Ways to achieve coherence
The sentences should be arranged in a clear and logical order. Use the parallel sentence structure. Use transitional devices
What is coherence?
Coherence of a paragraph refers to the proper arrangement of sentences in a paragraph. Coherence focuses on the organization of a paragraph.
Ways to make a good topic sentence
A topic sentence should not be too detailed or too general ----I do push-ups and sit-ups each morning. ----Drugs are dangerous.
Paragraph
Han Fang 2013/09/30
What is paragraph?
main idea several related sentences Organization
Paragraph is the basic unit of organization in writing in which a group of related sentences develops one main idea.
The placement of the topic sentence
At the beginning In the middle At the end At both the beginning and the end implied
Exercise
My parents have gone out for the evening. Just as I settle down to read or watch TV, my little brother demands that I play with him. If I get a telephone call, he screams in the background or knocks something over. I always have to hang up to find out what’s wrong with him. Babysitting my brother is no fun. He refuses to let me eat a snack in peace. Usually he wants half of whatever I have to eat. Then, when he finally grows tired, it takes about an hour for him to fall asleep.
Paragraph
What is paragraph? Paragraph is the basic unit of organization in writing in which a group of related sentences develops one main idea. Three parts of a paragraph Topic sentence, supporting sentences and concluding sentence Qualities of good paragraph Unity, coherence and completeness
Climactic order
Example It was graduation day at the college, and faces beamed with pride. Teachers vigorously shook hands with their students, delighted that so many had successfully completed the program. Even prouder were relatives of the graduates. They had encouraged wives, husbands, sons, and daughters who, tired and discouraged, had threatened to leave college. But the proudest of all were the graduates. Many had returned to school after years in the world of work. They had toiled at the jobs, gone to the school at night, and cared for their families—this day made all the sacrifices worthwhile.
Ways to make a good topic sentence
A good topic sentence should lend itself to development ----I failed in French. ----I failed in French for several reasons.
Ways to make a good topic sentence
A good topic sentence should be limited ----Animals are just like people sometimes. ----My cat has personality traits that makes her seem almost human.
Ways to make a good topic sentence
A good topic sentence should not be a simple statement of a fact ----You can buy these socks at the supermarket for 2 dollars. ----We celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25.
Qualities of good paragraph
unity A paragraph should state only one single thought, and all the developing sentences should explain or illustrate this thought. coherence Coherence refers to the connectedness and consistency of the ideas in one paragraph. completeness Completeness means the topic is adequately developed by details, explanations, evidence, and the like.
Ways to achieve completeness
A number of patterns to develop and organize their ideas.
Facts and examples Narration Description Process analysis Comparison and contrast Cause and effect Classification and division Definition Problems and solutions Combination of the patterns
Ways to make a good topic sentence
A good topic sentence should include a topic and a controlling idea. ----Hong Kong has a fascinating mixture of European and Asian traditions. ----We will talk about universities in China.
Unity
The ways to achieve unity:
Give your paragraph a controlling idea, a main idea, a topic sentence. Make all the sentences in the paragraph supporting the main idea.
Parallel sentence structure
Example This is our hope. This is the faith with which I return to the south. With the faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.