Exemplification of cohesion and coherence in writing for SS 1

Class: SS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 9
Age: Approximately 15 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: English Language
Curriculum Theme: Writing
Focal competence: Using coherence and cohesive devices in writing
Key competencies/values: Communication; ICT and Digital Competencies; Digital Competencies; Collaboration
Skills:

• Using cohesion and cohesive devices in writing

Previous Lesson: Meanings of House, Family, Medicine, Banking and Law Terms in Registers
Topic: Cohesion And Coherence In Writing: Exemplification Of Cohesion And Coherence In Writing
Subject Matter: Exemplification of cohesion and coherence in writing

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Define cohesion and coherence in writing.
• Identify various cohesive devices in a given text.
• Explain how coherence is achieved in a passage.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of cohesion and coherence for effective communication.
• Participate actively in group discussions on text analysis.

Psychomotor Domain

• Read a given text with understanding.
• Point out specific examples of cohesive devices and coherent structures in texts.

Social Domain

• Collaborate effectively in small groups to analyse texts for cohesion and coherence.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable English Language textbook for SS 1
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work For The New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Flash cards displaying cohesive devices
• Sample passages demonstrating cohesion and coherence
• Newspaper cuttings and magazines with various text examples
• Whiteboard/Blackboard and markers/chalk

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is essential as it equips students with the ability to understand and produce clear, well-structured written communication. Mastering cohesion and coherence helps students write essays, reports, and other texts that are easy for readers to follow and comprehend. It supports their practical experience in academic writing and everyday communication.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of sentence structure, paragraph formation, and the general principles of clear writing.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Cohesion And Coherence In Writing: Exemplification Of Cohesion And Coherence In Writing

Meaning of Cohesion

Cohesion refers to the grammatical and lexical links that connect different parts of a text. It is about how words, phrases, and sentences are tied together to create a smooth flow of ideas. Cohesion makes a text “stick together” at the surface level.

Types of Cohesive Devices

Cohesion is achieved through various cohesive devices, which include:

1. Reference: Using pronouns (he, she, it, they), demonstratives (this, that, these, those), or articles (a, an, the) to refer back to previously mentioned people, things, or ideas.

   Example: “John arrived late. He missed the beginning of the meeting.” (He refers to John)

2. Substitution: Replacing a word or phrase with a shorter word or phrase to avoid repetition.

   Example: “Do you need a pen? I have one.” (one substitutes “a pen”)

3. Ellipsis: Omitting words or phrases that are understood from the context.

   Example: “Did you finish your homework? Yes, I did.” (did implies “finished my homework”)

4. Conjunction: Using linking words or phrases (e.g., and, but, so, therefore, however, in addition) to show relationships between sentences or clauses.

   Example: “It was raining heavily; therefore, we decided to stay indoors.”

5. Lexical Cohesion: Using vocabulary to link parts of a text. This can be through:
   1. Repetition: Repeating key words or phrases.
   2. Synonyms: Using words with similar meanings.
   3. Antonyms: Using words with opposite meanings.
   4. Collocation: Words that frequently occur together (e.g., “heavy rain,” “make a decision”).

   Example: “The student studied hard for the exam. Her dedication to her studies paid off.” (Repetition of “study” concept)

Meaning of Coherence

Coherence refers to the logical connection of ideas in a text, making it easy to understand. It is about the overall sense and meaning of a passage, ensuring that all parts logically relate to each other and contribute to a main idea. Coherence makes a text “make sense” at a deeper level.

How Coherence is Achieved

Coherence is achieved through:

1. Logical Ordering: Presenting ideas in a clear, sequential, or chronological order.
2. Consistent Topic: Maintaining a consistent subject or focus throughout the text.
3. Clear Purpose: Ensuring the text has a clear main point or argument.
4. Paragraphing: Organising ideas into distinct paragraphs, each with a clear topic sentence.
5. Transitional Phrases: Using phrases that signal shifts in ideas or relationships between them (e.g., “firstly,” “in contrast,” “as a result”).

Exemplification of Cohesion and Coherence in a Sample Text

Consider the following passage:

“My friend, Bola, went to the market yesterday. She wanted to buy some fresh vegetables. However, the prices were very high, so she decided to wait until next week. This decision disappointed her, but she knew it was for the best.”

Analysis:

1. Cohesion:
   1. “She” (sentence 2) refers to “Bola” (sentence 1) – an example of reference.
   2. “However” (sentence 3) is a conjunction that shows a contrast between wanting to buy and high prices.
   3. “so” (sentence 3) is a conjunction indicating a consequence.
   4. “This decision” (sentence 4) refers back to “decided to wait until next week” (sentence 3) – an example of demonstrative reference.
   5. “her” (sentence 4) refers to “Bola” – another example of reference.
   6. “but” (sentence 4) is a conjunction showing a contrast in Bola’s feelings.
   7. “it” (sentence 4) refers to “this decision” – another example of reference.
2. Coherence:
   1. The passage is coherent because the ideas are presented in a logical sequence of events: Bola’s trip to the market, her intention, the obstacle, her decision, and her feelings about it.
   2. The main topic (Bola’s market trip and decision) is consistent throughout the passage.
   3. Each sentence builds upon the previous one, making the entire passage easy to follow and understand.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Explanation, Question and Answer, Group Work, Guided Practice

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engaging/Questioning

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them what makes a piece of writing easy to read and understand. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Cohesion and Coherence in Writing.”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the questions and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Introduction to topic

Step 2: Explanation of Cohesion

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of cohesion and introduces various cohesive devices (reference, substitution, ellipsis, conjunction, lexical cohesion) using flash cards and simple examples on the board.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and note down key definitions and examples.

Learning Point: Understanding cohesion

Step 3: Explanation of Coherence

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Clarification

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of coherence, emphasising its role in the logical flow of ideas. The teacher also explains how coherence is achieved (logical ordering, consistent topic, etc.).

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and contribute ideas on what makes a text logical.

Learning Point: Understanding coherence

Step 4: Distinguishing Cohesion and Coherence

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Comparison/Differentiation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to understand the difference between cohesion (surface-level links) and coherence (deep-level logical flow), using simple analogies.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in a brief discussion, clarifying their understanding of the two concepts.

Learning Point: Cohesion vs. coherence

Step 5: Group Activity – Identifying Cohesion and Coherence

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Group Facilitation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides students into small groups and provides each group with sample passages (from newspaper cuttings, magazines, or prepared texts). The teacher instructs them to identify and highlight instances of cohesive devices and discuss how coherence is achieved in their assigned texts.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils work collaboratively in their groups to analyse the provided texts, identifying and discussing cohesive and coherent elements.

Learning Point: Identifying text features

Step 6: Group Presentation and Discussion

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Presentation/Feedback

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks each group to present their findings, pointing out specific examples from their texts. The teacher provides feedback and clarifies any misconceptions.

Pupils’ Activity: Group representatives present their analyses, and other pupils listen and ask questions.

Learning Point: Analysis and presentation

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. What is cohesion in writing?
2. Mention two types of cohesive devices.
3. What is coherence?
4. How does logical ordering contribute to coherence?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding lesson concepts

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on cohesion, coherence, and their exemplification into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording key information

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarising

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarises the importance of cohesion and coherence in making writing clear and effective, encouraging students to apply these principles in their own writing.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and reflect on the lesson’s main points.

Learning Point: Reinforcing lesson importance

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow in your notebook.

1. Identify at least three cohesive devices used in the passage and state their types.
2. Explain how the passage achieves coherence.

Passage: “The school principal addressed the students during the assembly. He reminded them about the upcoming inter-house sports competition. Consequently, all students were advised to register with their house masters. This registration is important for proper organisation. Therefore, they should not delay.”

Lesson Keywords

• Cohesion – The grammatical and lexical links that connect parts of a text.
• Coherence – The logical connection of ideas in a text, making it easy to understand.
• Cohesive devices – Words or phrases that create links between sentences and paragraphs.
• Reference – Using pronouns or demonstratives to refer to previously mentioned items.
• Conjunction – Linking words that show relationships between ideas.
• Lexical cohesion – Links created through vocabulary, such as repetition or synonyms.

Differentiation

For students who struggle, provide simpler texts with clearly marked cohesive devices and guide them step-by-step in identifying these features. For advanced learners, challenge them to rewrite an incoherent passage to make it cohesive and coherent, or analyse more complex literary texts.

Suggested Lesson Videos

YouTube search for “cohesion and coherence in writing SS1 English”