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English•University Academic English

Argument and cohesion

University 6 questions
AI-drafted from platform data — specialist review scheduledBy DigiTransact Mastermind editorial teamLast updated
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What argument and cohesion means

You learn how to build a clear academic argument and keep your ideas linked from sentence to sentence. This matters because your reader can follow your point more easily, and your writing sounds organised and persuasive.

What you will practise

  • Write a thesis statement that gives the main claim.
  • Choose linkers that show contrast, cause, or addition.
  • Place topic sentences at the start of paragraphs.
  • Connect supporting points so each paragraph stays on one line of thought.

Before you start

You should already be able to write simple paragraphs and understand basic sentence structure. It also helps if you know common connectives such as and, but, because, and therefore.

Worked example

One question from this skill's own question bank, shown with its full working.

Question

A thesis statement in an essay:

  • lists references
  • states the main argument
  • is the last sentence
  • is a question only
Answer: states the main argument

Working: The thesis states the central claim the essay will support.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Writing a thesis as a topic, not a clear main argument.
  • Using however when you want to add, not contrast, an idea.
  • Hiding the topic sentence in the middle of the paragraph.
  • Jumping between ideas without linkers or clear transitions.

Curriculum and exam alignment

Tertiary foundation coursework

In Ghanaian university and tertiary foundation English, this kind of work usually appears in essay writing and paragraph development. It supports tertiary coursework and professional entrance tests that expect clear reasoning and connected writing.

Curriculum notes are a general guide to where this work normally sits. Always check the syllabus your school or examination body is currently using.

Related skills

Other University Academic English skills in English, at the same point in the course.

Other English topics

Letters and SoundsEarly Reading and WritingSHS English and LiteratureAcademic and Professional WritingGrammarVocabulary

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Exams that assess argument and cohesion

University work on this skill feeds directly into these exam papers. Each page lists the English topics that appear on it.

BECEBECE practice questionsListed as a related subject on the BECE practice page.WASSCEWASSCE practice questionsListed as a related subject on the WASSCE practice page.GESGES practice questionsListed as a related subject on the GES practice page.

How this page was produced

This text was drafted with AI assistance from the questions and topics already stored on the platform. A subject-specialist review is scheduled but has not yet been recorded, so we do not claim it here.

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6 questions with a worked answer after every attempt, and a SmartScore that tracks how close you are to mastery.

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