Extended essay (coherence in writing)

coherence

is product of many different factors, which combine to make every paragraph, every sentence, and every phrase contribute to the meaning of the whole piece.

unified paragraph

must follow the idea mentioned in the topic sentence and must not deviate from it. For a further explanation on topic sentences, see the Write Right on Topic Sentences.

Sentence Cohesion tips

1.Repetition. In sentence B (the second of any two sentences), repeat a word from sentence A. 2. Synonymy. If direct repetition is too obvious, use a synonym of the word you wish to repeat. This strategy is call 'elegant variation.' 3. Antonymy. Using the 'opposite' word, an antonym, can also create sentence cohesion, since in language antonyms actually share more elements of meaning than you might imagine. 4. Pro-forms. Use a pronoun, pro-verb, or another pro-form to make explicit reference back to a form mentioned earlier. 5. Collocation. Use a commonly paired or expected or highly probable word to connect one sentence to another. 6. Enumeration. Use overt markers of sequence to highlight the connection between ideas. This system has many advantages: (a) it can link ideas that are otherwise completely unconnected, (b) it looks formal and distinctive, and (c) it promotes a second method of sentence cohesion, discussed in (7) below. 7. Parallelism. Repeat a sentence structure. This technique is the oldest, most overlooked, but probably the most elegant method of creating cohesion. 8. Transitions. Use a conjunction or conjunctive adverb to link sentences with particular logical relationships. Identity. Indicates sameness. that is, that is to say, in other words, ... a. Opposition. Indicates a contrast. but, yet, however, nevertheless, still, though, although, whereas, in contrast, rather, ... b. Addition. Indicates continuation. and, too, also, furthermore, moreover, in addition, besides, in the same way, again, another, similarly, a similar, the same, ... c. Cause and effect. therefore, so, consequently, as a consequence, thus, as a result, hence, it follows that, because, since, for, ... d. Indefinites. Indicates a logical connection of an unspecified type. in fact, indeed, now, ... e. Concession. Indicates a willingness to consider the other side. admittedly, I admit, true, I grant, of course, naturally, some believe, some people believe, it has been claimed that, once it was believed, there are those who would say, ... f. Exemplification. Indicates a shift from a more general or abstract idea to a more specific or concrete idea.

developing a paragraph

1.Start with a topic sentence 2 - what is the main idea of your paragraph? 3.Provide details & examples that show the main idea is correct. 4.Explain how the details and examples you chose prove your topic sentence is true. 5. A paragraph should be around 5 sentences long.

This paragraph is effective for the following reasons:

1.The paragraph shows unity. All the sentences effectively relate back to the topic sentence at the beginning of the paragraph. 2,The paragraph shows coherence. There is a flow of thoughts and ideas among the sentences in this paragraph. There are good transitions employed in the paragraph. The writer also presents her sub-topics in an orderly fashion that the reader can follow easily. 3.The paragraph is developed. The writer gives herself enough space to develop the topic. She gives us at least two reasons to accept her argument and incorporates some examples in order to give those reasons more validity.

unity

All sentences in a paragraph must be unified around a central point or controlling idea. This controlling idea is usually declared in a topic sentence. Supporting sentences contribute information to help the reader see the validity of the controlling idea.

what is perfect paragraph?

Remember that a paragraph should have enough sentences so that the main idea of the topic sentence is completely developed. Generalizations should be supported with examples or illustrations. Also, details and descriptions help the reader to understand what you mean. Don't ever assume that the reader can read your mind: be specific enough to develop your ideas thoroughly, but avoid repetition

topic sentence

The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph. It introduces the main idea of the paragraph. Summarize the main idea of your paragraph. Indicate to the reader what your paragraph will be about.

Paragraph Unity

To achieve paragraph unity, a writer must ensure two things only. First, the paragraph must have a single generalization that serves as the focus of attention, that is, a topic sentence. Secondly, a writer must control the content of every other sentence in the paragraph's body such that (a) it contains more specific information than the topic sentence and (b) it maintains the same focus of attention as the topic sentence.

An effective paragraph might look like this:

t is commonly recognized that dogs have an extreme antagonism toward cats. This enmity between these two species can be traced back to the time of the early Egyptian dynasties. Archaeologists in recent years have discovered Egyptian texts in which there are detailed accounts of canines brutally mauling felines. Today this type of cruelty between these two domestic pets can be witnessed in regions as close as your own neighborhood. For example, when dogs are walked by their masters (and they happen to catch sight of a stray cat), they will pull with all their strength on their leash until the master is forced to yield; the typical result is that a feline is chased up a tree. The hatred between dogs and cats has lasted for many centuries, so it is unlikely that this conflict will ever end.