Writing: Paragraphing, Cohesion and Complex Sentences

This lesson covers DfE content statements L2.26 and L2.28 — writing consistently and accurately in complex sentences using paragraphs where appropriate, and using a range of sentence structures, including complex sentences, and paragraphs to organise written communication effectively.

If format and purpose are the "what" of good writing, paragraphing and sentence structure are the "how." These skills are assessed in every writing task and carry significant marks.

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Why Paragraphs Matter

Paragraphs do two things:

1. Organise your ideas — each paragraph covers one main point
2. Make your writing readable — a solid block of text with no paragraphs is intimidating and hard to follow

When to Start a New Paragraph

Start a new paragraph when you:

Trigger	Example
Change topic or point	Moving from discussing costs to discussing benefits
Change time	"Three months later..."
Change place	"At the second site, however..."
Change speaker (in reported speech)	Quoting a different person
Introduce a counter-argument	"However, some argue that..."
Move from introduction to main body	After your opening paragraph
Move from main body to conclusion	Starting your final paragraph

What Does a Good Paragraph Look Like?

A good paragraph has:

• A topic sentence — the first sentence, which states the paragraph's main point
• Development — sentences that expand on the point with detail, evidence, or examples
• A link — the final sentence, which connects to the next paragraph or back to the overall argument

Example of Poor Paragraphing

The company has seen a 15% increase in customer complaints this quarter. The main issues are delayed deliveries and faulty products. However, the new website has been very successful and attracted 40,000 visitors in its first month. Staff turnover has also increased, with 23 employees leaving in the past six months. The IT department has requested a budget increase for new software. Customer satisfaction surveys show that 68% of respondents rated the service as "good" or "excellent".

This is confusing because it jumps between topics (complaints, website, staff turnover, IT budget, satisfaction) without any paragraphing. Each topic needs its own paragraph.

Example of Good Paragraphing

The company has seen a 15% increase in customer complaints this quarter. The main issues are delayed deliveries and faulty products. An analysis of complaints data shows that 41% relate to orders arriving more than five working days late, while 28% concern items that were damaged or defective on arrival.

In contrast, the new website has been a notable success. Since its launch in January, it has attracted over 40,000 unique visitors. Customer satisfaction surveys of online users show that 68% rated the experience as "good" or "excellent."

However, there are concerns about staff retention. Twenty-three employees have left the company in the past six months, a significant increase on the same period last year. Exit interviews suggest that workload and limited career progression are the primary reasons for leaving.

Each paragraph now covers one topic, with clear topic sentences and logical development.

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Cohesive Devices and Discourse Markers

Cohesive devices are words and phrases that connect ideas within and between paragraphs. They are sometimes called discourse markers or connectives. Using them well makes your writing flow smoothly and shows the examiner that your ideas are logically connected.

Types of Cohesive Devices

Type	Purpose	Examples
Addition	Adding a new point	furthermore, in addition, moreover, also, as well as this, additionally
Contrast	Introducing an opposing point	however, on the other hand, in contrast, nevertheless, conversely, despite this, although
Cause/Effect	Showing a result or reason	therefore, consequently, as a result, because of this, thus, hence, for this reason
Example	Giving an illustration	for example, for instance, such as, in particular, to illustrate
Emphasis	Stressing an important point	importantly, significantly, crucially, above all, in particular, especially
Sequence	Showing order	firstly, secondly, finally, subsequently, following this, prior to this
Summary	Drawing together points	in conclusion, to summarise, overall, in summary, ultimately, on balance
Concession	Admitting a point before countering it	admittedly, granted, while it is true that, although, even though

How to Use Them Effectively

Do: Use them at the start of paragraphs and sentences to signal the relationship between ideas.

The new rota system has reduced overtime costs by 18%. Furthermore, staff satisfaction has improved, with 72% of employees saying the new system is an improvement.

The proposal has clear benefits. However, there are significant risks that must be addressed before implementation.

Do not: Overuse them or use them incorrectly.

Furthermore, the sky was blue. Moreover, it was Tuesday. In addition, I had toast for breakfast. (These connectives imply a logical connection between ideas — there is none here.)

Exam Tip: Aim to use at least one discourse marker per paragraph. This shows the examiner that your ideas are connected and that you are controlling the flow of your writing. But do not force them — they should feel natural.

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Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences

At Level 2, you are expected to write a range of sentence types. This means mixing simple, compound, and complex sentences to create variety and control.

Simple Sentences

A simple sentence has one main clause (one subject + one verb).

• The report was submitted on time.
• Customer complaints have increased.
• She completed the training course.

Simple sentences are clear and direct. They are effective for emphasis or for stating facts.

Compound Sentences

A compound sentence joins two main clauses with a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) or a semicolon.

• The report was submitted on time*, and** the manager approved it.*
• Customer complaints have increased*, but** overall satisfaction remains high.*
• She completed the training course*; she** was awarded a certificate.*

Compound sentences show a relationship between two equal ideas.

Complex Sentences

A complex sentence has one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses. The subordinate clause cannot stand alone as a sentence — it depends on the main clause.