Improve Writing by Strengthening Cohesion in a Paragraph

When students understand how ideas link together, their writing becomes easier to follow, more logical and more engaging.

This worksheet pack has been designed by our team to teach your students how to create cohesion in a paragraph using a variety of cohesive devices. The resource covers essential language features such as time connectives, comparing language, cause and effect words, adding words and exception words. Each worksheet includes a short explanation supported by age-appropriate activities that allow students to practice using cohesive devices in context.

This worksheet pack for teaching cohesion in a paragraph downloads as a printable PDF or editable Google Slides document. Answers are included to make grading quick and easy.

Whether used as part of a focused writing lesson or as independent revision, these worksheets offer a simple yet powerful way to boost students’ paragraph writing skills.

Cohesion in Paragraphs: Why It’s Important

As previously mentioned, cohesion is the cornerstone of effective communication. 

Here are three reasons why it is important to teach our students how to use cohesive devices effectively, both in and across paragraphs:

1. They support structured, organized thinking – Learning to use cohesive devices encourages students to organize their thoughts more clearly, which is helpful not just in writing, but in speaking, too!
2. They enhance writing quality – Cohesive writing sounds more polished and professional than writing that lacks flow. It helps students move beyond lists of unrelated ideas to writing that feels connected and purposeful.
3. They boost reader engagement – Readability is a key consideration when engaging with any text. When ideas are linked smoothly, the reader is more likely to stay engaged and understand the writer’s message or argument.

Read below to learn how to access this versatile resource!

Download This Cohesive Paragraph Worksheet Pack

Ready to get your hands on this resource? Use the Download button above to access either the printable PDF or the editable Google Slides version. (Note: You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides template on your personal drive before accessing it.)

As this worksheet pack contains answers, we recommend that you print one copy of the entire resource, then remove the pages you need before making further photocopies.

This resource was created by Lauren Borst, a teacher in Indiana and a Teach Starter collaborator.

More Resources for Teaching Cohesion in Writing

Teach Starter has more great resources to save you time when teaching cohesive devices to your class. Click below for some more curriculum-aligned, teacher-created activities!

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