Academic Essay Tutorial - Chapter 7: Coherence and Quality - by homeworkvan

Chapter 7: Coherence and Quality

In academic writing, coherence is considered to be the sequential arrangement of all the ideas in a paragraph to ensure that they flow smoothly from one sentence to the next. Developing a coherent article/essay makes it easier for the person reading the work to understand your ideas. There are four basic mechanical considerations which are used to help one develop a clear transition between concepts. These are: the use of transitional expressions, ensuring that you repeat crucial words and phrases, using clear pronoun references, and utilizing parallel form. The three major steps to achieving paragraph and sentence unity (coherence) are explained below. 

              1. Transition Phrases

Transition phrases are used to ensure that a scholar’s sentences, paragraphs, and ideas are arranged in a logical manner.

NB: This does not mean they are applicable in EVERY sentence. ONLY when points need to be connected

          2. Signal Phrases & Rhetorical Verbs

Signal phrases can be used to easily integrate quotations into one’s paper, and can alert readers to the acknowledgment of the ideas of another author. Essentially, signal phrases are used to clarify any issues regarding the origin of the ideas in an article.

When using citations, they can be written either directly or indirectly ex.

'Adam and Roy (2013) propose....'

as opposed to

'...as the best solution (Adam & Roy, 2013)

NOTE: NEVER USE the phrase “say” For ex.  'Roy and Adam (2013) say... '

Scholars should avoid the repeated use of the same signal verb to ensure that they keep the reader interested. However, writers should ensure that the verbs they choose appropriately characterize the context of the concept that has been used as an example. For instance, if a source was clearly against an idea or claim, then the writer should select a verb that disputes the content. Here is a list of common signal phrase verbs writers may use:

Others include

accepts                        considers                     explains                        rejects              contrasts

contradicts                   highlights                    reminds                        adds                 insists

identifies                     responds                      affirms                         criticizes          shows

shares                          argues                          declares                        interprets         believes

asserts                          defends                        lists                              states               describes

denies                          maintains                     stresses                        cautions           points out

outlines                       suggests                       claims                          discusses         urges

supports                       compares                     discusses                        praises             confirms

concludes                    emphasizes                  proposes                        verifies                       

enumerates                  refutes                         warns                           acknowledges

demonstrates               illustrates                     illuminates                  contends          posits

assumes                       presumes                     presupposes                 proposes          postulates

theorizes                      clarifies                       defines                         extrapolates     expounds

elaborates                    belabors                       offers                           evinces                        corroborates

omits                           dismisses                     dispels                         reiterates         sheds light on

exemplifies                 concedes                      agrees                          undermines     strengthens

                       3. Structure

Before a scholar begins an essay, they need to properly understand the subject they intend to discuss and ensure that they arrange their ideas in a logical manner in a paper. Below are examples of structures that can be used to ensure coherence and structural integrity in writing.

3.1 Chronological Pattern

Arrange the information in your paper according to a progression of time. Each main section of information (under a heading or paragraph) represents a particular period of time. This method is used for personal narratives (autobiography), events, imaginative stories, and realistic fiction. Signal phrases include before, after, first, next, then, when, finally, while, as, during, earlier, later, and meanwhile.

For example

I. 1890 - 1915

1. First Important Event

2. Second Important Event

II. 1915 - 1940

1. First Significant Idea
2. Second Significant Concept

III. 1940 - 1965

1. First Key Ordeal
2. Second Key Ordeal

3.2 Sequential Pattern

The information should be arranged in a proper sequence that describes a given process. The main section of information (under any heading or paragraph) represents a particular step in the process. For example

I. Step One: Harvest the apples

1. Harvesting procedure #1
2. Harvesting procedure #2

II. Step Two: Prepare the grapes

1. Preparation procedure #1
2. Preparation procedure #2

3.3 Spatial Pattern

Arrange the information according to how they fit together in physical space. Usually used in Geography papers to explain how things fit together. Signal phrases include above, below, beside, nearby, beyond, inside, and outside.

For example

I. JFK International Airport

1. Queens
2. Downtown Manhattan

II. Myrtle beach

1. Carolina Forest
2. Socastee

3.4 Compare-Contrast Pattern

Arrange the information according to how they similar to or different from one another. Signal phrases include (for similarities) also, additionally, just as, as if, as though, like, same as, just as, correspondingly, compared to, as well as, at the same time, and similarly; and (for differences) but, yet, only, although, whereas, in contrast, conversely, however, on the other hand, rather, instead, in spite of, unlike, meanwhile, and nevertheless.They are two methods to compare-contrast

1.      Step-by-step method

I. Equipment Cost

1. Annually
2. Biannually

II. Output Quality

1.   Inception point

2.   A decade later

2.      Block method

I. Areas of Comparison

1. Equipment quality
2.  Input cost

II. Contrast Areas

0. Output quality

1. Advantage-Disadvantage Pattern

3.5 Cause-Effect Pattern

In this pattern, information is broadly categorized according to two main section: Cause and Effect. It is normally used in persuasive papers to establish a causal relationship between variables. Signal phrases for cause and effect structures also include because, since, for, so, as a result, consequently, thus, and hence.

There are two methods.

1.      Block Method

I. Causes of internet addiction

1. Being idle
2. Excessive use

II. Effects of these causes

1. Reduced concentration levels
2. Wastage of time

2.      Step by Step Method

I. Cause: Being idle

1. Effect: Increased social media use
2. Effect: Time wastage

II. Cause: Excessive use

1. Effect: It is easy to become distracted
2. Effect: Addiction

3.6 Problem-Solution Pattern

In this pattern, information is broadly categorized according to two main section: problems and Solutions. It is normally used in persuasive papers to establish that a problem exists, and convince the reader on a particular solution.

I. Problem: Global warming

1. Increasing in global temperatures
2. Adverse weather conditions

II. Solution: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

1. Reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases
2. Bike riding is not a source of pollution

3.7 Topical/Thematically Pattern

This pattern is used when you are unable to use the other patterns and involved arranging information according to a particular topic and sub-topics. For example

I. Vehicles

A. European

1. Mercedes Benz
2. BMW

B. American

1. Cadillac
2. Dodge

3.8 Inverted pyramid

This structure simply dictates that one should arrange information beginning with the most important, coming down to the least important. This format is often used in writing works such as web articles where audiences often have low attention spans.

NOTE: The student should focus on organizing the content in a clear and persuasive manner after selecting the style they would like to use.

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