CEFR Written Cohesion and Coherence 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence correctly uses a cataphoric reference for cohesion?
- She was exhausted. Maria had worked all night. (Correct answer)
- Maria was exhausted. She had worked all night.
- Maria worked all night, and Maria was exhausted.
- Being exhausted, the night was long for Maria.
Correct answer: She was exhausted. Maria had worked all night.
In cataphoric reference, 'She' appears before 'Maria,' directing the reader forward to identify the referent.
Question 2: A writer ends a paragraph with: 'These challenges, however, are not insurmountable.' This sentence functions cohesively by:
- Introducing a completely new topic
- Summarizing the paragraph and signaling a contrasting idea in the next paragraph (Correct answer)
- Providing a specific example of a challenge
- Restating the topic sentence verbatim
Correct answer: Summarizing the paragraph and signaling a contrasting idea in the next paragraph
The sentence wraps up the paragraph's discussion of challenges while the word 'however' signals that the following paragraph will offer a more optimistic counter-perspective.
Question 3: In which CEFR level descriptor would you expect to find: 'Can produce clear, smoothly flowing, well-structured text with an effective logical structure which helps the reader identify significant points'?
- A2
- B1
- B2
- C1 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: C1
This descriptor matches the C1 level, which requires sophisticated organization and the ability to guide the reader through complex content.
Question 4: Which revision improves the coherence of this passage by adding an effective concluding sentence? 'Regular physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease. It also improves mental health. Studies confirm these benefits across all age groups.'
- Exercise is fun and many people enjoy it.
- In summary, the evidence strongly supports incorporating regular exercise into daily life. (Correct answer)
- Some people, however, prefer not to exercise.
- Physical activity includes walking, running, and swimming.
Correct answer: In summary, the evidence strongly supports incorporating regular exercise into daily life.
A concluding sentence that synthesizes the evidence and draws a logical conclusion strengthens the paragraph's coherence.
Question 5: Which of the following pairs demonstrates correct use of a 'comparative reference' for cohesion?
- The first solution was expensive. The latter required more time.
- The red car was fast. The blue one was even faster. (Correct answer)
- She left early. He stayed late.
- The project failed. The team disbanded.
Correct answer: The red car was fast. The blue one was even faster.
'Even faster' creates a comparative reference that explicitly links the speed of the two cars, creating cohesion through comparison.
Question 6: Which transitional phrase best signals that a writer is about to provide an example?
- On the other hand
- In other words
- For instance (Correct answer)
- As a result
Correct answer: For instance
'For instance' explicitly signals that the writer is about to provide a specific example to illustrate a general point.
Question 7: Which error most directly harms the cohesion of a written text?
- Using the passive voice occasionally
- Switching unexpectedly between 'you,' 'one,' and 'they' as generic references (Correct answer)
- Varying sentence length throughout the text
- Including both short and long paragraphs
Correct answer: Switching unexpectedly between 'you,' 'one,' and 'they' as generic references
Inconsistent use of generic reference pronouns confuses the reader about who is being addressed, directly undermining cohesion.
CEFR Written Cohesion and Coherence 5
Which sentence correctly uses a cataphoric reference for cohesion?