WritingWriting

Working toward

coherence I

Coherence in a paragraph refers to the way the sentences are arranged and to their relationship to one another. When a paragraph is coherent, the sentences are arranged in a clear and logical order, the transitions are smooth and natural, and ideas flow smoothly and gracefully from one sentence to the next. As a result, the reader finds it easy to follow the writer’s

INTRODUCTION

train of thought.

Generally, there are two devices that will help you achieve coherence in your writing:

— transitional words and phrases that

show specific kinds of relationships

— the repetition of or reference to key

terms.

In this unit, we’ll focus on the former.

Transitional words and phrases signal specific kinds of relationships between the parts of sentences, between sentences in a paragraph, and between paragraphs in a

Here are some of the most common transitional words and phrases and the relationships they show.

longer composition.

to show addition:

and, too, also, again, as well as, besides, in addition, moreover, further, furthermore, both…and…, not only…but also...

To show concession:

although, though, even though, even if, granted that, in spite of, despite

To show time

once, before, after, afterward, always, when, at once, as soon as, to begin with, first (second, third), in the meantime, in the past (future), later, then, next, until, at last, finally, eventually, from then on, since then

To show place

in front of, on the other side, behind, inside, outside, nearby, next to, opposite, beyond, below, under, at this point

To show result

so, thus, hence, as a result, for this reason, consequently, accordingly, therefore

To compare and contrast

similarly, in the same way, likewise, in contrast, on the contrary, on the other hand, but, yet, nevertheless

To illustrate or explain

for example, for instance, namely, in particular, such as, that is, to illustrate

To emphasize

indeed, in fact, above all, of course, unquestionably, most important, last but not least, specifically

To summarize

in brief , in other words , in short, as has been said, on the whole, to sum up, in conclusion

Most likely, you are already familiar with many of the transitional words and phrases which, by themselves, mean little but which serve as a vital link between ideas. With the help of transitional words, the flow of thought is clear to be seen.

Let’s take paragraph 7 as an example:

“To start with I must admit that at first I harbored reservations about a mixed marriage, prejudices you might even call them. But when I met Mark I found him a charming and intelligent young guy. Any mother would be proud to have him for a son-in-law. So, color has nothing to do with it. Yes, my friends talk. Some even express shock at what you’re doing. But they live in a different world. So you see, Mark’s color is not the problem. My biggest worry is that you may

be marrying Mark for the same wrong reasons that I married your father. When we met I saw him as my beloved, intelligent, charming, and caring. It was all so new, all so exciting, and we both thought, on the surface at least, that ours was an ideal marriage with every indication that it would last forever. I realized only later that I didn’t know my beloved, your father, very well whenwe married.”

A

B

A. Read the following paragraph and identify the transitional words in it.

Nowadays, under the new tuition system, an increasing number of students, especially those poverty-stricken students, now seem to be defeated by the crushing tuition burden. Therefore , many people complain that the new tuition system keeps poverty-stricken students away from college. However , in my opinion, the new tuition system does add much difficulties to the poor students but it will never

especially

Therefore

However

but

keeps them away from college. First, in carrying out the new tuition system, the governmental should provide some special policy for poor student. Besides, they are entitled to take a loan from banks or do some part-time jobs during their spare time, such as weekends and holidays. Finally, they can try to win scholarship by additional efforts. In short , man proposes, and God disposes. No one will be kept out of college due to financial burden unless he is defeated by himself.

First ,

Besides

such asFinally

In short

unless

B. Supply the transitions that have been left out of the following paragraph. Then reread the paragraph and note how the transitional expressions contribute to coherence.

ATM has ______ favorable _____ unfavorable aspects. Generally, the advantages can be listed as follows. First, it’s convenient. Depositors can draw money from an ATM without filling in a drawing form or showing the ID card._________, it’s safe. Depositors needn’t carry the money with them. _____________________, depositors

both... and on the other hand therefore To begin with Besides Most important of all To make matters worse

both and

Besides

Most important of all

will never worry about the fake money, __________ they can always set their heart at ease. But________________, ATM also has many disadvantages.______________, it often brings troubles whenever a depositor forgets his secret code.____________________, if a depositor doesn’t operate it properly, his card will get stuck or be swallowed.

both... and on the other hand therefore To begin with Besides Most important of all To make matters worse

thereforeon the other hand To begin with

To make matters worse