English: paragraph ordering and cohesion

These questions ask you to put sentences in order or to say what a pronoun refers to. Cohesion clues (time words, connectives, pronouns) show how the sentences link.

What is tested

Reordering sentences into a logical paragraph
Pronoun reference (what 'it' or 'they' refers to)
Connectives and sequencing words

Worked example

'Sarah packed her bag the night before the trip. She had left it by the front door.' What does 'it' refer to?

'It' is something Sarah could leave by the door.
That must be her bag.
'The trip' or 'the night' cannot be left by a door.

Answer: her bag

Exam-day checklist

Find the sentence that introduces the topic; it goes first.
Look for pronouns and 'the' that refer back to something earlier.
Use sequence words (first, then, finally) and cause and effect.
Reread the finished order to check it flows.

Common mistakes

Putting a sentence with 'they' or 'this' before what it refers to.
Ignoring time or logical order.
Choosing the nearest noun rather than the one that fits.

Try it yourself

1. Put in order: (A) It opened to great relief. (B) The bridge was closed for repairs. (C) Residents complained about the diversion.

Show answer

B, C, A

Closure, then complaints, then reopening.

2. 'The kittens explored the house. They loved the boxes.' Who does 'They' refer to?

Show answer

the kittens

The kittens are the subject of the first sentence.

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