Coherence and Transitions

Creating Unity

Copyright lisa McNeilley, 2010

Coherence

The quality of unity in a text.

All elements relate to thesis in clearly stated ways.

All points flow together in a logical, organized manner.

Steps to Creating Coherence

Precise, fully developed thesis

Logical outline

Clear explanation of all relationships

Use of elements of coherence

Elements of Coherence

Repetition

TransitionsSignpostsTransition statementsConnecting words

Conclusion

Repetition

Repeat key words or phrases.

Connect with a meaningful metaphor.

Use similar structures.

Avoid overuse.

Transitions

Create a bridge from one idea to the next.

Often used between paragraphs.

Can be used within paragraphs.

Paper may include transition paragraph.

Types of Transitions

Signposts

Transition Statements

Connecting words

Signposts

Work within lists of items.

Include sequentially numbered points.

Place at beginning of section.

Include umbrella statements.

Umbrella Statements

Summarize what you will be doing

Often include numbers

Provide overview of section

ExamplesYou can organize your schedule in three steps.Technology has entered every part of life, including

home life, work, and social life.

Umbrella Statementwith Signpost, example

The three steps in time management are listing things to be done, prioritizing needs, and creating a schedule.

The first step, listing things to be done, is important because…

The second step is to prioritize based on needs…

The third step is to create a schedule which incorporates…

Transition Statements

Clearly explain the relationship between one idea and the next.

Can be written by taking key idea in each paragraph and writing a sentence that explains why they go together.

Transition Statement, example

Paragraph 1: health consequences of smoking

Paragraph 2: effects of second hand smoke on children

Transition: The health consequences of smoking are a good reason to quit; however, the most important reason is the number of effects of smoking on children.

Connecting Words

Briefly sum up relationship.

Must match relationship.

Develop vocabulary.

Conclusion Paragraphs

Provide closure and interest for reader.

Tie together points.

Reinforce purpose.

Do not introduce new information.

Conclusion Paragraphs, typesSummary

Solution

Quotation

Future predictions

Surprise ending

Reference to introduction/thesis

Alternative courses of action

Ideas for future research

Logical outcome

Coherence

Important to credibility.

Leaves reader with sense of clear focus.

Makes ideas seem logically linked.