CEFR - Common European Framework Written Cohesion and Coherence Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which statement best distinguishes 'cohesion' from 'coherence' in written text according to the CEFR framework?

Accepted Answer

Cohesion concerns the grammatical and lexical links connecting sentences, while coherence is the overall logical unity of the text.

Answer

Cohesion refers to the specific linguistic devices (e.g., pronouns, conjunctions, repetition) that create explicit links between sentences and clauses. Coherence is the broader, more conceptual quality of a text being logical, unified, and making sense as a whole. A text can be cohesive (using many linking words) but still lack overall coherence if the ideas are not logically connected.

Question 2

A learner writes the following paragraph: 'The company's profits grew by 15% last year. A new CEO was appointed in January. The marketing department uses social media extensively. The headquarters will be moved to a new city.' According to CEFR criteria, which aspect of this B1-level writing most needs improvement to reach a B2 level?

Accepted Answer

Coherence and cohesion

Answer

The sentences are grammatically correct and individually understandable, but they are presented as a disconnected list. To meet B2 standards, the writer must use cohesive devices to link these ideas into a coherent argument or narrative, showing the relationships between them (e.g., 'The company's profits grew... largely because the new CEO, appointed in January, supported the marketing department's extensive use of social media.').

Question 3

A key indicator of a writer's progression from CEFR level B2 to C1 in written production is the ability to...

Accepted Answer

use a wide variety of organizational patterns and cohesive devices with flexibility and subtlety.

Answer

While a B2 writer can produce clear, detailed text and use linking words, a C1 writer demonstrates greater mastery by handling complex subjects in a well-structured text, showing controlled use of various organizational patterns and a wide range of connectors and cohesive devices subtly and effectively. The emphasis at C1 is on flexibility, control, and nuance.

Question 4

In the sentence, 'The study revealed a significant correlation between the two variables; nevertheless, the sample size was too small to draw definitive conclusions.' What is the primary function of the cohesive device 'nevertheless'?

Accepted Answer

To introduce a contrasting idea or concession.

Answer

'Nevertheless' is an adverbial connector used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or qualifies what has just been said. It functions similarly to 'however' or 'in spite of that,' signaling to the reader that a counterpoint or limitation is about to be presented. This demonstrates an understanding of how specific cohesive devices manage the logical flow of an argument.

Question 5

A writer produces the following text: 'The city has invested heavily in public transport. Therefore, many residents still prefer to drive their own cars due to convenience.' What is the primary weakness in this text concerning cohesion?

Accepted Answer

The linking word 'Therefore' establishes a faulty logical connection.

Answer

The word 'Therefore' signals that the second sentence is a direct result of the first. However, the fact that residents prefer to drive is a contrast to the city's investment, not a result of it. A more appropriate cohesive device would be 'However,' 'Nonetheless,' or 'Despite this,' which would correctly signal the contrasting relationship between the two ideas.

CEFR - Common European Framework Practice Test

CEFR - Common European Framework Practice Test

CEFR - Common European Framework Written Cohesion and Coherence Questions and Answers