Week Five:

Coherence and
Cohesion
Cohesion, or coherence, is the intangible glue that holds paragraphs together. Having good
coherence in a writing project means that your ideas stick together and flow smoothly from one
sentence to the next, so that readers of your work can easily understand where you are taking
them.
Without cohesion, a written work can seem choppy and may not flow well; a lack of coherence
challenges the reader and can hurt comprehension, thus rendering your attempt at
communication ineffective at best.
The concept of cohesion was introduced by Halliday and Hasan (1976), whose major concern is
to investigate how sentences are linked in a text. For them, the various parts of a paragraph are
connected together by cohesive ties:
A text has texture, and this is what distinguishes it from something that is not a text If
a passage of English containing more than one sentence is perceived as a text, there will
be certain linguistic features present in that passage which can be identified as
contributing to its total unity and giving it texture (2).
According to Halliday and Hasan (1976), the writer is able to hold together meanings in the
related sentences in a number of ways, and cohesion is created to establish the structure of
meaning. They also claim that cohesion is a factor that indicates whether a text is well-connected
or merely a group of unrelated sentences. It should, however, be noted that though involved
with meaning between sentences, cohesion does not deal with content of a text. Halliday and
Hasan (1976) explicitly state that cohesion does not concern what a text means; it concerns
how the text is constructed as a semantic edifice (26). That is, although cohesion usually plays a
role in a paragraph, it does not lead to the global flow of a text across paragraphs.
While cohesion is perceived as the overt linguistic signal between propositions, coherence is
viewed by Widdowson (1978) as the relationship between illocutionary acts. The utterances are
not considered coherent unless the actions performed by the utterances are recognized.
Discourse involves the context and needs to be interpreted through the understanding of
discourse structures and the use of many strategies; for example, to comprehend discourse, we
interpret the discourse assuming that if one thing is said after another, the two things are related
in some way.
The essential features of a well-written text are the unity and connectedness, making the
individual sentences in the text hangs together and relate to one another (Celce-Murcia and
Olshtain, 2000). This textual relationship is partially a result of coherent organization of the
propositions and ideas presented in writing. In addition, this relationship significantly depends on

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the painstaking process the writer goes through in order to create formal and grammatical
cohesion among paragraphs and among sentences in each paragraph (Cornbleet and Carter,
2001). Therefore, the writer can strengthen coherence, and create global and local unity by
employing various devices.
The overall coherence of a longer text depends on the coherence within each paragraph or
section of the text. (Celce-Murcia and Olshtain, 2000). In expository writing, coherence is an
essential feature that links ideas or information in different parts of the text so that the reader
can understand the entire text more easily. Each sentence in this type of writing is related to
both previous and subsequent sentences.
There are 5 features to construct coherence and cohesion in paragraph, they are:
1.
2.

RELEVANCE- A simple way to build cohesion or flow between sentences is to look at the
meaning of a sentence and compare it to the point of the next sentence.
ORDER- Writers should always ask themselves Is this sentence relevant to the idea of
this paragraph? Every paragraph should have a main idea (typically stated in a topic
sentence). To maintain cohesion, all sentences within a paragraph should relate to this
main idea. Such as: first of all, second,...next, finally, or firstly, secondly, and so on.
first, second,
third
next
into (far into
the night)
always

3.

A, B, C

for one thing

then

before
until

in the first
place
now
last

after
during

while
since

Oclock

on time

later

earlier

LINKING/TRANSITION SIGNAL. The Transition words can help a paragraph flow more
smoothly.
Continuation Signals (Warningthere are more ideas to come):
and
also
another
again
and finally
first of all
A final
furthermore in addition
last of all
reason
moreover
likewise
more
moreover
next
one reason
other
secondly
similarly
too
with
Change-of-direction signals (Watch outwere doubling back):
although
but
conversely
despite
different from
even though
however
in contrast
instead of
in spite of
nevertheless
otherwise the
on the
on the other
opposite
contrary
hand
rather
still
yet
while
though
Illustration signals (Heres what that principle means in reality):
for example
specifically for
to illustrate
such as
instance
much like
in the
similar to
same way
as

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Emphasis signals (This is important):

a major
it all boils
a significant
development down to
factor
most
key feature
more than
noteworthy
anything else
a vital force
remember that a central issue
the most
substantial
issue
especially
relevant
the principal
item

above all

the main value

the crux of the

matter

especially
valuable

most of all
a major
event
should be
noted
especially
important

a primary
concern
pay particular
attention to
a distinctive
quality
the basic
concept

the chief
outcome

important to
note

Cause, condition, or result signals (Condition or modification coming up):

because
if
of
for
from
so
while
then
but
that
until
since
as
whether
in order that
so that
therefore
unless
yet
thus
due to
resulting from
consequently
Spatial signals (Answers the where question):
between
on
by
left
right
these
this
side
middle
east
about
north
over
under
away
into
behind
toward
below
opposite
upon
outside
inside
alongside
far
in
adjacent

here
close to
west
south
in front of
beyond
outside
over
near

Comparison-contrast signals (We will now compare idea A with idea B):
and
or
also
too
most
either
less
less than
same
better
even
then
much as
like
analogous to
but
still
rather

yet
while

however
though

although

there
near
beside
around
across
above
upon
out
next to

best
more than
half
different
from
opposite

Conclusion signals (This ends the discussion and may have special importance):
as a result
consequently
finally
from this we
in
see
conclusion
in summary
hence
last of all
therefore
Fuzz signals (Idea not exact, or author to positive and wishes to qualify a statement):
almost
if
looks like
maybe
could
some
except
should
alleged
nearly
might
reputed
seems like
was reported
purported

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sort of

probably

Non-word emphasis signals

exclamation point (!) underline

indention of
paragraph

4.

5.

The activity

graphic
illustrations

italics

bold type

numbered
points (1,2,3)

very short
sentence: Stop
War.

subheads,
like The
Conclusion
quotation
marks

REPETITION OF KEY WORDS. Repeating key terms related to the main idea of the
paragraph makes an invisible rope for readers to follow a few hand holds. However, do
not repeat words for the sake of repetition; the reader needs to occasionally be
reminded of your focus, not beaten over the head with unnecessary repetitions.
REREAD & REVISE! The best way to improve cohesion is to thoroughly reread your
paragraphs. Many times, writers quickly put down all of their thoughts in a stream of
consciousness. While everything that they write makes sense at the time, it may seem
like a garbled mess to a reader. Rereading your work (or having a friend, professor or
tutor read it) allows you to add any missing links, fill gaps in logic and create cohesion.

Activity: The students will be encounter with paragraph for 1000 to 2000 words to begin learning
with this part
Instruction: Look at the paragraph bellow!
Try to locate the connection between these paragraphs and indentify the coherence
and cohesion above.

What is Computer?

A computer is a programmable machine. It allows the user to store all sorts of

information and then process that information, or data, or carry out actions with the
information, such as calculating numbers or organizing words. Computers can be
generally classified by size and power, although there can be considerable overlap.
Following are descriptions of several different types of computers. First, Mainframe
computers are large-sized, powerful multi-user computers that can support
concurrent programs. That means, they can perform different actions or processes at
the same time. Mainframe computers can be used by as many as hundreds or
thousands of users at the same time. Large organizations may use a mainframe
computer to execute large-scale processes such as processing the organizations
payroll. Second, Mini-computers are mid-sized multi-processing computers. Again,
they can perform several actions at the same time and can support from 4 to 200
users simultaneously. In recent years, the distinction between mini-computers and

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small mainframes has become blurred. Often the distinction depends upon how the
manufacturer wants to market its machines. Organizations may use a mini-computer
for such tasks as managing the information in a small financial system or maintaining
a small database of information about registrations or applications. Third,
Workstations are powerful, single-user computers. They have the capacity to store
and process large quantities of data, but they are only used by one person at a time.
However, workstations are typically linked together to form a computer network
called a local area network, which means that several people, such as staff in an
office, can communicate with each other and share electronic files and data. A
workstation is similar to a personal computer but is more powerful and often comes
with a higher-quality monitor. In terms of computing power, workstations lie in
between personal computers and mini-computers. Workstations commonly support
applications that require relatively high-quality graphics capabilities and a lot of
memory, such as desktop publishing, software development and engineering
applications. Fourth, the Personal computers (PCs), also called microcomputers, are
the most popular type of computer in use today. The PC is a small-sized, relatively
inexpensive computer designed for an individual user. Today, the world of PCs is
basically divided between IBM-compatible and Macintosh-compatible machines,
named after the two computer manufacturers. Computers may be called desktop
computers, which stay on the desk, or laptop computers, which are lightweight and
portable. Nowadays, Organizations and individuals use PCs for a wide range of tasks,
including word processing, accounting, desktop publishing, preparation and delivery
of presentations, organization of spreadsheets and database management. In
conclusion, it is well-known that the Entry-level PCs are much more powerful than a
few years ago, and today there is little distinction between PCs and workstations
because the day by day development of technology.
Define the relevance in paragraph

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Handheld Digital Advancement Media

People absolutely are helped by latest handheld digital advancement media for their
life in dedicated technology day by day. The world where distances no longer consider
as obstacle and no bounds shall rise in between. The world is warped through human
made from series of semiconductors accumulation handheld digital media- or it also
is called as computer. Computer are based on integrated circuits are millions to
billions of times more capable than the early machines and occupy a fraction of the
space. In addition, the recent development, simple computers are small enough to fit
into small pocket devices, and can be powered by a small lithium battery. Then, these
personal computers PCs to notebook or laptop- in their various forms are the icons
in the age of information. However, the embedded computers, found in many devices
from MP3 players to fighter aircraft, and from toys to industrial robots as well, are the
most numerous. In conclusion, computer is preserved to world within its simplicity,
storage capacity, and handy.
Define the relevance in paragraph

Adobe Creative Suite 5 Design Premium

Adobe Creative Suite 5 Design Premium is industry-standard software that teaches

design, communication, project management, and graphic and print technology and
enhances academic activities in programs during non-school hours. 21st CCLC Requires
Remedial education activities and academic enrichment programs, including additional
assistance that enables students to improve their academic achievement. Then Adobe
Creative Suite 5 Design Premium features Enhance teaching and learning with Adobe
Creative Suite 5 Design Premium while focusing on academic subjects. Students do a
better job of learning academics when technology, integrated into the learning process,
helps them express themselves and showcase their knowledge. Adobe Creative Suite 5
Design Premium helps teachers create an active and engaging learning atmosphere that
can improve student performance. Integrating multimedia design into classroom

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projects helps build crucial technology and critical-thinking skills that include information
gathering, analysis, and synthesis of information. Students learn to turn this information
into a project plan, gain project management skills, and evaluate the results. Adobe
Creative Suite 5 Design Premium prepares students for the kinds of communications
activities that will enrich their class work across the curriculum. Adobe curriculum
Visual Design: Foundations of Design and Print Productionaligns to the International
Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) National Educational Technology Standards
(NETS) for Students (200911) as well as the new Adobe Certified Associate Visual
Communication objectives to prepare students for certification. Adobe Creative Suite 5
Design Premium is an ideal resource for programs serving students who have been
truant, suspended, or expelled. These students are especially hard to engage, but
technology has been able to capture their attention. Adobe Creative Suite 5 Design
Premium can be integrated into virtually any curriculum. For example, students can use
Adobe Creative Suite 5 Design Premium to prepare graphics for reports in social studies,
English, or science, adding interest and depth to their reports, which leads to success and
improves motivation. Students can become Adobe Certified in their upgraded technical
skills, adding to their employability in the technology-based marketplace and making
schooling more relevant to their lives. In conclusion, Adobe Creative Suite 5 Design
Premium is especially good for students who are more visually oriented and need
organizational skills in design, as do many students who are high risk or high need.
Success with graphic design leads to success in other classes and can lead to career
interests.
Define the relevance in paragraph

Network

Network is an interconnected system of things or people. When we are talking about

networking with reference to computers, we refer to a group of systems that are

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connected to each other or to the Internet. You can connect televisions, game consoles,
and even printers to exchange and share all kinds of resources. Networking is a very
popular tool that is used for business marketing and social communication. Types of
networking include local area networking (LAN), wide area networking, wireless
networking, social networking, and dial-up networking. Routers, switches, Ethernet
cables, and network adapters are required to connect systems. There are different
networking types that you can choose from when it comes to sharing and exchanging
information. Types of networking include simple networking, local area networking
(LAN), Wide Area Networking (WAN), remote access, and wireless networking. A LAN is
used to connect systems in a small area like an office or company while a WAN refers to a
connection of computers that is spread over a wide geographical area. In conclusion,
Wireless networking connects systems without wires or cables.
Define the relevance in paragraph

Business Go Online
Business to business (B2B) e-commerce, also known as e-biz, is the exchange of products,
services, and information between businesses online. B2B integrates systems and
business processes to transform business between partners, suppliers, and customers.
B2B allows businesses to purchase and order products online from other businesses and
reduces transactions costs. A benefit is that a company's sales team and account
managers can concentrate on generating new business. B2B websites include the
following: company web sites, product supply and procurement exchanges, specialized
or vertical industry portals, brokering sites, and information sites. The value of B2B
ecommerce varies depending on the supply chain strategy and the competitive
environment that a company faces. There are many ways in which a company interacts
with its customers and suppliers. The interactions involve executing a transaction,

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determining optimal prices, discovering available supplies and unmet demands,

supplying products, and planning for new and existing products. In conclusion, There are
three distinct applications for B2B ecommerce: reduced transaction charges, improved
market efficiencies, and enhanced supply chain efficiencies. Examples of B2B business
models include buy-side models, sell-side models, and e-marketplace models.
Define the relevance in paragraph

-----End of The Day-----

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