1.0 INTRODUCTION

COHESIVE DEVICES

Cohesive devices are used to link sentences, paragraphs and ideas. They

are used to provide logical connections between ideas. Linking ideas is one of the

most of the important keys to writing a good essay. Cohesive devices are typically

single words or phrases that basically make the text hang together. There are many

types of cohesive devices and they serve different functions. Cohesive devices are

also known as transitions, coordinators, and linkers.

LOGICAL CONNECTERS

Logical connectors are words and phrases which, to give just a few

examples, are used as sequencers, contrasters, generalizers and topic-introducers

to join or connect two ideas that have a particular relationship. Connectors are

obviously important for listeners, because spoken words are constantly ‘over-

written’ as we speak. However, connectors, are less important in written English,

since written texts can be re-read if necessary. In fact, rather than connectors,

written English prefers the use of phrases which clearly refer back to a preceding

idea or action. If too many connectors are used the writing becomes harder to

comprehend.

Examples of logical connecters and cohesive devices.

(a) Addition

again equally in fact

furthermore moreover and

too and then indeed

besides also in addition (to...)

what is more

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(b) Comparison

compared with in the same way similarly

in comparison with likewise

(c) Contrast and concession

besides naturally still

but nevertheless whereas

however of course while

in contrast on the contrary yet

instead on the other hand

(d) Enumeration

first(ly) second(ly) on top of (that)

last finally next

to (begin with) in the (first) place more important

then

(e) Exemplification

as (evidence of...) such as for example

thus for instance

let us (take the case of...)

to show what (I mean)

(f) Inference

If not,... otherwise then

In (that) case that implies

(g) Summary

in all in short on the whole

in brief in conclusion to sum up

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(h) Time

after (a while) before (that time) since (then)

afterwards finally so far

at first in the end then

at last meanwhile (up to) then

at (the same time) next

(i) Result

accordingly for that reason then

as a result hence therefore

consequently thus

the (consequence) of that is...

(j) Reformulation

in other words that is (to say) rather

to put it more (simply)

(k) Replacement

Again (better) still the alternative is...

Alternatively on the other hand

(l) Transition

As far as...is concerned As for... to turn to...

with (reference) to... now Incidentally

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TASK 1:TEXT

ANALYSIS

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2.0 TASK 1 : TEXT ANALYSIS

2.1 SAMPLE OF EXPOSITORY ESSAY

Reading has many benefits. What are they?

Most of us have been exposed to reading since we were young but not many

of us have the habit of reading for leisure. Most students read only because they

have to study for their examinations but reading is not only limited to study

materials. It is fun to read storybooks, novels, magazines, comics, newspapers and

any other reading material that is of interest to us. Reading is a good hobby. It is a

form of pastime which brings many benefits.

Reading enhances our general knowledge. We can learn about various

countries and cultures in other parts of the world. Therefore, books can take us on

a journey to these countries without travelling. The knowledge will open our eyes to

the world around us and teach us about the lives of other people in other countries.

We will also have the opportunity to learn more about things that are of interest to

us through books. For example, if we are interested in photography, we would read

books and instructional guides on photography and photo-editing to improve our

skills. Books also expose us to many things which we are not aware of. The

National Geographic magazine often features strange animal behaviors and even

unknown cultures in remote locations.

Reading also trains our minds to be more imaginative. It also helps us to

process new information faster and develop our ability to understand how other

people think and feel. People who love to read are also more flexible in their

thinking and are more open to new ideas. Thus, we can train our minds to think

faster and more efficiently if we read more.

We can also improve our awareness of the current events worldwide by

reading newspapers. Besides, improving our general knowledge, knowing what is

going on around us will also help us socialize with others by discussing the current

issues with them. Nowadays, we need not solely rely to newspapers for news. We

can also read real-time news online via the Internet. Many news networks update

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the information on their websites every hour just to keep the readers updated with

the latest events.

Reading is important to help us improve our language proficiency. By

exposing ourselves to the proper use of language, we can improve our grammar

and vocabulary. By reading, we would also enhance our understanding of word

usage in different contexts. Therefore, we can eventually improve on our writing

and speaking skills.

The benefits of reading are numerous. It is also a cheap activity as we can

go to the library to borrow books for free. We could also exchange books with our

friends. This will help us save a lot of money. Some people prefer to buy their

books so that they can keep them in their collection. As book is a source of

knowledge, spending money to acquire them is not a waste, it is a form of

investment.

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2.2 FUNCTIONS OF COHESIVE DEVICES AND LOGICAL CONNECTERS

Cohesive Devices Function

1 butTo suggest a contrast that is unexpected in light

of the first clause.

2 becauseTo provide a reason to illustrate an idea provided

earlier.

3 that isTo reinforce the previous idea by expressing it in

a slightly different way to make it more explicit.

4 thereforeTo demonstrate that the following idea is a result

of the previous idea.

5 alsoTo link ideas together and state explicitly that two

items are similar to each other.

6 for exampleTo provide an example in order to illustrate an

idea.

7 thusTo demonstrate that the following idea is a result

of the previous idea.

8 besidesTo add ideas and to link the new ideas to the

previous ideas.

9 asTo mean ‘because’ before a clause, often come

at the beginning of the sentence.

10 so that To talk about purpose.

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TASK 2 :WRITING

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3.0 TASK 2 : WRITING

Themes/ Issues : Healthy Lifestyle

Ways to Maintain Good Health

“If you do not have good health, you do not have wealth”. It is true that

healthy lifestyle is the most important duty we owe ourselves compare to anything

else. When we have a good health, we are able to achieve what we set out to do. In

brief, it is the recipe to leading a happy life.

The way to living healthily is as simple as ABC. One’s should love their life

and practise a few basic disciplines. Eat balanced meals which provide us with the

necessary nutrition. We should eat three nutritionally balanced and healthy meals

per day. Our diet should include more grains, fruits and vegetables. These foods

give us carbohydrates for energy, plus vitamins, minerals and fibre. Moreover, they

taste good. Drinking plenty of water is compulsory. Water keeps us hydrated and

gives us energy. We can also take multivitamin supplements, especially if we are

working harder than usual or if we are under stress.

Exercise is also vital to maintain good health. Exercise can reduce stress

which affects our personality and life. For instance, joining a gym or finding a sport

that we like at least thirty minutes every day may keep us fit. In other way, we can

walk, cycle or jog to meet our friends instead of going to meet them by car. As the

saying goes, “Walking is a man’s best medicine”. Exercising vigorously helps us to

burn calories as well. For those who prefer to maintain slim and fit, they are

encourage to exercise compared to take another supplement.

Besides eating balanced meals and participating in physical activities, rest

and sufficient sleep are also needed to maintain a good health. When we sleep, we

rest, and our body is able to renew its energy. Lake of sleep can make us looking

badly, feeling moody and performing poorly. Furthermore, teens need about nine

hours of sleep each night to function best. By getting enough rest and adequate

sleep we may relax and forget our stress.

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We need to make sure our personal hygiene and cleanliness in the way to

get a good health. This means we have to be clean on all aspects such as mental,

physical and spiritual. We ought to be a positive thinker so that we are free from

mental illness. Refrain from smoking as it affects the skin, as well as cause all kinds

of health problems. Smokers will suffer from chest pain, poor health and heart

problems that will develop to the lung cancer. These health problems can even

cause death. We must avoid or limit alcohol and caffeine intake as they dehydrate

the skin and also cause other health problem. If possible, prevent yourself from any

form of drug taking if you want to keep a healthy lifestyle.

Next, we can take time-outs and relax in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

No matter how busy we are, ensure that we take a brief pause for rest once in a

while. By doing this way, it can refresh our mind and recharge our batteries. It is

important to relax as life is too demanding and challenging. Chill out to reduce our

stress. Plus, to maintain a healthy lifestyle it is really important to feel happy and

free ourselves from stress. We can also go on occasional vacations, to release

tension and get on with the fun and happy things in life.

In conclusion, we have to make an effort continuously in order to achieve a

good health in the future. By combining all the ways stated, we are able to have the

best quality of health. In doing so, we will grow stronger, stay active longer, looks

and feel better every time as “Prevention is better than cure”.

(622 words)

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4.0 REFLECTION

On 15th August 2011, my lecturer, Mr K Puveneswaran had given an

assignment to me. The assignment is about reading and analyzing a text to identify

the cohesive devices or logical connecters. I also needed to write an expository

essay based on the given issues.

I had to go through many hardworks during completing this assignment. At

first, the main problem is, I do not really understand what the task is about. But,

after having a briefing with the lecturer, at last I can solve the problem. Besides, I

became confuse as I cannot differentiate the difference between cohesive devices

and logical connecters. After discussing with friends, I can understand the topic

thus identifying them in the text that we have found. Before that, my friend and I

also have difficulties in the way to find a suitable text that contains at least 10

cohesive devices and logical connecters. But, with a great patience and spirit, we

finally found a suitable essay.

On the other hand, doing this assignment makes me to be more understand

about the function of each connecter. I can also learn many new connecters to be

use in my writing soon. In addition, writing an expository essay in task 2 helps me

to increase my understanding about the topic and practice to write an expository

essay well. This can help me if I need to write an essay in the examination soon.

I am really glad because I have gained lots of knowledge during making this

assignment. The assignment gives me a lot of knowledge and teaches me to be

always positive thinking. I also get better understanding about the tasks and

develop me well to be a great teacher. That was a relief for me when this

assignment is complete and hoping that this assignment will fill up the criteria

needed.

NURUL ATIQAH BINTI ABD. KAMAL

920416-03-5314

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5.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY

From books:

Choo Wan Yat et al. Ace Ahead Muet. Selangor : Oxford Fajar.

Digby Beaumont and Collin Granger (1992). English Grammar(New Edition). Oxford : The Heinemann.

Magdalene Cheah and Anne William (2009). Model Essays & Summaries @ Format SPM. Malaysia : Marshall Cavendish.

From internet:

Christopher Green (1998) “Logical Connecters”. Available from,

http://vlc.polyu.edu.hk/common/logical_connectors.htm . Accessed on 17 th August 2011.

Mary Nell Sorensen (1997) “ Logical Connecters”. Available from,

http://faculty.washington.edu/marynell/grammar/logicalconnectors.html . Accessed on 17th August 2011.

(2011) “What is the role of cohesive devices in making a text?”. Available from, http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_role_of_cohesive_devices_in_making_a_text#ixzz1VOCj1Luf . Accessed on 18th August 2011.

“ Cohesive Devices”. Available from,

http://www.citadel.edu/academicsupportcenter/images/files/cohesive%20devices.pdf . Accessed on 18th August 2011.

“Conjunctions”. Available from,

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/conjunctions.htm . Accessed on 17th August 2011.

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