Paper Title
Cohesive Devices Exemplified in The Reflective Essays of Trainee Teachers’

Abstract
This qualitative study investigated the trainee teachers’ use of cohesive devices in the reflective essays. It looked at the types of cohesive devices employed by the trainee teachers and the effect of using them in the writing performance. Two instruments helped to answer the research questions which were document analysis of the trainee teachers based on their reflective essays and an interview. Based on a population sampling, 25 reflective essays were looked at. The trainee teachers’ reflective essay was based on an assignment that was used as data analysis. This reflection required them to write 1000 words on the experience they encountered while participating in a drama. The second instrument used was an interview which included 5 respondents. This study identified the problems they faced on the use of cohesive devices. Also, the themes extracted from the data collection were interpreted to provide a clearer picture of the trainee teachers’ use of cohesive devices in their reflective essays, the effect of usage and the problems in using it were identified. Some recommendations were discussed which basically emphasises on writing approaches and the fear of making mistakes by staying in the comfort zone due to teacher input. The influence of social media was deliberated as well. Keywords- cohesive devices, trainee teachers, reflective essays, cohesive devices types