Contextualization

Writing is one of the oldest and most important forms of expression and communication among human beings. It is around it that knowledge is transmitted, ideas are expressed, and feelings are communicated. However, for writing to be effective and achieve its purpose, it needs to be well-structured and coherent. Within this structuring, one of the essential elements is the 'cohesion element'.

Cohesion elements, also known as connectives, are words or expressions that link sentences and paragraphs to each other, contributing to the text being understood as a whole, and not as a series of isolated sentences. They interconnect ideas, providing fluency and clarity to the text. It is mainly through cohesion elements that the author can maintain a logical and consistent dialogue with the reader.

In our study, we will focus our attention on the main cohesion elements, which are: conjunctions (additive, adversative, conclusive, alternative), pronouns (relative, demonstrative, personal), adverbs and adverbial phrases, ellipses, and also word repetition or synonymy.

Language, whether spoken or written, is a fundamental tool in our lives. Through it, we express our ideas, thoughts, ideologies, and feelings. The ability to use words correctly and cohesively is essential for successful communication. Cohesion elements are responsible for granting harmony and connection to our writing.

The study of cohesion elements is not only important for the Portuguese discipline but also for all other areas of knowledge. Whether in a scientific article, a journalistic report, an essay for college entrance exams, or even a professional email, the correct use of cohesion elements can determine the understanding of your message and the impression you leave on the reader.

For further study on the subject, we recommend the following resources:

• 'Grammar of the Portuguese Language' by Maria Helena Mira Mateus, Ana Maria Brito, Inês Duarte, and Isabel Hub Faria.
• 'Semantics Manual' by Rosa Virgínia Mattos e Silva.
• 'Textual Cohesion' by Maria da Graça Costa Val.
• Online Portuguese Dictionary available at: https://www.dicio.com.br/

Practical Activity

Activity Title: Connecting Ideas: An Argumentative Card Game

Project Objective

The objective of this activity is to understand and apply the concepts of cohesion elements in a playful and argumentative context, while enhancing language skills, critical thinking, and teamwork.

Detailed Project Description

Each group will be responsible for creating an 'Argumentative Card Game'. The game should involve writing positions on a controversial topic and using cards that represent different cohesion elements to form coherent arguments.

Required Materials

• Colored cardboards
• Pens or markers
• Computer with Internet access
• Grammar books and dictionaries

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparation

Groups should research cohesion elements and the main types of arguments used in a debate. During the research, students should identify concrete examples of these elements in various texts, taking notes for future reference.

Step 2: Choosing the Topic

Groups should choose a controversial topic that will be the focus of their game. This topic must be approved by the teacher, and groups must be able to argue from multiple perspectives.

Step 3: Creating the Cards

Groups should create two types of cards: 'Topic Cards' and 'Cohesion Cards'. 'Topic Cards' should contain statements about the topic, and 'Cohesion Cards' should contain cohesion elements (conjunctions, pronouns, adverbs, etc.) that can be used to connect the statements logically and cohesively.

Step 4: Game Rule

Students must define the rules of the game in a way that requires players to use 'Cohesion Cards' to form arguments with 'Topic Cards'.

Step 5: Playing and Learning

Finally, groups should present their games to the class, playing a round with the participation of the students. During the game, students should be able to explain how cohesion elements are being used to form coherent arguments.

Project Deliverables

Each group must deliver the set of game cards, the text of the rules, and a report documenting the entire project process.

The report should be organized into four sections: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography, and should cover the following topics:

1. Introduction: The chosen topic and its connection to cohesion elements, their relevance and practical application, the project's objective.
2. Development: The theory on cohesion elements, a detailed description of the game, the methodology for creating the cards and rules, and a discussion on the practical implementation of theoretical concepts.
3. Conclusions: The synthesis of the main points, the lessons learned, and a critical analysis of the project.
4. Bibliography: The sources used to support the project, such as books, web pages, videos, etc.

By the end of this project, students will have developed technical and socio-emotional skills, such as time management, communication, problem-solving, and creative thinking, as well as deepening their knowledge of cohesion elements in the Portuguese language.