PTE Academic Writing Cohesive Devices Quiz

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| Questions: 15 | Updated: May 7, 2026
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1. Which cohesive device best completes this sentence? 'The study showed promising results; _____, further research is needed.'

Explanation

Using "however" indicates a contrast between the promising results of the study and the necessity for further research. It suggests that despite the positive findings, there are still limitations or unanswered questions, emphasizing the need for continued investigation. This cohesive device effectively connects the two ideas while highlighting their differing implications.

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About This Quiz
PTE Academic Writing Cohesive Devices Quiz - Quiz

Master the essential cohesive devices used in academic writing with this PTE Academic Writing Cohesive Devices Quiz. Cohesive devices like transitions, pronouns, and linking words strengthen paragraph flow and connect ideas logically. This quiz tests your ability to identify, use, and choose appropriate connectors in formal academic contexts. Perfect fo... see morecollege-level learners preparing for standardized writing assessments. see less

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2. Identify the cohesive device in: 'Students completed the assignment. They submitted it on time.'

Explanation

In the sentence, "They" serves as a pronoun that refers back to "Students," creating a connection between the two sentences. This use of pronouns to link ideas enhances coherence and helps avoid redundancy, illustrating how cohesive devices function to maintain clarity in writing.

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3. Which transition best links these ideas? 'Many universities offer online courses. _____, traditional classroom learning remains valuable.'

Explanation

"Nevertheless" indicates a contrast between the growing popularity of online courses and the continued importance of traditional classroom learning. It emphasizes that despite the rise of online education, face-to-face instruction still holds significant value, highlighting the coexistence of both methods in the educational landscape.

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4. Fill in the blank: 'The experiment failed; _____, the team learned valuable lessons.'

Explanation

The word "however" indicates a contrast between the failure of the experiment and the positive outcome of learning valuable lessons. It suggests that despite the setback, the team was able to gain insights and knowledge that could benefit future efforts, highlighting resilience and the ability to find positives in challenging situations.

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5. Which sentence uses a demonstrative pronoun correctly as a cohesive device? 'The data was analyzed carefully. _____ was unexpected.'

Explanation

"This result" correctly uses a demonstrative pronoun to refer back to the previously mentioned data analysis, establishing a clear connection between the two sentences. It emphasizes the specific outcome of the analysis, enhancing cohesion and clarity in the text. Other options do not maintain this direct reference effectively.

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6. Identify the type of cohesive device: 'The report discussed economic trends. These trends affected policy decisions.'

Explanation

Reference cohesion occurs when a word or phrase refers back to something previously mentioned, creating a connection between ideas. In this case, "These trends" refers back to "economic trends," linking the two sentences and enhancing the coherence of the text. This type of cohesion helps to avoid repetition and maintains clarity.

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7. Which connective best shows cause and effect? 'The budget was reduced. _____, the department had to limit hiring.'

Explanation

"Consequently" is the best choice as it explicitly indicates a cause-and-effect relationship. In this context, the reduction of the budget directly leads to the department's limitation on hiring, making "consequently" the most appropriate connective to convey this outcome.

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8. Fill in the blank: 'The first method was inefficient. _____ approach proved more effective.'

Explanation

The phrase indicates a comparison between two methods, where the first is deemed inefficient. The use of "the second" implies that an alternative approach was subsequently introduced, which demonstrated greater effectiveness in achieving the desired results. This highlights the importance of evaluating different strategies to improve outcomes.

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9. Which sentence uses a cohesive device effectively? 'Climate change poses serious risks. It requires immediate action.'

Explanation

The pronoun "It" in the second sentence effectively refers back to "Climate change" from the first sentence, creating a clear connection between the two statements. This cohesive device helps maintain the flow of ideas, ensuring that the reader understands that the action required is directly related to the risks posed by climate change.

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10. Choose the best transitional phrase: 'Several studies support this theory. _____, conflicting evidence exists.'

Explanation

The phrase "On the other hand" effectively introduces a contrasting point. It signals that while several studies support the theory, there is also opposing evidence, highlighting a dual perspective. This transition prepares the reader for a shift in the argument, emphasizing the complexity of the issue at hand.

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11. Fill in the blank: 'The research methodology was rigorous. _____ ensured reliable results.'

Explanation

The word "This" effectively refers back to the rigorous research methodology previously mentioned. It emphasizes that the methodology itself was the key factor in ensuring the reliability of the results, creating a direct connection between the approach taken and the outcomes achieved.

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12. Which cohesive device is used here? 'The company invested in new technology. The investment improved productivity.'

Explanation

Lexical repetition occurs when a word or phrase is repeated to create cohesion in a text. In this example, the term "investment" is used in both sentences to link the ideas, reinforcing the connection between the company's actions and the resulting improvement in productivity. This repetition helps maintain clarity and coherence.

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13. Select the sentence with proper cohesive flow: 'The algorithm processed data quickly. Moreover, it was cost-effective.'

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14. Fill in the blank: 'The findings contradicted earlier assumptions. _____, scholars reconsidered the theory.'

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15. Which transition best connects these academic points? 'The data showed improvement. _____, the control group remained stable.'

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Which cohesive device best completes this sentence? 'The study showed...
Identify the cohesive device in: 'Students completed the assignment....
Which transition best links these ideas? 'Many universities offer...
Fill in the blank: 'The experiment failed; _____, the team learned...
Which sentence uses a demonstrative pronoun correctly as a cohesive...
Identify the type of cohesive device: 'The report discussed economic...
Which connective best shows cause and effect? 'The budget was reduced....
Fill in the blank: 'The first method was inefficient. _____ approach...
Which sentence uses a cohesive device effectively? 'Climate change...
Choose the best transitional phrase: 'Several studies support this...
Fill in the blank: 'The research methodology was rigorous. _____...
Which cohesive device is used here? 'The company invested in new...
Select the sentence with proper cohesive flow: 'The algorithm...
Fill in the blank: 'The findings contradicted earlier assumptions....
Which transition best connects these academic points? 'The data showed...
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