DEFINITIONS
What is cohesion?
It is important for the parts of a written text to be connected
together. Another word for this is cohesion. This word comes from
the verb cohere, which means 'to stick together'. Cohesion is therefore
related to ensuring that the words and sentences you use stick together.
Good cohesion is
achieved through the following five main methods, each of which is described in
more detail below:
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ellipsis
What is Coherence?
Coherence, in contrast, relates to the
organisation and connection of ideas and whether they can be understood by the
reader, and as such is concerned with the macro level features
of a text, such as topic sentences, thesis statement, the summary in the concluding paragraph
(dealt with in the essay structure section), and
other 'bigger' features including headings such as those used in reports.
Coherence can be
improved by using an outline before
writing (or a reverse outline, which is an outline written after
the writing is finished), to check that the ideas are logical and well organised.
Asking a peer to check the writing to see if it makes sense, i.e. peer feedback, is another way to help improve
coherence in your writing.
Other References
"Cohesion" and
"coherence" are related concepts in linguistics and communication,
but they refer to slightly different aspects of text or discourse.
Cohesion relates
to the grammatical and lexical connections within a text. It's about how
sentences and paragraphs are linked together using cohesive devices such as
pronouns, conjunctions, transitional phrases, and lexical repetitions. Cohesion
helps create a smooth flow of ideas and clarifies the relationships between
different parts of a text.
Coherence,
on the other hand, refers to the overall sense of unity, logic, and
organization in a piece of writing or speech. It's about how well the ideas are
connected and how easily the reader or listener can follow the logical
progression of thoughts. Coherence is achieved through clear and logical
sequencing of ideas, maintaining relevance to the topic, providing adequate
context, and using appropriate rhetorical strategies.
EXAMPLES
"John went to the
store. He bought some groceries. When he got home, he realized he forgot the
milk."
1. Cohesion:
- Cohesive devices like pronouns
("he," "his") connect sentences together. For example,
"He bought some groceries" refers back to "John went to the
store," creating cohesion between these two sentences.
- Lexical repetition also contributes to
cohesion. The repetition of "he" maintains a clear reference to John
throughout the text.
2. Coherence:
- Coherence is achieved through the logical
sequence of events. The text follows a chronological order: first, John goes to
the store; then, he buys groceries; finally, he realizes he forgot the milk
when he gets home.
- The ideas are relevant and connected in a
way that makes sense to the reader. Each sentence builds upon the previous one,
contributing to the overall coherence of the narrative.
COHESION AND COHERENCE IN
THE CONTEXT OF GENRE-BASED WRITING
refers to writing that
follows specific conventions and styles typical of a particular genre, such as
narrative, expository, persuasive, or descriptive writing.
1. Cohesion in
Genre-Based Writing:
- In narrative writing (like stories),
cohesion is maintained through consistent character names, pronouns, and
temporal markers (e.g., "later," "the next day"). Example:
"Alice ran through the forest. She stumbled upon a hidden cave. Inside,
she found a treasure chest."
- In expository writing (like informative
essays), cohesion is achieved through clear topic sentences, transitional
phrases, and logical organization. Example: "The benefits of exercise are
numerous. Firstly, it improves cardiovascular health. Secondly, it boosts mood
and reduces stress."
- In persuasive writing (like opinion
pieces), cohesive devices such as rhetorical questions, parallel structure, and
cohesive conjunctions strengthen the argument. Example: "Shouldn't we
prioritize renewable energy sources? Not only do they reduce pollution, but
they also promote energy independence."
2. Coherence in
Genre-Based Writing:
- In narrative writing, coherence is
maintained by following a plot structure (e.g., introduction, rising action,
climax, resolution) and ensuring events flow logically. Example: The story
begins with an introduction to the main character's ordinary life, builds
tension through challenges, reaches a climax, and concludes with a resolution.
- In expository writing, coherence is
achieved by organizing information logically (e.g., chronological order,
cause-effect relationships, compare-contrast structures) to help readers
understand complex topics. Example: An essay about climate change may start by
defining the problem, discussing its causes, presenting evidence, and proposing
solutions.
- In persuasive writing, coherence is vital
to present arguments in a logical sequence, address counterarguments, and guide
readers toward a specific conclusion. Example: Each paragraph in a persuasive
essay presents a different argument or reason, supported by evidence and
analysis, leading to a persuasive conclusion.
CONCLUSION
Cohesion and coherence
are essential elements in genre-based writing, regardless of whether it's
narrative, expository, or persuasive. Cohesion, achieved through cohesive
devices like pronouns and transitional phrases, ensures seamless connections
between sentences and paragraphs. Meanwhile, coherence focuses on the overall
logical structure of the writing, ensuring that plot developments in narratives
flow cohesively, information in expository pieces is logically organized, and
persuasive arguments are presented in a convincing and sequenced manner.
Together, cohesion and coherence play vital roles in creating clear, readable,
and effective genre-based writing by maintaining internal connections and
overall logical coherence throughout the text.
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