Coherence in Writing Definition Examples

I. What is Coherence?

Coherence describes the way anything, such as an argument (or part of an argument) “hangs together.” If something has coherence, its parts are well-connected and all heading in the same direction. Without coherence, a discussion may not make sense or may be difficult for the audience to follow. It’s an extremely important quality of formal writing.

Main points

Sentence-level coherence is a matter of grammar, and it would take too long to explain all the features of coherent grammar.

Most people can already write a fairly coherent sentence, even if their grammar is not perfect.

When you write coherent paragraphs, the argument as a whole will usually seem coherent to your readers.

II. Examples of Coherence

Let’s look at an extended example and go through some of the features that make it seem coherent.

• Credit cards are convenient but dangerous. People often get them in order to make large purchases easily without saving up lots of money in advance. This is especially helpful for purchases like cars, kitchen appliances, etc., that you may need to get without delay. However, this convenience comes at a high price: interest rates. The more money you put on your credit card, the more the bank or credit union will charge you for that convenience. If you’re not careful, credit card debt can quickly break the bank and leave you in very dire economic circumstances!

1-Topic Sentence.

The paragraph starts with a very clear, declarative topic sentence, and the rest of the paragraph follows that sentence.

2-Key terms.

The term “credit card” appears repeatedly in this short paragraph. This signals the reader that the whole paragraph is about the subject of credit cards. Similarly, the word convenience (and related words) are also peppered throughout. In addition, the key term “danger” appears in the topic sentence and is then explained fully as the paragraph goes on.

3-Defined terms.

For most readers, the terms in this paragraph will be quite clear and will not need to be defined. Some readers, however, might not understand the term “interest rates,” and they would need an explanation. To these readers, the paragraph will seem less coherent!

4-Clear transitions.

Each sentence flows into the next quite easily, and readers can follow the line of logic without too much effort.

III. The Importance of Coherence

The most important feature of argumentative writing. Without it, everything falls apart. If an argument is not coherent, it doesn’t matter how good the evidence is, or how beautiful the writing is: an incoherent argument will never persuade anyone or even hold their attention.

V.Related Terms

“Cogency”

sounds like “coherence,” but means convincing or persuasive. The two terms are related, though: an argument cannot be cogent if it’s not coherent, because coherence is essential to persuasion. However, an argument could be coherent but not cogent (i.e. it’s clear, unified, and easy to read, but the argument does not persuade its reader).

Focus

Focus is also related to coherence. Often, coherence problems emerge when the focus is too broad. When the focus is broad, there are just too many parts to cover all at once, and writers struggle to maintain coherence.

Types of Coherence

1-Local Level Coherent Text

In this type of text, coherence occurs within small portions of a passage or a text.

2-Global level Coherent Text

In this type of text, coherence takes place within the whole text of a story or essay, rather than in its few parts.

Function

Coherence links the sentences of a work with one another. This may be done with paragraphs, making sure that each statement logically connects with the one preceding it, making the text easier for the readers to understand and follow. Also, ordering thoughts in a sequence helps the reader to move from one point to the next smoothly. As all of the sentences relate back to the topic, the thoughts and ideas flow smoothly.

Paraghraph Unity and Coherence

Paragraphs should have both coherence and unity. A paragraph with unity develops a single idea thoroughly and links it to the rest of the paper. Paragraph coherence is achieved when sentences are ordered in a logical manner and when clear transitions link sentences.

Paragraph unity:

• Develop a paragraph around a major idea. Express this idea in the topic sentence.
• Make the relationship between the main idea of the paragraph and the thesis of the paper clear. Don’t assume that the reader will “get it.” Spell it out for him/her.
• Support the main idea of the paragraph with details.
• Create separate paragraphs for those details that explore your topic from different perspectives.
• Eliminate sentences that do not support the main idea. Alternately, you may revise the main idea to include those sentences.

Paragraph coherence:

This order could be based on several factors:

Chronological sequence.

Modified chronology.

Spatial position of different objects

Conversation’ between different experts.

How can you achieve coherence in your writing?

Even if English is not your first language, you can achieve coherence in your writing by using some cohesive devices. Cohesive devices are the “glue” that holds a piece of writing together. They carry meaning within a sentence and from a previous sentence into the next. They allow the reader to follow from one part of the text to another, and to understand the logical relationships between sentences and paragraphs. We will examine four cohesive devices:

Four cohesive devices

1-Pronouns

2-Repetition (with exact word or parallel term/synonym)

3-Transitions

4-Parallelism (The use of similar grammatical forms and sentence structures)

Pronouns

Pronouns are useful cohesive devices because they make it unnecessary to repeat words too often. Consider the following:

Repetitious referencing:

When Gillette first invented disposable razor blades, he found it very hard to sell disposable razor blades. He found it very hard to sell the disposable razor blades because nobody had marketed a throw-away product before.

Better:

When Gillette first invented disposable razor blades, he found it very hard to sell them. This was because nobody had marketed a throw-away product before.

Repetition (with exact word or parallel term/synonym)

Repetition in a piece of writing does not always demonstrate cohesion. Study these sentences:

The purpose of the simulation exercise is to simulate the racing performance of a racing car as it will perform in an actual race.

The purpose of the simulation exercise is to recreate the performance of a car in an actual race.

Transitions

Transitions are like traffic signals. They guide the reader from one idea to the next. They signal a range of relationships between sentences, such as comparison, contrast, example and result.

Parallelism/use of similar grammatical form

Sometimes known as parallel structures or balanced constructions, parallelism is the use of similar grammatical forms or sentence structures when listing or when comparing two or more items.

Consider the following examples:

The computer is both fast and it has reliability

The computer is both fast and reliable.

The problem with electronic banking is neither the lack of security nor *the fact that you pay high interest rates.

The problem with electronic banking is neither the lack of security nor the high-interest fees.