Which key cohesive devices improve coherence?

Function 1: Addition

additionally, again, also, and, besides, furthermore, in addition to, moreover, too

• Besides air pollution, microplastics are an additional cause of increased cancer.
• This belief is in addition to the perception that most students are lazy.

Function 2: Comparison

also, as though, equally, just as, likewise, in comparison, similarly, while

• Air pollution is just as damaging to a person’s health as smoking.
• In comparison to in-class learners, online students are more independent.

Function 3: Contrast

conversely, however, in contrast, instead, nevertheless, on the contrary, whereas

• Most people know that smoking is unhealthy; however, new smokers are still on the increase.
• Instead of learning to drive, many people are opting to use Uber or Didi to get to work.

Function 4: Concession

although, even though, granted that, of course, naturally, regardless, though

• Although some positives to online learning do exist, the negatives are far more salient.
• Regardless of whether cancer rates are on the decline, this is still an important issue.

Function 5: Exemplification

for example, for instance, including, notably, specifically, such as, to illustrate

• There are many types of sentence structure such as compound and complex.
• There are various symptoms of malaria, including fever and headaches.

Function 6: Result

accordingly, as a result, because, consequently, due to, hence, so, therefore, thus

• As a result of increased tuition fees, many subjects in the arts are seeing reduced enrolment.
• This decrease in teenage pregnancy may be due to an increase in the use of technology.

Function 7: Reformulation

basically, briefly, in other words, put simply, rather, that is to say

• Put simply, there is no greater threat to human health today than air pollution.
• This issue is more complex than thought. That is to say, government intervention is required.

Function 8: Replacement

alternatively, again, better still, instead, on the other hand

• On the other hand, governments could improve their policies with more allocation of funding.
• Instead of focussing on the causes, it may be better at this stage to target the solutions.

Function 9: Sequence

after, first, finally, more important, next, on top of that, second, since, then

• After boiling the solution for ten minutes, the beaker was placed into frigid ice water.
• Finally, the situation was resolved through media reporting and government intervention.

Function 10: Similarity

also, comparatively, concurrently, equally, just as, likewise, similarly, so too

• Smoking is equally as harmful as commuting in some of the most polluted parts of India.
• Just as online learning is increasing in popularity, so too is digital access to materials.

Function 11: Summary

basically, in all, in brief, in conclusion, on the whole, therefore, to summarise

• What this evidence therefore shows is that more attention needs to be given to this issue.
• In conclusion, this essay has evaluated the theory using a number of key criteria.

Function 12: Transition

as far as X is concerned, concerning, incidentally, now, turning to, with regard to,

• With regard to the second issue in our talk today, there are three factors I wish to discuss.
• Turning to our second solution, we can see that government policies are of critical importance.