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.