CEFR CEFR - Common European Framework Written Cohesion and Coherence 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is "cohesion" in writing according to CEFR?
- The accuracy of grammar
- The use of linguistic devices to link sentences and ideas together (Correct answer)
- Vocabulary richness
- Speed of writing
Correct answer: The use of linguistic devices to link sentences and ideas together
Cohesion refers to the linguistic devices (pronouns, connectors, reference) that link text together.
Cohesion in CEFR writing refers to the use of cohesive devices: reference (pronouns), substitution, ellipsis, conjunction (connectors), and lexical cohesion. These link sentences and paragraphs into a unified text.
Question 2: What is "coherence" in CEFR written production?
- Long sentences without connectors
- The logical organization and flow of ideas in a text (Correct answer)
- Using many different vocabulary words
- Writing without any grammatical errors
Correct answer: The logical organization and flow of ideas in a text
Coherence refers to the logical organization, flow, and unity of ideas across a text.
Coherence in CEFR written production refers to the overall logical organization and meaningful flow of a text - how well the ideas connect, progress, and form a unified whole. It is distinct from cohesion (linguistic linking devices).
Question 3: At B1, which cohesive devices can a learner use in writing?
- No cohesive devices at all
- Basic connectors like "and", "but", "because", and simple temporal markers (Correct answer)
- Full range of advanced rhetorical devices
- Only complex academic referencing
Correct answer: Basic connectors like "and", "but", "because", and simple temporal markers
B1 writers use basic connectors and simple temporal markers to link ideas.
At B1, CEFR writing descriptors include using a limited range of cohesive devices: basic conjunctions (and, but, because, so), simple temporal connectors (then, after that), and basic pronoun reference. More complex devices develop at B2 and above.
Question 4: At C1, what does CEFR describe about written cohesion?
- C1 writers avoid cohesive devices
- Can use a range of cohesive devices flexibly and effectively to create coherent extended text (Correct answer)
- Limited to simple connectors only
- C1 and B1 cohesion skills are identical
Correct answer: Can use a range of cohesive devices flexibly and effectively to create coherent extended text
C1 writers use cohesive devices with flexibility and effectiveness across extended texts.
At C1, CEFR writing descriptors describe the ability to use a wide range of cohesive devices flexibly and effectively to mark relationships between ideas in extended, complex texts. Writing is well-structured and flows naturally.
Question 5: Which of the following is an example of a lexical cohesion device?
- Using a pronoun instead of repeating a noun
- Repeating a concept using a synonym or related word (Correct answer)
- Using a conjunction to show contrast
- Starting a new paragraph
Correct answer: Repeating a concept using a synonym or related word
Lexical cohesion involves using synonyms, near-synonyms, or related words to create textual links.
Lexical cohesion is created through synonym chains, near-synonyms, hyponyms (cat/animal), and related words that create semantic links across a text. This is a more sophisticated cohesion device than simple pronoun reference.
Question 6: What does the CEFR mean by "overall written production" in writing assessment?
- How fast someone writes
- A holistic rating of a learner's general ability to produce written texts (Correct answer)
- Only grammar accuracy
- Length of the text produced
Correct answer: A holistic rating of a learner's general ability to produce written texts
Overall written production is a holistic CEFR rating covering all aspects of writing competence.
Overall written production in CEFR is a holistic descriptor that integrates all aspects of writing competence: range, accuracy, coherence, cohesion, and appropriateness. It provides a global indication of a learner's writing ability at each level.
CEFR CEFR - Common European Framework Written Cohesion and Coherence 2
What is "cohesion" in writing according to CEFR?