Essay Cohesion Workshop

Name:

Date:

📚 Part 1: Identifying Cohesive Devices

Success Criteria: I can identify and use conjunctions, pronouns, and transition phrases to create cohesive academic writing.

1. Circle the conjunctions in the following essay extract:

"The protagonist's loss of innocence is evident throughout the play. However, this transformation is not merely personal. Furthermore, it reflects broader societal changes. Although the character begins naively, therefore the audience witnesses a gradual awakening to harsh realities."

2. Which conjunction would best connect these two ideas?

"The feminist lens reveals gender inequality in the play. _______ the Marxist perspective highlights class struggles."

However

Similarly

Therefore

Although

3. Fix the pronoun reference problem in this sentence:

"When the mother speaks to her daughter about marriage, she seems conflicted about it."

4. Select ALL the cohesive devices that help connect ideas in essays:

Conjunctions (however, therefore, although)

Pronouns (this, these, such)

Repetition of key terms

Transition phrases (in contrast, as a result)

✏️ Part 2: Sentence Combining and Correction

Success Criteria: I can combine sentences effectively and identify/correct fragments and run-ons to improve essay flow.

5. Combine these choppy sentences using appropriate conjunctions:

"The character loses her innocence. This happens gradually. It reflects societal pressures. The audience sympathises with her struggle."

6. Identify and fix the sentence fragment:

"The psychoanalytic lens reveals unconscious desires. Which drive the character's actions throughout Act Two."

7. Correct this run-on sentence:

"The historical context is crucial it shows how societal expectations shaped women's experiences the playwright critiques these limitations through symbolism."

8. Which sentence demonstrates the BEST cohesion between critical lenses?

The feminist lens shows gender issues. The Marxist lens shows class issues.

While the feminist lens reveals gender oppression, the Marxist perspective similarly exposes economic exploitation, both demonstrating systemic inequality.

Feminism and Marxism are different but related approaches to analysis.

🎯 Part 3: Essay Application

Success Criteria: I can apply cohesive devices to strengthen my analytical writing and create clear connections between ideas.

9. Write a topic sentence that connects TWO critical lenses in your essay analysis:

10. Complete this analytical paragraph by adding appropriate cohesive devices in the blanks:

"The protagonist's journey from innocence to experience reflects broader themes of societal change. _________, the feminist lens reveals how gender expectations limit her choices. _________ transformation is not merely personal; _________, it represents the struggles of many women in _________ historical period. _________ the Marxist perspective shows how economic factors compound _________ difficulties."

11. Self-Assessment: Rate your current essay's cohesion (circle one):

Strong - ideas flow smoothly with clear connections

Good - mostly connected but some gaps

Developing - some connections but needs improvement

Beginning - ideas seem disconnected

12. Reflection: What is ONE cohesive device you will focus on improving in your final essay draft?