice

EXERCISE:

Choose the best link

Choose the best word or phrase for each sentence.

1.The store extended its hours. ___, more customers visited after work.

As a result introduces an outcome caused by the longer opening hours.

2.The morning bus is usually quiet. ___, the evening bus is crowded.

Conversely introduces a contrasting situation.

3.The team checks each order, and the supervisor does ___ too.

Does so replaces the action checks each order.

4.The café improved its service. ___, customers now receive orders faster.

Moreover adds another positive point.

5.The delivery service needs changes. ___, its evening hours need review.

Specifically introduces an exact detail about the needed changes.

6.The road was closed, ___ the delay in deliveries.

Hence links the road closure to the resulting delay.

Now write

Your task

Rewrite the text below as one cohesive text about remote work. Keep all seven main ideas, but connect them naturally. You may change the order. Add reference words, useful discourse markers, and links between paragraphs. Avoid using the same marker in every sentence. Draft: Remote work saves travel time. Workers spend less money on transport. Some workers feel lonely. They miss talking to colleagues. Companies need clear rules. Managers should arrange regular meetings. Workers need to know when they can ask for help.

Target: one rewritten text

Word bank

moreoverconverselyas a resultspecificallythis changethese benefitssuch concernsin additionturning tooveralldoes soconsequentlyin practiceby contrastfor example

Sentence starters

Remote work offers several benefits because...
These savings can...
However, some employees...
To address these concerns,...
Turning to company rules,...
Overall, remote work...

Use made-up people, workplaces, and details. Do not include private information.

Write in your notebook or in a document, then use the checklist below.

Check your writing

Does each reference word point to a clear idea?
Have I chosen markers that match each connection?
Does each paragraph connect to the paragraph before it?
Have I used related words without repeating too much?
Have I removed markers that do not help the reader?

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