Cause first
Because the soil was dry, the leaves wilted. The cause is foregrounded before the result.
What students learn
Students learn that cohesive texts help readers understand how ideas connect and where the message is going. Conjunctions show relationships between clauses, while sentence and paragraph starting points can foreground time, place, cause, contrast, a group of people or the main message.
Success criteria
- choose conjunctions that match addition, contrast, cause/result, time and condition
- explain the relationship created by a conjunction
- move a phrase to the beginning of a sentence to change emphasis
- choose paragraph openings that guide progression
- use known → new information to maintain a clear topic thread
Cohesion through conjunctions
| Relationship | Useful words | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Addition | and | Mia labelled the diagram, and she added a caption. |
| Contrast | but, although | Although the task was difficult, Kai finished it. |
| Cause/result | because, so | The tank was empty, so the pump stopped. |
| Time | when, after, until, while | After the glue dried, we tested the model. |
| Condition | if, unless | Unless you save the file, your changes may be lost. |
Choose the connective from the meaning relationship, not from what merely sounds familiar.
Starting points and prominence
Compare The class planted seedlings near the fence on Friday with On Friday, the class planted seedlings near the fence. The event is the same, but the second sentence gives greater prominence to time. Moving information changes the reader’s entry point and therefore the emphasis.
Paragraph openings as signposts
- The main problem is… → introduces an issue
- One practical solution is… → shifts to a response
- However,… → signals contrast
- As a result,… → signals consequence
- For example,… → signals support
Good cohesion creates a pathway through the message: each sentence connects to what readers already know and adds something new.
Worked examples
Result first
The leaves wilted because the soil was dry. The result appears before its explanation.
Paragraph progression
“The creek was polluted. As a result, fish numbers fell. To address the problem, volunteers planted reeds and removed litter.”
Common misconceptions
- Adding any connective does not automatically create cohesion.
- Longer sentences are not necessarily clearer.
- Every sentence should not begin in exactly the same way.
- Moving a phrase often changes emphasis, not the underlying fact.
- Paragraph openings can guide the reader; they are not decoration.
Learning progression and next steps
After students recognise clause relationships, this skill helps them control the flow of whole texts. Continue through the Year 5 English curriculum hub, then consolidate AC9E5LA04 with the worksheet, practice and test.
Curriculum coverage and evidence note
AC9E5LA04: understand how texts can be made cohesive by using the starting point of a sentence or paragraph to give prominence to the message and to guide the reader through the text.
SkillrHub separates directly evidenced clause-linking skills from broader curriculum teaching about prominence, paragraph progression and reader guidance.
🎥 Optional Video Lesson
The SkillrHub lesson remains the primary learning resource. This optional video reinforces the explanation; you can complete the lesson and practice without watching.
Before you watch:
- Pause after each worked example.
- Try the examples yourself.
- Return to the SkillrHub lesson before continuing.
Recommended: Topic Sentences: How to Write a Topic Sentence
Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel — Use a paragraph’s opening to signal its main message and guide the reader.
As you watch: What does the topic sentence make the reader expect from the rest of the paragraph?
Load video player Loads YouTube in this lesson. See the video notice below.
Try it: Write an opening for a paragraph about reducing food waste, then add two details that clearly develop its message.
Video unavailable, inaccurate or unsuitable for this year? Report a video problem to SkillrHub by email. You can continue with the written lesson and practice resources.
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