ELSA Discourse Markers & Text Cohesion 3

Question 1

Which of the following best describes 'coherence' in a written text?

Accepted Answer

The logical flow and unity of ideas across the text

Answer

Coherence refers to the logical organization and flow of ideas in a text, ensuring that the overall message is clear and unified.

Question 2

"She didn't enjoy the movie. _______, she stayed until the end." The relationship between these sentences is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Concession

Answer

This is a concessive relationship—she stayed despite not enjoying the movie, which is an unexpected or contrasting outcome.

Question 3

Which pair of sentences is most correctly connected by the marker 'in contrast'?

Accepted Answer

She likes reading. In contrast, her brother prefers video games.

Answer

Option B correctly uses 'in contrast' to highlight a clear difference in preferences between two comparable subjects (she vs. her brother).

Question 4

What is the function of the phrase 'to summarize' in academic writing?

Accepted Answer

To signal that the writer is condensing the main points

Answer

'To summarize' signals that the writer is condensing the main points of the discussion, typically near the end of a section or essay.

Question 5

"The researchers collected data, _______ analyzed it, and _______ published their findings." Which markers correctly show sequence?

Accepted Answer

then / finally

Answer

'Then' and 'finally' are sequential discourse markers that indicate the chronological order of steps in a process.

(ELSA) English Language Skills Assessment Practice Test