In Year 5 English, students are encouraged to write with more fluency, clarity, and structure. One of the most important tools they learn at this stage is how to use cohesive devices. These are words or phrases that help connect ideas, making writing flow logically and smoothly. Without cohesive devices, a paragraph can feel disjointed and confusing. Understanding how to use cohesive devices effectively allows students to write more engaging stories, informative texts, and persuasive arguments. Whether in fiction or nonfiction, these linking tools are essential to good communication.
What Are Cohesive Devices?
Cohesive devices, sometimes called linking words or connectives, are used to hold writing together. They help readers understand the relationships between sentences and paragraphs. These devices provide structure and improve the overall readability of a piece of writing. Year 5 pupils are taught to use a range of cohesive devices to improve the clarity and interest of their writing.
Cohesion in writing means that all parts of the text stick together and make sense as a whole. Cohesive devices are the glue that binds different parts of the text, guiding the reader from one idea to the next.
Types of Cohesive Devices
There are several types of cohesive devices that Year 5 students should be familiar with. Each type serves a different purpose, and using a variety of them helps improve writing significantly.
1. Conjunctions
Conjunctions are words that link two clauses or sentences. They show how ideas are related and can signal cause, contrast, condition, or sequence.
- and
- but
- because
- although
- so
- while
- if
- even though
Example I wanted to go outside, but it started to rain.
2. Adverbials
Adverbials are words or phrases that provide additional information about how, when, where, or why something happens. They can also be used to link sentences and paragraphs.
- Next
- Then
- After that
- Meanwhile
- In the end
- However
- As a result
Example Meanwhile, the children were getting ready for the play.
3. Pronouns
Pronouns are used to avoid repetition and keep writing flowing naturally. They refer back to nouns mentioned earlier.
- he
- she
- it
- they
- this
- those
Example Sam found a kitten. He took it home and gave it food.
4. Repetition of Key Words or Phrases
Repeating important words or phrases helps keep the focus of the writing clear. This technique can be especially useful in instructions or persuasive texts.
Example Exercise is important. Daily exercise helps keep your body strong and healthy.
5. Synonyms and Related Words
Using synonyms avoids boring repetition and helps vary sentence structure. It also helps maintain cohesion by referring to the same idea using different words.
Example The mountain was steep. The climb was challenging, but they kept going.
Why Are Cohesive Devices Important?
In Year 5, students are expected to produce longer pieces of writing that may include more complex ideas. Cohesive devices help make these texts more organized and easier to follow. They support logical connections, help ideas flow, and prevent the writing from feeling choppy or fragmented.
Without cohesive devices, writing can feel disconnected. For example, listing events without using time-related adverbials can confuse readers. Similarly, not using pronouns can lead to repetitive and awkward phrasing.
How to Teach Cohesive Devices Effectively
Teachers and parents can use various methods to help children master the use of cohesive devices. These methods can be integrated into reading and writing activities in class or at home.
Reading Examples
Reading high-quality texts aloud or together can highlight how authors use cohesive devices. Encourage students to underline or identify linking words and discuss their effects.
Sentence Combining
Provide students with simple sentences and ask them to combine them using conjunctions or adverbials. This practice helps them understand how two ideas can be connected in different ways.
Writing Tasks
Ask students to write a paragraph using at least five different cohesive devices. This gives them practical experience in linking ideas within a context.
Editing and Revising
Encourage students to review their writing and improve cohesion by adding or changing cohesive devices. This builds editing skills and deepens their understanding of how cohesion works.
Examples of Cohesive Devices in Different Text Types
Narrative Writing
Narrative texts use cohesive devices to show time, actions, and responses.
Example
First, the explorer entered the cave. Then, he heard a strange noise. Suddenly, a bat flew out, and he jumped in fright.
Persuasive Writing
Persuasive texts rely on linking ideas and building strong arguments.
Example
Firstly, school lunches should be healthier. In addition, students need energy to learn. As a result, providing balanced meals is essential.
Instructional Writing
Instructions need clear and logical order, often achieved through time-based adverbials.
Example
Next, pour the mixture into the tray. After that, place it in the oven for 20 minutes.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
While learning to use cohesive devices, students may overuse certain words like and or then. It’s important to introduce a variety of linking words to expand their vocabulary and help their writing sound more natural.
Another mistake is using a cohesive device that doesn’t match the relationship between ideas. For example, using however when showing a cause-and-effect connection doesn’t work. Teaching students to choose the right type of connector based on meaning is key.
Checklist for Using Cohesive Devices
Students can use the following checklist to improve the cohesion of their writing
- Have I used conjunctions to join related ideas?
- Did I include time adverbials to show the order of events?
- Have I avoided repeating the same words too often?
- Did I use pronouns to refer back to previous nouns?
- Have I used a range of cohesive devices throughout the text?
In Year 5, cohesive devices are an essential part of writing development. These tools help students create clear, structured, and interesting texts. By learning how to use conjunctions, adverbials, pronouns, and synonyms, young writers can connect their ideas in a way that is logical and engaging. With consistent practice and a growing awareness of how good writing is structured, students become more confident communicators. Cohesive devices not only improve grammar and composition but also play a vital role in making writing enjoyable to read and easy to understand.