Understanding Cohesive Devices Flashcards

The city invested heavily in public transit. __________, traffic congestion has noticeably decreased during peak hours.

Answer: As a result

The correct answer is 'As a result'. This cohesive device indicates that the decrease in traffic congestion is a direct consequence or effect of the city's investment in public transit. The first sentence states the cause, and the second states the effect.

Read the following excerpt from an email: 'Our team successfully launched the new marketing campaign last week. However, initial customer feedback suggests some confusion about the new pricing model.' What is the function of the word 'However' in this context?

Answer: To introduce a contrasting point

'However' is a transitional adverb used to signal a contrast or opposition between two ideas. In this case, it contrasts the success of the launch with the negative customer feedback, showing an unexpected or opposing outcome.

The new community garden will provide residents with fresh produce. __________, it will serve as a green space for relaxation and social gatherings. Which cohesive device best completes the sentence?

Answer: Furthermore

'Furthermore' is used to add another point or piece of information that supports or is related to the previous statement. The second sentence adds another benefit of the community garden, which is consistent with the first benefit mentioned.

The new software update was supposed to fix several bugs. The IT department tested *it* extensively before the company-wide rollout. What does the word 'it' refer to?

Answer: The new software update

The pronoun 'it' is a cohesive device that refers back to a previously mentioned noun (an antecedent) to avoid repetition. In this context, 'it' refers to 'The new software update,' which is the thing that the IT department would logically test.

Which of the following sentences uses a cohesive device to correctly show a cause-and-effect relationship?

Answer: Due to the unexpected power outage, all classes were cancelled.

The phrase 'Due to' explicitly indicates a cause-and-effect relationship. The power outage (the cause) led to the cancellation of classes (the effect). The other options show contrast ('although'), sequence ('first, next'), and addition ('moreover').

I wanted to apply for the senior manager position, ________ I did not meet the requirement for five years of leadership experience.

Answer: but

The word 'but' is a conjunction used to connect two contrasting ideas. The speaker's desire to apply for the job is contrasted with the fact that they were not qualified, which explains why they likely couldn't. 'So' or 'because' would create an illogical relationship.