Read the following written exchange and determine how the discourse is rendered cohesive. The first version is unchanged and will thus enable you to hone your skills at recognizing cohesive devises on your own. A second version has been annotated to help guide you in your commentary.
VERSION 1
Q: My fiancé will be paying child-support bills for the next 12 years. If I marry him, can his ex lay claim to my income, as part of his household income? I love the man and his children dearly, but do not want to assume any financial responsibility for his difficulties.
A: There's a legal answer to this question and a truer answer from real life. Legally, his ex has no claim on your income. Theoretically, she could ask the court to increase her child support because, thanks to your earnings, his living expenses have been reduced. But in your state of Massachusetts, that's not a case she's likely to win (. . .). Now let's talk about life. When you become a stepparent, you take on moral responsibilities, if not legal ones. Kids cost money. Don't enter this relationshipif you're not prepared to pitch in. Newsweek, 7 May 2001
VERSION 2
Q: My fiancé(1) will be paying child-support bills for the next 12 years. If I marry him(2), can his(3) ex lay claim to my income, as part of his(4) household income? I love the man(5) and his(6) children dearly, but(7) do not want to assume any financial responsibility for his(8) difficulties.
A: There's a legal answer to this question(9) and a truer answer(10) from real life(11). Legally(12), his(13) ex(14) has no claim on your income. Theoretically(15), she(16) could ask the court to increase her(17) child support because(18), thanks to your earnings, his(19) living expenses have been reduced. But(20) in your state of Massachusetts, that(21)'s not a case she(22)'s likely to win (. . .). Now(23) let's talk about life. When you become a stepparent, you take on moral responsibilities, if not legal ones(24). Kids cost money. Don't enter this relationship(25) if you're not prepared to pitch in. Newsweek, 7 May 2001
