CohesionCohesionTying Things Together

CohesionCohesionGoal: to help the reader follow

the logical progression of ideasTo do this writers use cohesive

ties (words or phrases that signal their line of thought, giving indications of the structure or organization of ideas)

Form of ParagraphsForm of ParagraphsThe typical paragraph follows a

certain patternUmbrella sentence, which is

often an assertion (a.k.a. topic sentence)

Form of ParagraphsForm of ParagraphsSupporting detail--to substantiate

the assertion or provide relevant facts

Functional repetition of key wordsSignposts to indicate logical

relationships between sentences, ideas, and paragraphs◦but, in addition to, however, on the

other hand, first, second, third, etc.

Deductive ParagraphDeductive ParagraphBegins with a topic sentenceBasic formula: (subject +

controlling idea)Moves into specific support

sentences

Advantages of the Deductive Advantages of the Deductive StructureStructureHighlights the most important

informationAllows for speed readingAids reader comprehension and

retention

Advantages of the Deductive Advantages of the Deductive StructureStructureProvides readers with an

overview so they can then place details in context

Forces writers to articulate their message clearly and succinctly

How to Achieve CohesionHow to Achieve CohesionOpen with a topic sentence that

sets up key termsArrange sentences in a logical

and discernible order

How to Achieve CohesionHow to Achieve CohesionRepeat key terms as subjects of

sentencesUse old/new principle (put

familiar information first in sentences)

Use traditional markers as signposts

Old/New PrincipleOld/New PrincipleInformation that is already known

to readers is more psychologically accessible

Old/New PrincipleOld/New PrincipleTherefore, arrange the order of

the information in a sentence so that you◦1) Begin with information that has

already been introduced, is more familiar, and is less complex

◦2) Move toward information that is newer, less familiar, and more complex

Ways of Marking LogicWays of Marking LogicContinuous relationship:

◦Continuous markers tell readers that what follows is what they would expect

◦Continuous markers tell readers to go on

Ways of Marking Logic Ways of Marking Logic Discontinuous relationship:

◦Discontinuous markers tell readers what what follows is NOT what they would expect. (Tells readers to expect a reversal)

Goals for CohesionGoals for CohesionRewrite sections/paragraphs to

include:◦forecast or overviews◦given/new order

Rewrite paragraphs to include:◦topic sentences◦cohesive markers◦signal words