Cohesion Tying Things Together

Cohesion Goal: to help the reader follow the logical progression of ideas To 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 Paragraphs The typical paragraph follows a certain pattern Umbrella sentence, which is often an assertion (a.k.a. topic sentence)

Form of Paragraphs Supporting detail--to substantiate the assertion or provide relevant facts Functional repetition of key words Signposts to indicate logical relationships between sentences, ideas, and paragraphs but, in addition to, however, on the other hand, first, second, third, etc.

Deductive Paragraph Begins with a topic sentence Basic formula: (subject + controlling idea) Moves into specific support sentences

Advantages of the Deductive Structure Highlights the most important information Allows for speed reading Aids reader comprehension and retention

Advantages of the Deductive Structure Provides readers with an overview so they can then place details in context Forces writers to articulate their message clearly and succinctly

How to Achieve Cohesion Open with a topic sentence that sets up key terms Arrange sentences in a logical and discernible order

How to Achieve Cohesion Repeat key terms as subjects of sentences Use old/new principle (put familiar information first in sentences) Use traditional markers as signposts

Old/New Principle Information that is already known to readers is more psychologically accessible

Old/New Principle Therefore, 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 Logic Continuous relationship: Continuous markers tell readers that what follows is what they would expect Continuous markers tell readers to go on

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 Cohesion Rewrite sections/paragraphs to include: forecast or overviews given/new order Rewrite paragraphs to include: topic sentences cohesive markers signal words