Coherence and cohesion refer to a variety of methods writers use to make a piece of writing, such as a paragraph or an essay, stick together.  

Coherence:
  • the connection between ideas in a paragraph.  
  • Each paragraph should have one main idea, introduced in the topic sentence and backed up by the supporting sentences.  
  • The conclusion sentence should reflect the relationship of the supporting ideas to the main idea, and restate the topic sentence in order to complete a cohesive paragraph.
  • Likewise, on an essay level, the entire work should be guided by the thesis statement introduced in the introduction paragraph, which is then backed up by the topic sentences of the supporting body paragraphs.
  • The conclusion paragraph should reflect the relationship between the body paragraphs and the thesis, and restate the thesis statement in order to complete a cohesive essay.
Cohesion:
  • the connection between sentences or paragraphs in a piece of writing achieved through lexical and grammatical devices .  
  • Lexical cohesion may include coordinating and subordinating conjunctions, transition words (e.g. therefore, furthermore, for instance) as well as reference and substitution of key words;
  • Grammatical cohesion may include parallel form, as well as consistent use of verb tenses and voice.
  • Writer should create cohesion within paragraphs, by connecting sentences with transition signals and reference and substitution, as well as between paragraphs, by, for example, linking topic sentences with transition signals. 

View the following clip about coherence and cohesion in writing and complete the exercises in the lesson document.

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