Chapter 6 – Coherence

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By the time you finish reading and studying this chapter, you should be able to: LO1 Recognize transitions in reading. LO2 Use transitions in writing. LO3 Read for coherence. LO4 Write for coherence.

Learning Outcomes

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Coherence means having something to say and expressing those ideas clearly and completely.

Give some examples of texts or images that you feel are coherent. Explain why.

Opening Activity

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Transitions help unify a text by connecting ideas from sentence to sentence and paragraph to paragraph.

Certain transitions are associated with common patterns of organization.

Recognizing transitions will alert you to the type of text you are reading.

Recognizing Transitions in Reading

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Chronological Transitions – often used in narrative and process essays

Recognizing Transitions in Reading

© 2016 Cengage Learning®. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

Spatial Transitions – used to arrange details in descriptions

Recognizing Transitions in Reading

© 2016 Cengage Learning®. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

Example Transitions – used to announce or introduce new examples in essays that explain, classify, and illustrate

Recognizing Transitions in Reading

© 2016 Cengage Learning®. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

Cause-Effect Transitions –used in cause-effect essays, one of the most important patterns in informational writing

Recognizing Transitions in Reading

© 2016 Cengage Learning®. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

Comparison-Contrast Transitions – used in essays that compare and contrast

Recognizing Transitions in Reading

© 2016 Cengage Learning®. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

Logical Order Transitions – used in essays that present information in a sensible order, moving logically from one point to the next

Recognizing Transitions in Reading

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Read the following topic sentences, and decide which types of transitions would likely follow.

1. Although some may not realize it, failing even one course in college can have tremendous negative effects.

2. There are several important steps to take when planning a family vacation.

3. When I first walked into the house, I noticed that the layout of the room was disorganized and unappealing.

4. Cell phones serve a plethora of essential functions in today’s society.

Activity

© 2016 Cengage Learning®. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

Read the following assignments, and decide which types of transitions you should primarily use.

1. Write an essay discussing similarities and differences between Freud’s theory of personality and current behavioral theories of personality.

2. Write an essay describing a tangible object that holds significant meaning for you.

3. Write an essay explaining the processes of mitosis and meiosis.

Activity

© 2016 Cengage Learning®. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

Read the following assignments, and decide which types of transitions you should primarily use.

1. Write an essay in which you choose one type of modern technology and illustrate its impact on society today.

2. Write an essay identifying and explaining three rhetorical strategies used by the author to persuade his or her audience.

3. Write an essay discussing how the events of 9/11 have changed America’s views on homeland security.

Activity

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Characteristics of coherent readings: details explain or support a clearly identifiable

topic and main idea supporting information is organized and builds

sensibly key points are clarified and expanded upon important words and phrases are repeated pronoun references connect ideas transitions help readers follow the text

Reading for Coherence

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Tips for coherent writing – clear, complete, unified: Write about topics that interest you. Approach your writing as a process. Share your writing as it develops. Be willing to experiment or take risks. Remember the end game.

Writing for Coherence

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Checking for Overall Coherence

Writing for Coherence

© 2016 Cengage Learning®. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

Line-by-Line Writing Moves

Writing for Coherence

© 2016 Cengage Learning®. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

Work in groups to decide on appropriate transitions for the following paragraph.

Many people believe that a student’s freshman year is carefree and without stress. __________, most first-year college students must learn to cope with many new difficulties. __________, freshmen must adjust to the routine of academia, which includes meeting with advisors and learning about pre-requisites. __________, the added financial stress can be daunting as tuition and books can put a fiscal burden on many students. __________, students must learn the skills of an active learner in order to be academically successful. If students can overcome these struggles as freshmen, the remaining college years should be much more manageable.

Closing Activity

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