Connectives and cohesion

The rule in one minute

Connectives are words and phrases that show how one idea links to another. Each one shows a different relationship:

• Result: so, therefore, as a result, consequently
• Contrast: however, but, yet, on the other hand
• Addition: also, in addition, furthermore
• Example: for example, for instance
• Sequence: first, then, next, finally

The plan was cheap; however, it was slow shows a contrast. The plan was cheap; therefore, it was chosen shows a result. The skill is picking the connective that matches the real link.

Cohesion means the whole piece holds together. Connectives are only one tool. Pronouns point back to a noun you already used.

Repeating a key word, or a similar word, keeps the topic clear. Putting ideas in logical order carries the reader forward.

Why it matters in the exam

Markers judge how well your ideas are organised. If each point follows from the last, your essay reads like a controlled argument. If sentences sit next to each other with no clear link, the reader has to guess the connection, and that looks like weak organisation.

This matters in directed writing too, where a persuasive or discursive answer needs ideas that build step by step.

Choosing a connective that signals the wrong link is worse than using none. Choosing the right one makes your argument easy to follow.

Before and after

• Wrong link: The evidence was strong; however, the jury convicted him. Right: The evidence was strong; therefore, the jury convicted him. Strong evidence leads to a conviction. It does not contrast with it.
• Disconnected: The town lost its factory. Unemployment rose. Young people left. Linked: The town lost its factory, so unemployment rose, and as a result many young people left.
• Too many: Furthermore, moreover, the cost was high, and additionally the risk was great. Cleaner: The cost was high, and the risk was great too.
• Unclear: She trained hard. She won. Linked: Because she trained hard, she won.

Try it yourself

Choose the connective that fits, then check below.

1. The road was flooded, ___ we had to turn back. (however / so / for example)
2. Reading builds vocabulary; ___, it improves concentration. (in addition / on the other hand / therefore)
3. He is talented; ___, he rarely practises. (as a result / however / for instance)
4. Prices rose sharply; ___, sales fell. (in addition / for example / consequently)

Answers: (1) so, because the flood caused the turn back. (2) in addition, because it adds a second, similar point.

(3) however, because talent and little practice contrast. (4) consequently, because the price rise caused the fall in sales.

Make it a habit

At each join between ideas, ask: what is the relationship? Is the next idea a result, a contrast, an addition, an example or the next step? Name the relationship first, then choose the word.

This avoids the worst mistake: using a contrast word where you mean a result. It tells the reader the opposite of what you mean.

When you edit, read each paragraph and check that every sentence follows from the one before. Where the link is unclear, add a connective.

Where the logic is already clear, you may not need one. A few precise connectives are better than a long pile of them.

Where students get stuck, and how we help

Many students learn a list of fancy connectives and use them in the wrong place. In our writing paper lessons, a teacher reads your own essays and marks both the missing links and the ones that point the wrong way.

Lessons start from RM70/hr. You can book a paid one-hour trial to try it.

Next step

Practise in the practice area. Then read about paragraphing and sentence variety, and see the skills guides for how whole arguments are built. For editing, use the proofreading guide.

Next, visit our original practice tasks to use the rule in your own writing. Our IGCSE English tuition page explains how lessons run. When you are ready, the paid one-hour trial is the first step.