Connectors make ideas flow: Cohesion is what turns a pile of correct sentences into a piece of writing that flows. You get it from connectors — little linking words and phrases like moreover, however and therefore — that signpost how one idea relates to the next. Good connectors raise Criterion A (range and accuracy of language) and help Criterion B, because well-organised ideas are easier to follow.
- connector (linker)
- a linking word or phrase that joins ideas (moreover, however, because)
- cohesion
- how smoothly ideas link together and flow across a text
- addition
- adding a further idea in the same direction (moreover, also, in addition)
- contrast
- setting one idea against another (however, although, on the other hand)
- cause · consequence
- the reason for something (because, since) · its result (therefore, so)
Variety beats repetition: Examiners reward a range of connectors. If every sentence starts with and or but, you cap your Criterion A mark. Aim to use several different linkers across your answer — the toolkit in the next section gives you one for each job.
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One connector for each job: Connectors come in families, grouped by the job they do. Learn one or two from each family and you can link any two ideas. The trick is matching the connector to the relationship: are you adding, contrasting, giving a reason, or showing a result?
- Addition (adding an idea): moreover, in addition, also — “Sport is healthy; moreover, it's fun.”
- Contrast (setting ideas against each other): however, although, on the other hand — “I like running; however, I prefer swimming.”
- Cause (giving a reason): because, since, as — “I stayed in because it was raining.”
- Consequence (showing a result): therefore, so, as a result — “It was raining; therefore, I stayed at home.”
- Sequence (ordering ideas): first, then, finally — “First warm up, then train and finally stretch.”
- Examples (illustrating a point): for example, for instance, such as — “I play team sports; for example, basketball.”
Six jobs to memorise: Addition · Contrast · Cause · Consequence · Sequence · Examples. Keep one go-to connector for each in your head — moreover · however · because · therefore · then · for example — and you'll always have a way to join your next idea on.
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Topic → develop → example → transition: A cohesive paragraph isn't a list of sentences — it's one idea, developed. Open with a topic sentence, develop it with a connector, back it up with an example, then transition to the next paragraph. The same four moves work for every paragraph you write.
Build a cohesive paragraph — 4 steps
1
Write a topic sentence
State the paragraph's main idea in one clear sentence — “Sport improves your health.”
2
Develop it with a connector
Extend the idea using a linker: “Moreover, it reduces stress and improves your sleep.”
3
Add an example
Make it concrete with “for example” or “for instance”: “For example, running for twenty minutes helps me sleep.”
4
Conclude or transition
Close the idea or move on with “therefore”, “in short” or “on the other hand”: “Therefore, I recommend exercising every day.”
Topic → Develop → Example → Transition
One idea per paragraph: Don't cram three points into one block. Give each idea its own paragraph built with these four moves — that's what makes your answer readable and protects your Criterion B (organisation) marks.
Choppy vs cohesive, side by side: Here are the same five ideas written two ways: first as choppy, disconnected sentences, then linked into one flowing paragraph with connectors. Watch how the second version reads better without adding any new content.
From choppy sentences to a cohesive paragraph
The same ideas, linked
- Choppy version (loose sentences): “Sport is good. You exercise. You meet people. You learn discipline. It's fun.” Five short, disconnected sentences — the ideas are fine, but nothing links them, so it reads like a shopping list.
- Cohesive version (one paragraph): “Sport improves young people's lives. As well as keeping you fit, it helps you make new friends; for example, on my team I met some of my closest friends. It also teaches discipline, since you have to train regularly. That is why I would recommend it to everyone.” Same ideas — but now they flow.
- The connectors that did the work: “As well as” (addition), “for example” (example), “It also” (addition), “since” (cause) and “That is why” (consequence). Each one signposts how one idea relates to the next — that signposting is cohesion.
Same ideas, better marks: Notice the second version added no new information — only connectors. That's the cheapest mark in Paper 1: take the ideas you already have and link them. A handful of well-placed connectors visibly lifts your Criterion A and B.
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Linking done well vs done badly: Cohesion goes wrong in predictable ways: starting a sentence with Because as a fragment, leaning on and for everything, or repeating one connector until it loses its meaning. Here's the contrast between strong and weak linking.
Good use of connectors
- Start a result sentence with “Therefore,…” or “As a result,…”.
- Vary your connectors according to their job.
- Use “because” inside the sentence, not as a loose opener.
- Split your ideas into clear, separate paragraphs.
Mistakes that cost marks
- Start a sentence with “Because…” as a fragment (use “Therefore,…”).
- Join everything with “and… and… and…”.
- Repeat the same connector in every sentence.
- Write one giant paragraph with no breaks.
“Because” links, “therefore” opens: Don't start a sentence with “Because…” on its own — it leaves a fragment. If you want to open with a result, use “Therefore,…” or “As a result,…”. Keep “because” for joining a reason inside a sentence: “I study because I want to pass.”