Select and Organise Relevant Information and Ideas into Coherent Text Using Appropriate Linking Devices

2026 Syllabus Objectives

By the end of these notes, you should be able to:

  • Select and organise relevant information and ideas into coherent (clear and connected) text
  • Use linking devices (also called connectives or connecting words) for different purposes:
    • Cause and effect – therefore, because of, as a result, consequently, etc.
    • Addition – in addition, moreover, furthermore, as well as, etc.
    • Contrast and concession – however, in contrast, whereas, although, etc.
  • Organise texts in a logical or clear order
  • Use paragraphs effectively to structure your writing

1. What is Coherent Text?

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Coherent text means writing that is clear, logical, and easy to follow. When your writing is coherent, the reader can easily understand:

  • What you are saying
  • How your ideas connect to each other
  • Why you have organised your ideas in that particular order

Think of coherent writing like giving someone directions. If you say: "Turn left. Walk 100 metres. Cross the road. You'll see the shop on your right" – that's coherent. But if you say: "Walk 100 metres. You'll see a shop. Turn left. Cross something" – that's confusing and NOT coherent.

2. What are Linking Devices?

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Linking devices (also called connectives or discourse markers) are words or phrases that connect ideas together. They work like signposts in your writing, showing the reader how one idea relates to the next.

Why are linking devices important?

Without linking devices, your writing sounds choppy and disconnected. Compare these two examples:

Without linking devices: "I studied hard for the exam. I felt confident. I didn't sleep well the night before. I was tired during the test. I think I did well."

With linking devices: "I studied hard for the exam, so I felt confident. However, I didn't sleep well the night before. As a result, I was tired during the test. Nevertheless, I think I did well."

The second example is much clearer because the linking devices show how the ideas connect.

3. Types of Linking Devices

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A. Cause and Effect Linking Devices

These linking devices show that one thing caused another thing to happen. They connect a reason with a result.

Common cause and effect linking devices:

  • Therefore – "The weather was terrible. Therefore, the match was cancelled."
  • Because of – "The match was cancelled because of the terrible weather."
  • As a result – "It rained heavily. As a result, the streets flooded."
  • Consequently – "She didn't study. Consequently, she failed the test."
  • So – "I was hungry, so I made a sandwich."
  • Thus – "The experiment failed. Thus, we had to start again." (more formal)
  • Due to – "The flight was delayed due to bad weather."
  • Since – "Since it was raining, we stayed indoors."

How to use them:

✅ Correct: "I missed the bus. Therefore, I was late for school." ✅ Correct: "I was late for school because of missing the bus."

❌ Incorrect: "Therefore I missed the bus, I was late." (wrong word order)

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