COHERENCE IN ACADEMIC WRITING

MR .L.KAHARI
RISAH MODULE
DEPARTMENT OF PEACE AND SECURITY
2024
 INTRODUCTION
• Cohesion and coherence are important CHARACTERISTICS of academic writing.
• Cohesion and coherence have an influence on the readability and logical flow of the
argument of a text.
• Cohesion refers to the logical flow and connection in a written text and is achieved
through the use of devices to link sentences together so that there is a logical flow
between ideas from one sentence to the next.
• Coherence refers to the unity or togetherness of the text as a whole and is achieved
through the effective grouping and arrangement of ideas in a logical order.
• Cohesive devices are the “glue” that holds a piece of writing together. They carry
meaning within a sentence and from a previous sentence into the next.
• They allow the reader to follow from one part of the text to another, and to
understand the logical relationships between sentences and paragraphs.
 cohesion and coherence in paragraphs
• In academic writing paragraphs are essential to the structure of the text.
• Information and ideas are sorted into paragraphs to make the writing more
logical and to ensure that the argument flows and develops logically.
• To achieve cohesion and coherence paragraphs and sentences need to be
clearly linked to each other to logically and linguistically form a whole.
Coherence:
• Coherence is what makes the paragraph easily understandable to a reader.
• Every paragraph needs a focus or a theme and all parts of the paragraph
must contribute to this (Enquist & Oates 2009: 34).
EXAMPLES OF COHERENCE
 Parallelism

• Parallel sentence structure is a technique that can make academic writing easier for readers to follow. You
essentially repeat similar phrase structures, which may help generate a feeling of rhythm and balance in
your paper. By adopting parallel sentence patterns, you are able to emphasize significant ideas and facilitate
the comprehension of difficult issues.
• Consider using parallel sentence structures as you write your paper to create a sense of progression in your
ideas. For example, you can use parallel sentence structures to describe different aspects of a complex
concept, such as "The first aspect of X is..., the second aspect of X is..., and the third aspect of X is...". This
breaks down the concept into manageable parts and makes it easier for readers to understand.
• Another way to use this technique is to emphasize key points or arguments. For instance, you might use
parallel sentence structures to describe different examples that support your argument, such as "Example A
demonstrates..., Example B illustrates..., and Example C confirms...". This can help reinforce your argument
and make it more persuasive for the reader.
• Parallel sentence patterns support readers in digesting complicated ideas and following the progression of
ideas. They also create a feeling of rhythm and balance in your writing, emphasizing key themes in within
your paper structure
 Reference words

• Reference words are words which are used to refer to something which is mentioned elsewhere in the text,
usually in a preceding sentence. The most common type is pronouns, such as 'it' or 'this' or 'these'. Study the
previous example again. This time, the reference words are shown in bold.
•
Cohesion is an important feature of academic writing. It can help ensure that your writing coheres or 'sticks
together', which will make it easier for the reader to follow the main ideas in your essay or report. You can achieve
good cohesion by paying attention to five important features. The first of these is repeated words. The second key
feature is reference words. The third one is transition signals. The fourth is substitution. The final important aspect
is ellipsis.
• The words it, which and these are reference words. The first two of these, it and which, both refer to 'cohesion'
used in the preceding sentence. The final example, these, refers to 'important features', again used in the
sentence that precedes
• Pronouns: It / this / these / that / those / they and Using pronouns,articles,demonstratives
• Referring to words and ides you have mentioned before/using a word associated with the first word: ‘Phases of
explosion or eruption of a volcano may begin to alternate with phases of relative quiescence; the pattern and
timing of events vary according to the style of igneous activity.
 Repetition of words or phrases

• Repetition of essential words, ideas, or phrases is an effective method that can strengthen the structure of
an academic paper and make it simpler for the reader to follow the argument's major themes. By
consistently using these core phrases throughout the document, authors can establish coherence and
unity that reinforce the overall message.
• For instance, when you are discussing a complex concept like "postmodernism," you may use this term
repeatedly throughout the text to help readers understand the main idea. You may also use specific terms
and phrases like "postmodern philosophy" or "postmodern literature" to emphasize this concept and
make the paper easier to comprehend.
• This strategy may also be used by repeating significant ideas or arguments throughout the document. You
may, for instance, offer an important idea in the opening and then repeat it in the conclusion to underline
its significance and make a lasting impact on the reader. This may also assist to generate a feeling of
cohesion and unity throughout the various sections of the article
• Repeating a noun/noun phrase; There are obvious differences between metals and non-metals.
• Repetition of important words and pronoun substitution: “The family is an important unit in society. It is
not, however, identical with society.”
 Example
• One way to achieve cohesion is to repeat words, or to repeat ideas using different words
(synonyms). Study the following example. Repeated words (or synonyms) are shown in bold.
•
Cohesion is an important feature of academic writing. It can help ensure that
your writing coheres or 'sticks together', which will make it easier for the reader to follow the main
ideas in your essay or report. You can achieve good cohesion by paying attention to five important
features. The first of these is repeated words. The second key feature is reference words. The third
one is transition signals. The fourth is substitution. The final important aspect is ellipsis.

In this example, the word cohesion is used several times, including as a verb (coheres). It is important,
in academic writing, to avoid too much repetition, so using different word forms or synonyms is
common. The word writing is also used several times, including the phrase essay or report, which is a
synonym for writing. The words important features are also repeated, again using synonyms: key
feature, important aspect
 Synonyms

• Synonyms are a way to improve the flow of academic writing by varying word
choice. Synonyms are words that have the same or a similar meaning. They can
prevent repetition in a document while maintaining emphasis. This method can
also add variety to a document, making it more interesting for the reader.
• Verbal bridges: synonymous words can be repeated in several sentences .
• You have to be careful though with core concepts in your paper, those should
be used consistently throughout for clarity. Repeat your key words for clarity
(but do not do this excessively). So, for anything directly relevant to your
experiment or theory, I do not advise switching out synonyms because this will
just confuse your reviewers. However, when it comes to words that clarify
important ideas, feel free to use different terms to add diversity to your paper.
 Lexical Chains

• Lexical chains are sequences of related words that illustrate the

consistency and relevance of vocabulary choices to the paper's topic.
Using lexical chains creates variety in writing and prevents
monotony. For your paper, consider using synonyms, antonyms,
hyponyms, superordinate's, and other related words to create lexical
chains that maintain coherence within a paragraph or section.
• Lexical chains create coherent flow in your academic paper, making it
easier for readers to follow your argument and understand the
relevance of your vocabulary choices to the topic at hand.
 Cohesive Nouns

• Cohesive nouns, also known as "umbrella nouns," summarize multiple related words or concepts into
one term. For example, the cohesive noun "family" encompasses a group of individuals who are related
by blood or marriage and who live together in a household unit. By using cohesive nouns, you can reduce
wordiness and improve the clarity and flow of your writing by condensing multiple related ideas into a
single, broad term.
• Using cohesive nouns can help you avoid repetition and create a more sophisticated tone in your writing.
For example, when discussing the various components of a user interface, you can use the cohesive noun
"interface elements" to refer to buttons, menus, and other related components. This not only avoids
repeating the same words multiple times but also creates a more concise and polished sentence.
Similarly, when discussing the impact of technology on society, you can use the cohesive noun "digital
technologies" to refer to computers, smartphones, and other related technologies.
• With cohesive nouns, you can create a more efficient and streamlined paper that avoids unnecessary
repetition and keeps the focus on your central argument. Additionally, cohesive nouns can also help to
clarify complex topics and make them more accessible to a wider audience by simplifying the language
and reducing confusion.
 Relative clauses

• Joining sentences together using relative clauses (which / that /

where / who ) aids cohesion
• According to Official Government figures (2016), 34 million
people voted equating to a 72% turnout. This was the highest
ever number of people in the history of voting.
• Relative Clause Example: According to Official Government
figures (2016), 34 million people voted equating to a 72%
turnout which was the highest ever number of people in
the history of voting
 Transition signals

• Connectives/transitions: These are words ,phrases and even sentences that make a clear connection between one idea and the other
• Transition signals, also called cohesive devices or linking words, are words or phrases which show the relationship between ideas. There are many
different types, the most common of which are explained in the next section on transition signals. Some examples of transition signals are:
• for example - used to give examples
• in contrast - used to show a contrasting or opposite idea
• first - used to show the first item in a list
• as a result - used to show a result or effect
•
Study the previous example again. This time, the transition signals are shown in bold. Here the transition signals simply give a list, relating to the five
important features: first, second, third, fourth, and final.
•
Cohesion is an important feature of academic writing. It can help ensure that your writing coheres or 'sticks together', which will make it easier for
the reader to follow the main ideas in your essay or report. You can achieve good cohesion by paying attention to five important features. The first of
these is repeated words. The second key feature is reference words. The third one is transition signals. The fourth is substitution. The final important
aspect is ellipsis.
 Coherence in a Paragraph
• Coherence is achieved through the logical ordering of the sentences within the paragraphs
and through the creation of smooth transitions between the sentences and paragraphs
• Old New Contract :An effective way to create coherence in your writing is to follow
something called the old/new contract.
• This “contract” asks that as a writer you begin your sentences with something old—
something that links to what was previously stated—and then to end with something new
• Old New Contract Old/New Contract: Version Two Another principle for writing coherent
essays is the old/new contract.
• The old/new contract asks writers to begin sentences with something old—something
that links to what has gone on before—and then end sentences with new information that
advances their argument.
• This principle creates an effect called coherence, which is closely related to unity.

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 Coherence in a Paragraph
• Old New Contract :How do you connect old ideas to new
ideas?
• 1. Repeat a key word
• 2. Use a pronoun to substitute for a key word
• 3. Summarize or restate an earlier concept.

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 Coherence in a Paragraph
• 1.College students have many responsibilities. These responsibilities
include attending class, completing assignments, and maintaining a high
GPA, all of which are characteristics of successful students.
• Use connective words to link the sentences.
• Example:
Internet access is needed for the schools in rural areas. Yet wire line
infrastructure is difficult to reach especially to remote locations through
hilly terrain. Wireless networks, which do not need wire line
infrastructure, has therefore become useful for these areas.
• Connective words also convey the links of the thoughts.
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 Developing Cohesive Text
Use signposts and transitions to create coherence.

Cohesion between Sections—Particularly in longer works, there is a need for items that summarize
for the reader the information just covered, specify the relevance of this information to the
discussion in the following section, or refer back to discussions in previous sections. A cohesive
link between sections can be a word or two (however, for example, similarly), a phrase, a
sentence, or an entire paragraph.

Cohesion between Paragraphs—Even if you have arranged paragraphs so that the content of one
leads logically to the next, a cohesion marker will highlight a relationship that already exists by
summarizing the previous paragraph and suggesting something of the content of the paragraph
that follows. A transition between paragraphs can be a word or two, a phrase, or a sentence.

Cohesion within Paragraphs—As with cohesion between sections and paragraphs, cohesion markers
within paragraphs act as cues by helping readers to anticipate what is coming before they read
it. Within paragraphs, transitions tend to be single words or short phrases.

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 PARAGRAPH DEVELOPMENT
• Development is the process by which you support or explain the central idea of a paragraph, essay, or other piece of
writing.
• Depending on your purpose—what you want to accomplish—you can use several methods of development listed
below :
• Narration :A method of developing a paragraph or essay that recalls events or explains how something occurs.
Narratives arrange information in chronological order.
• Definition; A method of developing a paragraph or essay by explaining a term and distinguishing it from related terms.
• Description; A method of developing a paragraph or essay that is used to explain the nature or people, places, or things.
Descriptive essays often rely heavily on information from the five senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste.
• Classification; A method of developing a paragraph or essay by distinguishing types or classes of the subject being
discussed.
• Cause and Effect; A method of developing a paragraph or essay by explaining why something happens.
• Comparison/Contrast; Methods of developing a paragraph or essay. Comparison points out similarities; contrast points
out differences
 References
Ascher, A 1993, Think about editing: a grammar editing guide for
ESL writers, Heinle & Heinle Publishers, Massachusetts.
UniLearning 2000, accessed 10 June 2000,
<http://unilearning.uow.edu.au/main.html>
University of New South Wales, 2009, The Learning Centre, The
University of New South
Wales, accessed 10 June 2000, < http://www.lc.unsw.edu.au/>
Thank you for attending