Final answer:
To boost the cohesion of a paragraph, a writer should use transitional words and phrases, which guide the reader through the sequence of ideas and show the relationships between them. Examining the first sentence of each paragraph can help ensure a clear structural outline and identify where additional transitions might be needed.
Step-by-step explanation:
To improve cohesion in your writing, it is essential to use transitional words and phrases. These linguistic tools act as bridges between your ideas, ensuring that your writing flows smoothly and that the relationships between ideas are clear to the reader. Whether moving from one idea to the next, or from one paragraph to another, transitions such as 'furthermore,' 'in addition,' 'however,' and 'consequently' play a pivotal role in guiding your reader through your arguments. They can indicate continuity, opposition, cause and effect, or simply add information. When you read the first sentence of each paragraph, it should give you an indicative outline of your writing, signaling where changes in your argument or topic occur. If the outline is not clear, using strong transitions can significantly improve the flow of your writing.
Let's say, for example, you want to connect two ideas that support each other. You might add 'similarly' or 'likewise' to the beginning of a sentence to show agreement with the previous point. Alternatively, if you are about to introduce a contrasting idea, you could use transitions like 'on the contrary' or 'nevertheless' to signal the change in direction. If you are presenting a cause and result, 'because' or 'therefore' may be your transitions of choice. By thoughtfully incorporating these elements, you enhance the cohesion of your writing.