Coherence
Coherence is transition between ideas: the writer is consciously connecting ideas in such a way that the reader can follow the train of thought, moving easily from one idea to the next.
In a coherent paragraph, each sentence relates clearly to the topic sentence or controlling idea, but there is more to coherence than this. If a paragraph is coherent, each sentence flows smoothly into the next without obvious shifts or jumps. A coherent paragraph also highlights the ties between old information and new information to make the structure of ideas or arguments clear to the reader. (Writing Tutorial Services)
Connecting the ideas.
–Repetition of key words
--Subject Alignment
A common set of subjects
--Use of synonyms
–Use of pronouns
Referring back
–Patterns in sentences
Parallelism
--Sentence structure
Using conjunctions to show relationships
Given-New to show relationship
Start with a "given" from the preceding sentence
Add a "new" to that "given
Coherence is the trait that makes the paragraph easily understandable to a reader. You can help create coherence in your paragraphs by creating logical bridges and verbal bridges.
Logical bridges
The same idea of a topic is carried over from sentence to sentence
Successive sentences can be constructed in parallel form
Verbal bridges
Key words can be repeated in several sentences
Synonymous words can be repeated in several sentences
Pronouns can refer to nouns in previous sentences
Transition words can be used to link ideas from different sentences (Driscoll
and Brizee)
For additional examples and discussion of the strategies listed above:
"Coherence: Transition Between Ideas." The Guide to Writing and Grammar. Capital
Community College Foundation. 2004. Web. 20 Aug. 2010.
<http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/transitions.htm>.
Discusses the concept of coherence and provides four "mechanical considerations" for providing transition: transitional expressions, repeating key words or phrases, pronoun reference, and parallel form. Includes examples, lists, charts, and additional links.
For examples of text revised to improve coherence with a focus on parallel structure, repetition of key terms, and the use of transitional words and phrases, see the attached PowerPoint presentation.
Additionally, see: Transitions
For discussion and examples
http://www.jccc.edu/home/download.php/17184/The_Paragraph.pdf
For interactive exercises online
http://lrs.ed.uiuc.edu/students/fwalters/cohex3a.html
http://www.buowl.boun.edu.tr/students/Paragraph%20Writing%20Exercises.htm#Coherence
http://wps.ablongman.com/long_aaron_lbch_6/47/12152/3110951.cw/index.html (Pearson)
Source
Driscoll, Dana and Allen Brizee. “On Paragraphs.” OWL: Purdue On-line Writing
Lab. Purdue U. 2010. Web. 15 Mar. 2010 <http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/606/01/>.
Johnson-Sheehan, Richard and Charles Paine. Wrtiting Today. 2nd ed. Boston: Pearson, 2013.
Writing Tutorial Services. "Paragraphs and Topic Sentences." Indiana University. 2004. Web. 20 Aug.
2010. <http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/paragraphs.shtml>.
Note: Article is no longer posted.